Looking to leave Memphis for FT positions. Question about Swing drivers....

Leonin

New Member
I've read a lot here about how swing positions are a bad idea for employees. I'm curious if after a year, would a FT swing driver be put in "group 2" (jcats) on a regular Courier/DOT position? If so, that would make me kind of nervous about accepting swing.

A little bit about me:
Going on 7 years at the Memphis hub. Currently a Dangerous Goods Agent. I don't mind being a DGA, but I would like to become full time. Unfortunately, full time positions at the hub are nearly nonexistent. On the rare occasion of one opening up, there can literately be hundreds of people who out rank me.
Thus, I've been checking out FT jobs outside of Memphis... really anywhere. Single with no kids or anything keeping me tethered here. So anyway, I've noticed I have a lot better chance landing FT positions elsewhere if I wanted to become a courier. Swing positions in particular, and I assume because they are less desirable... but in order to get my foot in the door on full time positions might be worth it?

Thanks for your time.
 

Maui

Well-Known Member
I've read a lot here about how swing positions are a bad idea for employees. I'm curious if after a year, would a FT swing driver be put in "group 2" (jcats) on a regular Courier/DOT position? If so, that would make me kind of nervous about accepting swing.

A little bit about me:
Going on 7 years at the Memphis hub. Currently a Dangerous Goods Agent. I don't mind being a DGA, but I would like to become full time. Unfortunately, full time positions at the hub are nearly nonexistent. On the rare occasion of one opening up, there can literately be hundreds of people who out rank me.
Thus, I've been checking out FT jobs outside of Memphis... really anywhere. Single with no kids or anything keeping me tethered here. So anyway, I've noticed I have a lot better chance landing FT positions elsewhere if I wanted to become a courier. Swing positions in particular, and I assume because they are less desirable... but in order to get my foot in the door on full time positions might be worth it?

Thanks for your time.

You would be group 1; however, you would likely need to be a swing for 2 years before being allowed to downbid. Also, swing is not for everyone. I would ask the hiring manager how many routes are in the station and how many you would be required to learn.

it would be easier if he station is DRA.
 

overflowed

Well-Known Member
Make sure you understand and calculate the cost of living where you start looking to transfer or take a position. The cost of living may be much different than what you are used to. You're not in Memphis anymore Toto.
 

Cactus

Just telling it like it is
I would ask the hiring manager how many routes are in the station and how many you would be required to learn.
Be careful about that. Most managers have no problem with lying to make the position look so much more appealing.
 

hypo hanna

Well-Known Member
Be careful about that. Most managers have no problem with lying to make the position look so much more appealing.

Try to find someone in that market or better yet at that station to tell you the truth. In my station a swing can be required to run any route at any time. They call it "operational needs". The time to downbid from swing is two years here. DRA is a computer program that plots your stops for you. It will handicap you trying to learn how to be a courier, but it will get you through delivery routes. It's useless on the pickup side.
if I were in your position, I would chuck the 7 years invested in FedEx and find a real job. If you have a clean record and are drug free you can get a simple driving job in the booming and gas business making 80,000 or more. You just have to live in west Texas or North Dakota for a while.
 

mjtrackman

Active Member
I'm a new swing driver(4 months) and you definitely have to be a flexible person and not easily frustrated. Your schedule will change just about every week and sometimes daily depending on sick calls or other events. I like learning different areas but it sucks to work first overnight/p2 (5:45-3pm) one week and the next be on p2/pickup route (10:30-9). With me being basically at the bottom of the seniority list, I already worked 5/6 Saturdays as well. DRA definitely helps with delivering packages. Maps out all your stops in the order the PROGRAM thinks is the most efficient lol. If you can read a map then you will be fine, you just have to explore which doors to go to and those other variables that the program doesn't list. Pickups, you are on your own.
 

GROUNDIsAHugeSCAM

Well-Known Member
Don't leave Memphis. You can be a mole for this forum. I bet you see Fred running around. I have no idea what a Dangerous Goods Agent is, but you sound like a spy.
 

hypo hanna

Well-Known Member
Oh yea, since there is no premium pay for the extra work of a DG specialist, you might consider dropping it as soon as you get to the station you like.
 

whenIgetthere

Well-Known Member
As a swing, you need to be flexible, as your schedule can change in a second. Scheduled to run a day route, someone called out so now you're running that FT day route plus a pick up route 40 miles from the day route. At my last station, all swings were expected to know every route (about 90 delivery and 40 pick ups routes), but at my current station, the managers are a little easier on swings, there are fewer routes here, but each swing has route knowledge of a little more than half the routes. There are a couple who've been swings for many years who know all the routes, but the rest of us are kept as experts on certain areas. All depends on who the manager is making the schedule. It isn't for everyone. Also, swings here are committed to 18 months before bidding on open routes. If you're single and don't have kids is the best lifestyle for a swing. Just don't make any plans Monday thru Friday, 5 am to 9 pm!
 

MrFedEx

Engorged Member
I've read a lot here about how swing positions are a bad idea for employees. I'm curious if after a year, would a FT swing driver be put in "group 2" (jcats) on a regular Courier/DOT position? If so, that would make me kind of nervous about accepting swing.

A little bit about me:
Going on 7 years at the Memphis hub. Currently a Dangerous Goods Agent. I don't mind being a DGA, but I would like to become full time. Unfortunately, full time positions at the hub are nearly nonexistent. On the rare occasion of one opening up, there can literately be hundreds of people who out rank me.
Thus, I've been checking out FT jobs outside of Memphis... really anywhere. Single with no kids or anything keeping me tethered here. So anyway, I've noticed I have a lot better chance landing FT positions elsewhere if I wanted to become a courier. Swing positions in particular, and I assume because they are less desirable... but in order to get my foot in the door on full time positions might be worth it?

Thanks for your time.

Leaving Memphis for any reason would seem to be enough of a motivator and reward.
 

vantexan

Well-Known Member
Thanks, everyone! You have all been very helpful. :happy2:

​Been a swing twice, a 4X10 cover 3 times. No extra money for a 4X10 cover, but 4 defined rts, usually nice extended rts in smaller stations. Try to get a swing in a very small station, much less stress.
 
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