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Swift Transportation "Safety First"...do they mean it or not??? Phoenix Arizona
After being OTR for a month I went on hometime for my son's graduation. During this time the tractor I was assigned was taken out of service and sold I was told this by DM Vic Quintana, and TM Chris Ryan of the Albuquerque, NM Swift terminal. It was not until June 6, 2008 that I was called and told they had a tractor ready completely serviced, ready to go by my Driver Manager. I drove 178 miles to Albuquerque to go to work as I live in Northern Arizona. I was assigned truck #590094 a Kenworth model.
Approaching this tractor with my DM I noticed all rear 8 tires were close to being, if not, D.O.T. illegal. I was handed a sign off sheet that was made out before we both walked to the vehicle and the DM said sign off on the paper so He could get back to what he had to do. I got in, started the vehicle turned it off and loaded my personal belongings into it I noticed the weigh station pre-pass laying on the dash, DM did not know if it was activated. the Qualcomm had a large scratch across the face of it making it hard to read certain areas and came unplugged as the back-plate was missing.
Next I go to start the tractor and its completely dead with charging light on. I red tagged this vehicle to go in the shop as I decided after my pre-trip inspection this truck was not road ready. I recieved a letter of dismissal towards the end of June 2008 stating dissatisfied with job. All my phone calls were ignored by DM and TM, and now I am left wondering why Swift's motto is "Safety First"...?
William
Window Rock, Arizona
U.S.A.
6 Updates & Rebuttals
Mactruck
Peoria,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Swift and all trucking companies are very heavily regulated - SAFETY does come first
#7UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, September 16, 2008
William,
About a year ago, I retired from truck driving having worked for Swift for 2 years total, the last year of which I was a Driver Mentor training new drivers, something I thoroughly enjoyed.
Tires - tires are either DOT legal or not. If a driver believes his/her tires are not safe for any reason, you should have immediately taken the tractor to the Tire Shop for inspection and repair. I have never been disappointed at any of Swift's many terminals - especially regarding tire issues. In fact, all the tire shop personnel that I have dealt with at Swift were very helpful and always made sure my tractor's tires were safe.
One thing that all Swift Drivers know is how good the Phoenix Main Terminal shops are, which is only a few hundred miles southwest of Albuqureque, NM. So if another terminal won't address your concerns, just bring it to the attention of the Phoenix Shops when you pass through via I-17 or i-10 and it will be done right, guaranteed!
Electric Power - if you had already started the vehicle, it is a Driver's responsibility to check the voltage meter to make sure the battery is properly charged, which is accomplished by idleing the diesel engine, but you say you just started it then turned it off. Why did you wait so long before doing your pre-trip inspection?
To solve the 'dead battery' problem, every terminal shop has a portable battery charger vehicle (golf cart, etc.) available 24/7 and all a driver has to do to get immediate service is - ask for help.
Qualcomm - you cannot easily accept a Pre Plan or otherwise communicate with your DM and Swift unless your Qualcomm display is in good working condition and functional. Same is true when Swift and your DM want to communicate with a Driver... it goes both ways.
Each terminal Shop has a person who handles installation, maintenance and repair of all Qualcomm equipment. If you have such a problem, "Red Tagging" the vehicle is insufficient, you need to identify and contact the Shop's Qualcomm person and get it fixed. Swift has tons of Qualcomm displays in stock, new and used, and swapping one Display out with a good case, undamaged screen, and fully functional is a 15 minute resolution and very easy to get done.
Pre-Pass - Swift ordered Pre-Pass modules for weigh-station identification without stopping and automatic bypass about 4 years ago. If it was on the dash, all you had to do is contact Permits Department in Phoenix, AZ main terminal, tell them you have a Pre-Pass question, and you will be directed to the responsible person (when I was there, that person was named Keith). Pre-Pass equipment is identified to the Tractor, not to a Driver - you cannot take it with you. The likelihood that the tractor's Pre-Pass box was "activated" to the tractor and functional is very great. If it isn't, then the first time the unit does not flash a Green light to bypass the weigh station and beep sweetly, then you'd know to get it fixed or "activated". So, call Swift's Permits Department and talk to Keith.
