Swift, Stevens, CR England or Werner?

Stevens trained me well in the 90s, I work at Swift now and they seem alright. Check out either, just do your homework on the trucking lifestyle and make sure you can hang with some of the conditions we work in.

 

How are their trucks?

Newbie

 

I started many moons ago, 2000ish, with swift, and although the training was fine (USTDS in Denver) the trainer i had was a piece of work. (when you come back to the truck and there is a woman in there and the guy asks you to disappear for awhile, its not a good thing... i wont even go into the little white rocks he tried to share with me) But, 9 months later, when i wanted to move my address from Colorado to Virginia, (yes, a girl) i was told no and they had their truck back in Denver a week later. I regret that decision for the fact that that lovely driving school swift put me through ended up wanting money, understandably. Whatever company you go with, stick it out for however long you have to to avoid paying for the school. I am currently trying to find a company to drive for after being off the road for 4 years, and no current CDL. Any more questions about the school out there or any advise for someone wanting to get back on the road, again, let me know.

 

sounds like your son went to the same school that i'm in cause it the same 2,800. i'm going to look futher into werner for my starter company.

 

Gonzo is pretty close to right on tap with this. I wont comment on the other companies cause I havent worked for them.

CDL Mill? If you mean the schhol is fast paced and you get a CDL quickly, then yes Stevens is a mill. It is a CDL that you want right?
Decent trucks yes. I love my 2010 KW. Its is governed to 62 so yea, its slow lol.
The training process to get solo does seem long, but its really not that bad.
Here is where I differ with Gonzo. I have not seen Stevens even attemp to "force" anyone to lease. They offer you a Lease Program, And you have to qualify for it before they will even let you sign a lease. Not everyone that wants to lease qualifys. To qualify there are mileage goals, fuel mpg, and out of route goals you have to meet.
You cant take your truck home. Have to store it at a secure facility.
Hometime during training is discouraged, but it is up to you.
If you take more than 5 days off at a time you may lose your truck and have to be assigned a new one.

 

This question is kinda like how would you like to commit suicide?

CR England - Gun in your mouth, no chance of survival!

Stevens - Starve yourself to death, SLOW and painful death!

Werner - Overdose on the pills that your Werner recruiter told you were vitamins!

Swift - Slice your wrist, you might live but probably not!

I might also add...................

CRST - Be killed by your idiot co-driver!

 

Perhaps one of the LEAST useful posts I have seen on this board.

I think it is clear the OP is looking for an inexpensive way to get his CDL and understands the limitations of the companies he has listed to some extent. I have met a number of very happy Swift, Werner and Stevens drivers out on the road (never met a happy CRE driver). Another company you may want to add to the list is Central Refrigerated. They have their own school and I know two people who have just gone through the process. Just remember that whomever you pick, you will need to stick it our with them until your schooling is paid for. It is not free and if you leave early the bill is very large. Check out this thread for a team going through training with Central.
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...rs/128515-the-adventures-of-team-klingon.html

I am sure they would be happy to answer any questions.

Best of luck

 

CRE - Ran for them for 6 months lost my house my car and almost my Family. Stay Far away.

Stevens - Guy I went through school with worked for them He was accussed of a accident in Canada although the owner of the property said he didnt hit anything was charged w a preventable on his DAC so take that for what it worth

Werner - Not got any real info

Swift - Get w INJUN on here she will shoot straight w you she been there awhile.

 

To the original OP, listen to some of the advice on here from some of these guys and gals. Gonzo had ssome good true stuff,also Eagle Eye telling you about Injun also true. IMO try to stay away from companys willimg to pay for school, I know it may not be possible but you will not be on the hook for some big money if you have to leave that company for what ever reason. Of all the companies you listed I would look at Swift, another reason to pay your own way if at all possible your options are greater. There are no perfect companies out there even for some of the experienced guys which I am not, and I wish I had done a few thing different, but it is all starting to fall into place to a more manageable degree, did I want to quit, many times , and if I had at the least I would not owe some big company big money. Borrow the money from a family member, set up a payment plan if you can, do what you can but using a company school would be my last choice. No offence to any one that has done it that way and succeded, you did what alot couln't or wouldn't. This job has enough bs why add more stress is all I am saying. Good Luck with your decision. And yes Werner will pay 500 dollars if you do your training in a 6 week straight shot at least that is what they said.

 

Great post! Simple, truthfull, short, honest and to the point. Awsum post.

The true definition of a genius is someone who posses the ability to simplify the complicated. This complicated question could not have been answered any simpler, or any better period. You are a friggen genius in my book guy.