I work for swift also. I don't have any major complaints. I think they can be a good starter company if you have thick skin and can just go with the flow. I have only had one of my checks messed up and I got that fixed right away. I also stay in the midwest south and southwest no west or east coast. I also found out from another swift driver that Swift will remeburse you for IdealAir if you only use it once in awhile.

Can you imagine if Swift paid for Idle-Air for all its drivers there would be no slots available for anyone else... My DM told me to send her my receipts but I try to use it about once a week. I like it.

Marty

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mArTmAn
Greenville, MS USA

Hey Jen,

How are things going with you? When you gonna get on that truck with Pat? Things going good on my end.

Marty

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mArTmAn
Greenville, MS USA

I try to do the right thing. You can use my name as a reference if you want. Let me know and I will send you my details via private message. I am out of the Memphis terminal.

Marty

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mArTmAn
Greenville, MS USA

well there ok i messed up my knee bad a few week ago so in nov i will be haveing knee surgery fun fun will not beable to drive for 6 week lol. they said i blew it out . any way it will be awhaile befor i get in a truck with pat . he will be home this weekend its been 5 weks this time he as though about useing that IdealAir put well see . any way glad your doing good chat soon text me sometime now i dont ahve the kids there in school i have more time to chat hugss

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I've always stuck to the same advice no matter what company it is. I believe you need to do extensive research into a company before you pick which one you'll be dedicated to. The first indicator I look for is turnover rate. Not just a number but percentage because Swift is a large company. Next I look at the safety record. Then I research their equipment and the company itself. Then I check to see if they have drivers that have retired from that company. I do those four items before I even get into the personal stuff.

If a company has a hign turnover rate there's a reason. And it's not all those drivers that won't drive here or there but some good drivers as well. If the company is halfway decent then they'll have some drivers that have retired. If not then you can bet this company is a stepping stone.

What's the accident rate? If it's high then you can bet the company is more worried about the freight than it's drivers. What kind of safety program do they have. Do they let drivers with 6 months experience be driver trainers?

Check the company. Does it keep contracts with other companies and for how long. How long do they keep their trucks and trailers? How often are their trucks in the shop? How clean are the insides? If you run with a scummy outfit it will show in the trucks. How clean are the terminals?

These are just some of the minimum items that I would look for. Sure you're going to run into problems with all companies but you need to find the one that has the least. And it requires extra leg work on your part.

Personally, I would never go to work for a company like Swift. Their safety department comes into question when they use drivers that have barely been out of school as trainers for the next driver. CDL schools in my opinion only teach you the basics and allow you to get your CDL. The real training starts when you go to work.

I would look for a company that does not make their revenue from the truck. Out west a company like Big 5 Sporting Goods would be one of my selections. You really have to look around because these jobs are better than most and they require experience but there are a few. Years ago UPS was a GREAT job. They got paid by the hour and safety was number one. I don't know if they are the same today or not.

If the company passes these minimums and meets your personal preference then you're in business. If not then you'll need to analyze the shortcomings and make a decision.

But please do your homework since the first few years of driving are critical. You need to have a spotless record and a good attitude to stand out for the great jobs. There's lots of drivers out there looking for the best job so you need to set your goals now so you'll be able to achieve them when the opportunity comes your way. But DON'T JUST SETTLE because it was there and easy.

I am relieved to hear some positive about swift because i am due to start with them july 22 at the ocala fl terminal. All I read from swift seem to fit my needs pretty well. I am hopeful that this company is not all i have read. That makes sense that thr good drivers are driving and not at home complaining...hope i am one of the good drivers to..Joe

Hey gashauler...

All that research you recommend sounds like a good idea, but how do you go about it?

I'm guessing you do it by talking to drivers, but what if one is a newbie and doesn't meet drivers every day?

You can chech the SafeStat reports on the FMCSA website at
[LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link.


It will give you some type of an idea how safe the company operates. I know there's alot of different numbers to look at but I've come up with a couple of indicators for Swift. For a year their vehicle OOS rate has been 17% and their drivers have been 11%. Not too good in my book.

Talking to the Swift drivers and asking how long have they been there or how long has the longest driver been there will paint a very good picture. You can look at the equipment yourself to tell if it's being kept up. Checking about their contracts you'd have to be out there at the drop points to tell. A forklift operator can tell you alot.

If you don't meet drivers everyday you can go to the truck stops. Offer to buy a cup of coffee and explain you're new and want to know what they think. If it pays off big time then buy them lunch. It's all about how you approach the drivers. If you let them know the truth most likely they will be more than happy to tell you what they know. I have. You also have these boards. Look at the time a drivers been out there. When you see someone giving advice on companies that's been doing it for a couple years or more then you can take that advice and store it. When you get a few of them saying the same thing then I would consider that information reliable.

How much does idle-air cost?