beware of swift

I'm basically one of these new guys looking at a trucking company to apply for. Did not go to a trucking school, had previous Class A training for automatics we drove and have 3+ years experience with that. Recently got the auto tranny restriction removed, renewed my Class A and added tanker, doubles/triples and hazmat endorsements. What going into an interview or meeting "do I and should i need to know" so that I can know for a fact that I'm not being screwed over big time? I understand im a noob with no CDL truck school certificate at hand and I'm going to need on the job training and probably a tuition reimbursement program so i understand I gotta start somewhere. However, if I can go to the local In-N-Out and make the same amount of money in a week I can driving for a company, whats the point of getting into this business other then being someone who truly enjoys being on the road or trucking in general? Im not in a position to really say much as I am unemployed and have been for awhile and I thought trucking might be a good outlet to have a steady income I could build upon throughout my trucking career. After hearing so many negative things as a whole with these starter companies, im literally scared to even attempt it. I don't understand what delay time is, cents per mile, toll fees, etc. or anything like that. Im a complete newbie at the lingo and knowing what everything means. Driving for the electric company, i never dealt with these things, it was a home daily job just driving a class A truck. I just want to know when I'm sitting down talking about what im gonna make and what they can offer me, what is good to know? I have no problem saying thanks but no thanks to a company who doesn't value my services as a hard working, motivated, dedicated and very safety conscientious employee just like most of you are. I know how the game works a little but i don't wanna screw myself over by thinking i do know it all.

 

I started out with Swift after going to an outside school. Ridiculous low pay and I sat all the time. I quit after a few months and came back, but on an o/o's truck. You have to suck it up with the mega carriers until you get your two years, then you can tell them to pound sand. It's a driver last sweatshop on wheels with no life. No more mega's for me!

 

It's hilarious to me that someone actually started a new thread about Swift. Apparently they didn't see the 682 threads about the same thing that were posted previously.

 

You don't have to do two years. Usually 1 is enough to get a better OTR company to take you on. Some LTL's will hire with 6 months or even out of driving school.

 

Except, this one was originally posted in 2011.
.... And the OP hasn't been back since.

 

Applied with Old Dominion, KKW Trucking and im about to with Schneider. Any other "decent" starter companies in Southern California near Barstow, CA. that have driver training or tuition reimbursement programs? Not sure if the first two companies have driver training, but I applied anyways. Seeing as I have my class A and all endorsements and 3+ years driving experience but not in a tractor-trailer, am I gonna have to bite the bullet on a starter company for 6 months or a year to even begin thinking about getting decent pay? I guess its a good thing ive paid off most of my debt lolol.