Originally Posted by The Sheltie

Well, I looked into their school, seemed pretty good deal, they even accept pets (which has become my crusade). But then I saw they want you in a lease program after only 3 months, so there's the reason they're pet friendly. Not a critque, just an observation.

I'm not a trucker yet, but 2 weeks training then hitting the road seemed . . . well dangerous. I've never had an accident in my life, but that's because I'm careful. Seems like they are a bit hasty to get you out, and it sounded strangely familiar. Couldn't figure out why this sounded like I'd heard it before, so I dug around like a Sheltie after a Snausage Ya baby, I found it. The man who owns SWIFT also owns CRS. So that's why they let drivers out on the road with less experience than I allowed my step-daughter to have when she wanted her four wheel license.

Now, I have to be fair. I'm a Wannabe, I haven't driven truck, let alone driven truck for someone. So I'm just going on what is said about SWIFT, it is not my personal experience. Second, I suppose that just because you are owned by the same company similar problems dont necessarily exist. But . . . well . . . I have to say I can't imagine that an apple falls too far from an apple tree. Real truckers can reprove me if I deserve it and that's fine, but 2 weeks in training, 3 weeks on road, then your own truck, seems a bit dangerous to me. Am I wrong?

The Sheltie

Zathras: Zathras not of this time. You take, Zathras die. You leave, Zathras die. Either way, it is bad for Zathras.

Originally Posted by scg

I applied on line and was tuned down after speaking with the recruiter over the phone after he had my work history which I provided. It seems that having held many part time jobs over the past five years to put myself through school is a no no. You cannot have more than three jobs in the past five years - period, no exceptions. I can understand an employer being very nervous about a job hopper but to decline someone that held part time jobs to better themselves though education is really unbeliveable. That in and of itself should speak volumes about how you will be treated.

((I'm confused here. In your little screename box it says you have been a trucker for 10 years. But you're just getting out of college? I can tell you from first hand experience I have had at least 10 jobs in the last 3 years and they still hired me. I am still with them.))

Also they really don't have a policy for getting you home in an emergency other that to try and route you home in your truck. They will not fly you. So does this mean that when my 87 year old mother's time comes I will more than likely miss the funeral? What about your new baby, sick spouse, etc.

((Typically you will get home on time because you not getting home costs the company money. I, as a matter of fact, am heading home 2 days early because (and this is my dispatchers own words) if I was to come to WVC to get my governor put down to 62 mph I wouldn't make it home on time. I was in Casa Grande, AZ and he sent me a load taking me home to missouri.))

The school they use is a separate contract between you and the school. Cost is $2,000 and is two weeks long. A rather short training period. While you are provided a room at the terminal in Utah, you must bring at least $350 for your own meals. The $100 pay for orentation is paid at the end. They pull $25 a week from your pay for school so it will take the better part of two years to pay it back. The recruiter could not provide any information on the school contact concerning interest rates, pay back period, etc. Also you will be billed $30 to $35 for your DOT physical. Seems they don't want the businss expense deduction but want you to incurr a non deduction to you.

((The training costs 3000 dollars. You will only be paying 1200 of it. For every hundred you put in the company puts in 150.))

You spend only two maybe three weeks with a trainer before going sole. You will be asked to go on a lease at 3 months, and you can become a trainer after only 6 months. Is this the blind leading the blind? Or just sheer stupidity? Wonder what their insurance rates are?

((You are supposed to stay out with a trainer for a month but if they are low on trainers they will ask your trainer if he thinks you are ready. You cannot lease until 6 months in with the company. You are correct on the time it takes for you to become a trainer.))

They do not have an auxillary power unit on their company trucks so getting the fuel bonus will disappear when you idle in the winter to stay warm or cool in the summer. However you can spend $5,000 to $8,000 according to the recuiter to buy one. What happens when you have your company truck given to some one else for whatever reason?

((You cannot put an APU on a company truck as of right now. They do have TAS systems and ICON systems on the trucks. I stayed under for my fuel bonus last month and that included a few days in 0 degree weather in Wyoming.))

Recuiters suggestion was to call Swift immediately since they need people. I think not knowing from personal experience how drivers are treated and abused by both dispatchers and Driver/Fleet Managers. I am not one to whine but I don't need to repeat history.

Think I will look at Marten or Rhoel

Originally Posted by Preacherman

Yup...well it's also the only negative thread about central in this forum.

Originally Posted by 6pak4-two

I take it you run for them...............so if I might ask or assume you are doing well.
I've been away for awhile think'n about them at least for a year.
It's true I have not seen any bad about them other then above post.
If you have any comments about them feel free to let me know.
Thanks