School vs Contract

Yes, they would rather you work for them. They've invested time in a driver as well as the loan.

What you're doing is what people mean by "research it". You see, I can tell you why Swift was right for my husband and I, but that isn't going to mean it'll be right for you.

You mentioned that a lot of people bad mouth Swift. Yep they do. Some do it because they think it's funny. Some do it so they'll be part of the "group". Some do it because they've seen mistakes by Swift drivers. Some have worked for Swift and got fired. Some have worked for Swift and chose to leave and sometimes they weren't treated right by Swift. And some people do it because they're just big ol' butts.

Swift is a very big company, we've got a good safety record and there are good and bad fleet managers, good and bad trip planners, good and bad driver managers. Just like there are in every company.

The pay is less because Swift is a company that hires new drivers. So they can pay less and get drivers. I like working for Swift for the most part. I've been treated very well. It's not perfect but when I listen to other drivers, they're companies aren't perfect either. I do recommend Swift to students. I think it's fine and dandy to tell someone to work for a company with the best pay etc but if that company won't hire new drivers or if that company isn't getting their drivers miles........then that advice isn't the best advice.

Anyway, here's a few things I hope you'll believe: prehire does not mean you have the job. it only means they'll consider you if everything about you comes out clean. when a recruiter tells you that you'll be home every week with OTR.......they're lying to you. Make sure to check your record for any outstanding violations, including even a stinking parking ticket.

If anyone has told you that it'll be easy to get hired with felonies, multiple accidents, drastic loss of hearing, uncorrected vision, etc.........they lied to you. If anyone told you there is a shortage of new drivers, they lied to you.

Make sure to get letters from any doctors concerning any medical problem you have. The letter must state that the problem is cured or controlled and will not prevent you from working. If anyone tells you that you won't need that letter.......they lied.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something important.

 

doc, it comes down to this.....PAYBACK....

if you take out a student loan, you gotta "payback".....

if you go with company training, you gotta payback.....

now with a student loan, you payback the bank the original amount plus some interest....

if you go with company training, you payback in either they take out money each week till its paid off, OR you work X number of months till the contract has been fulfilled.

if you have to pay for a motel, i think your expenses will skyrocket, as you NEED to eat.....

gas costs will hurt you for sure as well, but at least you EAT at home.

downside now too is WINTER is here (in some areas)......what if you are at home, and cannot get to school for (say) 2 or 4 days...??

well you lose those days of training, PLUS there are attendance REQUIREMENTS at ALL SCHOOLS, that MUST BE MEET, or you get kicked out...!!

so this decision, whether to stay at a motel or drive back and forth, or go for company training can ONLY BE MADE BY YOU.....

YOU have to weigh ALL in front of you.....as we will NEVER KNOW what's best for you....

 

It looks like you have been up all night on this subject. It does get confusing. I'm feeling the same way. In the end we have to just take a chance one way or another and jump in with both feet. I've been researching, for what feels like, forever. Speaking for myself, it is time for action! I wish I just knew which way to go. LOL
Clear your mind and get some rest..

 

And ya can't make it any simpler than that!

 

Thanks Nana. Hopefully this will clear up the issue about companies who offer company training. I see no difference in paying a private driving school 5 grand, or going the company paid route and then having to drive a year+. There is this misconception that a driver is forced to stay with a company that trained them, which you know is not true. I would be/am more concerned about the quality of the cdl driving school.

 

Rerun summed it up! Doesn't really matter who you are on the hook for! T.Nana had some good points too! Although it's fun to rag on Swift they are a large company that have thousands of drivers. Just that statistic alone will give you a higher number of complainers. She also has a very good point in that you need to find a company that specifically fits YOUR needs. Everyone is different and so are the companies. Make yourself a list of your wants and needs and go through the different trucking companies websites to see what each one has to offer.

 

I can recommend swifts training. Just completed the school in San Antonio and it was great! Just waiting for my trainer and I will be on my way.