Swift will hire anyone that can fog a mirror...

[T * Storm]

Bull Sh*t !! On day one of school over half of our class washed out the first day with reasons ranging from traffic infractions within the last 5 years, to high blood pressure, including people that stated that they smoked weed in the last three years. They also put you thorough a training schedule that is NOT for the faint of heart. You are up a 5:30 am - in the van by 6:30 am and get done with school at 5 pm , with homework assigned for the night - About an hour or 2 worth, first four days. 6 hour day on Saturday starting at 5:30 am. (I am the 1st week in on a 3 week intensive at the Truck Driving Academy in Sacramento.)

Swift don't care as long as you get through training. I got a room mate from the roll over from the class that started the week before me. Reason? The instructor didn't think he was ready yet. Did he take the practical and Skills test yet? No. Reason? The instructor didn't think he was ready yet - what my room mate told me. Why? He had the parallel and dock backing down and the last day before the test he ran the maneuvers one last time and blew the parallel parking bit and his instructor put him over for an additional week to perfect his skill to the level of confidence.

5 other students were rolled over for an additional week to make sure they had the material down pat. Cost for the additional week including hotel room? ZERO.

So, to all you nay sayers concerning Swift and their supposed

hire em if they breath

mentality? Sorry, but you are totally mistaken. The Schools care and so Does Swift!!! The Swift employee is the one that chopped more than half the class before we even got started. Chad may have seemed like an arrogant ass, but I can definitely see the psychology behind his act. Swift only wants the best of the best driving for Swift. Trust me, Swift could fill all those empty tractors if they accepted the unfit, in a heart beat, but Swift really cares about who they hire. (I am one of them - so far)


AND A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO PHIL WARD!!! GREAT TEACHER AND VERY THOROUGH. HIS WELL TIMED ANECDOTES HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD WHEN HES TRYING TO MAKE A POINT. - So much in fact that on some of the written exam questions, taken at the CA Dept of Motor Vehicles, I could almost hear his voice and the anecdotes he used to make sure the information stuck. 8)

Kudos to My recruiter Robbie and the VP of operations Diana for not white washing the truth to trick the students. (Is TDA perfect? No. They're human and have room for improvement, but what company doesn't? My only complaint is that they could make sure the shuttle is a bit more consistent in their pick up time. 6:20 breakfast at the hotel is ready, pick up can be any where from 6:30 to 6:45 - not enough time to eat breakfast if your still groggy.)

[shyykatt]

My husband went to their school down in Tenn.; He would call me just about every night and tell me how tough they were on who passed and who didn't-which is definatly a good thing, but yes, every school/ company is different; I think it just has a lot to do w/each persons' individual experience( and their attitude as well); so if you are happy, then thats all you need to know.

[Big John]

Bull Sh*t !! On day one of school over half of our class washed out the first day with reasons ranging from traffic infractions within the last 5 years, to high blood pressure, including people that stated that they smoked weed in the last three years.

They must have been real bad for SWIFTY to let them go.
Enjoy watching the revolving door. It goes round and round and round it goes.

They also put you thorough a training schedule that is NOT for the faint of heart. You are up a 5:30 am - in the van by 6:30 am and get done with school at 5 pm , with homework assigned for the night - About an hour or 2 worth, first four days. 6 hour day on Saturday starting at 5:30 am. (I am the 1st week in on a 3 week intensive at the Truck Driving Academy in Sacramento.)

They want to get you in that truck faster and make them so money.

My only complaint is that they could make sure the shuttle is a bit more consistent in their pick up time. 6:20 breakfast at the hotel is ready, pick up can be any where from 6:30 to 6:45 - not enough time to eat breakfast if your still groggy.)

The Short Bus?

[T * Storm]

The Short Bus?

nope; Pup trailer (23') 8)

[T * Storm]

...so if you are happy, then thats all you need to know.

I think I picked a good starting point. Am I happy? Yes, but not blissfully ignorant.

[Uturn2001]

The problem is not in the schooling, it is in the OTJ training afterwards.

How much training can you get from someone with possibly 6 months experience or from some LP who just wants to turn and burn miles.

[T * Storm]

The problem is not in the schooling, it is in the OTJ training afterwards.

How much training can you get from someone with possibly 6 months experience or from some LP who just wants to turn and burn miles.

