Back on the road

Does Swift offer a refersher coarse? I have a CDL but no recent Exp.

 

I would also like to hear from recent tainees or current drivers with Swift. Your exp. with the training, dispathers, equipment and the the company in general. Also, do they allow you to idle your turcks for comfort?

 

What is the rider policy for Swift???

 

Says in their brochure: Qualified solo drivers may bring their spouse,roommate,mother,father or child. "Stipulations and insurance charges apply" I am supossed to start 3 day orientation then 4-6 weeks with a mentor OTR starting 1/13/09.....

Birdeye

 

Birdeye, So do you already have a CDL, and if so, how long sice you last drove OTR or how much experience did you have?
I ask because I may go with swift also. I spoke with a recuiter and he told me "not hiring yet. Maybe in Jan. and since I have three months driving exp, eventhough it was 1-1/2 yrs ago, I just show up for the road test, pass it, and I'm in my truck." So my question really is;
"Is he pulling my chain and do I need to go with a mentor?

 

Yes I have my CDL-A with N&T endorsements but I drove before CDL's even existed! I drove in the late 70's early 80's OTR and local tanker gasoline/fuel oil but I went and took my own written tests then driving lessons for a refresher and it came right back to me as the instructer said it would. Rule is if you have been out of a truck longer then in one old experience is worthless. Most companys require 3 months up to even one year RECENT experience. So with Swift I go for 3 days of orientation then OTR with a mentor 4-6 weeks. I will find out tomorrow about the bus and hotel reservations, until then I don't believe it,been told many storys from several carriers! I waited a month to get into Swifts Syracuse,NY terminal as it was always full! Good luck to you as well.....

Birdeye

 

Thanks Birdeye, I will be calling a few recruiters tomorrow to check on hiing date and to clear up some question. I do want to go with a trainer for a bit as all companies have there way of doing things and I'm sure I will learn a few things. Please keep us posted on your progess with Swift.

 

I will know tomorrow when I speak to my recruiter out of Memphis,TN. I am supossed to go to orientation 1/13/09, only 2 weeks away, i'll keep you posted!

Birdeye

 

I'll tell you at 52 it's hard enough to find a job, now this #### economy doesn't help either! Hopefully Swift will take me in NY. I almost went as far as paying 4000.00 for complete training if it would help, but thats not an option with a BIG mortgage and family!

Birdeye

 

I hear you and am in the same boat. I've been in the construction and real estate industry most of my life. I did go with Gordon Trucking just out of trucking school in april 2007. I had to quite after only three months due to family problems. I did continue my real estate business but we all know how that's doing now. If I have to I will do a refresher coarse but it sounds like Swift will take me. The question is, when will they start to hire again out here. CR England has pre-hired me as well if I do a refresher coarse with them but I hear nothing but bad things about them.