Just applied to Swift

Just to play devils advocate here. Have you read the threads here? and have you looked at other training companies such as CR England, Schneider, Prime, or Crete/Shaffer? It is a really big decision that can not be undone once the trigger is pulled, and if you are not satisfied with one, you can't just jump to another. I recommend that you do lots and lots of research before choosing.

 

silenteagle is correct, this is a big decision and can effect the rest of your driving career. Going through any company's 'academy' is basically putting yourself at their mercy until such time as your contract is up, or owing them a ton of cash which most new drivers don't have.

Since you're close to Phoenix, I will give you an alternative. AIT http://www.ait-schools.com/phoenix_truck.php?gclid=CNSmxKry7rECFWoZQgodFB4AGA

The advantage of going to an independent school is that no one owns you afterward. Is it free? No, but they do have programs. The training is, IMO, better than what you'll get with Swift and they will help you get a job out the gate. Good thing is you don't leave the city, school is only a couple hours a day and you can keep your job while you train. Is it a great place? Nope. Serviceable? Yes. Honest? Was pretty much on the up and up when I was there a couple years ago. Apply yourself and you'd be fine.

Once you have your CDL Swift isn't a totally horrible company to start out with. It's not great either. But then none of the 'training' companies are. You can do well there though, just stay far away from their lease program.

 

i would say to stay local at your current employer or find something else local.Unless u want to be away from home for weeks,and the money is not that much believe me,takes a couple years to start making decent money,my advice to you is to think twice before making any commitment and dont sign any contract until you read the fine print.Economy is bad right now.

 

carina.. I'm by no means the most experienced driver out there, but I have gone through what you are now. If you'd like a little more one on one information, I'd be happy to talk to you on the phone, especially since you seem to be in my area. I live in Mesa, AZ.

 

You will not be able to keep your job AND attend the Swift Academy.
You CAN attend a CDL school part-time while working, with the added benefit that you'll be able to see if you like it.

Watch this guy's videos for a complete and honest story of working for Swift and working in trucking in general. http://www.youtube.com/user/yourboyethetrucker/videos

Don't do anything rash without doing the research.
You will be out for weeks at a time with a mentor, and you will be out for weeks at a time once you solo. If you're female you will be waiting for a female mentor. If you don't think you can be away from home and living in a truck for 5 weeks at a time with a few days off inbetween for at least a year...you shouldn't persue trucking.

 

Swift was my 1st job, its not as bad as most drivers will say. I went to a driving academy to get my cdl though, not swift. Swift sent me out with a trainer for 6weeks. If you choose swift, plan on staying out. My trainer got me home 3times, and after I got my own company truck, I only came home 4more times over the next5months(not entirely my decision either) but it may be somewhat different for yourself, so don't get discouraged. Plan for the worst, and hope for the best!!!( especially with a company the size of Swift )....BTW, they was getting so many applicants when I applied that a week went by with no response. I had to show up in person to get a trainer from the recruiter, then I left out the next day. So u should follow up if they don't respond and you make that choice to go with swift.