I did my first year at Swift in 2021. It wasn’t too bad. The trick is to use any downtime to improve yourself. I got all of my endorsements, and got rid of that automatic restriction. I was able to get a pretty neat job with a moving company doing nationwide van lines, and local industrial flatbedding. After all that I landed a $115K position at a very small Old Dominion terminal, locally. Do your time, get your endorsements, and bounce after that year!
@@frankiegunnz8066veterans scholarship. Only had to do a year to fulfill the obligation. If you’re on the weekly payments, they stop after a year, and that second year they start paying back
Hi there. Thanks for sharing your experience. I am going to be taking my CLP test in the next 2 weeks and I am trying to figure out if I want to go to school with a trucking company or a local driving school. I have been a registered nurse for 28 years and I need a change. I have always wanted to drive a big rig and want to see the country. My only fear about going to school privately, is not being able to find a job when I finally finish. I have NEVER NOT had a job since I was 18 years old, so this is scary. I really appreciate you sharing your experience. Be safe out there. Sandee
I started with swift in 2011 and still with them today. I personally prefer to drive no more than 6 hours a day or 300 miles a day. Back in the days I averaged 3400 miles per week and I thought I will get rich quicker lol. I did made good money but the stress was no joke. I have switched to less stress and steady income. Drivers needs to understand that everyone’s situation is different. Some people want to drive 3000 miles per week or work 60 hours a week. Some want to drive no more than 1500 miles a week or work 39 hours per week. Some want to be home every weekend and others don’t care when they going to be home. Some wants to have truck governed at 80mph and others don’t care how fast truck goes. Some want to stay in region close to their home in case they want to go home, others want to go all over the country. Some want to obey all posted traffic signs and others want to drive truck like the way they drive their personal car. No matter which company you work for whoever pays the truck note controls the truck. If you want true freedom and responsibility just go buy your own truck and operate under your own authority. Just pick a company that you’re willing to keep up with their bullshyt and the company also has to keep up with your bullshyt too. Not all drivers are wonderful people.
@@jameskerrigan2997 haha I agree man. We need to keep truck in the left lane man. I don’t care what truckers say about it. If you can’t keep up with traffic get off the road.
I think everyone needs to remember we all had to start somewhere right? My Dad was a trucker all his life, may he rest in peace 😢, so I've been around it all my life. I think it's all about the driver and not about the company.
Thanx for the inside info, bro! I’ve started out a hot shot driver and also went OTR nationwide and it’s awesome! But now thinking on getting my mentorship training with Swift and the tradeoff is cool! Low pay is no big deal to me as I need that initial big rig training to be on my way! But thanx, bro! All info on these things is welcomed!
Swift cdl school was great. I’m from Texas and when we went to test out, they had a lot of private schools trying to test out all the times we went up there. Nobody from the other schools got beyond the Pretrip requirements to even do backing or a road test. Swift was like 9 out of 10 drivers passing and leaving with a CDL and if they didn’t they did another week and retested and passed. Cost in 2016 was about 70 per week deduction from your settlement for 13 months. If you leave that doubles. Basically how it works is that it’s 140 per week, they take 140 from your check and then immediately on the same check reimbursed half of that.
I just hauled 80k lbs on my first load by myself with no trainer. And I actually wish I had one but I just take my time and keep telling myself wide turns wide turns.
Hey brother, I’m with swift as well I’m entering my 5th month may I ask who your driver leader is because I have been interested in getting on a dedicated account. Thanks and stay safe on the road!
Ive been with swift 2 years now honestly no complaints im just working to get onto Walmart’s private fleet, but i have heard some new drivers have bad experiences with them but me ive been fortunate enough to be lucky
im a newbie in trucking just got my CDL 1 month ago & once i graduated from CDL school i had a prehire with werner but they were taking to long to get back to me & that’s when swift called me & offered me the job. i was a little to quick to just accepted & not look into it & ofc i’ve heard lots of things on swift now that i’ve done my research. i accepted the East Regional fleet & honestly even tho most things i’ve heard about swift are bad i think it’s a perfect opportunity for me to get into an experience & move forward from there. your video helped out a lot man & we appreciate people like you who keep honest & educational.
Werner, Swift, Schneider, Prime…it’s all the same shit for the most part. You’re no better or worse off with any of those. Get your experience, and move on.
@@aarons.7271 id add Western Express and CRST.. if I had to rank them best to worst.. Swift Werner Schneider CRST Western Express Prime. Im talking to like 50 - 60 drivers a day. Mostly if i talk to someone who worked for Swift or Werner. they said they would go back if they really had to. I hear nothing but bad bad bad with Prime and Western. Werner and Schneider seems to be ok if you can wait them out.. they dont have trainers to get you started right away sometimes.
