Swift trucks

I would not touch any fleet truck with a 30’ pole, 300 different monkeys training beating the ever living #### out of it, greased once a year whether it needs it or not and an oil change or two in its life. Specd by some over educated bean counter that’s never sat in a truck in their life,

 

I have a slightly different opinion. My starter company performed adequate maintenance except for making us idle for AC. It turns out that the idling is what kills emissions trucks. If it didn't have an APU on it since it was new, I would pass. Otherwise I'd want documented maintenance history, and then maybe think about it.

The one other thing they didn't do (or at least, i never saw them do, since i only put 120k miles on it before leaving), is clean the DPF filters. If you do get a fleet truck, you would want low miles, ideally under 400k, and you'd want to get the DPF's cleaned right away, in addition to the other stuff it's wise to have done on a new-to-you truck.

 

TransAm trucks have APU and don't require idling.
www.transamtruckfleetsales.com
Auxilary Power Unit Already Installed
All tractors come equipped with an Auxiliary Power Unit (“APU”) which eliminates the need for idling and consumes only a fraction of fuel compared to a running engine. The APU provides heating and cooling comfort and shores power for the driver.

 

Melton Truck & Trailer Sales
Melton Truck & Trailer Sales
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IDK, My Swift truck seems to get maintained just fine. They do 4 routine services and inspections on their trucks. "A" service, where they check everything, but don't necessarily change filters and fluids. "B" Service where they inspect everything and change oil, oil and fuel filters and any others needing changing, such as air filter. Then, periodic California "BIT" inspections, which I know are quite thorough. Lastly, a yearly damage inspection.
These are timed and scheduled. As a driver, I'll get a Qualcomm message letting me know my truck is due for a specific service or inspection. Usually starts giving you notices when you are 7 days or 3000 miles of it being due. I have to get it to a terminal to get it accomplished. If I fail to make it within the time frame, next time I go to a Swift terminal, they'll place a hold on my truck and I can't leave the terminal with it until it's done.
As far as unscheduled maintenance, never had any problems getting it done either, except perhaps taking longer than wanted. Also, driving a Volvo, I've had to take my truck to a Volvo dealer for repair several times instead of a Swift terminal shop.
IDK. I tend to think Swift trucks tend to get better routine service and repair than small outfits. With a big fleet, they have lots of trucks and their 'need' to have a specific truck running loads is much lower. So, easier to keep them all serviced. With a smaller outfit, I'd think it is more difficult for them to have their trucks down for any reason and are much more prone to skimp on and delay service and inspections because the demands on every truck is much greater.
Only downside is having drivers neglect reporting problems and/or being clueless about such. As for me and my truck, I love my truck and do my best to take care of her and keep her in good shape. I'm not an Owner Operator and the truck technically belongs to Swift. But, it is MY truck!!! I treat her as such! Swift had been good at letting me stay in my truck and not reseat me on another. Been driving 'Petunia' (my Niece named her) for about 15 or 16 months now.
Just my experience and thoughts.