A few questions....

Wow... I don't think that's your best bet there, hand. Not to be negative here, but that whole "Swift Training Program" ain't the best thing since sliced bread. I worked for that outfit for a short three months (as an experienced driver desperate for work during a slump), and the stories I heard about their "Training Program" would have scared me off... I only say this because you mention your family "putting all your eggs in one basket." I know a whole lot of people are hurtin' financially in this economy, but the LAST THING YA F_____ NEED is to get roped into some low-payin' scrub program that puts you and your family DEEPER INTO THE HOLE, 10?

I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but some community colleges offer CDL-A training, and many companies offer "in-house training" (like Swift, only better). I distinctly remember one hand who went through heller grief with Swift, to the tune of $8000. Sure, a hand has to start somewhere, but I'm gonna do ya a big ol' favor by recommending that you continue to research your options, if only for a week (call Swift, tell 'em something has come up, and you can't make it until next week's orientation, that way you won't "jeopardize" your current arrangement---and YES, those pogues will still take ya if you really wanna go to Swift).

I paid for my own CDL-A training back in '96 (U.S.T.D.S.), then I went to USX (U.S. Xpress) for additional training with a really cool hand who knew his business, and hailed from a long lineage of truck drivers... makes a big difference, what kind of trainer you get. Anyway, you might call USX and see what they offer in terms of "in-house training." If I had it to do all over again, I'd certainly go with USX before I went with Swift---I've worked for both outfits, ya see, so I reckon I know what's up.

Okay, you might also research companies listed on www.fleetdirectory.com (scroll downward under each state heading); that site includes company phone numbers, links to company websites, etc. For future reference, you can also find trucking jobs listed in the "Transport" column of Craigslist, not only in your town but in outlying areas and distant cities---many companies hire out of areas far from the company yard, 10?

Alright, that's my $.02 on your post... go to Swift if you will, but just know that there are other options, even in this sh*thouse economy. Best of luck to ya, and "Adios!!!"

 

Dont listen to this guy.....Any training thats free is a good deal....Sure they take it out of your pay when you become a solo but you will get all that money back the longer you work for them. Think of it a free cdl is sweeeet.....Dont believe everything you see on the internet...all im trying to point out is dont pay for a cdl when you dont have to....I wish i would of listened to my dad before I spent 3600 on a stupid cdl class

 

It ain't free if they take it outta your pay once you go solo now is it?

TANSTAAFL.

If you don't know what it means look it up.

 

###### Boy.....Read my statement.....Its not free because they take it out of your pay but after working with them so long they put the money back into your account with the paychecks coming

 

I understood what you posted. I quoted you as a launch point.

They don't put it back. They merely STOP deducting the payment once they are "paid back".

At best it is a "repayment" plan for the training.

ERGO... the training ain't free.

Understand?

 

Hello BeefDude and Welcome to the Site!!!!

Here is the link that AllowMe is referring to:


http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...thing/111362-ill-get-lot-help-my-friends.html

Best of Luck!!!!

 

Nana also trained at Swift and had a positive experience. (Link provided below.) I'm not a driver... never attended CDL classes... but I'm a firm believer that for most people, attitude is 90% of the game.

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...ther-adventures-texas-nana-swift-driving.html

Good luck, beef!

 

Every new recruit is excited when they get there. You'll make new friends. Most are in the same boat you are in. There might be one or two that has some driving experience and excel in class.

I don't know about Swift, but they are all alike.
You will spend time in the classroom, time behind the wheel on the road, and time on an obstacle course. On the road you will sweat bullets as a new driver. Eventially you will get comfortable when you get some miles down with a mentor.

They should take you to the DMV for your CDL test towards the end of the 14 days. I would ask about getting that particular mentor as soon as you get to class. I would of asked the recruiter.

It's not hard, just take it a day at a time and obsorb as much as you can. Don't be afraid to ask questions. When I went through school, I worked nights in the wash bay washing trucks for extra money. See if they have something like that because you'll need all the $$$ you can get.

No matter where you go you have to maintain a positive attitude. Things will be rough the first six months. Then you can get a better job if you so desire. Once you have two years in, you can pretty much pick where you want to go with a good MVR and DAC. Respect your CDL and DAC and don't burn any bridges behind you quitting someone because you are mad. In a year or two you'll be making good money.