Round and round... it's not 6 months it's a year, from the date of your last preventable, etc, etc, etc.


Also, in terms of turn and burn, best way to learn is by doing. Quickest way to learn is to burn the miles - its also the quickest way to see who's cut out to be an OTR driver and who's not.

[Volvofreak]

I beleive SWIFT is one of the best newbie companies. When I was there a few years ago, I got discouraged hearing all the negative Swift jokes here and out on the road and I started to believe them. I thought, well mabey ill go with one of the other copmpanies and the grass will be greener.

BIG MISTAKE.

I went with Covenant, and man I lived at truckstops 99% of the time and they cared less about getting me home. I don't mind being out for 3 to 4 weeks or so but when your looking at 5 to 6 weeks, it starts to get you down.

At Swift, you will be on a one on one face to face relationship with your dispatcher/driver manager and it makes a big difference. I got home every week when I was there. The only negative I found with Swift is that newbies get old (OLD) trucks for the first 6 months and break downs can cost them some serious miles. Just stick it out for 4 to 6 months and you will be in a nice new Volvo condo tractor.

Many folks that bad talk Swift have never driven for them and are mearly relaying stories and Swift jokes they heard at truck stop diners. Most if not all newb companies will allow trainers with less than a year experience train drivers, swift is not any different.

I would work for Swift again in a heartbeat!

[T * Storm]

Many folks that bad talk Swift have never driven for them and are mearly relaying stories and Swift jokes they heard at truck stop diners. Most if not all newb companies will allow trainers with less than a year experience train drivers, swift is not any different.

I would work for Swift again in a heartbeat!

I appreciate your encouragement, how ever I must correct you about the less than 1 year trainer statement:

Direct Quote from their own website and what I've been told by recuriters at Swift and at the school I'm at. Granted, Swift could be lying, but then again, why would they? If theyre strict about who they hire to drive, I would imagine they are just as strict with whom they allow to be a trainer.

WEBSITE:

Topic specific http://www.swifttruckingjobs.com/mentor.php

from website:At Swift, the position of driver mentor is only open to those drivers who are the best of the best. Prospective mentors must complete an extensive mentor certification program. They must also be patient and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

[Volvofreak]

I can tell you straight up that Swift will make you a trainer/mentor after 6 mos. if you complete the course. What are you trying to correct me on?

[Uturn2001]

I can tell you straight up that Swift will make you a trainer/mentor after 6 mos. if you complete the course. What are you trying to correct me on?

It was that way when I was with Swift. 6 months, regardless of previous experience, with no accidents and only minor log issues and you could become a trainer.

In fact it was a major recruiting pitch when Swift came to the school I attended. The recruiter talked about how much more money we could make by "passing on what we learned".

[T * Storm]

I can tell you straight up that Swift will make you a trainer/mentor after 6 mos. if you complete the course. What are you trying to correct me on?

I appreciate your encouragement, how ever I must correct you about the less than 1 year trainer statement:

Just showing you whats on Swifts new website - Maybe they do allow you to be a trainer after 6 months but this is what their website states.

[Longsnowsm]

I second what the others have said... The bad reputation revolves around the fire hose pace of the training, nasty run down training facilities and hotel(depends on location), and then the finisher training you are suppose to get with your trainer.

There are too many horror stories about lousy trainers running as teams and then letting new drivers take the fall when there is an accident or fender bender. Just watch your P&Q's and you will be fine. Just remember the goal is to get through the finisher training without problems so you are in your own truck.

The real issue revolves around how big Swift is and the presence they have on the road. One bone head driver and everyone assumes all Swift drivers are the same. It isn't fair and it is just a stigma that Swift drivers have to live with. Sounds like your getting alone well in training. BOL

Longsnowsm

[PhuzzyGnu]

They also put you thorough a training schedule that is NOT for the faint of heart. You are up a 5:30 am - in the van by 6:30 am and get done with school at 5 pm , with homework assigned for the night - About an hour or 2 worth, first four days. 6 hour day on Saturday starting at 5:30 am.

That would be a short day for me, and many drivers out there. Only 11.5 hours plus an hour or two of homework? You still have at least a half hour before you need to take your 10 break!

I need you to write on the chalkboard there "Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty" 100 times.

-p.

[T * Storm]

I need you to write on the chalkboard there "Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty" 100 times.

