I am running an older '09 Columbia with L/O numbers (it's blue). The other great thing is the speed limiter gives me an extra 4 mph. My girlfriend didn't understand what a big deal that was until I said 4 mph x 11 hours = 44 extra minutes of driving or at hwy speeds or you can look at it as almost an extra hour per day. That really helps on some of the time tight loads.
First, I like to thank the OP and posters of this thread for very informative FYIs. Answered many a question I had. Still some questions though: does Swift treat drivers any differently coming directly from a truck school over their in-house training? (Planning to attend a truck academy; their 26 month contract made me leery.) Is there any hidden "surprises" that new drivers should be aware about? (Hidden taxes, failure to pay on time, etc.) Terminal locations; any particular location better over the other? (I was thinking of applying to their Phoenix, AZ location.) Any additional advice to offer to new drivers? I am single and willing to live out of a truck; seems to be a heck of a whole lot better than the cubicle job I previously had.
When you get to orientation ALL applicants are treated the same. The Swift academy grads have a leg up on those who came from an outside school (because of of the previous 18 days brainwashing/training) but after a week on your mentor's truck it's all the same. The only "contract" you sign with Swift (if you attend their academy) is for repayment of the student loan. If all goes according to plan you'll pay it off 1 year after going solo. If you stick around for 2 years after solo Swift will pay you back for the school. Nice thing about the Swift academy is no money up front. Bad thing is until you repay them for the training they will not give you anything saying that you attended/passed which makes it nearly impossible to get a driving job with anyone else. As for which terminal.....depends. AZ income taxes are about 1/2 of CA. I live 20 miles from the Phoenix terminal yet my home terminal is Lewiston, ID. I pay AZ income taxes because that's where my home address is. There was a driver here who's home terminal was San Diego yet he lived in MN. And many drivers "live in their truck". Problem is if you're a company driver they can (and will) take your home away from on a moments notice. One of the many reasons I leased a truck, though I do not live in mine.
Thank you Steve. Very good to know about the lack of certification they do not hand out if you train through their academy. Not knocking on Swift, as I know its a technique to keep drivers, but I like to keep my options open as much as possible. That said, I do not mind putting several years with this company from what I've read/heard so far. I know each company has its quirks, but Swift generally seems to be the better company to work for, especially to new and upcoming drivers. Another question: what is the owner-operator environment like? Better to go your option (lease), own a truck, or just stick with a company truck?
I would highly recommend that before thinking about a lease, get some time under your belt, and stay company driver for little time. Make sure that there is a fit between both you and the company. I have been in the lease program here for almost 2 years, and happy with it.
I went to the swift school in millington tn. Once I had a year of experience in I left swift. My time with them wasn't as pleasant as the person who started this thread. They are good for a new driver starting out to get into trucking but I wouldn't tecomend them ling term. I kept my record clean and after a year I got a job making 25,000.more a year and I'm home every weekend.
Glad you were able to find what you were looking for. Everyone should be as lucky as you or me to find what they are searching for so early in their trucking career.
so im having trouble on picking swift or roehl. i have talked to the swift recuiter twice, just got off the phone with him, sounds good and i asked him about a dedicated run and he said i could get one and be home every weekend,idk about roehl because they have never called me back or anything and i have sent my app in twice in a 4 month period. would you guys just recomend going to swift since they have called me twice to talk about the schooling and the dedicated runs
I was torn between Swift and Roehl at the beginning as well. From all outward appearances Roehl seems to be a good company. The drivers that I have spoken with seem happy and content. I believe that both are a good option. One thing that I would not recommend is counting on a dedicated run right out of training. Contracts come and go....suppliers change routes, etc.... From what I remember Roehl had some extremely unique hometime offerings out of certain areas. I would not expect to be placed (and remain) on a dedicated run right out of training. Find a company that their OTR division meets your requirements, insurance needs, pay situation and go with that company. I have seen too many friends get promised by many carriers dedicated or "local" work just to be placed in the OTR division. I work for Swift, love the company - however I would tread lightly when it comes to believing that you will get a dedicated run right out of the chute. Of course, I may be 100% wrong, but I don't want another poster saying that "Swift screwed me over"...etc...