I drove for Swift for ~18 months out of the Richmond terminal and honestly it was fine. My driver leader (Marty) was awesome. I averaged around 2400 miles a week. You get sent to some really strange/wild/middle of nowhere places with Swift once you get west of the Mississippi.
@@longhauljohn4153 I'm glad to hear that Marty is still there! She really was great. Probably the best boss/supervisor I've ever had. I think she's been with Swift for quite a while.
I work for Knight. It’s an OK company. I mean pay is just lacking obviously, but other than that they’ve kept me home whenever I ask for it, and keep me in the south/SE. Driver managers are cool. just going for my one year to switch to LTL.
Well, there you go. Go OTR, work with your driver manager about doing 34-hour resets instead of home time, and take the 34 hours in a part of the country that you'd like to explore. And I hope we don't see you on a crash video on YT!
My heart goes out to you both! I’ve been homeless before for a few months with no job. It’s great you haven’t given up on yourself, which is tempting to say the least. I hope to hear back with some positive updates!
. Good luck bro. We are all in this together, believe it or not. Just stay clean and stack the money. You can smoke 1 day when you are in a better spot in life but for now you have to pull up the boot straps.
Most these companies sucker you in and lie about profit. Hold your pay back so you stay for about a month then quit. Thier a revolving door and do not care.
I've looked into CDL training. I know trucking has a ton of cons, but the one thing that is holding me back from pursuing it is the thought of living with a stranger(trainer) in a truck for 4 weeks.
Everyone hates it just just get your hours in train as much as you can and get on with your own truck. School doesnt teach you everything … heck mentors dont even teach you everything.
You just have to push through it, just spend as much time out of the truck as you can. Just drive and sleep in the truck when you are with the trainer, after you get your own truck you can have your privacy.
If you don't like the vibe just ask to be switched to other trainer. Mine was incredible super respectful and very knowledgeable guy. He really made my OTR training experience really easy.
My training was absolute hell, I was abused my a sadistic power tripping moron for 30 days. He kept the heat on 95 degrees blasted violent rap music 10 hours a day, my bed was rock hard. I can't believe I made it through. The companies don't pay these trainers so it's usually their worst most financially desperate drivers. They're just using you for a few extra bucks and couldn't care less about training. There are some good trainers but good luck finding one.
I looked hard at Swift but will be starting with German Swift (Schneider) here in a couple of weeks. Already being a Class A holder and looking to transfer over to OTR from hot shotting in the oil field the last 10 years, they were just the right fit for me. 19 days of orientation/training and 5 days on the road with a mentor. Then I'll be my own show. The pay won't be the best but I'm thankful for the opportunity to learn which is what it's all about-been watching content from OTR creators all day long and I clearly don't know shit about fuck right now. You've been informative as well. Thank you!
I'll probably start off with swift. Before taxes and expenses. It's super close to 25 an hour. Also, if I get a year or two experience, I could possibly start log hauling or low boy. For a company I've worked for in the past. As general labor.
My opinion: I’ve been with SWIFT for 1.5 years. I gross 1-2k / week. If you are hired at SWIFT get onto a dedicated account as quickly as possible. Make connections with other SEIFT drivers and ask them about their pay and experience. Some drivers are out here make 300-400 a week and complaining, but they aren’t advocating for themselves or improving themselves. Once you get on dedicated it’s smooth sailing. i was able to get into the Hershey fleet in month 4 just by going into the terminal and asking. They will get you home on time as long as you are being reasonable. Good luck to anyone who tries.
@Brodykiller1234 Advice on advocating for yourself? My husband has asked for maximum miles, stacked miles, etc, let his driver leader know that he’s the only one working in the family, has inquired several times about dedicated accounts, has a low driver score, etc… what is he missing in communication to up his miles and getting better paychecks? He hasn’t taken a home time in almost a month. He’s almost 5 months in.
@@emilyingram7597 Depending on where you are located, if he works for SWIFT the walmart and Hershey dedicated accounts are great. They work with me to get me home whoever I want (every two weeks). Just go into the random terminals hes at and ask about wether or not they have any dedicated accounts. I live in Phoenix and my leadership is in Utah. I get all my loads from Utah then deliver, then get a load headed back to utah and repeat. Really word of mouth is best. Communicate with other drivers in his area and ask around. People aren’t afraid to complain about their pay or be proud of it. Eventually he will stumble upon someone who gives him useful advice that sounds like it aligns with his goals and everything will work out. Good luck
Megacarriers know that they can replace you they recycle drivers. They might say that they care about you, but in the practice if you put a little bit of resistance to their unreasonable request, they will retaliate.
