I've had a few offers, but still undecided. Need some input

[mudvayne1]

Well I got laid off from the coal mines in mid april and my unemployment is going to run out soon. I've been putting applications in everywhere but the only offers I've had are from trucking companies.

I know that going to school doesn't mean you are hired but I'm going to have to do something. C1 training school in Indianapolis have been trying to get me to come there. Pay 4 grand up front or 6 grand if I make payments and I have been pre hired by werner.

Swift costs 4 grand no up front cash and they said they would hire me. I'm not sure which is the better choice though. I see about 20 swift trucks for every werner truck I see when I'm on the highway.

If I can get a job that pays 500+ a week after my training I'll be happy for now. It seems that all I read on here are gripes, moans, and complaints about how companies have screwed them. I know how it is because I've served in the military. They make it so pretty on the outside but when you get in you see that hardly anything is what they make it appear to be. I understand that its a love/hate sort of thing. I could care less about lack of sleep, or showers, or even being on the road for weeks at a time. I've also grown up around trucks all my life so its not new to me. The government and economy have seemed to kill the coal industry for now and I don't really see it picking up for a few years.

Anybody have any thoughts or opinions on what I oughta do? Werner or swift? What should I ask for? Werner said they had a regional dollar store route available in my area. The only thing that scares me is going in debt a few thousand for the training. I have no debt as it is, but it just seems absurd that it costs that much for 3 weeks of showing you how to drive a truck.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

[Old Salt_19]

Have you used up your GI Bill? If you still have it available to you, apply to a local Tech. or Community College that offers truck driver training.

Also, some of the carriers that are still offering to train drivers have GI Bill backed training programs that you might look at.

[GMAN]

Well I got laid off from the coal mines in mid april and my unemployment is going to run out soon. I've been putting applications in everywhere but the only offers I've had are from trucking companies.

I know that going to school doesn't mean you are hired but I'm going to have to do something. C1 training school in Indianapolis have been trying to get me to come there. Pay 4 grand up front or 6 grand if I make payments and I have been pre hired by werner.

Swift costs 4 grand no up front cash and they said they would hire me. I'm not sure which is the better choice though. I see about 20 swift trucks for every werner truck I see when I'm on the highway.

If I can get a job that pays 500+ a week after my training I'll be happy for now. It seems that all I read on here are gripes, moans, and complaints about how companies have screwed them. I know how it is because I've served in the military. They make it so pretty on the outside but when you get in you see that hardly anything is what they make it appear to be. I understand that its a love/hate sort of thing. I could care less about lack of sleep, or showers, or even being on the road for weeks at a time. I've also grown up around trucks all my life so its not new to me. The government and economy have seemed to kill the coal industry for now and I don't really see it picking up for a few years.

Anybody have any thoughts or opinions on what I oughta do? Werner or swift? What should I ask for? Werner said they had a regional dollar store route available in my area. The only thing that scares me is going in debt a few thousand for the training. I have no debt as it is, but it just seems absurd that it costs that much for 3 weeks of showing you how to drive a truck.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

I think either company could work for you. I have spoken with several Werner drivers who have been on the Dollar General dedicated account. Most seemed to be happy with the company. Most people that I speak with working for both carriers seem to like them. No company gets as large as these two without doing a lot of things right. While you may hear a lot of whining and complaints about certain companies, most who are happy don't voice their opinions much. To be honest, I don't think there is much difference between any of the major carriers. There are some who don't treat their drivers well, but there are also drivers who don't do their job very well, either. If you are interested in either carrier, I suggest you talk to drivers who currently work for them. If there is a truck stop near you it might help to camp out for a day and just talk to different drivers. Pick their brain. Ask about their company. Most will be candid with you. Most complaints I hear about Swift concerns the governed speed. Once through their training their drivers seem to make decent money. There will always be things you like or dislike about any company. Those who communicate with their dispatchers or driver managers will usually be much happier and do better than those who leave when they don't get their way about something.

You can still earn a living in trucking. Drivers may not be making as much as last year, but the entire economy is off. Things will pick up. If you can get your CDL and find a carrier such as one of those you listed, you can write your own ticket after a year or two. The economy will turn around. If you start now you should have enough experience by this time next year to start earning a higher level of income. I would try to find a state vocational school or community college in your area that offers training. It usually takes a little longer, but will cost considerably less than going to a private driver school.

[Jay B]

Have you used up your GI Bill? If you still have it available to you, apply to a local Tech. or Community College that offers truck driver training.

Also, some of the carriers that are still offering to train drivers have GI Bill backed training programs that you might look at.

DO NOT throw out your GI Bill on some bulls*** apprentice program that allows a company to pay you almost nothing while you squander what could be your only chance at paying for an education.

If you have to use it for a 4-6 week community college driver school, OK. But seeing as how you are unemployed because your industry went to crap, you should qualify for WIA money or some other program to pay for truck driving school.

[mudvayne1]

I've not used all of my GI Bill up but a tech school is out of the question. There aren't any within a 150 mile radius of where I live. I've already checked. I also talked to the companies about that and they said I would still have to go through the training just to get hired.