According to your story you Red Tagged the vehicle, apparently writing down all the things you found wrong with it - which is appropriate, but then you apparently left the terminal without making sure repairs were done promptly and properly. That was a serious mistake and probably the reason you got a termination letter. If you moved out of the tractor taking your personal gear with you to drive back home, this would communicate to management that you had 'quit' your job by abandoning your assigned truck.
Following through with repairs to your vehicle is an assigned Driver's chief responsibility, and is clearly the reason Swift assumed you were "dissatisfied with Job". It's a little late to be trying to contact or discuss your dismissal with your DM or the Terminal Manager.
If you go to another trucking company for a job, this event will show up on your record and if you give them the same explanation you gave on-line, they probably would not want to hire you.
Even if you don't like the Tractor assigned to you, it is never a good idea to "Red Tag" it then simply go home to Window Rock, William. What else did you do between June 6th and the end of June to make sure your assigned tractor was getting repaired and when it would be available for you to drive?
Mactruck
Peoria,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Swift and all trucking companies are very heavily regulated - SAFETY does come first
#7UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, September 16, 2008
William,
About a year ago, I retired from truck driving having worked for Swift for 2 years total, the last year of which I was a Driver Mentor training new drivers, something I thoroughly enjoyed.
Tires - tires are either DOT legal or not. If a driver believes his/her tires are not safe for any reason, you should have immediately taken the tractor to the Tire Shop for inspection and repair. I have never been disappointed at any of Swift's many terminals - especially regarding tire issues. In fact, all the tire shop personnel that I have dealt with at Swift were very helpful and always made sure my tractor's tires were safe.
One thing that all Swift Drivers know is how good the Phoenix Main Terminal shops are, which is only a few hundred miles southwest of Albuqureque, NM. So if another terminal won't address your concerns, just bring it to the attention of the Phoenix Shops when you pass through via I-17 or i-10 and it will be done right, guaranteed!
Electric Power - if you had already started the vehicle, it is a Driver's responsibility to check the voltage meter to make sure the battery is properly charged, which is accomplished by idleing the diesel engine, but you say you just started it then turned it off. Why did you wait so long before doing your pre-trip inspection?
To solve the 'dead battery' problem, every terminal shop has a portable battery charger vehicle (golf cart, etc.) available 24/7 and all a driver has to do to get immediate service is - ask for help.
Qualcomm - you cannot easily accept a Pre Plan or otherwise communicate with your DM and Swift unless your Qualcomm display is in good working condition and functional. Same is true when Swift and your DM want to communicate with a Driver... it goes both ways.
Each terminal Shop has a person who handles installation, maintenance and repair of all Qualcomm equipment. If you have such a problem, "Red Tagging" the vehicle is insufficient, you need to identify and contact the Shop's Qualcomm person and get it fixed. Swift has tons of Qualcomm displays in stock, new and used, and swapping one Display out with a good case, undamaged screen, and fully functional is a 15 minute resolution and very easy to get done.
Pre-Pass - Swift ordered Pre-Pass modules for weigh-station identification without stopping and automatic bypass about 4 years ago. If it was on the dash, all you had to do is contact Permits Department in Phoenix, AZ main terminal, tell them you have a Pre-Pass question, and you will be directed to the responsible person (when I was there, that person was named Keith). Pre-Pass equipment is identified to the Tractor, not to a Driver - you cannot take it with you. The likelihood that the tractor's Pre-Pass box was "activated" to the tractor and functional is very great. If it isn't, then the first time the unit does not flash a Green light to bypass the weigh station and beep sweetly, then you'd know to get it fixed or "activated". So, call Swift's Permits Department and talk to Keith.
According to your story you Red Tagged the vehicle, apparently writing down all the things you found wrong with it - which is appropriate, but then you apparently left the terminal without making sure repairs were done promptly and properly. That was a serious mistake and probably the reason you got a termination letter. If you moved out of the tractor taking your personal gear with you to drive back home, this would communicate to management that you had 'quit' your job by abandoning your assigned truck.
Following through with repairs to your vehicle is an assigned Driver's chief responsibility, and is clearly the reason Swift assumed you were "dissatisfied with Job". It's a little late to be trying to contact or discuss your dismissal with your DM or the Terminal Manager.
If you go to another trucking company for a job, this event will show up on your record and if you give them the same explanation you gave on-line, they probably would not want to hire you.
