Im looking at schools right now and

I talked with a Swift recruiter this a.m. They would send me to Lewiston. Only thing with them is that I would have to have all my endorsements etc. and I don't have the money to do that. I am sure it was Swift that said that. I tried two others, Central and CR England.

I am with you on the "contract" thing. If that is what I have to do to get to work, I will do it. Right now, I just have to wait and see what this grant will pay and what it won't. On some things, I am just between a rock and hard place because of my finances(lack thereof)so we will see what options I might have.

I believe in you nana, don't sweat what some people might say.

Denise

 

Swift would train me in Lewiston branch. Go in from scratch, no previous schooling. I am sure he said I needed to bring my endorsements with. I can look again. He sent me 5 emails with info. I'll be back and post it here nana Denise

Heres the letter, I'll bold the reqiuirements I can't swing financially, and why I'll stick with IITR for now:

From Richard Landino # Swift:

Thank you for your recent on-line application sent in on the Swift web site. My name is Rich Landino and I am a recruiter based at the main office of Swift Transportation in Phoenix, AZ. We are currently recruiting individuals who would like to obtain a CDL class A license, and are looking for a career with Swift. The following are new procedures that are in effect to make the hiring process easier for you the student. It allows you the opportunity to study from home and prepares you for the written test prior to going to the DMV in your home state to obtain your class A permit.

New Procedures for obtaining CDL Licensing -

Each student must have a permit from his home state and must have it in his possession for 30 days prior to taking the actual driving test at the local Dept of Motor Vehicles. Students will also be required to have a Dept of Transportation physical in their possession prior to entering the Swift school you will be attending. You must take the general knowledge, airbrakes, and combination tests as part of your CDL permit, otherwise you will not be able to attend the academy. (Important) - You must make a copy of your current license before you go to your local dmv to take the permit test because we need proof that you have held a valid license for the past 12 months. The copy needs to be faxed to me after you have obtained your permit.

In order to take the permit test, Swift has developed a training program that will not only instruct you on obtaining a CDL, but will also test your skills as you proceed through the program. The web site to access this program is_________________and is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Once your application is received and completed, you will receive a logon name and password to access the program. You will then be asked to change the password to something you will remember. Once you have started the program, you have 7 days to finish and complete the training seminar. After that, you should make an appointment with your local DMV to take the permit test. The cost of the physical will vary from state to state.

Once you have the permit, receipt, and long form of the physical, you will then be scheduled to attend 13 days of training at one of our training academies.. Swift will pay for the transportation via Greyhound, however, you are responsible for your own meals. You are also responsible for the cost of the hotel which is $500 which will be deducted out of your weekly pay check in a deduction of $26.00 per week. In addition, there is a sitting fee of $150 that is required at both the San Antonio Academy, and the Phoenix Academy. Upon completion of the training you will return home and spend 1 week with a Swift trainer before you are taken to DMV to take the actual driving test and obtain a CDL license in your home state. Once you have the license, Swift will schedule you for 2-3 days of orientation, followed by (6) weeks with a trainer/mentor. At this point, you begin to get paid $450 per week for the first 4 weeks, and $500 per week for the last 2 weeks. You will then be assigned your own tractor and start to work solo and be paid .25 per mile. Over the first year, you will receive five pay increases on your 3rd month, 4th month, 6th month, 9th month, and at your 1st year anniversary. At this point you will be paid .32 per mile, and the pay will continue to increase on a annual basis until you have reached your 5th year with Swift, at which time you will be at the maximum pay level.

Cost of the program is $3900 and each student will sign a contract that they will work with Swift for 13 months. Over the 13 months, Swift will deduct $37.50 from your weekly paychecks, and by the end of the 13th month, you will have paid in $1950. At that point, Swift will match your $1950 and pay off the $3900 loan, so basicly, it is only costing you $1950 if you stay the entire 13 month. If you leave sooner, you are responsible for the balance of the total $3900 minus what had been paid in toward the loan. If you decide to stay with Swift ( and I hope you will make this a career), Swift will reinburse you $37.50 per week until you have been paid back the $1950 that had been deducted the prior year.

 

I just spoke to the WIA Instructor today and he said that all WIA was giving out for IITR was 3,000 dollars right now. That 3000 can be used however we need to as far as schooling and/or other fees. It will be at least 900 more out of my pocket he said. I am still researching other schools and company schools, most of the info I've gotten is from Swift for attending their school in Lewiston. I'm into a contract with them of course but this would be better than no job.

It's so hard and when I say I am financially strapped, it means I don't have 22.50 for the permit itself even. I have my sister that may be able to help with some very small costs, like the 22.50 but it is just getting organized, knowing when and how much out-of-pocket there will be for me. Swift pays for the motel in Lewiston, but you pay them back, and you have to provide your own eats for 13 days. Well, that's great if there is a microwave and I can buy my own groceries, cheaper, wayyyyyyyyy cheaper than restaraunts.

Just overwhelmed with figuring it all out so it will work for me.

actually, something that paid ALL costs is what I need. Yes, I could pay it back with a job but up front costs may push me right out of my chance to be a long-hauler. Not that I am giving up, there must be a way.

 

I go check LB, thank you so much. I am hoping they have the school in their company? Denise

 

Just spoke with a recruiter for the NW States. They are recruiting any new graduates but I asked about "their" school and he said there is one in Colorado as well. So I filled out an online application. I have nothing for work-history. I doubt they'll even write me back. All they wanted was last 3 years and all I've done is work in a motel for 4 months(seasonal)and take care of property and animals to barter for my trailer rent. Writing that out is depressing. What I need is a miracle