GMAN, I've realized people are twice as quick to voice negative opinions rather than positive ones.

Also, how would I go about asking for a regional route? Do they give those out according to how long you've worked there? Or if you live the closest?

[rapatorr]

Hey man, I was lied to by Werner! Don't believe when they say that you're pre hired as soon as you get your license, they called me at my home before I had my license and told me that as soon as I had my license, they would hire me, but then when I started school, they changed their mind and said i didn't qualify, even though I have a clean record both driving and criminal, I think is a strategy between the schools and Werner to get people to go to that specific school, i graduated 2 months ago and still don't have a job.

[1TruckDrivinSunUvAGun]

I worked for Werner and was even a "trainer" there for a short while. It wasn't a horrible place to work. It wasn't the most organized when I was there and the electronic logs were a little annoying. But it's a place to start anyways. It was like any other big company to work for. If they're willing to take you and give you a job and your dead set on doing it then go for it. I doubt there is much said here that will change your mind once it's made.

[mudvayne1]

Thats what I'm afraid of most. Going to school and not being hired afterwards. The debt and no job really wouldn't be the best thing for me.

It seems like the biggest difference between Werner and Swift are the paperless logs and the governed speed. I'm not sure if Werner trucks are governed as well.

What about the number of trucks on the road I seen? Is it just the area I live in or does swift get alot more work than werner?n You kind of have to read around and sift through all the negative stories I've heard, but it seems like former swift employees are generally happier and say less negative things than werner drivers.

[dle]

Have you been educated as to what the hiring process is like in truck driving? Just because you are invited to orientation does not mean you have been hired, it only means you have been invited to a 2+ day interview. There is no guarantee of a job, anywhere, especially now.

WIA is a definite option, but, just because you would like to be trained as a truck driver does not necessarily mean that they will automatically do that. If you are already unemployed and receiving UI benefits, check into / apply NOW the process is a long one. Have you checked into an extension of benefits?

I have driven for both Werner and Swift. Personally I cannot really recommend either of them. The lesser of the two evils is Swift. There are plenty of threads on here about both.

They both have governed trucks Werner at 65, Swift at 62.

It's rather hard to give somebody financial advice without asking a lot of questions, and this is what it boils down to. You will have to look at how much money you have now, how much money you will bring in while in training and afterwards ( a bit of advice take the bottom number on what people say they make ). Then compare this to how much money you will spend out now, during training and afterwards. Do this for each of the options and see what is best for you.

[homer]

I have driven for both Werner and Swift. Personally I cannot really recommend either of them. The lesser of the two evils is Swift. [/QUOTE]
i just went to the swift school and let em take 25$ out of my check. made damn sure to have no wrecks. after a year you probably wanna drive a coal truck or something where you gotta life.
i quit the swift after 2 1/2 years and go home evry day

[1TruckDrivinSunUvAGun]

For got to mention that thanks DLE. Werner's orientation is 3 days long when I was there last, it was pretty easy to get on with them they weren't real strict. Everyone that was there got a truck or went out with a trainer I hear the opposite with Swift. First day was paperwork, videos, drug test, etc. Second day was more paperwork and videos and a lot of sitting around doing nothing b.s. Third day was finishing up loose ends and then get going in your own truck or get a trainer. But orientation does not recommend a job at all. Just that your going to go through their process and may be sent home at any time. Their trucks were governed at 65mph last I heard. But almost every company out there has governed trucks so don't worry about that. The company I am at now has their truck governed at 72mph. Good luck, keep your options open. I would strongly recommend looking into corrections or the medical field.

[Glad Hand]

Be aware that the overwhelming majority of drivers won’t last a year because of inexperience and too many accidents way too fast. Thus, after they are fired they usually get stuck with the bill of having to pay for the CDL training that they can no longer use.

[boneebone]

Electronic Logs alone is one reason NOT to go with Werner. IMO, Werner truck are governed also, like most big companies.

[mudvayne1]

I've heard the pros and cons of the paperless logs. I've heard they suck, but I've also heard if you know how to use it they are better.

By the way, what is WIA?

[Glad Hand]

I've heard the pros and cons of the paperless logs. I've heard they suck, but I've also heard if you know how to use it they are better.

I would not, could not work for a company that has electronic logs. I can’t count how many Werner drivers I shot the **** with over the years at shippers or consignees that told me that they were stuck spending the night there even though they were filthy and wanted a shower and starving but didn’t have food in the truck because their time on their electronic log had ran out! Whereas under the same circumstances, I could always easily finagle 15 minutes out of my logbook in order to make it to the nearest truck stop to catch a hot shower and eat a warm meal.

[golfhobo]

By the way, what is WIA?

Workforce Investment Act. A government program to RETRAIN people who are unemployed ESPECIALLY where their jobs were lost due to the Republicans sending them all overseas!

