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Does Swift still do company sponsored training for CDLs?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by theseeker, May 2, 2012.

  1. May 2, 2012 #1
    theseeker

    theseeker Light Load Member

    55
    5
    Aug 15, 2011
    Chicago, IL
    0
    I want to start a trucking career. I have essentially no money. So, my only option seems to be a program where the driver signs a deal with a new employer, and the employer pays for the training (including getting the CDL) in exchange for the driver becoming an indentured servant for--what?--I guess a year or two.

    I've been told that Swift has a program like this. I've also been told that Swift will assign a truck to each new driver. That way, I can live out of the truck for the first year, making it my (small!) apartment on wheels, avoiding the cost of rent. Sounds good.

    However, I can't find any such program of Swift's on the Web. Do they still do these deals?

    Any other companies you want to suggest? I'm in Chicago. A small dog being allowed (after I finish the training) would be a big plus, BTW.

    Also, how much can I expect to, realistically, be paid over the course of this deal? How about afterwards?

    Thanks.
     
    theseeker, May 2, 2012
    theseeker, May 2, 2012
    #1
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  3. May 3, 2012 #2
    Radman

    Radman Road Train Member

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    Apr 18, 2011
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    That's how I got into into trucking thru Swift. You just pay it back over the year. I'm sure they still do it. Yes after training you get your own truck. Just call the recruiter. I had no money so this was the best way for me and it worked out fine. Yes one year if you leave early you got to pay for what's left. Being a new driver I wouldn't leave any company for a year cause less than a year experience you'll find yourself unemployed. Don't go into like most people thinking just cause they got a cdl they are entitled to everything. Your at the bottom and have to work your way up just like any other job. Do a min year Otr, keep your record clean and you'll be alright. Then a few doors will open for you but not much.
     
    Radman, May 3, 2012
    Radman, May 3, 2012
    #2
  4. May 3, 2012 #3
    theseeker

    theseeker Light Load Member

    55
    5
    Aug 15, 2011
    Chicago, IL
    0
    It seems like after two years, then you can sign on with just about anybody.
     
    theseeker, May 3, 2012
    theseeker, May 3, 2012
    #3
  5. May 3, 2012 #4
    Radman

    Radman Road Train Member

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    Yes 2 years is a decent amount of experience and keep your record clean. If you stay 2 years the training is free they reimburse you. Pay is gonna be around 45k a year starting roughly.
     
    Radman, May 3, 2012
    Radman, May 3, 2012
    #4
  7. May 3, 2012 #5
    123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    Oct 22, 2010
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    45K a year,

    starting out ?????


    Not Bad !!!!!
     
    123456, May 3, 2012
    123456, May 3, 2012
    #5
  8. May 3, 2012 #6
    Radman

    Radman Road Train Member

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    I can't tell if there is sarcasm in that response but when I started 6yrs ago coming from a 35k a year labor job makin 40-45k was a big increase. It's decent money for a newbie IMO. I don't work there anymore. I'm currently in transition from foodservice going back to LTL linehaul. It helped me get where I'm at and I'm glad I did it.
     
    Radman, May 3, 2012
    Radman, May 3, 2012
    #6
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