Even if you don't like the Tractor assigned to you, it is never a good idea to "Red Tag" it then go home. What else did you do between June 6th and the end of June to make sure your assigned tractor was getting repaired and when it would be available to you?
Mactruck
Peoria,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Swift and all trucking companies are very heavily regulated - SAFETY does come first
#7UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, September 16, 2008
William,
About a year ago, I retired from truck driving having worked for Swift for 2 years total, the last year of which I was a Driver Mentor training new drivers, something I thoroughly enjoyed.
Tires - tires are either DOT legal or not. If a driver believes his/her tires are not safe for any reason, you should have immediately taken the tractor to the Tire Shop for inspection and repair. I have never been disappointed at any of Swift's many terminals - especially regarding tire issues. In fact, all the tire shop personnel that I have dealt with at Swift were very helpful and always made sure my tractor's tires were safe.
One thing that all Swift Drivers know is how good the Phoenix Main Terminal shops are, which is only a few hundred miles southwest of Albuqureque, NM. So if another terminal won't address your concerns, just bring it to the attention of the Phoenix Shops when you pass through via I-17 or i-10 and it will be done right, guaranteed!
Electric Power - if you had already started the vehicle, it is a Driver's responsibility to check the voltage meter to make sure the battery is properly charged, which is accomplished by idleing the diesel engine, but you say you just started it then turned it off. Why did you wait so long before doing your pre-trip inspection?
To solve the 'dead battery' problem, every terminal shop has a portable battery charger vehicle (golf cart, etc.) available 24/7 and all a driver has to do to get immediate service is - ask for help.
Qualcomm - you cannot easily accept a Pre Plan or otherwise communicate with your DM and Swift unless your Qualcomm display is in good working condition and functional. Same is true when Swift and your DM want to communicate with a Driver... it goes both ways.
Each terminal Shop has a person who handles installation, maintenance and repair of all Qualcomm equipment. If you have such a problem, "Red Tagging" the vehicle is insufficient, you need to identify and contact the Shop's Qualcomm person and get it fixed. Swift has tons of Qualcomm displays in stock, new and used, and swapping one Display out with a good case, undamaged screen, and fully functional is a 15 minute resolution and very easy to get done.
Pre-Pass - Swift ordered Pre-Pass modules for weigh-station identification without stopping and automatic bypass about 4 years ago. If it was on the dash, all you had to do is contact Permits Department in Phoenix, AZ main terminal, tell them you have a Pre-Pass question, and you will be directed to the responsible person (when I was there, that person was named Keith). Pre-Pass equipment is identified to the Tractor, not to a Driver - you cannot take it with you. The likelihood that the tractor's Pre-Pass box was "activated" to the tractor and functional is very great. If it isn't, then the first time the unit does not flash a Green light to bypass the weigh station and beep sweetly, then you'd know to get it fixed or "activated". So, call Swift's Permits Department and talk to Keith.
According to your story you Red Tagged the vehicle, apparently writing down all the things you found wrong with it - which is appropriate, but then you apparently left the terminal without making sure repairs were done promptly and properly. That was a serious mistake and probably the reason you got a termination letter. If you moved out of the tractor taking your personal gear with you to drive back home, this would communicate to management that you had 'quit' your job by abandoning your assigned truck.
Following through with repairs to your vehicle is an assigned Driver's chief responsibility, and is clearly the reason Swift assumed you were "dissatisfied with Job". It's a little late to be trying to contact or discuss your dismissal with your DM or the Terminal Manager.
If you go to another trucking company for a job, this event will show up on your record and if you give them the same explanation you gave on-line, they probably would not want to hire you.
Even if you don't like the Tractor assigned to you, it is never a good idea to "Red Tag" it then go home. What else did you do between June 6th and the end of June to make sure your assigned tractor was getting repaired and when it would be available to you?
Mactruck
Peoria,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Swift and all trucking companies are very heavily regulated - SAFETY does come first
#7UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, September 16, 2008
William,
About a year ago, I retired from truck driving having worked for Swift for 2 years total, the last year of which I was a Driver Mentor training new drivers, something I thoroughly enjoyed.
