I just returned from Swift training Academy in Lewiston, ID. Made it through the Workwell Physical, drug screening and first week of classroom. Was going for CDL permit on Monday but got homesick on Easter and headed home. I guess we all aren't cut out for OTR. I'm posting because of all the negative things I see here about Swift. I don't know about their past and have never drove for them but if the classroom and teaching part of it means anything, they really have it together. I've never met nicer people. Dave, Gary, Vicky & Richard really knew their stuff and how to convey it to a broad spectrum of students. The emphasis was on safety first and all the other stuff followed. My impression of the company was positive. If I ever mature enough not to get homesick on a holiday (hey, I'm only 46), I'd be proud to be flying down the road at 60 miles an hour on a Swift van. If first impressions count, they've got it together.

Lewiston, Id. terminal is an entity unlike all other terminals, its more of a small hometown family. trust me you wont see that at other swift terminals. i was based out of that terminal back when i drove for them.

once you had gotten on the truck, you would have seen the real world of swift. probably a good thing you found out about your homesickness on easter. as christmas would have been rougher on you.

sorry it didnt work out for you however.

sorry to hear about that growan..best of luck you to you

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Lewiston is a good little term, many but not all of the Swift terms are decent. Safety is a big thing for Swift trainers and upper management however there are a quite a few DM's and planners who seem to forget that fact.

Hey, i saw that you went to lewiston for training. Im heading there tomorrow and would love to insight on what to expect and even bring with me. Going at it kinda blind, anything would help.

Desert, don't think I'm trying to come off as a ########, because I'm not. I'm just trying to put two and two together here with your post.

Safety is a big issue for Swift's trainers?

That statement is what I'm having trouble with. The biggest reason it's got me befuddled is the fact Swift allows those with only 6 months' experience to be trainers. Mind you, they label these guys 'mentors', so maybe there are two groups of drivers there who perform training. Don't know.

Another reason I'm questioning this post is the fact I read so much negative press here from guys who drive around Pheonix. These are guys who report on the driving habits of SwiftCo drivers they see daily there, and what they have to say tells me SwiftCo's attitude towards safety is lax at best. However, this doesn't quite square with another poster's claim here that he/she was canned because of motorist complaints.

Again, I'm trying to muddle through all the claims.

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--Paved Dudley--

Yeah I drive a Swift truck
And that means one thing
It means she's slow
It's a typical company truck
It's just all show and no go

I'm gettin' passed by Yella
And even Overnite
I'm gettin' passed by ever' body in sight
46 days on the road
And I'm not gettin' home tonight

No, my hometown's nowhere in sight
And if you think I'm pissed off
You're right
46 days on the road
And I'm not gettin' home tonight


Love pissing off those trucking company insiders.

[quote=Tip;396550]
Safety is a big issue for Swift's trainers?

That statement is what I'm having trouble with. The biggest reason it's got me befuddled is the fact Swift allows those with only 6 months' experience to be trainers. Mind you, they label these guys 'mentors', so maybe there are two groups of drivers there who perform training. Don't know.
"
Ok I must rephrase it most trainers. Most of the trainers I know care about safety, after all they will be on the road with those unsafe drivers. There are some trainers who should not be training a dog let a lone someone driving an 80,000 lb truck. I have reported a couple myself. I agree that 6 months is to soon to start training. Swift has been weeding out bad trainers and last year required all trainers to go through "mentor" training again. Also now Swift requires all mentors to take additional courses throughout the year. I believe things are improving where safety is concerned.

Yeah, they are cleaning their act up quite a bit. I was quite impressed with them when I worked there only because I came in expecting the worst and hearing all the horror stories. I quickly found out a lot of things you gotta find out for yourself.

Anybody know if Kansas City is not taking drivers now. I am not a trainee. I have experience and recruiter says there are no openings and to call back. I wanna go see for myself if Swifty is as bad as all say. Also, can I drive vans only?

BRI

That would be the Edwardsville, Ks terminal. Since you have experience they probably only looked at dedicated routes available. They also run a lot of specialized and intermodal out of that terminal. Ask about the regional van fleet.

If all else fails run out of the Memphis terminal and they can pretty much get you home at any time. I ran outta Memphis and lived in Jacksonville, Fl and had no problem getting home. The same goes for when I moved to Green Bay.