Working for swift

You will be best "informed" by reading the posts on different companies here on the forum...but pay attention to pros and cons and you will have to determine the source of the information. Was the driver posting with a bad attitude from over expectations of the company. Also remember that recruiters will tell you everything is rosey and peachy keen at the company they are recruiting for...recruiters lie to get bodies in the door..simple as that!

Also if possible..get down to a truck stop and talk to drivers at the truck stop..same rules apply there..consider the source!

 

so many options and not enough info to go on, do what the first reply said to do, and take your time out here these trucks are not rockets, we dont want to see anything bad happen, your not out here to prove anything, safety is the name of the game. hope you pick a company that will provide you with a good trainer. good luck and it will happen for you

 

Good evening. I am from your neck of the woods, so it is nice to "hear" from someone back in Illinois. I have family members that have worked for Star Transport, based out of Morton (Peoria area). They complain like anyone does about the same crap, but most have been there well over 15 years. It is local and they love the local crowd.

Anywho, my hubby works for Swift. From my experience with him they are an alright company. He started out on 0.26/mile after his 6 weeks with a mentor. Training pay was a flat $50/day at first, then it worked its way up to (don't shoot me for my memoy) $65 a day. His mentor, who was a great guy though I know there are some crappy ones out there, allowed him to come home several times during the week- against the rules I'm told. His training area was from Albany, NY taking the Mass Pike to 495, 495 up to 95 and into Bangor, ME. I reckon learning how to drive a truck in the same setting that you have been driving your whole life is a downer, but he learned. So far he has been treated alright. The Dm is just delightful, but gets the job done and with little phone talking. yaaaaa
Pay wise, the money comes in slow. It catches up with the other big companies when the year is up. If I remember, at one year you will be around the .40 area. One their website they have a pdf with their pay scale. Though everyone has taken a penny cut per mile. Health benefits are decent (personally I think they are crappy). Home time is consistent and fair. Their idle time policy is just awful, surely other drivers will fill you in on that. He likes it, so it can not be that bad.

According to Uncle Ron (Heartland 26 years), if you do not want to be home much look into Rohel or Jb Hunt. Rohel will keep you out around 3 weeks at a time and the starting pay beats Swift (most do). Jb Hunt will not train you, but once you get your foot into the CDL club, they will keep you busy.

At the end of the day, just like the other drivers said, talk to other drivers. The I-80 truck stop in Davenport is always full with drivers. Order a cup of Joe and shoot the breeze with them. Maybe some will show you their truck and give you a leg up on those that just pick a company because the "truck is perdy". Ignore the recruiters, they are just as crooked as Blago over there. You will see how you will be attempting to compare Coke to Pepsi to RC Cola.

I hope everything goes well for you and you have a little fun out there. Hopefully my rant is of some help.
Oh- if you make it down towards the Quad Cities or Peoria, can you send me some "Kitchen Cooked" potato chips? I miss them like something fierce. haha Or how about some Taco Pizza? They don't have it around here.

 

I see your from Boston. I live near Worcester and am waiting for an orientation date with Swift in Syracuse. How are the miles you husband is getting? Does he run regional or all over? You said the home time is OK. I think I want to be out 2-3 weeks and get 2-3 days home. Any info you can give will be appriciated.

 

Good morning Bill.
D went to the Syracuse terminal as well for training. For miles it is all over the place. Some weeks are better than others, though I has yet to get anything over 2000 (now watch my numbers will be off). Sad but it beats not having any miles or a job.
He basically stays on the eastern side of things, as his nickname is "the 95 guy". Lately they have had him hopping back and for between Penn and South Shore. Nothing like working in your backyard and not being able to stop.
Consistently he is out for two weeks, 12 days, same thing. Generally two days home, though sometimes his DM gives him an extra day or cuts it short all together.

If you would like I can pass your number onto him and he would be more than happy to fill you in on anything.
Hopefully you can get situated soon and get rolling.

Enjoy your day!!

 

Thanks shades. Got to call monday to see if they have me a date. If my recruiter doesn't I might call the terminal in syracuse and talk to the recruiter there. Thanks for info. Keep us posted on how things are. there are a couple more posters that are also waiting for dates at syracuse.

 

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Shades

Got my oreintation date. I go August 4th. How long ago did your hubby go to orientation? Did he get a trainer right away or did he wait? How long did it take him to get his own truck after training? Hope he is doing good and getting the miles?

 

Back in 2008 I worked for Swift but quit because people kept burglarizing my home whenever I went out on the road. It was my experience that Swift would let you stay out almost for as long as you wanted. Don't know about the others though. I know my starting pay while with a trainer was $350 a week and when I went solo I got $.26 per mile but, got plenty of mileage.

 

I worked for Swift twice, both times I quit because of the burglary issue. I would go back in a minute if they would have me. I also want to say that my trainers were excellent fellas for the most part. No complaints. I learned a lot and they were always ready and willing to answer any and all questions I had.