Completed Swift Orientation Today...

I finished Swift Orientation today out of their Ocala, FL terminal. Here is what I'll say about it.

Every single person working here was professional. And they were still fun and easy to work with. I had severe issues with my DOT physical paperwork from my school. To the point that last night at 4:30 the compliance people called me on my cell and asked if I would mind going to just take a new physical. Right then, so that they could process my hire date as today, so that my benefits would not be delayed a month. They called the clinic to authorize it and off I went. Done (and I got a 2 year since I wasn't stressed this time). And this morning compliance showed me how to update it to the DMV online without having to pay. :)

Easy. All the paperwork, and there is a lot of it, was all done via their online system. Either use their computers or yours. As you progressed thru each step, you were notified via email there was something to do-so you just did it.

No-pressure. Going thru all the corporate stuff was as boring as it can be. I mean, really-Teach me how to walk on ice? But it was presented well, and we moved thru it. I loved our instructor but she was easily distracted-and spent 45 minutes explaining the W-4 form.... not great... but again, it wasn't high pressure. Is Swift a forced dispatch company? Yes. Do you have a driver ranking? Yes. Do you have a risk assessment score? Yes. Can I see these 'scores'? Yep. Just login to the Driver Dashboard. And yes, the cameras are coming. On and on... but I've worked for multi-billion dollar corps before. It's the song and dance. They don't get to be this big, and profitable, without doing something right. And I'm happy to be part of that. I make money when they make money.

Finally-MY ATTITUDE made the difference. I established myself as easy going, funny, and willing to help. I was willing to help even when it didn't matter. So guess what-the Ladies in the Compliance Dept. at my new terminal think I'm a pretty good/funny Guy willing to help. And I don't look a day over 40.

I learned a new perspective on how to be a safe driver from another industry vet. He didn't always agree with what Swift wanted him to teach. I'll decide on my own...

Now...

The assignment of Mentors was totally disorganized. So much so that I'm home tonight and meeting my Mentor tomorrow afternoon. He's gonna call around noon. I didn't like this until I realized that this works to his benefit and mine. I get to spend a night at home to regroup and he didn't have to go to the terminal to pick me up.

There was a LOT of time wasted during orientation at the beginning-then we ran out of time at the end. Not sure why, but I think it's because we had a smallish class (15) so there was a lot of time front loaded for physicals and drug testing (UA) but by the end we ran out because we were all feeling comfortable to share stories and so-things took a lot longer.

It rained a lot so I didn't get to use the pool at the hotel. The pool was the nicest feature.

Since I've been home tonight I've repacked my clothes for the next 4 weeks and gone from 2 small duffels to 1 and still added some snacks. I was able to grab what I forgot and organize my electronics better since I know we don't have inverters. And a biggie-I'm able to leave all the documents for personal stuff back home that I was required to take to orientation. I'm not out on the road with my entire tax packet from last year for example (and they said they needed that to prove my self-employment but didn't).

All good.

And when I board Nelson's truck tomorrow I'm gonna be ready. Ready not only to take this on, but I'll be rested, I'm more confident in what I've got, how I've got it packed and what I expect. I feel that I'm going to be a positive influence on his paycheck now that I know how that works. I want to make him proud. Most importantly, I'll make myself proud. This has been an incredible road to a new career. The Journey will never end. And that is, after all, the point.

Jay

Congrats! Sounds like things are moving right along for you with Swift. I have one more week of school left. I've accepted a position with CCC Transportation out of Auburndale starting orientation May 11th. Pay is not the greatest, but the position offered works for me as far as home time goes. Hope things continue to go well for you. Be safe out there!

You know nothing, Jon Snow.

But in all seriousness, congratulations and welcome to Swift. I drive team for them with my fiance and so far we're happy. There are frustrations, but that's to be expected with every company out there (and not just in trucking). Overall they have been very decent to us, and I will say that I recently had a pressing medical issue that needed to be dealt with ASAP. My DM was very understanding, immediately got me a load home and didn't bat an eye over the fact that I ended up being home for two weeks because of it. Just one very positive experience I had that overshadows any small negatives I've dealt with.

In the end, things are what you make them. You seem like you have a great attitude, and that alone will take you incredibly far, in trucking or anywhere else. Good luck, and drive safely!

That's awesome! Now it's time to head out there and do it for real. You'll have a great time. I look forward to hearing how it goes out there!

Snow, Good luck on your mentor/road training phase. I appreciate your balanced view of Swift. (It's your view, but it's not shrill & off to the extreme edge). Keep us updated with your trip with Nelson.

You have that extra day at home. They will become precious. (When I have the chance as a solo driver, I manage to park at a local truck stop and "sneak" home for the night!)

Hey Snow-Man! Congrats on all your accomplishments so far on this Journey! Please do keep up with your updates as you can, especially with how well Swift is able to keep you running when your down here in the Sunshine state. :)

LOL-Well now I'm meeting up with my Mentor tomorrow morning at the Walmart DC In Macclenny, FL at 7am. So a nice 3 hour drive to get there in the morning... and here we go!

By the way Snow-man, you may want to update your Bio page from Werner....

Starting with Werner on 4/27/2015 in training!

Done. Thanks! :)