Tires - Tractor tires are either DOT legal or not. Never guess. If a driver believes his/her tires are not safe for any reason, you should have immediately taken your tractor to the Tire Shop for inspection and repair. I have never been disappointed at any of Swift's many terminals - especially regarding tire issues. In fact, all the tire shop personnel that I have dealt with at Swift were very helpful and always made sure my tractor's tires were safe.
One thing that all Swift Drivers know is how good the Phoenix Main Terminal shops are, which is only a few hundred miles southwest of Albuquerque, NM. So if another terminal won't address your concerns, just bring it to the attention of the Phoenix Shops when you pass through via I-17 or i-10 and it will be done right, guaranteed!
Electric Power - if you had already started the vehicle, it is a Driver's responsibility to check the voltage meter to make sure the battery is properly charged, which is accomplished by idleing the diesel engine, but you say you just started it then turned it off. Why did you wait so long before doing your pre-trip inspection?
To solve the 'dead battery' problem, every terminal shop has a portable battery charger vehicle (golf cart, etc.) available 24/7 and all a driver has to do to get immediate service is - ask for help at the Shop, the Fuel Line, or in the Office.
Qualcomm - you cannot easily accept a Pre Plan or otherwise communicate with your DM and Swift unless your Qualcomm display is in good working condition and functional. Same is true when Swift and your DM want to communicate with you as a Driver... it goes both ways.
Each terminal Shop has a person who handles installation, maintenance and repair of all Qualcomm equipment. If you have such an important problem, "Red Tagging" the vehicle is insufficient, you need to identify and contact the Shop's Qualcomm person and get it fixed. Swift has tons of Qualcomm displays in stock, new and used, and swapping one Display out with a good case, undamaged screen, and fully functional is a 15 minute resolution and very easy to get done.
Pre-Pass - Swift ordered Pre-Pass modules for weigh-station identification without stopping and automatic bypass about 4 years ago. If it was on the dash, all you had to do is contact Permits Department in Phoenix, AZ main terminal, tell them you have a Pre-Pass question, and you will be directed to the responsible person (when I was there, that person was named Keith). Pre-Pass equipment is identified to the Tractor, not to a Driver - you cannot take it with you. The likelihood that the tractor's Pre-Pass box was "activated" to the tractor and functional is very great. If it isn't, then the first time the unit does not flash a Green light to bypass the weigh station and beep sweetly, then you'd know to get it fixed or "activated". So, call Swift's Permits Department and talk to Keith.
According to your story you Red Tagged the vehicle, apparently writing down all the things you found wrong with it - which is appropriate, but then you apparently left the terminal without making sure repairs were done promptly and properly. That was a serious mistake and probably the reason you got a termination letter. If you moved out of the tractor taking your personal gear with you to drive back home, this would communicate to management that you had 'quit' your job by abandoning your assigned truck.
Following through with repairs to your vehicle is an assigned Driver's chief responsibility, and is clearly the reason Swift assumed you were "dissatisfied with Job". It's a little late to be trying to contact or discuss your dismissal with your DM or the Terminal Manager.
If you go to another trucking company for a job, this event will show up on your record and if you give them the same explanation you gave on-line, they probably would not want to hire you.
Even if you don't like the Tractor assigned to you, it is never a good idea to "Red Tag" it then simply go home to Window Rock, William. What else did you do between June 6th and the end of June to make sure your assigned tractor was getting repaired and when it would be available for you to drive?
Proud Swift Trucker Team
Sacramento,California,
U.S.A.
there are good ones!
#7UPDATE Employee
Sun, September 07, 2008
My husband and I team for SWIFT. our first truck was s**t! it alswyas broke down but they sold it and we soon after got another one! sometimes its a waiting game but worth it. you have to be persistent! just becaus you have trouble with one terminal....doesnt mean they are all the same! best of luck
Disgusted In Nm
Taos,New Mexico,
U.S.A.
So, you know these guys, too....
#7UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, July 21, 2008
Welcome to the wonderful world of the ABQ terminal and Chris Ryan. Nothing is ever as it seems, and if you're not left standing in front of the window being ignored by two chatting DMs, you're listening to Chris Ryan promise support that never happens. I had a similar experience with equipment. My raggedy-a*s assigned truck broke down on my first solo trip, then did the same during several trips after that. I also waited and waited for the truck to be ready. I don't know if there are any good Swift Terminals, but, if there are, ABQ is not one of them. You have my sympathy.