Hey.

I spoke with a Swift recruiter last week about their flatbed division, and was satisfied with what the company had to offer me as a new driver.
But after reading so many negative posts about Swift, I thought it would be prudent to solicit some advice from other, more experienced drivers--either inside or outside of the company.

My understanding is Swift experiences one, if not the highest, turnover rates in the industry, based on the figure reported in the Swift monster-thread in another forum; unfortunately, this is the only company that I could find that would get me pulling a skateboard within four weeks. I'm optimizing for expedience at this stage because places like Yellow, UPS, and ABF won't touch me with an 18-and-a-half-foot pole until I have at least a few months of OTR experience.

I really don't want to get vampired by Swift and their short miles, long layovers, and crappy treatment. But then again, I have almost no leverage coming fresh out of school. Hints?


My statistics:

CDL holder: all endorsements, but no experience;
union member: Teamsters 150.

Nothing personal, but its ppl like you (any many others) that NEED jobs/experience after getting their CDL's, that Swift breaks the backs of to make their 'blood money!' They will ruin your attitude if you so survive them---but that's how they keep getting away with their mistreatment and abuse of new drivers!!

Is pulling a skateboard the only option? There are a hundred other companies to choose from, some other flatbed company would take you. Just look harder.

By the way, being in LA you should have a bunch of choices. Just keep looking, sometimes you have to jump through some hoops to get hired just do what you have to.

if you've already been to school and got yer CDL....just about any flatbed outfit will put you on and train you

i know for a fact that this is how davis does it as we dont have our own school....we're to small an outfit...lol

but check into maverick, tmc, davis, arrow or any o them bigger flatbed joints....they all train

and being in la these guys would love you...got alot of frieght goin in and out of there

Add Watkins Shephard to the list that Broncrider posted. And there is Melton.

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Just be sure that with who ever you choose they train you right. Shortcuts on a skateboard will get you and others nothing but hurt and/or killed.

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broncrider and Brickman,

Thanks!! I researched the companies you mentioned, and decided to flush Swift down the toilet. My orientation with ARROW starts Monday! Phew, that was close....

Good man, I wouldn't wish Swift on any body.

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I will be attending Swift this upcoming Wed. class 8/07/07 in Memphis, Tenn.

I currently hold my cdl w/ endorsements : B,C,D,S,P, Air brakes and I also hold my Wisconsin Class "A" permit along with my " H" permit including my updated FED Med card or DOT card. I need help in the pretrip and road test.

What should I expect from Swift on the 1st day and what type of physical do they give you. I was told all I have to do is be able to lift up to 75lbs. and go thru a company medical physical.

I am a professional driver who wants to enter the trucking industry. Have a perfect driving record also.

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.