Swift Transportation Company, Inc. - Phoenix, Az.

They way I have understood dedicated accounts, is that they usually do pay well. That is why most people try to get on one when they come available..

 

Truth be told, back in the 80's I cleaned the restrooms at Huntington Beach, Ca including the womens, except having to plunge the toilets a couple of times a week, we spent more time cleaning the men's room.

 

well then that was the exception

 

Will be an interesting year. Made a little less last year, since i was solo for more weeks than other years. Had a great December as a trainer, we ran hard. Not sure if I have a student for Saturday or not yet. Overall, I did ,and still will make more than I could at most companies out there, solo or not. My students learn, and I get great reviews. Only had one over 3 years that had a minor backing accident(hit a dumpster). Some have become trainers themselves, and most get the hang of the job quickly when solo, and never call for questions. I prefer, and sit up front for the first week, then with most students we team for the other 5 weeks.

The shower thing stinks(lol), guess will have to try to shower same time as fueling in most cases I suppose.

 

I ran on a Rite Aid dedicated that paid 2 cents less per mile then otr but always had multi-stops and driver unload. Once or twice a week would get 2 dispatches. Made about the same per week was home every day and had Sundays off. Also paid holiday when the stores where closed. I also did a Wal-mart grocery dedicated for a while same mileage pay as otr but always had multi-stops made it home once a week.

 

Hello Truckers of the world! This is my first post. I happen to be in a family of both former, present and future drivers. My youngest son is to report to Swift on the 9th of March. After hearing that I (or someone in the family) should check on Swift's reputation, I promptly did so tonight. Not liking what I have seen so far (and yes I have lots more to read up on) I'm at a loss. Total confusion is probably a better word. My youngest potential driver comes from a very long line of excellent truck drivers and has his hopes set VERY high to become just like them. Now, as a Mom, I'm worried he may have gotten in to something that he's going to be miserable with. I realize that no one can steer us in a "better" direction. The largest problem he has had in making his decision has been the fact that many of the companies no longer pay for you to take the now VERY EXPENSIVE driving school. My son is a family man, and has no BIG money to pay a school. Again, I don't expect anyone to be able to pin point what direction to take, but wanted you all to know you've opened MY eyes and again, I will continue to "look" and see what else is HOPEFULLY available. With most of the men in my life, having been truck drivers, or the ones that still are, I just want you to know that I rate you all very high in my book. The job you have IS a tough one, and you all deserve the highest respect.... now... just wish me luck that the baby of this truck driving bunch will get a fair shake and be able to follow HIS dream to be a good driver just as his brother, father and grand father have been!
Thanks to all of ya!

 

the school is good just fast paced i just recently left swift after 9 years because of lack of management

but the school is ok phil the class instructor is an awesome feller have had to work with him a lil in the past 2 years

the range staff are great as well paul is funny as hell

the primary issue that comes into play though is the price and the environment the students are thrown into 7 day a week schedule and some students that just dont give 2 craps and will drag others down with them

in my honest opinion dont know where you are from but go to the dmv get the book and study it its free

take a written get the permit for a small price

then rent a truck for a few days cheaper than the school and teach him how to drive he will catch on fast teach him how to double clutch most companies want to see that he is capable

if you have a old standard 4 wheeler layin around he can practice double clutching with it even though it is synchronized but to get the basic feel

have him learn the basic skills required by the states in order to pass the test and use your insurance to get him a dot physical

you can have it all done for less than 500 dollars

and as far as a place to work there are a ton out there that do 0 experience training as long as the criminal record and driving record are ok

i have just seen 2 manypeople be let down by swift and even if he does get his liscense there is no guarentee that he will get a truck right away at the phoenix terminal there was quiet a wait till a truck was available so he may be coming home for a few months before he can even drive for swift.

right now they have the market flooded with cheap labor hince the reason they didnt try and retain me. just cost to much to have me around when you have a lil wheel monkey that will do the job for less than half what i was gettin paid but doo so at a very high risk

just my 2 pennies

 

Welcome to the forum!

This site is not the only or best place to find out about any company, particularly Swift. Many of the negative posts about Swift are from people who have not even driven for them. They are just regurgitating truck stop chatter. The best thing is to go to a truck stop and talk with current drivers. You will find drivers who like the company and those who don't. You may also meet some of those who left Swift to go to greeener pastures only to return because Swift offered the consistency in miles they need.

Since Swift is the largest truckload carrier, they take a beating by many who feel large companies are ruining the industry. But in these bad economic times who do you think the shippers are going to go with? A small company where everyone knows each other by name that may be here today but be closed tomorrow (over 2700 did this last year alone) or someone who is large enough to ride out the storm?

 

Thanks to both of you for the replies. We are in Florida and he is said to be going to Birmingham Al for the school. But the thing is, he took and passed (the first time) his written cdl. He just got discouraged as no one will hire him to help him get through the rest of the test, and then there's the lack of experience. Sad part of it is, the boy is 100% NATURAL truck driver. I hate to see him spend money in school too, especially if he's going to be stuck somewhere waiting for a truck. He has a large family and is the soul support system in his house. I will take your advice and take him to one of the truckstops on the interstate and have him talk to some of the drivers. GREAT IDEA! That should tell him a little more.
Thanks and more thanks!
My older son (and adopted one too) teamed and went to school/work for a truck co. Gainey. Everything worked out fine with them other than their trainer abandoned them somewhere and they had no food for a couple of days... lol. But that was probably 7 years ago and nearly any co. would pay for your school and put ya to work. Wish it was still like that for the baby boy! And I will keep looking for something that's better for this little future trucker that has high hopes of being on the road soon.

 

I thought Swift had a hiring freeze in Florida?! You might want to
check on that. I don't think your son wants to get stuck with a $4,000 bill with no job.