Diary of a New Swift Driver

My experience is that your reward will be directly proportional to your energy and attitude. Do what you have to do for the first year. You will be tested, you will get frustrated and want to quit a gazillion times, and you will want to kill or at least slowly dismember an idiot or two. Just think of your family and what you've lost. You will succeed based on what you put into it.

It sounds like your head is screwed on pretty well. Good luck to you.

 

All the above is true. So well said!

 

Gold Miner, I lost my job in late 08 and attended Millington in January of 09. I was broke too, but had more than most. No one in my room went hungry. We pooled our money and bought groceries. Everyone was welcome to what the room had. We helped a guy who didn't have a rain coat get one. It was very much a unifying experience.

As my late father-in-law used to say, "Lean on the Lord boy...he's got might broad shoulders." You'll do fine.

 

You won't make much your first year. Probably around $40,000 or so. But hey, that $40,000 is $40,000 more than you made last year!

Don't say no to dispatchers. Don't run illegal! But don't turn down loads if your don't have to. Show Swift that your willing to run hard, and they'll reward your with miles.

Miles may be tough at first, while they feel you out. But it'll get better.

You know a thought here you may wanna think about. Once your on your own, maybe you should think about taking your wife with ya. You may come out ahead financially. Don't have to worry taking off to see your wife, just keep on rolling! See the country, and your wife doesn't have to work in the C-Store.

Throw all your stuff in a couple storage sheds. And make a ton of money! Couple years at 40 or 50 grand with little to no bills, would change your world for the better.

Good luck rookie!!!!


Conservative to the Bone.

 

You're right about running hard and they will show you miles but first year won't be even close to 40k unfortunately. First 6 months are pretty hard but survive that and everything gets better.

 

Good advice Stoney about the wife going out with him. Gold_Miner...keep me posted on what things you have to take with you to the Academy when you go. I'm heading to San Antonio in December. Hopefully everything will work out for you. Keep us all posted.

 

if you dont mind a little hard work between driving there are alot of flat bed carriers that will get you home every weekend and pay just as well or better than swift. I went that route right out of school and havnt missed a weekend with my wife and kids the whole time ive been driving. I bring home between $700-850 a week.

 

You'll make 30 to 35 your first year.

Keep your nose clean, and in 5 to 8 you'll be making 60 to 80.

Stay safe!


Conservative to the Bone.

 

Yep! Sitting in Lathrop now waiting to take stuff back to Portland. My mentor lives about 30 miles from me so I'll get home for Thanksgiving. Everything is great so far!