I believe you mentioned the coal industry and how it has died in your area. The program should be fully funded then. Go to your nearest Employment office and ask about it. There are TWO "strains" as I understand it. ONE will allow you to go to a community college to train for something (medical is king.) The OTHER will pay for an independent CDL school. Costs about 4 grand, but they pay it all, often including travel or hotel accomodations.

Sounds like C1 school might accept WIA tuition. Check with them on that. BTW... while I was in CDL school, I was allowed to collect unemployment.

Forget about what they say about being "pre-hired." Really is no such thing! But, if WIA will pay for you to get a CDL, there are MANY companies that MIGHT hire you.... even in the current economy. If Werner or Swift won't do it, it is because they wanted you to pay THEM for the CDL training!

Many smaller companies in your area might accept your independent training. That is how I got into the business. WIA... local smaller company needing OTR drivers. [Make SURE it is a 160 hour school!]

If it comes down to it... and you HAVE to choose between Werner or Swift... I'd call Schneider!

Seriously.... between the two.... I'd pick Swift.

It's a bad time to try to break into the industry. Freight loads are down. But, I think things are about to pick up. You will be up against many drivers with more experience who are out of work. But.... MANY of them have too much baggage on their MVR's. YOURS sounds clean. This will help you even if ONLY because of the insurance companies.

It's worth a TRY... dude! Not everyone out there can GET a CDL. Once you get it, it's like a meal ticket if you keep your nose clean!

Your military experience will hopefully protect you against the "whining syndrome" of so many who attempt this job. It's not easy! But, it ain't that hard if you have learned to DEAL with idiots!

The IMPORTANT thing is to keep your eyes on the prize! Suck chit for a year or two if necessary, and keep your record clean, and then you will see doors open for you. Five years down the line... you can pick and choose and write your own ticket.

I hope you can use WIA to pay for your school. But, if not... 5 grand is a SMALL investment in a career that can easily pay you more than that for EVERY year you are employed in it. You don't see THAT in the coal industry do you?

I've made some good money in my life. But, I've NEVER made what I'm making now after only 4 years in trucking. I'll probably be a "lifer." I like the FREEDOM as well as the money. But, the freedom doesn't live in the confines of the MegaCarriers!

IF you want to DO this.... do it on YOUR terms. Don't just "be" a NUMBER. Think outside the box and make your OWN plan for your life and career. If you don't, you'll probably end up as so many other "whiners" on here who let the industry control their careers and lives.

Your intial question of Werner or Swift shows that you haven't yet done ALL your homework. PLEASE tell me that you didn't let the military talk you into being a "glorified security guard."

Get "proactive" dude! Truckin' is NOT for WUSSES!

[golfhobo]

I would not, could not work for a company that has electronic logs. I can’t count how many Werner drivers I shot the **** with over the years at shippers or consignees that told me that they were stuck spending the night there even though they were filthy and wanted a shower and starving but didn’t have food in the truck because their time on their electronic log had ran out! Whereas under the same circumstances, I could always easily finagle 15 minutes out of my logbook in order to make it to the nearest truck stop to catch a hot shower and eat a warm meal.

A man after my OWN heart! Truckstops are for trucks! Truckers deserve a shower and a hot meal. I have NEVER missed either!

[Glad Hand]

Workforce Investment Act. A government program to RETRAIN people who are unemployed ESPECIALLY where their jobs were lost due to the Republicans sending them all overseas!

How exactly do Republicans send jobs overseas? By opposing protectionist policies that will instigate a trade war that will inevitably hurt everyone and their brothers? Additionally, how does the Dhimmicrat policy of protecting unions, which subverts free labor markets and tremendously escalates overhead labor cost unnecessarily, not open the door for foreign competition to enter US markets and inevitably obliterate their unionized competition as we have watched happen over and over ad nauseum again? Moreover, how do ruinous over-regulation imposed by Dhimmicrats not force whole industries into escaping and relocating overseas?

[1catfish]

How exactly do Republicans send jobs overseas? By opposing protectionist policies that will instigate a trade war that will inevitably hurt everyone and their brothers? Additionally, how does the Dhimmicrat policy of protecting unions, which subverts free labor markets and tremendously escalates overhead labor cost unnecessarily, not open the door for foreign competition to enter US markets and inevitably obliterate their unionized competition as we have watched happen over and over ad nauseum again? Moreover, how do ruinous over-regulation imposed by Dhimmicrats not force whole industries into escaping and relocating overseas?

it's no use, you can argue with libs till your blue in the face, it's ether reps. fault or g.w.'s fault, but there never the one with there hand in your pocket.

[mudvayne1]

I just checked with my unemployment office about that WIA. I talked to 3 different people and they didn't know squat about it. The only thing they could tell me was they paid for me to go to a local community college and get my 160 hrs and cdl. I looked on the state website and they offered a large amount of different schools but the people I talked to couldn't tell me anything about it.

I know its paid for. But wouldn't it be easier to get a job by just going through swifts school? Or that C1 school? They offer job placement. I know its a big difference in price because you can't argue with freebies. I just don't want to do that training for nothing.