Swift trainee program

I wasn't aware they changed the 240 hours standard. Interesting. Good info...

 

typical of swift. they make changes and doesnt tell anyone.lol. when i did the 50 hrs/mentor, he didnt know they changes the pay lol

 

Got to the training get your c d l u will pay it off in a year with them they will pay u around 600 to 700 bucks for about 2500 to 2800 miles a week then go find u a real company that will pay u what your worth all training schools are the same at least with them they will take 25 dollars a wk out of your check till its paid just stick with it pay your dues and find a better company

 

Hey all, I will be new to the trucking industry. I've completed my research and have decided to go with Swift. As quick aside, so to speak. I see many complainers on forums and the net bad mouthing companies. I wish you'd suggest some positives for those who aren't going to invest their own money, but get their CDL and be hired. Personally, I'll work for a company for a year or two if they get me started in a new industry when I have zero experience. Go out and start your own business and see what your "paycheck" is for the first three years. Anywho, nuff said there.

I believe Swift will give me a fair shot. If I'm going to drive for someone I'm fine driving for Swift knowing they are the largest carrier and have the miles. I'm willing to wager if one shows them you are serious and dedicated they will treat you as a valuable asset and makes sure you get your miles. Do unexpected circumstances happen?, of course, but that's with any aspect of life. Remember, enjoy the "excellent adventures" along the way.

Real reason for this post. Does anyone have input on whether I should get my doubles/triples, hazmat and tanker endorsements when I get my permit? I presently hold a class b CDL from driving a school bus. I've also passed the air brakes so in order to start school with Swift I only need to pass the combination portion. So, would it be to my advantage to take the other tests at the same time? I'm just wondering if it's best to get them all while I'm at the DMV.

Thanks to all for your answers.

Thanks also to all here, even if you're complaining, it's helping you vent and giving us a glimpse into the "state of the industry".

 

Yes u should get all those endorsements because the more stuff u have on your license the more pay and opportunity u have to make the big bucks and also get your twic card also most good company's are wanting u to have that swift is good for a start up that's all don't lease a truck at all its not set up for u to own it its set up for u to fail at the end of your lease so u can leave them the truck and u go broke plz take it from me u will never win on a 3rd party lease if u want to own a truck in the future save up your money while your over there 5 thousand dollars any trucking dealer will give u a good deal so if u follow that and don't have any accidents or tickets u can find a good company after swift and make the money u are looking for

 

Swift doesn't want the truck back .. it's a pass through lease from PACCAR, NavStar or Mercedes. If you're not making the payment, Swift has to.

As far as setting you up to fail at the end ... well I've completed one lease, about to finish a buyout, and there are 2 other regular posters here that are also about to complete their lease.

As far as a dealer ... going to have a tough time finding one that will touch you, if you have only company experience, for less than 30% down ... so that $5K will get a $15K truck with a million plus miles, no warranty and a $.15+ per mile maintenance cost ... better save up a little more than $5K.

But I'm not saying the gentleman who posed the questions should lease or for that matter buy. He needs to find out if he even can handle trucking much less whether he should lease or not ... so back to his original question ... Yes get the endorsements.

Swift carries hazmat and having that provides more opportunities for loads. Same with the tanker endorsement. DOT is now requiring a tanker endorsement to carry IBC in a dry van, so again more freight opportunities. As for doubles, Swift has dedicated accounts that pull doubles, with the endorsement you will have the opportunity to apply to those accounts if you wish

 

Thank you all for the replies. I know I"m not going to lease to start. I need to learn the industry first. I can then make an educated decision. TY as well for the advice on the endorsements I'll get them all. I figure the more loads I'm able to haul the better.

 

Wait until you get your CDL to get your hazmat. I was told (by my boss) that Swift reimburses you for hazmat, passport, and the like. Tanker can be useful, since we do occasionally haul bulk packaged liquids.

 

Never lease with a big company go strait to the dealer the dealer will always give u a better lease then a middle man be a company driver save 5000 dollars and then go to the dealer u can get a truck with bad or no credit and u will pay monthly vs all the other company's weekly which mean more money in your pocket that makes sense if a lease no money down no credit check put u in a truck ant fishy too u then u need to go back to school or the streets nothing is free and these company's are not out there to help u win they want u too lose cause they get the truck back that they lease from a dealer and u paid half or 3/4 of the bill then they put another mis informed person to pay the rest of the bill then they own the truck and lease it out again to another misguided person and make money

 

We'll just let your literacy speak for itself.