Going with Swift....Good or Bad opinions please

This section of the forum is jam packed with all the answers to all the questions you have asked, just look thru the threads and you will be able to read all the good and all the bad about Swift. Orientation is about 3 or 4 days, you are hired when you get your driver's code, not before. I'm not sure how long of a wait you may have to get a mentor. The training lasts until you have 240 hours of driving, maybe less since you seem to have some experience. Like I said before, there are lots of threads on here that answer the rest of your questions. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

Until you get the code you are still only an applicant. Whiz quiz, physical, last minute checking of driving record, anything could happen and sometimes does. Don't worry about the plug in types of converters, we all use them. Plug in coolers, gps, sirius radio, phone chargers and all are not a problem. Even the inverter that plugs into the lighter is used, just put it away when the truck goes into the shop.

 

Been here for 6 years. I run regional, can get home most weekends and some weeknights, and they meet my personal needs. There is no doubt that I could take my experience somewhere else (I have looked) and make more money, but I didn't care for the trade off of losing hometime for a few cents per mile.

 

Just make sure if you are hired stick with it as long as you can. A year would do you better than six months. Don't make the mistake that a lot of people make and quit before you get that one year.

You're gonna get a better paying local job with that one year believe me. I see students or new drivers give up before they even finish the 240 hours and think they can go back home and find a local job. Yea if you like driving a box truck for $8 an hour. I've seen some students run 2500 a week right off a mentors truck. Don't expect this every week. Some weeks you will have more and some weeks less.

The planners never seem to be able to do their jobs correctly and seem to always throw you a less than 200 mile run with way too much time on it. This happens to everyone and your expected to take it.

I'm not gonna sugar coat anything here your first year will be hard but you made the right decision. Swift is the best of the training companies and they have the freight to keep you moving. It's up to you to learn the system and run as much as you can run legally.

Hometime is usually about every three weeks with a day for every seven days out. I've seen drivers do it ever two weeks. Remember you don't get paid while at home and it can take you a few weeks to recover from it.

I've seen students get right off a mentors truck and right into a dedicated account so it is possible. Just remember get that golden year you won't regret it and it will help you land that job at home.

Good luck !

Oh don't judge the terminal you are going to as many of our terminals are way better. Don't be surprised if you hear an explosion then you are evacuated. Just ask anyone there what I am talking about. LOL

 

Swift has a lot of drivers that have been there a long time. The simple fact is they are huge so a lot of people take shots at them.
Get inside, enjoy the ride
See Momma and then, do it again!

They're all the same

 

I don't think this is correct. I believe you earn 1 day off for every 6 days out, family plan notwithstanding. That said, if you are out for 14 days, go home on the 15th day, and stay home for the day you get home plus 2 more, no one will say anything. Taking a 3rd day might be pushing it. At my terminal anyway, it's very easy going. It also depends on your driver manager and how anal they are. Get to know your DM and make a good impression, they'll leave you be at home for that third day without a word.

Welcome aboard!

 

Sometimes even a fourth day!