I started with Swift in Aug 2023, and my trainer was okay. Nothing to write home about. She did not train me much she was looking for more or a team driver, which we did. I drive solo after 3 weeks and damaged a skirt on the trailer and got hired. So I only have 4 months' experience and can't find a job anywhere. They have completely black balled me. I will tell everyone if you have a non-accident, but do something like not turn wide enough and damage a trailer skirt. Don't tell them if you want to keep your job. Still seeking employment but not having any luck. If you have any suggestions for employment, please let me know please.
I started at .48cpm in 2013 with NO experience driving for Old Dominion. Bosses come on the dock one day and asked, "Who wants to go drive"? 6 weeks later, with my CDL, they handed me my hazmat envelope, keys, and directions, good luck. I know everyone has different levels of experience and expectations. In 10 years I've driven everything from conestogas, dumps, plows, triples, tankers....that said, even with no experience, in 2024, under 0.68cpm is gonna get me laughing in a recruiters face.
Back in the day I drove for M.S. Carriers out of Memphis. The owner had a messy divorce and ended up selling out to Swift in late 2000 - you should have seen the line of owner ops leaving the yard to get away from Swift. Werner set up a recruiting tent right across the street from the entrance. Martinsburg was an old M.S. yard.
TMC pays you 500/week to get your cdl through them. They put you up in their hotel for free while at your course/orientation then you get 500/week for your 4 to 5 week in truck training. After you get your own truck youre guaranteed 1000 gross your first 2 weeks because they know most will take a couple of weeks to get efficient enough to get more loads. They also only make you sign a 1 year contract. After that youre free and clear to move on if you choose. It is flatbedding so it's more work but it seems pretty solid. Its going to be a great jump in pay for me and i have plans past them. They are a solid starter company though and possibly more depending on the person. I start with them next monday.
I use to work for them but from 35 they fired almost all they just keep 5 persons and When l send Home they dont pay me the rest of my money all ready. Did it You will see after training
I just discovered your channel. I'm from Virginia as well however your in a better place being in Roanoke I'm in Farmville. Any advice for Virginia homies looking for a good company to join? I need to be home every other weekend to have my visitation time with my kids.
I’m 23 years old sir , I got my eldt I just passed general knowledge and combinations I just have to re test air brakes then I’m good I’ve been at the dmv 10 times literally I really want this position im single and this will help me grow as a young man and better my future I can’t wait for my time to shine shoutout to all truckers im gonna do OTR
14:52 It is a shipper's market. They're driving rates down because they can get away with it. Hopefully, the pendulum will swing back in favor of the haulers, but it's going to be tough.
It cost $2150 all in to get a CDL at a local school in Bakersfield, CA where I live. And they are hiring everywhere here for new drivers going local or OTR. Just have a clean record. Don't know how people being taken for a ride charging 11,000 dollars and a 1 or 2 year commitment with Swift. That's not a lot to save up for.
I worked for a year in 2006. I was on my 34 hour break and drank a beer at the sparks Petro. A cop saw me but I was not drunk nor driving. Swift threw me out of truck with my dog. No bus ride or let me get back to Fontana. I'm still working as a driver today. They are holier than Thou..LOL
It’s a one year contract, it’s less than 11k, more like 7k…they only take $100 out of every pay check for a year.if you leave early in some cases they prorate it. You only have to stay with the trainer for 3 weeks even if you didn’t do the top gun. Top gun you should only be in the truck for 2 weeks so it look like you were still “got”. Swift has been giving most new drivers new trucks. If you are a new driver be prepared to be on the road if you want to make $1000 after taxes. A lot of people complain about pay, but they don’t complain about their expenses. Just my take. 🤷♂️
@honchorara why this one dude on here talking about he made only $547 in one week working for swift? I heard ab the one year and was also interested but 547 is less than I make rn and for a full year is gonna be tough
@@lucarce4850 there could be a time where you make that type of money. Most of the time that happens is because you just took a few days off. Make sure you have the load delivered by Sunday if you want the full Mileage on the upcoming check, you could get a big load on Friday that you gotta drop off on Monday, you will only get a percentage of that load. Try to push it get it dropped on Sunday if you can. But if you are out here running hard all week, no way you are taking on $500.
I just sent in my application to swift, I'm mostly looking for a company to give me the training I need to get my cdl. I'm hoping swift will be good for that. I'm also prior military, so being shipped out to a school with a bunch of other people is no different than basic combat training to me. I aint got nothing at home besides my video games, but I haven't really been playing them. I want to go OTR and go see the country, and experience different people and see what life is like in other states. I only am hoping I dont have to drive through NYC or anything. I've heard thats a nightmare!
