Swift review, new driver

And I no longer work for Swift. I just pop in every once in a while to read good stuff and comment where I feel needed. Is that ok with you?

 

Sure lol. Well I may as well ask you how Swift is/was? Think they would be alright starting off with?

 

Not directed to me but I'll toss my two cents in anyway. I started with Swift about 10 years ago. I nearly quit driving nine and a half years ago. My DM at the time asked me to wait a month and work out of a DC that was close to my home. I enjoyed that because I got home regularly. I have since moved on to the shuttle after doing some regional stuff. I still enjoy going to work every day.

Now the trolls will come out. Swift is not for everyone, but it is as good as any other starter company, if that is what you are looking for, a place to work for a year or two while you get used to the lifestyle and demands of trucking. Many people find their niche at Swift. Like I said I have been here 10 years. I have all the good numbers and stats to go anywhere else I might desire, but I am happy here. Swift has given me the opportunity to work as I want, and I get paid more than an average rate. Is it perfect? No, but what company is? Each company has it's own form of BS that you have to learn to work around. But I, and most of the drivers here that I am friendly with, have learned to deal with the BS and make it work for us.

There are lots of drivers here that are new to the industry. There are also lots of drivers here that have been here for five,ten, or even more years. It will be what you make it to be by working the system.

 

Swift is a good place to start. Keep in mind it's a training company. I stayed with Swift for over 4 years. I wasn't the one to jump from company to company. My advice would be stay with them for 2-3 years them move on to greener pastures.

I will tell you this, you will be happier with Swift than you would be with Western Express. Swift has plenty of freight, probably more than Western Express. I know from experience, if your a runner they will keep you busy if times aren't slow. Good luck out there and remember to protect YOUR CDL! It's your lifeline to move to better companies.

 

Did you train with Swift or SNI?

 

Update. Well Western Express were and are dodgy people. Rarely got any call backs and they pretty much ignore me. Decided I am either going to go with Werner or Swift. Swift have a terminal about 50 miles away while Werner's is in Fontana. I live in Oregon. Not sure which would be the better outfit. Swift did say I might have to park the truck at the terminal. Don't have a car right now but I guess I have no problem doing my weekend reset sitting with Swift.

Flip a coin?

 

Find a another line of work ... you aren't going to make it OTR in general and Swift in particular.

 

How come?

 

It depends on the terminal. Some want you to park the truck and some will let you take it home.
If you have a safe place to park it they will usually let you take it home, if it isn't in a high risk area (like San Diego or Laredo).

 

Sorry if this offends anyone (not really , but this response is not only concise and unadorned with frivolous qualifications but straight up funny as hell .