And you are by no means alone in being a driver who started with Swift then stayed with Swift.
Considering a Career Change, Where to Start?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by glbtrekker, Jul 25, 2022.
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Lostmykey, Another Canadian driver and Moosetek13 Thank this.
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Another Canadian driver and Moosetek13 Thank this.
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From day one I have worked with the best driver managers, and I think at the best terminals.
All the horror stories about Swift never applied to me, so I just fell into the right fit from the beginning.
Fontana, Otay Mesa, Inver Grove Heights, and now Menasha terminals.
All small terminals, so more of a family atmosphere where people really care.Another Canadian driver and Northern Nomad Thank this. -
Lostmykey, Another Canadian driver, Moosetek13 and 2 others Thank this.
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Home - Premier Refrigerated TransportAnother Canadian driver and glbtrekker Thank this. -
Last edited: Jul 30, 2022
Another Canadian driver and glbtrekker Thank this. -
Thanks everyone, I'm old enough to realize that every job has it's challenges. Often times what determines the difference is a person's attitude. A positive attitude, a humble spirit and kindness can take you far in life. The absence of those qualities can make any job feel like misery.
I do appreciate the insights given here and I can learn from the experience of others whether positive or not. Personally, I choose to look for the best in a new opportunity while being aware of any potential drawbacks. I feel those negative concerns have been adequately expressed in various outlets by individuals who are struggling with their career choice for whatever reason.
And yes, I have much to consider, but the appeal of seeing the country (at least some of it), and having some "quiet" time (no meetings, counseling sessions, teaching responsibilities, etc.), while earning a living is intriguing. Sure, you have to deal with disgruntled individuals here and there, but I'll assure you, they are everywhere .
Now, back to the original question. Does anybody have an opinion on a good starter company? I'm leaning toward contacting Millis, but I would also like to run all 48 if possible.
Also, is $50-60k + benefits reasonable to expect for the first 1-2 years? And then find a position earning closer to $80-100k, i.e. someone like Walmart?
Thanks again everyone!Another Canadian driver Thanks this. -
Wilson Logistics runs 48 states. School is in Springfield, Missouri.
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CDL Training | Truck Driving Jobs | Wilson Logistics
CDL Training | Truck Driving Jobs | Wilson LogisticsAnother Canadian driver and glbtrekker Thank this. -
Walmart requires 30 mos. experience.
Another Canadian driver Thanks this. -
A good starter company?
See posts 14, 17, 19, 27 & 48 in this same thread.
Walmart is NOT a "starter" company; as stated above--they require at least 30 months experience--& they also will "slip seat" you for your first several years there (ecccchhh!!!).
Millis is indeed a good starter company, but you probably won't see all of the lower 48 with them. Mostly the eastern US.
I started out with Schneider. If you want to see all of the lower 48, pass them by. Being in TN--you probably won't see west of I-35 with them.
If I had it to do over again, knowing what I now know--I would probably give Swift a call. Your odds of seeing the entire lower 48 are MUCH better with them. With Swift--you could start out doing dry van, & then later switch over to reefer duty (if you still wanted to)--and also stay with the same employer.
If you started out with Swift--you would also have access to all their terminals/dropyards--as well as those for Knight Transportation (Swift's "sister" company). Especially for a beginning driver--having access to a lot of terminals/dropyards for safe, legal, respectable parking is a BIG advantage.
For that matter--Knight Transportation is also another good "starter" company, as well. Same thing there--you'd have access to all of Swift's locations, too.
Another advantage with Swift (or Knight)--the business world says we're now going into a recession. No one really knows (yet) just how bad (or long) it will turn out to be.
Running with a carrier like Swift or Knight that has a VERY LARGE base of freight is a really good place to be in an economic contraction.
They will be much more likely to keep you running--instead of sitting and waiting for your next load.
--LualAnother Canadian driver, glbtrekker and Northern Nomad Thank this.
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