Good video brother. I'm a new driver & I'm disheartened by the exploitation that new drivers face in trucking. I see why 70% of new drivers quit their 1st year. Thank you for your experience & insight.
I’m going with swift in June they told me I’ll be done paid it back in 13 months then I can choose if I want to go to another company or stay with swift a again….
I want to do this so so so so so bad. I smoke currently so I need to stop. Any recommendations for getting in asap? I know I'll likely have to wait 6 months to pass the hair follicle but I really don't want to wait. Any advice is helpful. PS. idc about being home, I would rather be OTR for most of the week if not the month.
Well, you're the only one who can change your life. As the old saying goes, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink it." I was a pothead before becoming a driver and found out they hair drug test. So, I ended up quitting, which was hard, but now I look back at it. I feel better without it.
So I applied swiftly but didn’t finish the application and all the suddenly I am getting 4-5 calls a day from swift recruiter but never picked up the phone…. my gosh that tells me they are desperate for drivers…
That's what happens when you pay drivers poorly and give an overall bad experience. Also, the frieght industry is facing some hard times with getting loads.
Pay at swift sucks, trailers are always bad, I’ve got sent to multiple places for an empty and once I got to those locations no empties were available. My Driver leader is cool though.
Once Knight bought swift they started remodeling the swift terminals….. They have a bad rep sure but 25k tractors equals 25k drivers and even if 1 percent are bad drivers that 100s…. I’m still with them and I’m almost 4 years in since training…. Solo, vs 2 years minimum team with CRST, no thanks 👍
The only reason im looking twards swift is because i literally just need an affordable entry way into getting my cdls i tried going to the career center to get funding for it but i was not approved because i make $5000 over what your supposed to make for the funding so that didnt work with everything getting expensive and bills i just cant save nothing for it
Yeah but in my experience it's they either barely run you, or they run you straight into an early grave. There was no in-between for the almost 2 years I worked for em.
I kind of giggled when you said to avoid driving the West Coast during the winter time. I grew up in Oregon and as a kid my dad drove truck all through the northwest which I never really thought about how hard it is to drive during the winter, until I recently decided to look into getting my CDL to drive OTR. I suppose that once I finish training and start driving, I won’t be able to avoid driving the west coast in the winter if I ever want to be home for the holidays, so I’d better get used to chaining up. 😂😂. I had my CDL before but it was only a class B and that was 20yrs ago and I could pretty much avoid the bad weather because they cancel school when the weather is bad so the school busses don’t leave the barn. But I am excited to shift gears into a new career so thanks for making these informative videos.
Around 11k, and they make sure they stretch you paying that back, also you can look forward to getting paid around $500 a week. Even for a greenhorn rookie that is utter shit, idgaf ain’t nobody wanting to come out and make less than a factory worker. I tried them out this turn around, I was there I think three months and left bc of money. As for the experience there, it was actually good overall. Kinda regret jumping ship and taking a ban, but gotdamn seeing a weeks pay being $524…sorry man. I miss their nice terminals lol, hindsight but yeah. My deal was pay, my truck was an international lt…pretty good truck I just hated that it had the auto shutdown and no apu.
They told me 4 weeks with the trainer at $650 per week. After they put you in your own truck at 55cents a mile. If you wanna do flatbed it is 48 cents flat bed but after 6 months 52 cents per mile $20 strap $60 tarping 2 day tie down training in sc.
crengland school is 5000 and they take out 32 a check if you work for them a year you dont have to pay they rest...it comes out to like 1350 or something like that...the school is the same price whether you stay in the motel or not and they have a shuttle from motel to school and they have their own certified instructors that test you out so you take your test there ..the only time you actually go to dmv is to turn in paper work for the cdl... equpment is excellent but the trucks only idle at 73 and above or 20 and below.. it is an ok company but it also depends on what fleet your on....
Just heard this from my recruiter 2 days ago. Training with swift is 50.00 per week for the 1srlt year payback. I'd you quit before the year you owe the bal of 8k. If you stay the 2nd year they give you back the 50.00 per week. 2600.00. I start mar 11 in fontana.
Hey Mike, hope everything went well for you. If you don’t mind I would like to know how it went for you in Fontana with Swift. I also spoke to a recruiter and I will be assigned to the academy in Fontana soon. Wondering what I can expect there.
