Swift vs. Werner - a couple questions about training

I'll soon have my CDL and have pre-hires from Swift and Werner.

I got a call today from Werner and I told her I was considering both companies, but was leaning more towards Swift because of what I have read on this forum.

She said 2 things comparing Swift's training to Werner's:

1. Swift doesn't start paying you until you are with the trainer, which might take a couple weeks - while Werner starts paying you from the first day of orientation, and they usually have you with a trainer within 2-3 days.

2. Swift will put you with another student at some point in your training, but with Werner I would be with a certified trainer for the entire training period.


I am hoping for some feedback from newer Swift/Werner trainees/drivers.

 

I have come to that conclusion as well, from reading these forums.

I found it rather funny that when I told the Werner lady I was leaning more towards Swift, all she could come up with were the 2 lame excuses I sited.

The only thing she mentioned that really bothers me is that one about being paired with another student driver during training. That is not something I would put up with, but I have not seen any posts that mention it.

Bad as Swift is made out to be, I have read many posts from Swift drivers that paint a different picture.
I don't think I have seen more than 1 or 2 favorable posts for Werner.

A guy at my school has a friend that drives for Swift, and he is happy there.


I think it all (or at least a lot) has to do with the person involved. If you don't really want to be out on the road driving all that much, if you demand particular days off or 'regular home time', if your driving skills leave much to be desired or maybe are just an obnoxious jerk - well, perhaps OTR just isn't for you.
And I'm sure Swift gets quite a few, being a 'bottom-feeder'.

And we all know that self-righteous jerks are usually the first to complain about anything, and be the loudest while doing so.

 

Thanks Injun, I was hoping to hear from you on this.

That was the only real red flag, and it makes me trust Werner all the less.

Your input may also be the main reason I will probably go with Swift. You have not seemed like a Swift plant, just a Swift driver that tells it like it is.
I appreciate that, and I have really enjoyed reading your posts.


I have consistently been the highest in my class at truck school, both in the classroom and on the road. I have no doubt that I can make the most out of any company I work for, as long as I can adjust to the new lifestyle. So going with a 'bottom-feeder' like Swift doesn't bother me too much, as long as I am treated with the same respect as I give.

 

Not being paid before I am with my mentor is perhaps a good thing, IMO.

If I am not being paid, I am not truly employed. Which means that if I don't make it through orientation there can not be a DAC entry.

Right, or wrong?

???

Because I have seen stories from some that just going into the orientation process, and failing, will leave a negative DAC entry.