Swift or Wilson?

Hello everyone,


First off, happy thanksgiving. Hope y'all are as fat and happy as I am.

I'm a brand-new greenhorn newbie trucker (your favorite, I'm sure). Marine vet transitioning out of the corporate security world and seeking to attend CDL school and hit the road. Right now I have offers to train & eventually work for either Swift or Wilson Logistics. Once I pass and get hired on this will be my first trucking job.

For the experienced truckers out there: any preferences between the two companies, or recommendations, things to consider, etc? Company reviews on Indeed and Glassdoor seemed to say pretty much the same things for both. Based on the quality of each of the recruiters and the speed at which Wilson is willing to get me on it seems I might go with them - but I'm skeptical since it is a smaller company than Swift. Are the big names always the best though? Any advice will be appreciated! My pops drove for TWT back in the day but they no longer offer CDL training. I initially was going with CR England starting this Monday but they just crossed off all applicants from WA state for some political reason.

Details:

Swift

CDL permit: I have to take on my own / will be reimbursed

Skills test: Will take day 2 of training, pay out of pocket / will not be reimbursed ($250)

DOT Physical/Drug test: Have to take on my own / will be reimbursed

Housing/transportation: paid for by company

Food: not paid for

Pay: $600 weekly

Will be based out of Seattle where I will drive with trainer for coast to coast miles

$3,000 sign on bonus since I am a veteran + monthly VA checks...? (I was told to avoid any trucking companies that offer bonuses. Is this true?)

1 year employment contract (veterans can bounce after 9 months)

Wilson Logistics

CDL permit: take during training / company pays for

Skills test: take during training / company pays for

DOT Physical/Drug test: take during training / will not be reimbursed ($150)

Housing/transportation: paid for by company

Food: paid for

Pay: $600 weekly / $200 stipend

After classroom training is finished I will then be required to complete 40,000 miles w/ trainer

1 year employment contract

No sign on bonus or veterans benefit that I am aware of.



Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
John

 

Thanks for the tip. Seems you might be right, the Jim Palmer website lists VA apprenticeship and since they are connected/owned by the same people I imagine Wilson would offer something similar. I'll be sure to mention it to my recruiter Monday.

Thanks again!

 

@JReding thank you for the reply. The insight from someone experienced is much appreciated. Wilson's offer was so much better than Swift's or CR England's that I was suspicious at first. Big thanks to both you and @Chinatown for taking the time to help someone new!

 

I appreciate that advice @Omega1 . My post 9-11 benefits are tapped out as I used them to go to college at WSU. I double majored in criminal justice and psychology - but didn't want to become a cop like most of my buddies who just ended up becoming bitter (barely) functional alcoholics. I became disenchanted with the psychology field once I realized it's nothing more than an educated guess based off popularly accepted opinion which changes every 10 years or so - and if you don't adopt feminist ideals you'll have a hell of a time getting onto the PhD track.
But I'm not complaining - I was able to work with my local VA rep to secure a $200 giftcard for food expenses once I start school Monday the 10th. I did end up going with Wilson as they had the best package and the only out of pocket costs I'll have is $150 for drug test & dot physical. They also advance us $200 a week during training, which not even Swift provided (and I found out Swift makes you pay back the entire cost of tuition [$3,700] during your first year as company driver).

I really do appreciate everyone in this thread who gave me sound advice, especially since you all seem to know what the hell you're talking about. Wish this greenhorn some good luck!