Swift training school any one out here been there.

Your experience may be the differance.

Swifts' school is much longer than 2 days. And it still sucks.

<--- spent too much time RE training Swift students who left during the starve em out period.

 

CDL school? It's three weeks. Then 6 on the road with a mentor.

 

The guy just asked how long it was, not whether or not you thought it sucked. I swear it's a miracle any noobie that reads these boards ever gets into trucking...

 

Amen! In fact, I must stop reading this board for awhile.. Although, there's some great info here (very much appreciated), there's a hellabalot of negativism, as well. Too much, in fact...

 

The negativity is directly at companies like Swift for a reason. To prevent someone who doesn't know any better, (read: You) from making a choice you will regret.
You may make it at Swift, in fact, you may love it. The odds do not favor that outcome.
Negativity equals "I told you so" and "You were warned".

There are companies on here with little or no bashing, and that is for a reason as well.

 

This is true. He did not ask my opinion. So that brings to the table, where did he get this information? Swift, maybe?? I think not. But there is that chance.

I trained several drivers who had went with Swift. They were in deep financial trouble when they left. Having to rely on the $250 a week to support a wife and kids, and themselves while on the road for Swift.

All the while, other companies are paying their students $5-800 a week while on the truck with a trainer.

I don't fault any NEW driver, for taking a job with Swift. But, I think it's a mistake to do so blindly.

He has 4 months experience, he can work for better companies. Much better.

 

69,

My hands were somewhat tied due to two DWI's (1989 & 1991) so my options were limited. I did have the foresight to at least enter the job market with my CDL. And I am going with Swift because it's the quickest way for me to start earning. The 6 weeks on the road AFTER you have your CDL will pay 350/week 1 & 2, 400/week 3 & 4 and 500/week 5 & 6. So it has improved a bit since your experience. Once I get some experience, more doors will open.

 

I'm looking at the infotag for danc694u and it says he has 22 years experience. I think he knows the business a lot better than us greencollars and I'd listen to anything extra he has to say about a company. The main purpose this forum serves is for new drivers to glean knowledge from experienced ones, and I personally am willing to listen to every bit of it, unsolicited or not.

 

[The main purpose this forum serves is for new drivers to glean knowledge from experienced ones]

And, I totally agree. However, IMHO, this was not a question about the integrity of a specific carrier, but a solicitation for advice under the circumstances. There's 2 threads on the pecking order of trucking companies- takes 15 mins to figure it out. Obviously, Swift is a REAL dead horse!

Hell, after reading the horror stories about ancient DUI's, I may end up kicking that horse, to. Who knows...? gotta do whatcha gotta do! We all made mistakes... does that mean we all drink on the job, to? Sheesh!

Good luck Mkl, keep posting!