Thinking about applying with Swift

I would recommend, if possible, get your CDL on your own dime.

You will go into the hole with companies like Swift. How much money you make depends upon yourself, DOT and, this is a big'n, the dispatcher you get.
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I don't believe this to be the right time to be dream'n of the "open road" right
now with this economy.
If you knew an o/o that would help you get started that may be
different. Hopefully, the economy will improve dramatically in the next few months. Listen to the veteran drivers, on here, and good luck.

 

If you get your CDL on your own dime like praireman said YOU BETTER TALK TO A COMPANY REP BEFORE YOU DO SO be cause you would be hired on as an inexperianced driver which could be harder than going through a training company. If you are going to pay for it out of your own pocket and gonna drive with a larger company why not use their training and if you decide to leave you already know that you will be getting a bill for school. The economy is tough out there and being fresh out of school the odds of getting to drive for an o/o is slim to none considering most companys want a year or two otr exp.

Good Luck

 

I looked at going to a private CDL school and decided that I should go to a company school.
1. The company school was a little cheaper.
2. Since I have been unemployed I have a low cash reserve and have to pay for the training with a loan...unfortunately.
3. A private school can not guarantee a job, but with a company training school I job is much more likely.
4. I looked at several companies and taking the cost of the training, repayment schedule, length of time to work for the company to break even, the cpm and the increases over a year, and
5. I think I have decided to go with Swift since they also have a terminal close to Kansas City where I live.

 

I wish you success and joy. My husband and I are a team for Swift, if we can be of help, let us know.

 

I'm going to swift orientation on Monday as a inexperienced driver, even though the economy stinks there is still a chance to get on with them. I did my training with a private company and the kicker is that thanks to the WIA ( Workforce Investment Act ) That the local employment agency handles, I was subsidized and they paid for all costs of going to school and since it is a Government subidized program, I do not have to pay them back. I realize that some may say that they don't want a "handout" I figured I have been paying taxes for 48 yrs and have never asked them for anything, it was time to get something more in return. Not to mention that I've been out of work for 9 months. This may or not be an option for you, but it is worth while checking out. In any case the best of luck with what ever you deside to do.

 

I also used thr WIA to get my cdl. I started with Swift, in Syracuse, NY in September. I am finishing with my mentor next week. I have had a good expierience so far. I also was out of work for 10 months when Swift hirede me. I am 58 years old and hav paid taxes for many years. don't let anybody tell you that you took a handout. We paid for that course many times over in the past.

Good luck and be careful out there.

 

I'm thinking about going to Swift also. I've been out of the OTR game for 5 years and I was told I have to go to school b4 I can get hired by them. But I was also told that they don't train anybody from Jersey. Wow!

If I can somehow get a loan for school (bad credit) do u think Swift is a good move for me? I need to stay with whoever hires me for 2yrs so I can go elsewhere with a good record or go O/O...that's what I REALLY wanna do...

 

Ya'll go for it, no time like the present !!!!!!!!!!!! From the looks of things, it appears to be a good time to start TRUCKIN !!!!!! WELCOME ABOARD !!!!!!!!


My NEW attitude !!

 

SC

in MA they want you to have a cdl. they don't have a school near here. I am finishing ny training and will go out on my own soon. hope to get a good truck.