Wanted to ask a question about training and see if anyone here can give me an answer so here it goes. I obtained my Class A CDL back in June 2007 and was planning on doing the local thing but gave up on searching for a job for the reason that no one would hire me because of a DUI I got back in Oct 2004. Since I have stuck it out at the job where I am currently at (Sales Rep) and It has now been 7 years since the DUI incident. Other than that DUI conviction I have a clean record, no citations no nothing and would like to make another attempt to get into trucking. This time I want to go OTR, this is something I have always wanted to do since I was a kid, and after a lot of research I decided to try and apply for Swift, it seems to me this would be a good starting point for someone trying to get in to the trucking industry. Now here is the question; I still have my valid Class A CDL (Just renewed it this past December) and was wondering how training would apply to me? Do they offer some type of refresher course or would I have to go through the whole Swift Academy program and pay for the course like someone trying to obtain their Class A CDL?? Any answers would be greatly appreciated.
I know for sure you would still have to go out with a mentor for 6 weeks. But during your orientation you will have to do a road test to make sure you can drive and shift well. If you can't do that you may have to go thru a refresher course thru a school. Not 100 percent on that just my thoughts on the matter.
You need to call a recruiter for 2 reasons, first to find out if the DUI is far enough in the past and second to find out about the school. My first impression is that you would need to go to the school since it has been nearly 5 years since you got your CDL, yet you have no verifiable experience as a driver. Maybe there is a shortened version of the school since you already have the CDL. The worst they can say is no, but you have to ask them to find out for sure.
Yeah I think I am just going to have to call a recruiter to get a definate answer, just figured maybe I could get a quick response here. I think I should be fine on the DUI for the reason that it will be off my record in 3 years but I guess we will see. My biggest thing is having to go through the academy and ending up owing Swift and being stuck there because I have to pay them back, I don't want that. I would rather just take a refresher course at a local school and pay out of pocket and not owe them anything. I also think it would cost less. Anyways, thanks for the answers! I will come back and let you guys know what happened just in case anyone in the same situation ever runs into this thread.
