Swift or PTL Trucking

I'd fit right in there!

 

I just started with PTL as a new driver. I have been happy with the decision so far. I had to pick between Swift and PTL as well as a few others. PTL was a good choice for me. The trailers are not in as good of shape as I'd like but I haven't had any serious problems yet.

 

Orientation was 2 1/2 days. Everything you need to know is on the trucker report. just search "PTL Orientation". They will put you up in what we call the roach motel but I've been in worse. They feed you and training phase 1 lasted exactly 6000 miles. Phase 2 is what I'm starting now. It is team driving with another trainee for 40,000 miles. If you have to choose between Swift and PTL I would go with PTL. Every company is ###### to start out with as far as pay but PTL is a relatively small company and they seem to care about the driver. During orientation you will need to do a driving test but it is more of a formality (I stalled the truck 3 times lol) They will do a urine test and make sure you have your DOT physical done before you get here or they will take the money for it out of orientation pay to get it done. I wish I could think of more but just read what others have had to say on here. There are some posts that really detail the orientation on here. Good luck. Let me know if there is any thing else you want to know specifically.

 

That's like choosing between Lethal Injection and Hanging. I hear PTL has some pretty.... sketchy equipment. BUT, whatever you choose, get some experience and look for a better company. Just ask yourself the question: "Can I see myself working here in 5 years?"


Thanks
Paul

 

Just a question, why are those the only two you have to choose from?

 

Even if there isn't a terminal nearby, they might have a drop lot. For example, I have friends I visit in Spokane WA, and while the nearest Swift terminal is Lewiston ID, they have a drop lot in Spokane. This allows me to get rid of the trailer and bobtail during my time off.

Dunno if you ask PTL if they'll tell you if there's a drop lot near your home. IME, you'd be hard pressed to get that info from Swift! (I'm a little bitter about their poor communication.)

 

At least you didn't go to CR England. CRST, CR England, and Swift all are grouped together is a no go. I personally worked at CR England. I've talked to five other companies and they all group them into each other. CR England, well, they have more the support for 1000 trucks vs 4000. The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. Home time you have to fight for. They don't like fixing mechanical defects and seem to want you to drive both illegal and unsafe. Also, out of the three months I was with them I sat in accumulation 20 days with only being compensated for 4.

Melton is a great company, just got to watch your body language and understand it's flatbed, you'll be working hard. They take people with no experience long as you have a CDL.