Dude! I'm a Former Swift Company Driver OTR 48 States the pay is sucks!!! The truck is so slow as hell that it can only drive at 62mph and you're not gonna get any mileage at all because it's all been pre programmed! for 10-1/2 hours of driving you'll only get 489 miles or 496miles. And I'm only getting .40cpm! The last freight that I hauled before I quit is from Jurupa Valley, CA Swift Terminal going to Omaha, NE 1,517miles x .40cpm = $606.40 that's the Net of The Paycheck that I got for a week. I ended up with that freight because some owner operator rejected it and my Driver Manager forced me to take the Load assignment even though I don't like it. Since that load have 4 stops each stops I have to wait for 6 hours to unload! Swift is a good company! But it is full of Greedy and Bad Managers that manages this Company.
hey good buddy like your clip thanks for the info . I had Crete in mine ,tell me dose crete carriers truck are equip with fridge and microwave or the driver has to purchase said items ??
@@longhauljohn4153 Yeah, I was working for North American van lines at the time. I took the written test, and they let me practice in the parking lot for a month, then I took the diving test. Back then, I think they paid me like 14 dollars an hour while I was learning, so it really wasn't a bad deal.
My Canadian province has just a road test, I payed $80 and had my class 3 (tandems) that afternoon, I was 19. Unfortunately that is coming to an end soon and we will need to go to a school. For me since I grew up around truck’s someone could teach me, the same can’t be said about the majority of people. So I understand
When I went with swift, I had to learn all 6 maneuvers, all 190 parts of the pre trip an in cab inspection. Basically it was turn an burn with me. I got my permit an had only 7 days to learn all that crap an pass while getting sent to the dmv. Couldn’t do that in 7 days. Dropped out before day 3 so I wouldn’t owe them for training.
Done with SAP please drivers don't I mean don't smoke its not worth the headache the stress and outrageous low pay and treatment keep ya head up much prayers. looking at bigger companies I finally can breath I have alot to catch up on. but stay away from drugs just say nooo
Ha Just applied for Swift last night and already know they are nightmare but I need help getting CDL and Knight was another of couple companies I'm looking at
Hi, they aren't so bad. Learn with their equipment and if you mess up hitting something with the trailer. Swift is understanding, but learn your mistakes.
Honestly, with this trucking market, I would still go with the larger carriers like werner or swift. Get your 6 months, then look into crete carrier or marten transport if you're otr. It's hard for higher paying trucking companies to hire with no experience.
Im with swift I'm making 1500 to 2100 week home every day but I hustle work. My terminal upgrade and put money in the terminal. I'm going on 3 years now with swift. Academy I got my cdl free with swift he is wrong on the information. It untrue 1 year with swift your debt is paid in full. 2nd year they start giving you the money back so will end up free cdl
I did my first year at Swift in 2021. It wasn’t too bad. The trick is to use any downtime to improve yourself. I got all of my endorsements, and got rid of that automatic restriction. I was able to get a pretty neat job with a moving company doing nationwide van lines, and local industrial flatbedding. After all that I landed a $115K position at a very small Old Dominion terminal, locally. Do your time, get your endorsements, and bounce after that year!
You didn't have to do the 2 years with them?
@@frankiegunnz8066veterans scholarship. Only had to do a year to fulfill the obligation.
If you’re on the weekly payments, they stop after a year, and that second year they start paying back
P & d or line haul?
How many years you had before getting local job
@@frankiegunnz8066no, veterans contract is only one year
Hi there. Thanks for sharing your experience. I am going to be taking my CLP test in the next 2 weeks and I am trying to figure out if I want to go to school with a trucking company or a local driving school. I have been a registered nurse for 28 years and I need a change. I have always wanted to drive a big rig and want to see the country. My only fear about going to school privately, is not being able to find a job when I finally finish. I have NEVER NOT had a job since I was 18 years old, so this is scary. I really appreciate you sharing your experience. Be safe out there. Sandee
You won't have any problem finding a job if you have a CDL you won't have to worry about work
I'm an owner operator with swift and I love it I've been with swift since 2018 and I wouldn't go anywhere else
Are you an actual owner operator or leasing a truck just curious so I can see how it is
@@dansdiesel767 I'd like to know too
I started with swift in 2011 and still with them today.
I personally prefer to drive no more than 6 hours a day or 300 miles a day.
Back in the days I averaged 3400 miles per week and I thought I will get rich quicker lol.
I did made good money but the stress was no joke. I have switched to less stress and steady income.
Drivers needs to understand that everyone’s situation is different. Some people want to drive 3000 miles per week or work 60 hours a week. Some want to drive no more than 1500 miles a week or work 39 hours per week.
Some want to be home every weekend and others don’t care when they going to be home.
Some wants to have truck governed at 80mph and others don’t care how fast truck goes.
Some want to stay in region close to their home in case they want to go home, others want to go all over the country.
Some want to obey all posted traffic signs and others want to drive truck like the way they drive their personal car.
