My Current Swift Experience

LOH RN · Jun 28, 2008

Behindthewheel said: ↑

I have been through their training. There are four to a room using bunk beds that are provided by swift.

You do not get a continental breakfast in order to keep the costs of the contract between swift and the hotel down.

Swift is the same price as Schneider, however, Schneider tacks on 18% interest. Schneider's price includes the higher hotel rate that has continental breakfast, so in all actuality, the actual program is less.

During the three weeks of school, there would be a lot of rumors flying around from other students, a lot of which was not true. There were canopies out in the training yard for week 2 (week 1 is all classroom), but it was still hot. They are building permanent covers which are bigger, but in Phoenix it's still hot!

If for some reason you are not able to complete training as long as you made an effort by repeating a week, Swift will pay for your bus ticket home. If you were doing something stupid or got sent home because of inaccurate information on your application, or you have a positive drug screen, you get sent home at your expense.

The first two weeks out with a trainer were not bad, but there were things that I knew that he didn't and was supposed to know. They did work with me for coming home since my wife had a high chance of delivering our first child early which did happen.

There were some issues to start with. They did not have me coded as being with a trainer so I could not sign in to get paid. They fixed that. My Comdata card was blocked, they fixed that. I was unable to and still could not fuel using my comdata card so that still needs fixed, so my trainer had to take a log violation in order to log that we fueled with his card.

I told Swift that if there are things that happen frequently that would delay me and cause me to not make the money, I will look for work elsewhere, as I have a family to support and can not afford to be detained due to errors in the system.

I am just keeping everything cool though, so I can have a good report on my DAC. I would have been hired by Crete if I would have had the money to put myself through a community college to get my CDL, so I am definitally leaving that option open by not messing up at Swift, and giving them no reason to want to report something bad. I would hate to have to take the time to appeal, and then give them a bad report

I will follow this up after I get back from the rest of my six weeks of training (four weeks left). I leave Saturday, so I really do hope all goes well.

They have been cleaning house and hopefully the company and the rep will improve for everyones sake.
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Well, one just can't help but congratulate you on your new baby girl and good luck with your driving job, too.

Snowman&Fred · Jul 7, 2008

Karnaj said: ↑

I just completed my training at the Lewiston School and it was the complete opposite of what I read online it to be. Everything I read said they falsify test results and put unhealthy people on the road, didn't happen most people that left was on the first day because they didn't meet Swift health standards or DOT health standards, We had a class of 18 with 1 Classroom instructor, 2 range instructors and no more then 4 per truck for our road week. They work hard to help you get the skills to pass, they won't give you the pass you have to earn it. We stayed at the Super 8 Motel, had a breakfast well nothing like a Ramada but can't complain, the room was double occupancy don't really care. There were complaints that they didn't emphasize safety and that was the complete opposite, we were told many times that if we didn't like our mentor, bad hygiene, unsafe driving, or what ever to get a new one asap and report him/her.

Karnaj
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that is good for me. If i go with Swift, i'll be going to Lewiston. Tell me what else to expect? They professional or rude?? Instructors know their stuff? (obviously know more than me) how were the conditions? got any pictures to share??

Snowman

GreenhornTrucker · Jul 12, 2008

Snowman&Fred said: ↑

that is good for me. If i go with Swift, i'll be going to Lewiston. Tell me what else to expect? They professional or rude?? Instructors know their stuff? (obviously know more than me) how were the conditions? got any pictures to share??

Snowman
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Yeah fill us in...hey there Snowman...Im going to San Antonio for my Swift training August 6....I'm really curious too...I've read a lot of threads about training programs but the threads are usually old....

Snowman&Fred · Jul 13, 2008

My biggest thing, is that there are SO MANY opinions. some dont like 'mills' some just say 'get your CDL', some say the industry is slowing down, etc. If it is slowing, and i can still get into Swift, and they will get me on the road making money, why not go with Swift. I need 2 yrs experience before getting on at a car hauling company (already lined up), dont matter WHERE i go, ill be there for 2 yrs.

inthewindaz · Sep 2, 2008

Behindthewheel said: ↑

For anyone that goes to any company and has to be with a mentor/trainer for any length of time, do not stay with someone you are uncomfortable with. Request to go back to the terminal where you can get a new trainer.
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Amen to that...

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