Swift Fontana - The Journey Begins 12/29/14
Topic 6426 | Page 1
Congrats! Can I get your recruiter's number? I'd like more info about that SWIFT program. Sent you a private message too..
Mal
*bump* How is the training at SWIFT in Fontana?
Can you post the recruiter's number? thanks
Welcome aboard, Scott! I just finished the range part of Swift's Academy in Millington (Memphis) TN. Next week I do road training. I'll say the course is rigorous - you'll probably be tired at the end of the day. You going over the hill (Cajon Pass) every day or are you moving to the motel?
After much research and deliberation I have decided to go with Swift and begin the orientation/CDL training this month on the 29th. The Fontana terminal is only 40 minutes away from where I reside and all of the training is done there (there is no need to go to Phoenix). I also like the fact that they have plenty of runs out this way so if I do decide to stay with them, I may be able to get a dedicated run , or at least be familiar with where I am running. A big thanks to Brett for this excellent resource which has been my springboard in this adventure and I will update my journey as time permits. Also, if anyone is going to be attending Fontana orientation on 12/29 let me know and I'll see you there!
Thanks for this info. I live in San Marcos and was wondering if I was gonna have to go to Phoenix. I have gone through all of the required checks and what not and I'm just waiting so I can make sure my wife and two little ones have what they need before I leave in about 2 weeks.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Dedicated Run:
A driver or carrier who transports cargo between regular, prescribed routes. Normally it means a driver will be dedicated to working for one particular customer like Walmart or Home Depot and they will only haul freight for that customer. You'll often hear drivers say something like, "I'm on the Walmart dedicated account."
Hi guys, sorry I just kinda went *poof* after starting this thread but just before Christmas last year we lost my wife's 93 year old grandmother and it just devastated the whole family. Then about a week later my landlord informs me that he's selling the house we were staying in. Merry Christmas! Needless to say, I had a lot to do and the family needed me more than ever, so I postponed my December 29th Swift adventure and stayed at the job I already had. Well I am now back on track and slated in for a June 16th start date with Swift, still in Fontana.
If any of this is still relevant, in response to your guys' questions:
Mal: The recruiter is Shannon. I kept in touch with her every so often between December and now and she was fantastic with quick replies and keeping in touch. I'm afraid to minimize this browser and check my contacts to get her number in fear of losing this post lol. I'll check it and repost. Also, sorry I did not notice or recall receiving a PM from this forum from you. Sorry if I missed it.
Errol: I'm going to commute daily to Fontucky. I'm still 'up the hill' and just can't get enough of the Cajon Pass! The Fontana facility is like 40 miles one way and I drive a Yaris lol. But it'll be nice to still have additional family time before hitting the highway for a living.
Hope all is going well for you guys!
Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.
Here ya go Mal if by chance you might still need it: Shannon Sund Office 623.907.7693 Text 602.492.6329
Sorry about your misfortunes but glad to see you are back on track. Looking forward to reading about your journey with Swift. I had an in-law that went with them and he had a positive experience. Good luck to you!
Lol You live in "Failin'" or Feelin' and drive a Yaris? 
LOL Sorry I had to. Good Luck in Fontucky....I lived in Hesperia for 10 years, Aim to move back asap...Sorry for the families loss of Grams
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
Lol You live in "Failin'" or Feelin' and drive a Yaris?
Thanks Stevo. Yea, or 'Felon' as most 'mechanical' voices pronounce it lol. Luckily I moved off of a dirt road to all pavement so I try to minimize off roading with the Yaris. Where you at now?
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
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After much research and deliberation I have decided to go with Swift and begin the orientation/CDL training this month on the 29th. The Fontana terminal is only 40 minutes away from where I reside and all of the training is done there (there is no need to go to Phoenix). I also like the fact that they have plenty of runs out this way so if I do decide to stay with them, I may be able to get a dedicated run , or at least be familiar with where I am running. A big thanks to Brett for this excellent resource which has been my springboard in this adventure and I will update my journey as time permits. Also, if anyone is going to be attending Fontana orientation on 12/29 let me know and I'll see you there!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Dedicated Run:
A driver or carrier who transports cargo between regular, prescribed routes. Normally it means a driver will be dedicated to working for one particular customer like Walmart or Home Depot and they will only haul freight for that customer. You'll often hear drivers say something like, "I'm on the Walmart dedicated account."