This is a question to any recent student, or just a driver that may know the answer. I am trying to find out about the Pet and Rider policies at Swift. The recruiters seem to be too busy to give me the details of these policies. I just want to know the following:

Pet Policy, what size / weight, and any banned breeds of dog? Also I found there is a $500 deposit w/$250 non refundable.


Rider Policy, what age is minimum? How long after new hire can you have a rider? Do they need to be related to you, or could it be a friend? Do they charge a fee for the rider?

I am sure this is all covered in training/orientation, but i was just looking for a little heads up.

Is Swift hiring out of the IDAHO are anybody know. My buddy is thinking of going with them, how long is training?. Do you get paid for training if so how much? Thanks

Here goes.

Pet Policy - They are not allowed. Grandfathered in drivers who have pets are able to keep them, but new company drivers are not allowed to have them. As far as owner-ops, I don't think there is a restriction.

Riders -
Anyone can ride, limited to only one rider at a time. You must be a full time driver. Riders cannot be CDL licensed. No children under the age of 12, and the child cannot be in the truck while school is in session. Female riders cannot be pregnant and knowingly ride in the truck. Insurance is deducted from your check monthly. The rider is not allowed to perform any work or operate the equipment in any way. Conduct requirements are the same as any employee. They are not allowed to carry or possess anything that could be considered a weapon. Offering to purchase, sell, or trade stolen or contraband items is also not allowed.

All rules and regs regarding possession of or consumption of alcohol apply to the rider as well, which is zero tolerance. You may not possess or consume it, basically. All medication possessed must be prescribed. Not allowed to post any unauthorized bulletins on the property or equipment of Swift. The retains the right to not allow someone who does not meet the physical requirements of entering and exiting the vehicle.

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My favorite quote:
Terry Goodkind - Wizard's First Rule - "People are stupid."

this is how it was when i got on with a trainer some years back:

during schooling you are paid nothing. the first 2 weeks on a trainer's truck, you will be paid $200 a week. $300 on the third, $400 on the fourth, and $500 a piece for the final 2 weeks. when you're on your own and "daddy" is no longer there, starting pay is something like $.26 per mile and it goes up quickly...if you don't suck.

things may be a little different now. you'll have to get the most up-to-date info from those at swift.

It depends on what you mean by "good".

When I was assigned my own truck, I was given brand new chains, straps, a winch bar, and bungees. The rest of stuff (chain binders, tarps, coil racks, portable winches, etc) were well used but in good working order. That was at Phoenix terminal.

I've accumulated few other things on my own, like tarp protectors and 2" ratchet straps for example.

For the most part they are good, Some tarps have little holes in them, Some of the binders are a little rusty and straps are worn. When you first get issued your truck you might get lucky and get all new stuff. I am out of the Greer, Terminal. I think all the stuff i have is in pretty good shape. I have also picked up a few things on my own also like Katz. The trucks aren't fully designed for flatbeds so you have to be somewhat creative on where you put all of your equipment and how. Bungess come in handy alot for that stuff. I think that is the only down side to it. Other then that i recommend it, if you don't mind getting out and sweatin your ### off and doing some hard work every once in a while.

Thank you for the detailed information! That is exactly what I have been searching for over the last few days.
No surprises in your response, I just wish the rider age was a little younger. Do you by chance know what the Rider insurance costs? Is it a yearly fee, or daily fee when you have a rider?

Last I knew it was $7.50 each week, unless you stopped it when you didn't have a rider on, they will charge it until they hear different. That was 9 months ago, so almost guaranteed it is more now.

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When every road has had it's say,
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When every town looks just the same,
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Reach out to me,
Call out my name,
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It's 30 a month now for the rider fee. But as my trainers and other drivers say, you don't have to tell them about your pets or other riders. The only way their going to find out is if you tell them or have a loud mouth. I know alot of people that bring their wifes and young children with them, i even see them at the terminals.

i am thinking about going to swift for school, can anyone give me some advice on the company and how they are towards newbies.