Looking into getting into company paid training school.

Mikos, if you want some information or advice on Swift as a company, training, school etc I suggest posting over on the Swift boards. There are those of us who drive for Swift and can certainly tell you what it's like. There are also those who don't like Swift and will tell you their opinions.

Sometimes it's good to get actual and current information. If I can help you in anyway I'll be happy to.

 

Yes, they have a school in Buffalo, NY... well actually Niagara Falls more specifically. I believe its a school that they have a deal with rather then a company training facility. I am attending the program next week. They do not give you a room there though. Lucky for me I am from Buffalo so I can stay with some friends that still live there. I also heard that the school there is a 4 week program instead of 3. Not sure if its true or not but hey an extra week to learn cant be a bad thing... except for your pocket expenses.

 

They have a school in Conley, GA as well.

check out their website. they also have a huge thread. Cent ref truck stop I think is what it's called.

 

I would say no to Werner and CR England. I am going with Prime. I know there are horror stories too, however, they seemed the most upfront and honest with me when I called the recruiters. Prime pays $600 a week training pay as the others are less. Stevesn I believe is $350 a week. Stevens is a good training company but on other websites other truckers told me I'd starve to death. Basically, I was told go to Prime get the "real world" experience they offer in traininng and then make a decision down the road in a year where you want to go or stay. Just my .02

Good luck to all.

 

I signed on with Roehl. I start school the 20th of sept. I researched for a couple of months before I signed on. Not only did I searched the web for info on them I also talked to current and former drivers with them including a drivers wife who's husband has been with them since 93.

If there is one thing I have learned in the many years of working for different company's is that the truth is in the pudding. Meaning that the truth will be found only through personal experience.

Life is about choices, and the choices we make today will influence the rest of our lives.

Best of luck in your endeavor.

 

In all honesty I have NO experience. Not to mention Im in the "can't afford to pay" boat as well. These training schools PRAY on guys like us, I know that. But in the same aspect, were using them too. I almost got a job with Prime. I was in the final stages, application looked great and had a class start date locked in. Now here is where MY problem kicks in. I'm just a little different than most. I'm FTM transgender ( born a woman and physically transitioning into a man) And yes I am aware most of you could be offended by this. (don't care) but I was concerned about the hotel arrangements. I, being the respectable person that I am, didn't want to make anyone uncomfortable. Seeing as I LOOK like an ordinary man but all of my paperwork/ ID's say female. So I was honest with my recruiter in hopes of avoiding any potentially embarrassing or dangerous events while in school. She tells me she has to speak with her supervisor and that she will get back with me. About a week later I still had no call back, no email...nothing. So I call, got voicemail and left a message. I called back on the third day of waiting. I was told that this was my recruiters off day and that she would contact me the next day. An hour later I had an email stating that they were going to persue "more qualified applicants." dispite your personal views BUSINESS should be JUST THAT, business. So big blue screw or not, any company willing to let me prove my worth by my performance (and let me take my dog with me) is worth working for.

 

Why don't you find a school. Say nothing about your personal situation or aspirations. Do what you have to do to get through training. Get assigned a truck and be on your way.

The Mega-Companies have a large pool of trainees to choose from. We are in a depressed economy and a flooded job market. Excel in training and don't talk about things that have nothing to do with the job. If you want this bad enough you can figure out what it will take to be successful.

 

Look into FFe,They have a school,and with the typical stay on a year and you owe nothing,I have heard good things about there school.They have decent equipment,and will run you.School is intense from what i have heard look up the playmaker on good trucking companies forum,he went through and likes them alot.I work for them but already had my lisc. so no need for there schooling.Just do yourself a favor do not sign on for a lease program until you run for a while get to know the industry or you would be sure to fail.Good luck.

 

I've always had better luck with smaller companies than larger ones. There are smaller places (up here in Grand Rapids, anyway) that will put you through school/training, just like the bigger companies.

Honestly, don't expect to learn much at the school, though. In my experience, they don't teach you anything other than how to back around cones and how to pass your written CDL test. Sort of a waste of $5,000, if you ask me. BUT, if that's your only entryway into your career, there's not much else you can do.