Traffic Jam And Swift Mentor

6/13/17

Haw haw! You guys are a riot!

Well, I am here checked in at the Days Inn at Lancaster, TX where Swift puts us up for orientation. Pretty nice hotel, although I am easily pleased. Got a room mate and we are cooling off. I am all set for tomorrow, settled in here and all. Had a SALADO from Walmart for dinner. Yummmmm, love that SWIFT Salad.

Was here at the hotel check in desk and a rough looking guy came up and identified as a Swifty. I asked him for directions to the terminal and he got exasperated with me. Said if I could not find it I was probably didn't belong in trucking! Ha! I said to myself, "welcome to Swift", then I had to correct myself. I thought of the excellent instructors at the Academy, and all and Swiftys here at TT. So it was a brief .... "moment" and I put it behind me quickly.

In the morning we start at 6:00 a.m. -start early, end early!

Ok. Enough of my chatter. Night.

-Traffic Jam

6/14/17

Bit of a problem here, came up today. They looked at my old list of Rx prescriptions, though I had faxed in the new updated version and so even though my Doc did a qualifying DOT physical, and he is on their list of approved docs, they sent me to do a new physical with one of their local docs. I finished up with this doc at about 5:15 pm today.

He questioned and wanted documentation that a blood thinner I am on has not produced I'll affects upon me. This is after my doc originally prescribed it, then saw me about it a month later than whom gave me an approved DOT physical about a month later. This local doc who Swift consults has asked for a statement from my doc about this. I have the request I and so assume I will learn tomorrow.

SO it was frustrating. Clearly this is out of my control and so I have prayed about it and am hoping for the best tomorrow. Your thought s and prayers are sure appreciated. To come this far, to spend the money on the Academy and to be stopped at last minute will be very discouraging. I have decided to accept what they decide, and so there it is.

Other than that today was filled with the requisite new job details, i.e., drug screen, paperwork, beginning of safety training. Saw some friends from the Academy, and made a bunch new ones. Had a good time.

Night. 0500 comes early.

-Traffic Jam

6/16/17

Home now and will see my doctor when he returns to the office this Thursday. Then, assuming Swift receives everything they need I will be on my way back down to Lancaster.

The Orientation was pretty much what you would expect when you join a large company with a lot of organization built up. The pay scale seems very good with the different levels one may (any new driver) may attain in order to obtain significant raises. I was quite surprised and delighted about the set up.

I am expecting to return as my doctor is the one who originally gave me my DOT physical and sent me on my way so to speak. He did not have any problem with my existing Rxs so I don't think this will be a problem. But, . . . you can't argue with the doctor so there it is. Pony up time is this Thursday.

Thanks one and all for the help and support.

-Traffic Jam

This family is all praying for you brother

I fully understand the frustration man. I got sent home from school the first time due to blood sugar. It took me a month to get things situated before I got back to school. Then the mess with my birth certificate cost me a couple more weeks. In the end though you have to remember it is for our safety and that of the public.

6/17/16

Thanks very much Cornelius and Big-T. We are hoping.

They questioned me on my Rx and me and my doc had sent an updated list in. Bad thing though they had that they went by my original list I sent in with my original app. Because of their seeing that original list they sent me to their doc to do the repeat physical. He never said a word about all that and wants word about a blood thinner I am on. Ha! (Pull hair out!!)

Then when I am about to go home they give me a statement for my doc to complete about an Rx I am not on anymore. I guess they want documentation, and I know they do not want any impaired drivers, and they must be legally covered. It IS a patience builder.

It was a letdown to see everyone so excited and my new friends go with their mentor and all. I forced myself to quietly leave go out to my car and boogie for Plainview.

Silver lining: when I was down there my wife told me on one of the mornings our lawn mower was down. Now I can get it fixed for her, ha ha. I will have time to study stuff they gave us that other students are having to do on the truck. :-)

I did come away with my original DOT Physical. I made sure of that as I paid for it here at Plainview.

-Traffic Jam

6/17/17

If and when I go back, assuming docs are in order, it will be the last try. If any more things get put in my way by Swift I will just opt out. At that point I will question whether they want me as a candidate. Why waste my time with them if that seems to be so.

Now. . . . to the lawn mower!

-Traffic Jam

Careful there Traffic Jam...

If they didn't want you they would let you know. They are just getting their ducks in a row. This career requires a cool head, and good level thought processes. Don't get too hasty, that approach will always cause you to stumble out here.

Oh yeah old school is right...... whatever industry you are in ..... they will let you know upfront if they don't want you.... they just need to have their documentation in place for DOT audits

Careful there Traffic Jam...

If they didn't want you they would let you know. They are just getting their ducks in a row. This career requires a cool head, and good level thought processes. Don't get too hasty, that approach will always cause you to stumble out here.

6/18/17

Man! Thanks for the good words. I will say while I was there they did want me to finish orientation, we're patient and courteous and encouraging. This again! I think you are right and I am taking a step back, taking a breath. Thank you Old School and Cornelius. I am renewing my commitment to entering this industry. Anything good like this is worth the effort.

-Traffic Jam