Swift Trucking Academy-Lewiston Idaho, insights, pros and cons

Swift trucks have driver facing cameras and sound monitoring technology inside the truck. Can hear noises and voices inside the truck.
Midwest-coast Transport has a terminal in Boise and their school is in Sioux Falls, SD. No cameras or listening devices.

 

I've heard nothing but good about the schooling itself, however... Its Swift.

I don't know where you're at in ID or wherever, but you'd either go out of Lewiston or Sumner. So its quasi rural. Which means quasi quiet.

I wanted to go.. I was all gungho for swift, jumping through their hoops to go to Lewiston, not so much for the training, more or less for the 1 year exp. Don't care for the '1984' act they are doing and found it cheaper and so stinking easy to get your cdl on your own, hop on a western 11 grain train for your OTR experience, then do as you please.

Just a thought, the school is good, and the roads a callin'

 

I bought my own 160hr refresher course, $2,250 with drug test and CDL exam. Swift reimbursed me $150 month for the 13 months I worked there. My school was actually free. Think about it.

 

LOC;
Im in Boise. I want to get my CDL and hit the road. Read your post about it being easy to get your CDL. Would you take a moment to explain how its done with out a school? Im willing to travel to get my CDL and a job.
Im considering Midwest Coast Transport. Thoughts?

 

Goodluck getting hired because of insurance reasons without doing the school its almost a requirement now.

 

What co.'s are the 'grain trains' ?? Where ? Who ? How ?
More info please ?

 

You didn't directly quote me, I'm sorry for the delay!

Best way, go take the written tests for; Tanker, hazmat , doubles & triples ( big plus here in Idaho) get your permit. Get on with a farming outfit, get your experience hauling silage, manure, beets, hay, etc. Get comfortable with the controls, handling characteristics etc. When you feel good, call a tester that rents a truck and trailer ( I think topgun is down your way) test out, and get on with a mom and pop haul. Small fleet. KDK is looking for drivers, Maxi FB, apexis.

You can get down my way in Twin and run SLC back to TF year round with intermodal from Standlee Hay.