Californian looking for paid CDL training

Swift isn't as bad as people make it out to be. I wouldn't say to stay there 15 years or anything but it's better than starving. For a temporary gig, you can get hooked onto them in no time and they will usually leave you alone unless you run over a lot of people

 

Before you sign up with a reefer fleet -- ask them what you are paid for "detention" time -- the time you waste while sitting at someone's dock -- hoping they will find the time to unload you before your DOT clock for the day runs out.

It will likely be, "after the 1st 2 hours, it's $X per hour"...or something like that.

Are you there to work for free?

If not -- start things off in dry van -- which are mostly "drop & hook" loads, instead.

A lot less working for free there. You'll spend more time moving & FAR LESS time sitting & waiting.


-- L

 

Flatbed, I did it for 3 years with them, loved it, home time is not a problem along i5 or 99 for sure.

 

Swift Refrigerated 100%.
With refrigerated experience, you'll always have a decent job.

 

Avoid reefers. Just don't do it if you can help it. I have no idea why, but if you deal in cold food, you end up working with the crazies and the people that have had 19 lobotomies. Grocery stuff is like a mental hospital. Unloading heavy stuff that's messy and poorly loaded. Heavy. And sitting. A lot. Just try not to.

 

Some of us love the reefer life. I made a great career with reefers. 18 years OTR pulling reefers. No regrets!

 

Thats great. I know a lot of Publix guys that are loving it. I can't do it. I would do Publix probably though. I doubt if I could deal with starting in a warehouse and waiting to be a driver. No! Sysco would have to absolutely suck!