Western Express or Swift?

as long as the bunk restraint is working and in place you can.

 

Oh you be quiet.

 

Hey OP,

Look...a huge % of people responding haven’t driven for either. So they’re most likely just repeating #### they’ve heard from other people. Some may have seen an idiot or two.

Let’s be clear they’re are better choices, but if you’re new or maybe had a slip up on something then listening to the experienced drivers about these carriers isn’t that relevant. If you have options to go to a high end carrier do it. If you’re new you don’t have that option, you need experience and that means a starter company.

There are a lot of really good drivers that drive for Swift or Western Express. They’re happy there and they’ve been there for years. Don’t discount that. I’m not a felon or 2nd chance driver. I needed experience and Western fit the bill. I’m coming up on a year there and I’m happy. Yes I will explore options after my one year mark, but it would need to be pretty significant to get me to leave.

Lastly when I speak about Western I only reference the Bloomington yard in California for the Western 11. I’ve “heard” unflattering things about the other terminals but I have no first hand experience. I earned my CDL, went to orientation with Western and did my training drive time . They then gave me a brand new tractor, and have kept me rolling and paid me fairly for the experience I have. Honestly, what else can you expect?

 

Im gonna second what otterinthewater has said. I would use them to get experience then get to a better place after a solid year. I drove truck about 12 years, took a local non driving job that fit my circumstances. Decided to get back into driving after circumstances were more favorable. Found out that despite having 12 years, with no driving in the last 3 years, I was basically considered a noob driver and no one would hire me. I was completely baffled. Perfect record too.

Western hired me and I was doing decent for a while. Mileage started to shrink dramatically after I turned them down to become a trainer. Recently turned my truck in and lined up for a better job that has a way better overall package. Good low cost benefits, PTO, safety bonuses, weekly home time (i ran regional before , I know what this actually means), matching 401k, health all after just 60 days. Oh and it’s dedicated multi stop with minimal pay guarantee.

 

I work with western Express right now and my experience is ok. But I believe swift will pay you better since at western were on a sliding payscale.

 

I have a friend who drives for Swift. He’s on a sliding pay scale as well.

 

Exactly. Get what you need. If your happy stay, otherwise move on.

 

What does Western pay experienced drivers? My husband needs to ride out an accident he had and doesn't have great choices. The recruiter told him 40 cpm and he was just told today (as a group) that they would be paying 31 cpm. He earned more than that starting out as a noob... has 7 years experience now.

 

Whatever the recruiter said...just get it in writing.