No matter which company you work for whoever pays the truck note controls the truck.
If you want true freedom and responsibility just go buy your own truck and operate under your own authority.
Just pick a company that you’re willing to keep up with their bullshyt and the company also has to keep up with your bullshyt too.
Not all drivers are wonderful people.
You said true bro
300 is all you can drive when you do 50 in a 65. The miles of traffic behind you on hwy 95 in Idaho appreciates it.
I was looking for this comment. Are you local or regional?
@@Lizbeth36961 regional
@@jameskerrigan2997 haha I agree man. We need to keep truck in the left lane man. I don’t care what truckers say about it. If you can’t keep up with traffic get off the road.
Didn’t expect Roanoke to be mentioned. Had to subscribe for that reason alone. I’m attending CDS on the 6th
Every time I pass a swift truck on the highway.... I feel I survived swift....😅
🤣
No Bs 😂😂
I think everyone needs to remember we all had to start somewhere right? My Dad was a trucker all his life, may he rest in peace 😢, so I've been around it all my life. I think it's all about the driver and not about the company.
@@oobidoobi72 It is the class of drivers a company hires that amazes me ...
😂
Thanx for the inside info, bro! I’ve started out a hot shot driver and also went OTR nationwide and it’s awesome! But now thinking on getting my mentorship training with Swift and the tradeoff is cool! Low pay is no big deal to me as I need that initial big rig training to be on my way! But thanx, bro! All info on these things is welcomed!
Swift cdl school was great. I’m from Texas and when we went to test out, they had a lot of private schools trying to test out all the times we went up there. Nobody from the other schools got beyond the Pretrip requirements to even do backing or a road test. Swift was like 9 out of 10 drivers passing and leaving with a CDL and if they didn’t they did another week and retested and passed.
Cost in 2016 was about 70 per week deduction from your settlement for 13 months. If you leave that doubles. Basically how it works is that it’s 140 per week, they take 140 from your check and then immediately on the same check reimbursed half of that.
Ooh OK that makes perfect sense on reimbursement.
@@longhauljohn4153does swift do hair follicle or urine drug test
I just hauled 80k lbs on my first load by myself with no trainer. And I actually wish I had one but I just take my time and keep telling myself wide turns wide turns.
About to start with swift soon in Harrisburg pa feel the the same way if a trainer is not there
@@shamerscott4872 how's it goingfir you so far?
I’ve been on a dedicated account with swift for almost 6 years and love it
😂 you must be stupid still driving for swift.
@@jean-claudeseagal7822 naw I still really like it I make decent money I’m home every weekend and great benefits
Hey brother, I’m with swift as well I’m entering my 5th month may I ask who your driver leader is because I have been interested in getting on a dedicated account. Thanks and stay safe on the road!
It’s wild when drivers are making 1 year survival accomplishment videos with swift. Lol. Thanks for the video.
Do you recommend me to start with them ??
Ive been with swift 2 years now honestly no complaints im just working to get onto Walmart’s private fleet, but i have heard some new drivers have bad experiences with them but me ive been fortunate enough to be lucky
im a newbie in trucking just got my CDL 1 month ago & once i graduated from CDL school i had a prehire with werner but they were taking to long to get back to me & that’s when swift called me & offered me the job. i was a little to quick to just accepted & not look into it & ofc i’ve heard lots of things on swift now that i’ve done my research. i accepted the East Regional fleet & honestly even tho most things i’ve heard about swift are bad i think it’s a perfect opportunity for me to get into an experience & move forward from there. your video helped out a lot man & we appreciate people like you who keep honest & educational.
Werner, Swift, Schneider, Prime…it’s all the same shit for the most part. You’re no better or worse off with any of those. Get your experience, and move on.
@@aarons.7271what about maverick??
Get a job hauling gravel. You will learn more and make more.
@@aarons.7271 id add Western Express and CRST..
if I had to rank them best to worst..
Swift
Werner
Schneider
CRST
Western Express
Prime.
Im talking to like 50 - 60 drivers a day. Mostly if i talk to someone who worked for Swift or Werner. they said they would go back if they really had to. I hear nothing but bad bad bad with Prime and Western.
Werner and Schneider seems to be ok if you can wait them out.. they dont have trainers to get you started right away sometimes.
I drove for Swift for ~18 months out of the Richmond terminal and honestly it was fine. My driver leader (Marty) was awesome. I averaged around 2400 miles a week. You get sent to some really strange/wild/middle of nowhere places with Swift once you get west of the Mississippi.
