I've been working as a journalist for the past 13 years and have had about enough of it. The state of the news business is dismal, and I'm just getting tired of the same old grind day in and day out. And the pay isn't all that great, considering the stress and aggravation inherent in the work. I'm strongly considering changing careers and becoming an over-the-road driver. I've checked in with a couple of the CDL training schools in the Albany area where I live, and they seem allright. The idea is to get the CDL, then go through the training at one of the starter companies (probably Swift, which has a terminal in Syracuse). Anyone have any experience at Swift's Syracuse terminal? How long does it really take to get out on the road? Any comments about the office staff there? Any information will help.
Joining Swift eh? First lesson - Don't listen to the crap on here about Swift. It can get really opressive sometimes. Second lesson - This job is what YOU make of it. (So don't listen to the crap) How to get in to Swift? It's easy. Go online and apply or call a recruiter. Within a couple of days, a packet will arrive at your place and will have further instructions on things to get, what to expect, etc. You'll also be asked to call your recruiter (if you haven't already). You'll need to go get a physical from an APPROVED LOCATION and pay for it out of pocket (You'll get reimbursed at school). Once you do that, call the recruiter back and he'll set you up at Swift School. I don't know if they have school in Syracuse, so you may end up in Richmond (Where I went), Memphis, TN, Or Lewiston, ID. Don't worry though, Swift will bus you there or you can drive yourself. School is two weeks of class (14 days, and yes, it's 14 days in a row, no weekends off), then you'll be required to drive on the road with a trainer for a week. Once done, they'll take you home and have you take the state test for your CDL. Once all that stuff is done, you'll be assigned a terminal (Most likely Syracuse) and get a mentor. Keep in mind that until this point, you're not being paid. Once you're out with your mentor, they pay you a flat rate for 6 weeks until you upgrade to your own truck. Then you're ready to roll! Total time spent in school 3 weeks Total time from application to driving about 5-6 weeks depending on your recruiter Upfront costs: --CDL Cost (Varies by state) --Endorsements (Varies and aren't necessary, but are good to have) ie Tankers, Hazmat, Doubles/Triple Trailers, etc. --Clothes/Supplies for 3 school weeks (Varies) --Money for bills (Varies) ie Mortgage/Rent, phone, etc. --money for food at school (Don't eat out. Save money.) Anything else I can help with, just drop me a message! Russ
So basically if one wanted to go with Swift they would need enough cash stashed away somehow for their families to survive for at least a month before you would see any kind of pay at all? I'm just weighing my options and Swift is one of them, but need to figure the financial homefront before I do anything.
That is true. You will need money in reserve. You will for any trucking job. No carrier will want to pay you while you're in school. Partly because there's no gaurantee you'll pass school (and/or get CDL). I made it through Swift School with about $200 for the two weeks. As for my bills, a lot of companies will forgive 2 months of payments if you explain it to 'em. If not.....well, that's up to you. Also, consider this. If you go to "Steve's Trucking School" or something similer, it'll cost you $5,000 OR MORE and could last up to 6 weeks. They won't pay you either. With Swift, school is $3900, and Swift will extend you a loan with 0% interest regardless of your credit. When you go to work for them, you pay off half your schooling weekly out of your check for one year (Swift matches your payment) so after 1 year, your school's paid off. If you continue to run for Swift after that, Swift will continue to pay you for one more year so basically, your school ends up being free as long as you run for Swift for two years. Not a bad deal, eh?
Sounds like a decent deal to at the least get into the business, and then see if things hopefully work out with the company. I just need to sell off at least one of my project VW's and I should be ok as long as I can see some half way decent pay within a couple months. I probably still won't be looking to go for a couple months yet though. Gotta get through holiday season and maybe get my taxes filed before I take off. I just saw posted in other forums that Swift has been calling people with pre-hires back saying there are no classes available right now. Is it just the crappy season within the crappy economy and will pick up later or are schools actually closing?
R.S. Winnerton sorry to burst your bubble but you will be with a trainer 6 weeks or 42 days. unless you have prior experience
Totally agree there. It was fine when i was on my mentor's truck. But after you've been out for 6 weeks training, you will be required to take 6 days off. and THEN wait around for a truck to be assigned. if you have a good DM, they will find you one in those 6 days. But seeing how you will get a load or two in before the pay period cut off, you might not be so lucky to get your trips dropped in a terminal drop box in time for that next paycheck. you will probably go a solid two maybe three weeks without seeing a DIME. and refrain from taking personal advances....they arent as bad as a 'payday loan' place, but it does get you behind a week.
That is true. I am doing that now. However, I am getting paid a flat rate for doing it. With freight this light, I'm actually making more than my mentor this week. (Mostly due to the fact that the truck was in the shop for 2 days waiting on a part) Biggja, I agree. Stay away from the advances if at all possible. Keep on truckin! Russ
am i responsible for any out of pocket cash IE food or anything else and if so what and about how much do i need to bring and what should i bring with me as far as everything elce cloths paper work or anything elce u can think of please let me know asap i leave for ny on DEC 14 and i just what to be as ready as i can be so i can be ready to drive and start my new life as a professional driver at swift
