Swift academy or not ?

And yet, they never bother me about it any more.

I have been with Swift for 5 years now.
Yes, at first they bothered me about my idle times. I was even written up for it once.
So? Big deal. Nothing ever came of it. I was only told about it while talking to my DM, and I was never called in to sign anything.

My idle times have always been high, for all the time I have been here.
But I am still here.

That is really a non-point, as far as I'm concerned.
If you stay safe and on time, idle times are mostly moot.

 

No I'm going to stick with dry van the first year, once I get it down I might think about flatbedding.

 

I know I had read a few comments from current and former drivers about signing a contract that repaid the training costs, but after reading your comment I dug a little further to get more info. Although I am not certain Swift would be a perfect fit for me, they would not be too bad either. I have heard really good things about their training program and if it is possible to separate training and driving for them, I would consider that a huge bonus for the CDL Academy.

I did find this comment here on TTR;

"To the OP....as long as you pay the tuition in full. You have no contract with swift other than that loan. Their academies are recognized as PDTI certified in the industry, which has become a new standard. Swift will not release those records or certificate unless your $3,900 loan is repaid. Food for thought. Also you can tack on $500 for hotel bill during school.”

Post #19 - http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr.../leave-swift-after-cdl-training.129225/page-2

I have read conflicting comments about CDL records being released but regardless, even if I had to pay Swift $3900 immediately after training, that shaves a lot of $$ off the $5,800 I was quoted by Sage (and was considering). I have talked to another carrier that does not offer CDL training and if it possible to attend the Swift Academy and then go directly to this carrier and pay Swift for the training, this would be a huge draw for me. But I kind of equate this scenario with taking my packed lunch into a restaurant just so I can use their tables and chairs to eat my meal.

 

The training certificate is completely separate from your CDL and as completely irrelevant . I went through their system but never bothered with getting the certificate or any other school records . I have a CDL and years of accident/ticket free experience with a 100% on time record and that's all I need to go anywhere .

 

Did Swift Academy verify you completed the course with your prospective employer?

I have interest from one other carrier that fits my needs almost perfect but they do not have CDL training. They told me as long as the CDL training is 160 hours, they'll accept it. At $3,900 for what I have heard is a good CDL program, it would be well worth it to go to Swift then.

 

I am far from an expert trucker but swift seems to hire a bunch of morons or do poor training or both.

Check this out.

Just this week my wife saw not one but two swift trucks stuck in a muddy bar ditch in our home town with a wrecker pulling them out.

Whenever you see or hear about something stupid involving a big rig odds are it is a swift truck.

I am sure they have some really great drivers but there sure let a lot of bad ones slip through.

 

Why go swift or pay anything for school. Prime training is free. 2 to 3 weeks with a trainer. You only need food money. After you get your cdl you drive with trainer for another 30k truck miles making a guaranteed 700 a week minimum and your off and running. Get a year under your belt and you can get a job anywhere. I paid 6k for my school and got very little seat time. School is a waste of money. And yes I'll take that referral credit plz.

 

Where does prime train at ?

 

Springfield, MO

At least Prime has APU's and Swift doesn't. Jim Palmer Trucking also has APU's and trains in Springfield,MO
Jim Palmer Trucking pulls Prime trailers and uses full size trucks.
Prime and Jim Palmer will furnish transportation to Springfield,MO

I'm not knocking Swift; just pointing out the APU factor which is important.
Check out the pictures of Jim Palmer Trucks on the website.

 

Jim Palmer Trucking trains at two facilities; Springfield,MO or Missoula,MT
Also has the Military Apprenticeship Program