-p.

CHALK BOARD


"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"
"Work 100 hours, log 70, and get paid for forty"


See - I'll make a great Swift Company Driver - I do what I'm told with a smile on my face. 8) - or is that a smirk?

[Skywalker]

Also, in terms of turn and burn, best way to learn is by doing. Quickest way to learn is to burn the miles - its also the quickest way to see who's cut out to be an OTR driver and who's not.

No sir, its not the best way to learn. The only correct way to train a new driver is for the trainer or as in my case the title is "Finisher"... to be in the jump seat at all times when the student is driving, and the trainer is logged on line 4 during those times. At no time during a students training cycle do I or one of my peers go into the sleeper berth while a student is driving.

All the mega companies are doing with that "turn and burn" as you call it, is use you for "cheap labor"....and give you some fairly "half-assed" mediocre training. Don't kid yourself about your trainin... I've been there and done it, and frankly...its a truly "half-assed" way to train a new driver.

And frankly....some of the trainers/mentors for the mega carriers are "truly half assed" as well.... If you had any idea how many times I have held "mini-seminars" for drivers from other companies because the new driver had not been taught by his or her "trainer" how to axle out a trailer, or what kingpin length they needed to be at for this state or whatever....

So before you slick your hair back and put on your "rose colored glasses", you might want to sit back and watch alittle while...and you'll see what we mean....

Swift only wants the best of the best driving for Swift.

Yeah, uh huh, sure. If they wanted the best, then it would follow that they'd pay the best wages and have the best hometime. But that sure ain't the case.

Low cpm, HHG miles, training trucks dispatched as teams...no thanks!

[shaley06]

I just got mine all done at Swift and I can tell you it was hell week. e busted our hind end every day and night it was tough. They let nothing easy go by. We was studying for our next test before we finished the one we was taking. I'm a certified Engineer and have never been in a class as tough as they was.

[druid2874]

I just got mine all done at Swift and I can tell you it was hell week. e busted our hind end every day and night it was tough. They let nothing easy go by. We was studying for our next test before we finished the one we was taking. I'm a certified Engineer and have never been in a class as tough as they was.

Ok don?t get me wrong I work for Swift and I like them. The school is not that hard. I mean please, you are just studying for a DMV TEST. The only really hard part was trying to stay awake when watching the videos. All you had to do was pay attention in class and study the DMV book and well that was it pretty much it. Now the driving part of class is different. Its not hard just well some folks pick up driving a tractor and trailer, and shifting faster then others.

Also ColdFrostyMug

The CPM is about same with the other companies. Yes I know there are other companies that pay more but average about same. As far as trainers being dispatched as team trucks that is changing, The new CEO is starting to turn this company around. But like any thing it takes a little time. But the HHG miles can suck not going to argue over that one. Home time I have no problem getting home none I go out for 3 to 4 weeks and stay home 3 to 5 days granted sometimes I might be a day before or a day after I wanted to be home , but well stuff happens sometimes

[shaley06]

I just got mine all done at Swift and I can tell you it was hell week. e busted our hind end every day and night it was tough. They let nothing easy go by. We was studying for our next test before we finished the one we was taking. I'm a certified Engineer and have never been in a class as tough as they was.

Ok don?t get me wrong I work for Swift and I like them. The school is not that hard. I mean please, you are just studying for a DMV TEST. The only really hard part was trying to stay awake when watching the videos. All you had to do was pay attention in class and study the DMV book and well that was it pretty much it. Now the driving part of class is different. Its not hard just well some folks pick up driving a tractor and trailer, and shifting faster then others.


Also ColdFrostyMug

The CPM is about same with the other companies. Yes I know there are other companies that pay more but average about same. As far as trainers being dispatched as team trucks that is changing, The new CEO is starting to turn this company around. But like any thing it takes a little time. But the HHG miles can suck not going to argue over that one. Home time I have no problem getting home none I go out for 3 to 4 weeks and stay home 3 to 5 days granted sometimes I might be a day before or a day after I wanted to be home , but well stuff happens sometimes

Your exactly right staying awake was rough with 4 people in a room and no sleep. But we didn't get a book to study we got a book some lady wrote they ran out of DMV books. So the one we recieved had nothing about air breaks or hazmat. I passed because I had done my permit in Ohio before going but of course it was no good there.