Starting at Swift

From what I have researched and read on here as well they are good to start with.As far as your wife you will have to ask a recruiter. I also am broke too they pay for your hotel and bus ticket to the training facility and will front you money for food durring training but you pay all this back with the loan.It is also a one yr. contract to stay with them for them paying to train you,just like with any company paid training there is a contract and if you quit /break the contract you are obligated to pay the remaining balance of the loan.I am also looking at Swift and working with a recuiter.

 

I didn't go to the swift school but i am doing 240 hrs behind the wheel training with a swift mentor and I am happy with my experience with swift.After youare running solo your wife can ride with you there is a monthly charge just for insurance its not a lot.

 

Swift has a 2 for 1 deal--- if your wife is going to ride, why not have her team with you and make better money ?
http://swift.drivers-central.com/swift-transportation/cdl-training.cfm
Entry Level Teams
Drivers who want to drive for Swift Transportation as entry level teams will each go through our 6 week training program then team together in their own truck upon successful completion of the 6 week training program. Normal training pay applies. Anyone wanting to drive team can go through a 4 x 4 program. This means they will each go through 4 weeks with a trainer (earning $450 / per week) then after 4 weeks they will get into their own truck, drive together, and begin earning team pay ($.32 cpm team split). Team split means that the truck earns 32 cpm, each driver getting 1/2 or in this case 16 cents for all miles regardless of which team member is actually driving.
Free Spouse Training. Swift also offers a free Spouse Training Program for husbands and wives who wish to drive together. In order to qualify for this program a copy of the marriage certificate has to be provided to Swift.

 

I recently got out of the Swift academy in Lewiston and I will answer what I can for you.

1.Swift has been good to me so far. Most of the issues I've had have been my own fault. Since being on my own I've taken home about $500 a week.

2. I think your wife can ride with you however, you have to get clearance from Swift and there are some forms to fill out.

3. Swift will give you a no interest loan for the schooling and loan you the money for the hotel room. They will start deducting payments from your check after you go solo. No money down. You will have to get your CDL and medical cared on your own. You will also have to pay for the State testing.

You can read some of my other posts and they may give you some more information about what to expect.

Good luck!

 

If she works in a hospital making good money keep her there! She can come out and ride with you as long as you get her on the rider program and she does NOT have a CDL. If she has a CDL and you just want her to ride she has to give up the CDL.

 

The Academy was 17 days, then add in a few days waiting for orientation. Orientation is 2.5 days. Wait for a mentor...maybe 4 days. Then you have to get 240 hours of driving in. Probably another 35 days. So about 60 days before you are solo. Just an estimate.

 

There are also restrictions as to when you can have a rider in your truck.
Not in the winter months, for company drivers.