why do people drop out

They were getting a 1k TAX CREDIT or is my reading comprehension gone with my hair line? That is NOT the same as cash, I THINK, and it is IF the OP stays a FULL 52 weeks!! Forget Swift (which is one of the reputable ones), but even the mills which may have other reasons to pack their classrooms... I don't think it's this one.
Unfortunately, I am guessing that this is the way companies keep O/O and Freight brokers at bay by keeping an over supply of trucks in the road and keeping the cp/m low(er). It is a sword with two edges; hence, CREtain companies have become so infamous of pushing newbies into leasing trucks -- knowing they are not going to have the miles or the know how. But trucking is a COMPLEX industry... many heads to this snake...

 

When an employee leases a truck, he or she is no longer an employee. If this switch happens before 52 weeks from date of hire, no tax credit for the company.

Again: Where is this big handout?

 

Yes sir, the way to ensure you get the most value for your product is is to create an oversupply ...

 

TooGroovy, check this out. Large companies make up less than 30% of the industry. Swift is listed as having 16,000 power units. This includes day cabs, yard goats, service trucks, shuttles and company cars as well as OTR style tractors. There are more than 1.5 million trucks on the roads today. Swift could either go away or double in size tomorrow and it would not make a ripple as far as rates and how business is done in this industry.

Look elsewhere, other than large companies, for your boogey man. Perhaps your freight brokers and fellow independents who are perfectly happy hauling for half of Swift's rates, running refurbished Swift trucks with an additional 250K miles on them and falling to pieces.

(Just using Swift as an example, since it's what I know. I am not getting on a Swift cheerleader soap box. Substitute any large company name and the story does not change.)

 

Hmmmm... I am the first one to admit that I don't understand the trucking industry, and SWIFT is a good company -- It is in my list to apply.
What I am curious about is why are companies constantly hiring when there are not that many miles to go around. Then again, I don't read people hurting for miles from Swift.
I don't think there is a driver shortage though -- But hey, I am glad they do hire a whole lot... and when it comes down to it, its up to each person to inform him/herself before signing the dotted line of ANYTHING -- that be a CDL tuition deal, lease program, employment... so... I STAND CORRECTED making big companies the boogey men -- they are just doing what they do.

 

There is a high turnover rate throughout the industry, but most notably, with "training" companies. The pay scale will be higher in a niche company than with a large, widely spread setup like Swift. Many of the drivers who start here see that and reach for that golden egg. If they are able to keep a good record with Swift, find the industry suits them and have good enough timing, they can step into one of these niche companies.

There is a certain percentage (rather high) of people who embark on this career and find it is most definitely not for them. They move on pretty quickly. Others just can't get it together and are fired for various things...like too many accidents, attitude problems, can't seem to figure out the paperwork...all kinds of reasons.

Attrition needs to be covered. Since Swift does not offer a pay scale that a ten year driver would generally be happy with, it is newer folks who come to the doors. Rather than offer top pay, Swift offers a foot in the door to the industry. Therefore, noobs with no experience come in. Fully 80% will not make the first year for the reasons above. 90% will never make five years. Fewer than 1% make it to career completion and retirement. This is industry wide.

Freight needs to be moved and people are needed to make that happen. That's where you come in. Swift will train you to move that freight. After your 13 months is done, you are no longer beholden to Swift in any way. With a good record, you can move into a more specialized segment. You will have seen what's out here and have an idea which direction you want to go. And you will go. Then Swift will have to replace you.

With 16,000 power units, roughly 200 will come open every week. Those trucks need to be filled. Therefore, they are almost always hiring. As are most of the other training companies.

 

That makes more sense, Injun, and sure... you have to experience the job to know if you can hack it... and only one year to pay of your CDL school AND road training is GREAT , I can see that. One of the MANY reasons Swift is on the top of my list, and not for just one year, but until I learn the business well, is because they are a respectable company and I don't read of anyone being cajoled to do the wrong thing or be unsafe. I also like the fact that they have terminals every place and then some -- I think that is a good thing, is it?
What clinched it were the videos with the old man with the white beard.

 

Why do people quit? Simple. No $$$$, No emplyee. Or, very little $$$, very little emplyees.

 

Welcome to the machine

 

Welcome to the machine Love the Pink Floyed Quote and Swift is just another Brick in the WALL...