Do I have a choice !?

I really hate to hear that, but can you list what you define as (all the other trucking companies)?

 

Being on ssi,ssdi will they send you to local trucking school or unemployment may send you to school. I would check unemployment first. This way you cdl is yours and no contract hanging over your head. You could then still go with Swift to get back into it but will not be under contract.

 

hey oxydizer, my husband is orientation with swift now. i too, realize everyone does not see it as a smart move. but for him it is hi foot in the door. he is a newbie, and with no experience his choices were very limited. you have to just go with your gut. do what you need to do, and i wish you the best of luck. we actually talked to some swift drivers at truck stops and they did not see it as a big mistake. good luck

 

Your biggest issue, I'm sure you have found out. Is the fact you have been OUT of trucking for so long.

Next hurdle, you now need to be trained...duh.

With the length of time you were out of the biz. Most if not all will treat you as having zero experience, and you'll need that piece of paper.

My advise, do whatever you need to do. Then you can move to greener pastures.

Check your private message box too.

 

Doesn't the government give tax credits to companies who hire SSD recipients?

I suggest you look to see if there IS an accredited trucker school in your area and go down there and talk to them about financial options and your options for employment. I know there is government financial aid for my school.

If you can pass the DOT physical, have no legal problems or accidents, go for it. If your only option is to sign a contract with Swift because everyone wants 1 year work experience I would consider working a regular job for a year. It might be better than Swift.

 

JB Hunt has been calling me forever, they are saying three months exp within the past twelve months. Harrisburg, Pa area. Also some advice from this forum, try looking for a smaller outfit, I've been talking to a guy that has his own company. He has three trucks and from what he tells me a lot more flexabilaty in his hiring demands. Also, if you can sell yourself a little, go sit at a truckstop and talk to some O/O's, you may find a willing party to team and train with on some arrangement. When you talk to recruiters that reject you, ask them if they know somebody that will talk to you, some of them are helpful. drive55cat