Swift for Me

Swift has a habit of advertising regional, but when you get there, go through orientation, get done with your training, that dedicated or regional job "just" got filled, so its national or nothing.

 

the short answer? NO.
Why ignore the reams of stories and complaints you find here because their website has a pretty map?
Most ALL companies have similar maps, and they all include a nice big bubble for Illinois because of the amount of freight going in and out of Chicago. You can work for a Florida based firm and they will also be trying to attract Illinois drivers for the same reason. Stick with the firms that have good reps before settling with someone like Swift. This forum is full of "I told you so" posts.
One hint is that there are only SIX companies listed in the "who is the worst?" poll, and Swift has honorary top spot.

 

Well, man if you're looking in IL, you will be able to find lots of work around the Chicago/Rockford/Springfield Area. Hey some make it with swift, so let us know.

 

Be sure to come back here and tell us what happens, no matter what. If it works out and you're happy, tell us. If this move turns out to be one of the biggest mistakes of your life, be a man and come back here and tell us.

Sorry if I sound like I have an attitude, but many a guy will go against the grain, discover the wise owls (the EX-drivers at Swift) were right after all, and are never heard from again. Lame.

Coming back and confirming the truth, whether the company is good or it sucks, ultimately helps others who lack critical, unbiased information make good decisions.

Good luck. I hope it works out. There is at least one insider at Swift trying to make it work there. He comes here from time to time. Maybe you'll get such a person as your DM.

Don't fall off the earth.

 

I too was thinking of Swift being the company to go for...lots of trucks...lots of new shiney trucks...etc. Then I came on here and pretty much 95% of the comments about swift are negative. Some make it work....sort of like how some jump out of a plane without a parachute and manage to live. Overall however, the general consensus seems to be loud and clear and that is to stay away from swift.

There is a lot of freight in the Chicago area....I repeat Chicago....Chicago. From what it sounds like...if you want to lose money, go and drive through Chicago. Many companies avoid cities like Chicago by routing you through around them or simply avoid them all together like New York. sure, there maybe lots of work there, but it seems to be a place many truckers just don't like going through because of the traffic and such. Very time consuming. You actually might be better off with a company that has you occasionally sit for a few hours than a company that sends you to drivers nightmare where you waste good amounts of time in traffic.

 

Ding. Sounds like somebody has it figured out. Yeah, stay away from Swift until futher notice, a notice that will come in about five years' time. You live on I-80, so you can easily find work at a good company.

Chicago would be the last place I'd want to go on a regular basis. If I worked for Swift, I'd be pulling a 53 footer behind the big power unit, meaning I'd be over 70 feet long and 13-6 high. What a fun rig that'd be to manuever in Chicago day in and day out. Talk about a scenario in which the driver would be just begging to screw up his driving record with a DACcident or three. No thanks.

 

Hey Tip...I have a question for ya...unrelated to this particular thread. You are in Utah, somewhere, lol. Im going to be moving towards western Utah and am looking for a good trucking company that works in the area. I know that there is a huge boom going on with the oil fields and such, but Im not too sure on any good companies or those to stay away from. I got a list of places to check out, although i think I need to find a local office as the webpages don't help at all.

Here is the list of who I was told to call:
Solvay Chemical
General Chemical
FMC Corp
OCI Corp
Church and Dwight (arm and hammer)
Rhone Poluel (spelling is wrong im sure)
Bridger Coal
Black Butte Coal
SF Phosphates
Halliburton (Dick Cheney!!)
Schlumberger

Any tips or advice? I was planning on going to St. Lake City to Sage to get my CDL, but I figured if there was a good local company (one of those) to hook onto and get training, Id be set.

Thanks,
Ryan

 

I'm not sure I would base my choice on this alone. My husband started with Swift. He ran out of the Gary,In terminal.(IN A hub area) He was suppose to be on a dedicated route. He ran it here and there. But as he gained more experience. He seemed to never be on it! He ended up out West bouncing around for weeks at a time. I think they like to reserve these routes for their Trainers, so the newbies can know their route and help make the learning process easier. JMO