How is Swift, Werner, and Knight these days?
 

I've been driving a tri axle dump these last few years, and prior to that was running local trailers, so I may need to go with one of the larger companies to get back into trailer work again. I haven't had a full week yet this year at my present company, and most paychecks are in the $150 to $300/week range which isn't cutting it. I know that there are better companies out there, but right now I have a bit of a strange, but legitimate requirement. I need a company that has terminals in both Eastern PA and the Phoenix AZ area. My parents live out in Sun City and my dad has Stage 4 Lung Cancer. I need to be able to relocate with short notice without having to quit the company I'd be driving for. That pretty much limits me to Swift, Werner, or Knight. Neither are really GREAT choices, but they all fit my needs at the moment. Any ideas, thoughts or information is appreciated and requested.

Thanks.

With only dump experience in the last few years you're going to have a very hard time finding any kind of tractor trailer work, a lot of companies are requiring a years worth of A experience in the last 36 months. If you do happen to get hired by one of these companies expect to be told you'll have to attend a school, or go out for extended periods of time with a trainer. As far as the locations are concerned, a lot of companies hire from most of the 48 states, u shouldn't be limited to just those 3 companies as far location is concerned. Anyway, before i get too long winded, your first step should be looking in to whether or not anyone will even consider you at this time given your lack of recent tractor trailer experience, trucking isn't like it was a few years back, there are still jobs to be had but they are going to more qualified, or should i say drivers with atleast recent class A experience. Just my 2 cents.........

The recruiters will appreciate your honesty. They deliver exactly what you need? Uber suck, dude! You'll be much better off when you find something that offers you nothing.

Are you related to Kevin by birth or by marriage?

Who and what the hell are you talking about. I live in PA, but in the future may need to relocate to AZ due to my father's medical condition. I asked a simple question about those companies that have terminals both where I live now, and out in Phoenix. Whatever smart ass reply you intended was not needed.

Millersod and Syncrosonix, thanks for your replies. I'm leaning toward Swift because I started with them years ago. I do realize that I will probably need at least a refresher, if not full time out with a trainer. I won't, however, go into debt to attend a school for something I know quite well how to do. I can drive a truck, and in a lot of instances, probably better than a lot of the trainers and instructors out there these days. That said, I am willing to go with a trainer if that is what will bring me on board.

Are you mad because I pointed out the hypocrisy of your post or are you mad because I insinuated a relationship between you and Kevin?

You see, in another post in another thread, Kevin b!tched and complained that Swift planners suck because they do get him all the miles he can handle while other Drivers go without.

In your post, you make it clear that you don't like the 3 co's best suited to your circumstances and that you're considering them "by default" only. To me, that implies you're not going to be happy with any of them and I'm merely suggesting that you find a company that you do like and save yourself some aggravation. You don't need more aggravation at a time like this.

I don't even know who Kevin is. At any rate, I understand what you are saying, but what I need is places to park the truck at either location, and these companies serve that purpose. Werner would be #1 in that respect because their terminal in PA is closest to the house I currently reside in. At any rate, I've been in the industry long enough to know that none of the three companies are tops in the business. That being said, I've been local for quite a few years, and out of trailers for two. I know that I will probably have to go with a training company to get back into OTR/Regional trailer operations. That limits me right there, and the fact that I need a company that has a terminal in both locations limits me even more. What it comes down to is that even though I have 12 years behind the wheel of heavy trucks, I have no recent trailer or OTR experience, thus the "training" companies is what I must look to at this point in my life and career.

Voyager
 

I used to drive for swift. If they have the same policy, you can train to drive a truck under their program at no cost, but if you quit before working for them for a year, you will have to pay for the schooling. I only quit swift because I had a dispatcher I could not get along with, as well as hard to get home time with swift, even tho you are suppose to get home after 14 days. Depends on where you are and where freight is going. I guess fuel and whats good for swift is top priorty. Good luck.

The last I heard Swift will let you test out if you have your class A but you will need to go out with a trainer to learn the Swift "system".

Thanks...and actually, I don't see anything wrong with that policy.