Hi, what a small world. My driver leader was Kathy, and she sat next to Marty. Lol
@@longhauljohn4153 I'm glad to hear that Marty is still there! She really was great. Probably the best boss/supervisor I've ever had. I think she's been with Swift for quite a while.
Haha I had Jeff out of Richmond. Don’t know if he’s still there, but he was good too. I guess Richmond keeps some good DM’s 👍🏽
Going Richmond this week
Marty is such a good soul!
I work for Knight. It’s an OK company. I mean pay is just lacking obviously, but other than that they’ve kept me home whenever I ask for it, and keep me in the south/SE. Driver managers are cool. just going for my one year to switch to LTL.
I’m currently homeless and lost my job, if swift can get me in quick I’ll do it! Thanks for the video and Goodluck with the new company
Well, there you go. Go OTR, work with your driver manager about doing 34-hour resets instead of home time, and take the 34 hours in a part of the country that you'd like to explore. And I hope we don't see you on a crash video on YT!
Same situation waiting on thc levels to go down
My heart goes out to you both! I’ve been homeless before for a few months with no job. It’s great you haven’t given up on yourself, which is tempting to say the least. I hope to hear back with some positive updates!
. Good luck bro. We are all in this together, believe it or not. Just stay clean and stack the money. You can smoke 1 day when you are in a better spot in life but for now you have to pull up the boot straps.
Did you end up doing it? How's it going for you now?
Can’t believe people are out here driving trucks for less than 1k a week
Made 75k first year driving with KLLM
@@pridemizzle1565were you lease purchase ?
I saw a video about an average looking stripper who makes more than 1k per shift😅
Most these companies sucker you in and lie about profit. Hold your pay back so you stay for about a month then quit. Thier a revolving door and do not care.
You have to balance home and work. When I did local made just under 1k a week but home every day. It’s not for everyone
I've looked into CDL training. I know trucking has a ton of cons, but the one thing that is holding me back from pursuing it is the thought of living with a stranger(trainer) in a truck for 4 weeks.
Everyone hates it just just get your hours in train as much as you can and get on with your own truck. School doesnt teach you everything … heck mentors dont even teach you everything.
You just have to push through it, just spend as much time out of the truck as you can. Just drive and sleep in the truck when you are with the trainer, after you get your own truck you can have your privacy.
If you don't like the vibe just ask to be switched to other trainer. Mine was incredible super respectful and very knowledgeable guy. He really made my OTR training experience really easy.
My training was absolute hell, I was abused my a sadistic power tripping moron for 30 days. He kept the heat on 95 degrees blasted violent rap music 10 hours a day, my bed was rock hard. I can't believe I made it through. The companies don't pay these trainers so it's usually their worst most financially desperate drivers. They're just using you for a few extra bucks and couldn't care less about training. There are some good trainers but good luck finding one.
I looked hard at Swift but will be starting with German Swift (Schneider) here in a couple of weeks. Already being a Class A holder and looking to transfer over to OTR from hot shotting in the oil field the last 10 years, they were just the right fit for me. 19 days of orientation/training and 5 days on the road with a mentor. Then I'll be my own show. The pay won't be the best but I'm thankful for the opportunity to learn which is what it's all about-been watching content from OTR creators all day long and I clearly don't know shit about fuck right now. You've been informative as well. Thank you!
They’re saying 13 months to pay tuition off. The second year they reimburse $50 a week which makes the academy free.
I work for Prime Inc and I’m ready to get my year otr over with so I can find something local! I have all my endorsements already too!
I hear that local petroleum tankers make decent money. 👌
I'll probably start off with swift. Before taxes and expenses. It's super close to 25 an hour. Also, if I get a year or two experience, I could possibly start log hauling or low boy. For a company I've worked for in the past. As general labor.
I don’t qualify to work for Swift and honestly I couldn’t be happier. Things are better than I could have imagined!
Solid review and several points to consider. Thanks.
Martinsburg along with all the others are on the list. The majority of the terminals have been remodeled. I’ve been with swift for 4 years now.
I’ve been working for this organization Swift over 26 years combined i can only say second to none.
My opinion: I’ve been with SWIFT for 1.5 years. I gross 1-2k / week. If you are hired at SWIFT get onto a dedicated account as quickly as possible. Make connections with other SEIFT drivers and ask them about their pay and experience. Some drivers are out here make 300-400 a week and complaining, but they aren’t advocating for themselves or improving themselves. Once you get on dedicated it’s smooth sailing. i was able to get into the Hershey fleet in month 4 just by going into the terminal and asking. They will get you home on time as long as you are being reasonable. Good luck to anyone who tries.
