Request for Advice: Stevens vs Swift

That's awesome to know. I've no delusions about how each company will have their own degree of B.S., and I know that you also have to take the good with the bad each day. Since January I've made preparations to go to the Swift Academy, and it was only the last week that I even considered Stevens mainly based on the equipment (at face value and mileage & condition will vary anywhere), and the rider policy. My son is looking forward to taking trips with me and he is only 10.

The reason I chose Swift to begin with was the popularity, the pricing, and the fact that I had a buddy that worked for them and Super Saver a few years ago, and spoke highly of both. Its nice to actually see some positive opinions about them when (being as large as they are) you tend to get inundated with a lot of negative opinions ranging from many different directions.

Good with the bad though, as always. Thanks for the outlook and the insight.

 

I've been a Owner/Op with Swift for 10 years with a 10 Year Safety Award also, so the myth that Swift Drivers can't drive and yada, yada is pure B.S.

I've seen more 18 Wheeler accidents in my Career that were every other Company but Swift, believe me.

Bottom line is you have to pay your dues first, prove yourself, pick up and deliver your loads on time with No Service Failures and the Planners will notice. Treat others with respect and you will be respected. I never had any issues here that weren't resolved quickly.

You're Welcome and Good Luck.

 

Went through the Swift training some 8 or 9 years ago, and have been here ever since. As with any company, there is some bad, some good. I have no complaints at all about how I have been treated by Swift, but I always worked hard at doing what needs to be done. There are many different options after you have been here for a while. I don't know much about Stevens except that they are mostly reefer, so your options at various types of work would be limited. But it all comes down to if you work hard you will be rewarded.

I've said it before and I will say it again...All companies are sons of b#####s, it's the S.O.B that you can learn to work with that makes the difference.

 

I think you would make more money with 2 35hr fast food jobs. You would also get to sleep in one of those house things. Having running water is a big plus! unless you have a real truck driver from days past showing you the ropes, you will work for nothing and be treated like poop. if you have kids do you want to miss everything? when someone close to you dies do you want to miss out on giving support to others who need it? Trucking is a crap life and to make the best of it you must put yourself in complete control of it. you must learn the business. most guys never learn the business and allow themselves to be underpaid sheepish bums.

Trust me - none of these trainers are real drivers. most of the real truck drivers are dead, retired, or quit due to todays lack of freedom.

Reconsider and you may be very glad you did later. I may sound harsh but i really do mean well. think long and hard about this and the hardships it can have on your home life.

check werner and schneider as well if you must. check with all companies to see about dedicated runs that will allow you to see your family more. the more you are around the better you can help prepare that boy of yours for the life ahead of him.

 

So the only real truck drivers that ever were or ever will be are from older generations? A bit arrogant and self-righteous, don't you think?

It is good to see both the good and bad sides of the business, but pure cynicism and bitterness doesn't help anyone. I could make way more money guaranteed selling mattresses, but I hated doing it and care more about what I'm doing than the money it brings in. What is a crap life to one person is an amazing experience for another. We all have different definitions of quality of life. We aren't all looking for the same things.