First Year Pay at swift

Any possitive info on Swift would be greatly appreciated.

I'm 99.9% positive the truck will be white....

That said, they're not that bad. It's a good place to get yer feet wet.

 

w
Thanks rubbergearsnextyear...Swift told me it would be regional but If it's 3 weeks out then I'll just have to suck it up. I have to get in this industry somehow.

 

Well trucking companies have a funny definition of "region". I've been to the terminal up there in your neck of the woods several times and they're nice people there.

Terminal's a little small, but you're in a good area. You don't have to stay out 3 weeks, I did that by choice but most of the time they'll make you stay out at least 12 days before going home (OTR). I used to get an extra day occasionally, but they started getting strict about it towards the end of my time there.

You could do alot worse than Swift, trust me on that!

 

Anymore of this possitive feedback im looking at swift solo. Its either swift solo or Werner doing team and i dont really want that so it sounds like swift.
Thanks

 

Being in Michigan you might do some GM or Chrysler loads. Maybe Laredo and back. I have done Laredo to Flint, to Yipsilanti, to Memphis. Both GM loads.

It is possible to make decent money. Learn the "Mac 10" is what I have been told. Give the planners the best info you can to keep you rolling.

I am going solo in a few days.

 

Swift before werner, in MY opinion !!!!!!!!!

 

One thing you need to realize is the IRS allows you $42.70 a day that you are out (yes even layover days) to deduct from your taxes. I have filed "single with 3 deductions" so I can get more take home.

When you get $450 a week to train that gave me $369 take home for four weeks. Last two weeks of your training you get $500 before taxes.

You want to make money as a newbie? Get your frikken hazmat! Not required at Swift. If they told me right it is an extra $.03 a mile on the Hazmat loads. Also they told us that the company will run your butt off if you have the endorsement!

Really $35K a year in trucking OTR is like making more at a regular job. The best way to take advantage of the tax deduction is to eat cheap on the road! a jar of peanut butter and a loaf of wheat bread will last a long time. Wheat bread doesn't mold as fast!

Don't buy stupid trinkets in the truck stops! Buy a Petro mug=free coffee or soda at any Petro!

If you are working for Swift get a Love's card, ask they have them behind the desk. Get a Petro, and a T/A card. When you are on duty your mentor cannot use his Comcard to buy fuel. It would be a log violation. You usually get 50gal minimum=free shower good for 5 days, Loves is 7 days. Points are good for spending in the store. 1 gallon of fuel=1 point. These don't expire as long as you keep using it. Don't bother getting a Flying J card as we don't fuel there. If you need a shower it is $10 most places, use the card and it is free. You can get a team shower for the same as 1 shower. You have to do that at the fuel desk.

Most of the time I fuel at Pilot, there's just more of them!

You can build up points and get free food at some locations.

BTW I have a Love's mug, Pilot mug too. They sell the coffee cheaper if you have their mug.

 

thank you for the info rug tucker. i will find out were im going tomorrow.

 

Thanks for all the good info, I see your ex-trucker 8 yrs. I was wondering did you have to go through a trucking school to get on with swift or did you already have a CDL with no recent experience ?
TIA, bill

 

I had a "chauffer's license" back in the 80's. You took a written test and you were a truck driver! I did straight trucks, drywall, concrete, block. Local 6 county area driving flat bed with a 38ft trailer. Then did some jet and Avgas on line haul. Never did any mountains! South Florida. I let my license go in '90/ I went to TN Tech for 218 hrs, 36 days.

I have done some big mountains! Grapevine, Donner, Eastern Utah on 70, Colorado, Wolf Creek Pass etc.

Hoping to get my road test and go solo in the next day or two.

BTW don't take my tax advice!