The Real Costs of Swift's Sponsored Training?

I've read various posts from various people concerning the costs of Swift's training process, and some of these posts differ alot and some even contradict other posts entirely.

Can someone please clarify for us exactly what Swift pays for, and what we will be responsible paying for? I'm not just talking about the 3 days of orientation, but also the 6 or so weeks you will be driving with a mentor.

 

from what i was told swift will deduct about 60$ from ur checks, but ull be doing ok, about 30-40k per year depending, and that will go up. i cant remember all the details word for word im afraid, so be sure ask ur recruiter.

 

3 day orientation, swift pays for hotel and provide 1 sandwich a day at orientation. They pay for dot physical/drug test, they provide transportation to and from hotel/orientation. They also provide a bus ticket to and from home before and after orientation while you wait for a mentor. On the mentors truck, you are paid $400 or $425 a week for the first 4 weeks. Any weeks spent on the mentors truck after 4 weeks, you get $450 a week. I did my orientation at the Fontana terminal in February.

 

Also, you will be paying for yourself to live out on the road. The mentor will be responsible for any and all costs that come up with the truck/load. Tolls, scales, repairs etc. mentor may provide showers, mine did. Also, my mentor, being an o/o would take us out after a good week.

 

Ah, I've read on another forum that you'll need money for food also, but then other forums said Swift paid for all meals, so thanks for clarifying that you only get one sandwich a day. You would think the largest carrier in the world would provide more than just a samdwich, but whatever.

What is the total cost that they deduct for going through their sponsored training program? I've also heard from some people that Swift only requires a one year contract, but I read an article from an experienced Swift driver that said they require 2 years of work, not just 1. Is that true?

 

I don't have an answer for that one. I went to an outside school that swift approved. $3000 for 160 hours in a truck. They called it even after 1500 because they shut the school down in the midle of the night with no warning. Yes, I'd have thaught that SWIFT would provide at least 1 meal a day while at the terminal, but it's not even a meal, just a sandwich. Vending machines are available at the terminals also, and some hotels offer a breakfast. The hotel I was at offered hot water that they called coffe and packaged pastry to go along with it for their "free breakfast".

 

Thinkin about it, different terminals may provide more or less. Phoenix terminal has a resteraunt inside, so they may provide more than just a sandwich. I believe Memphis has one too. Some terminals have a shuttle service that will take you to the local walmart, phoenix and denver have it, not sure what other terminals offer it. Most of the other terminals have roach coaches that show up a few times a day. One of the terminals in the southwest has sleeping quarters that they may put you in instead of a hotel, I think that's El Paso. I guess it depends on where you go for orientation. Anyhow, pay and transportation is the same at all terminals.

 

Here's the deal:

Training: You pay for all items / food you need except the 1st lunch, 1st day.
Mentor: You pay for all items / food you need along the way.
Orientation: You are fed lunch of your choosing.

 

I'd just like to say a few words. I'm an O/O, I drive slower when I can, and keep more money in my pocket that way by saving fuel. When you newbies get out there driving, when passing another truck, always take your time getting back over. There is no hurry where safety is concerned. I wonder if any of the trucking schools or the truck companies teach defensive driving anymore. Over the last 20+ years, and particularly this last year, the most trucks by far that have almost taken my hood off after passing me have been Swift trucks/drivers. Be a defensive driver and don't get in a big rush. Who cares if that 4-wheeler or 'big truck' in a hurry is tailgating you, it's not a big deal. Safety is your first priority. If its me passing another truck, I take my time, I'm not about to cause an accident. Good luck to all you new guys.

 

My contract says they will hold back $75 a week for 13 wks to pay back the cost of the school. They pay for the hotel while in school however, it's a loan to you for the total amount of the housing. They withhold another $37.50 a week until the loan is paid off. You are responsible for the cost of all meals while in school except for lunch on the first day. I had to pay for my physical with no mention of being reimbursed. There were guys in my class that Swift took to the Dr. for a DOT physical and Swift paid for it. This info is current as of today.