Swift Flatbed, 11 western states and Phoenix CDL training?

Just so you're aware Roehl have you sign a contract saying you will complete 75,000 miles with them after training, otherwise you have to pay 3 grand or something like that. Heard they are a good company though.

 

GWS, official swift policy is more than 72 hours off = turn your truck in. However the flatbed division is way more flexible with this policy. I have taken 8 days off and kept my truck. However I usually kept it to 3-4 days to keep the peace.

Light side, there are a few very rare canada runs here and there but they are voluntary and usually get brokered out.

 

What about badges and lanyards? I like official identification.
I also had a question about taking a truck home. Will they let me park it at a truck stop or Lowes?

 

Have you looked at a state agency? Sometimes the job centers have a program where they will pay for half of your CDL training (at any trucker school in the state) and the rest through a trucker loan company you pay but most entry level truck companies will pay off in the form of tuition reimbursement.

 

I like Swift because they give you a choice and the ability to run van if no flatbed freight available. They are easy on idling. Bigger company usually means consistency when it comes to miles and pay. Direct deposit. Lots of terminals around the US which is good in case you have a mechanical issue (with some being upgraded recently with better showers etc). If you live in the east then Roehl is a good choice but they don't have many terminals out west except in Arizona. Roehl also have the home time options but I think any trucking company will keep you out a long time because that's the nature of the job. So they are all the same really in that regard.

Others mention the driver facing cameras with Swift but I don't have a problem with it. So long as it doesn't bump on when I am on lunch or something. My Swift recruiter was also a really cool guy, very patient and helpful. Sounded positive and he's been with the company for 5 years. That makes a difference for me. Roehl was nice as well I have to say but I didn't go with them because of the contract and being far away from a terminal.

As for flatbed stuff. I hear Roehl has more interesting freight. Someone posted a pic of them hauling a Thomas the tank engine replica. Others I've seen include farming machinery and military vehicles.

 

Swift have bunk heaters. Some say the APU thing isn't really a necessity it's more something luxurious to have. Would help preparing meals though. I was going crazy too reading and thinking about it all. Don't over think it too much. I spent a month and a half looking at a lot of companies. All the starter companies are basically the same. Just got to weigh your options with what they offer the driver. Word of advice though. Don't commit to orientation without fully knowing what you want to do. Made that mistake Someone said on here that going a long ways for orientation isn't always a good idea just in case you don't like it. Remember as well that they might send you home (or sit in a hotel for a few days) after orientation if there is no trainer available right away, so it's nice going with a company that is close by. Hope that helps. Best of luck.

 

Swift does not issue employee IDs. Having a TWIC card is helpful since the flatbed division does pull port loads. I've been to the baltimore, LA, and san diego port personally. If you don't want to deal with the ports, don't get a TWIC, or don't tell Swift you have one. It isn't required. Other identification includes uniforms, shirts, and vests. The uniforms are khaki with orange high vis accents and name tags. The shirts are bright green with silver high vis and say Swift flatbed division. The vests say Swift flatbed division. Vests are free, shirts and uniforms you have to buy.

Taking a truck home will depend on if you're under a load or not. If you are loaded, parking at a truck stop would be the best bet. If you are empty, they will want you to drop the trailer off at a terminal, and then you can bobtail to your house.

I agree Roehl pulls a more interesting blend of freight than maverick, tmc, and melton. But so does Swift. However if you're running the 11 western, freight diversity goes way down. You mainly get the cool stuff in the mid west and east coast.