@Brodykiller1234 Advice on advocating for yourself? My husband has asked for maximum miles, stacked miles, etc, let his driver leader know that he’s the only one working in the family, has inquired several times about dedicated accounts, has a low driver score, etc… what is he missing in communication to up his miles and getting better paychecks? He hasn’t taken a home time in almost a month. He’s almost 5 months in.
@@emilyingram7597 Depending on where you are located, if he works for SWIFT the walmart and Hershey dedicated accounts are great. They work with me to get me home whoever I want (every two weeks). Just go into the random terminals hes at and ask about wether or not they have any dedicated accounts. I live in Phoenix and my leadership is in Utah. I get all my loads from Utah then deliver, then get a load headed back to utah and repeat. Really word of mouth is best. Communicate with other drivers in his area and ask around. People aren’t afraid to complain about their pay or be proud of it. Eventually he will stumble upon someone who gives him useful advice that sounds like it aligns with his goals and everything will work out. Good luck
Its literally illegal to pay $400 for a full week OTR. Pam got sued and had to pay thru the nose.
I'm Planning On Going To School And Drive For Swift
@bentonja668 how is 300-400 even legal with a cdl
Solid vid bud! Enjoyed it…
Megacarriers know that they can replace you they recycle drivers. They might say that they care about you, but in the practice if you put a little bit of resistance to their unreasonable request, they will retaliate.
I started with Schneider in 2018 and it was only 1 week on the road with the trainer.
I started with Swift in Aug 2023, and my trainer was okay. Nothing to write home about. She did not train me much she was looking for more or a team driver, which we did. I drive solo after 3 weeks and damaged a skirt on the trailer and got hired. So I only have 4 months' experience and can't find a job anywhere. They have completely black balled me. I will tell everyone if you have a non-accident, but do something like not turn wide enough and damage a trailer skirt. Don't tell them if you want to keep your job.
Still seeking employment but not having any luck. If you have any suggestions for employment, please let me know please.
I started at .48cpm in 2013 with NO experience driving for Old Dominion. Bosses come on the dock one day and asked, "Who wants to go drive"? 6 weeks later, with my CDL, they handed me my hazmat envelope, keys, and directions, good luck.
I know everyone has different levels of experience and expectations. In 10 years I've driven everything from conestogas, dumps, plows, triples, tankers....that said, even with no experience, in 2024, under 0.68cpm is gonna get me laughing in a recruiters face.
$800 - $1000 gross is crazy. Literally worse than fast food. - WW
Fast food don’t make $800-$1000 a week
Exactly hate wen ppl say that like if that's true if still rather just drive than work fast food @@Boss2164
I plan on getting my cdl through swift Don’t know if I can do the full year I’m gonna try.
I did not know US Express was owned by Swift!
Back in the day I drove for M.S. Carriers out of Memphis. The owner had a messy divorce and ended up selling out to Swift in late 2000 - you should have seen the line of owner ops leaving the yard to get away from Swift. Werner set up a recruiting tent right across the street from the entrance. Martinsburg was an old M.S. yard.
That's crazy.
Man...
Going from Swift to Werner is like dumping a fat chic for another fat chic.
They said they’ll start me at 43 cpm I’m in Houston texas I’m just gonna get my 3 months experience and dip
Samme here
I appreciate the insight. Does anyone have some insight on Windy Hill Foliage? That’s the company that I’m considering. I just got my Class A btw.
It is interesting to see a person from your community and get that opinion on trucking.
Brand new trucks!
TMC pays you 500/week to get your cdl through them. They put you up in their hotel for free while at your course/orientation then you get 500/week for your 4 to 5 week in truck training. After you get your own truck youre guaranteed 1000 gross your first 2 weeks because they know most will take a couple of weeks to get efficient enough to get more loads. They also only make you sign a 1 year contract. After that youre free and clear to move on if you choose. It is flatbedding so it's more work but it seems pretty solid. Its going to be a great jump in pay for me and i have plans past them. They are a solid starter company though and possibly more depending on the person.
I start with them next monday.
I use to work for them but from 35 they fired almost all they just keep 5 persons and When l send Home they dont pay me the rest of my money all ready. Did it You will see after training
I just discovered your channel. I'm from Virginia as well however your in a better place being in Roanoke I'm in Farmville. Any advice for Virginia homies looking for a good company to join? I need to be home every other weekend to have my visitation time with my kids.
Do u know if swift hire felons n how far back n what about Mistermanners
I’m 23 years old sir , I got my eldt I just passed general knowledge and combinations I just have to re test air brakes then I’m good I’ve been at the dmv 10 times literally I really want this position im single and this will help me grow as a young man and better my future I can’t wait for my time to shine shoutout to all truckers im gonna do OTR
Fellow Roanoke native. Went to CDS. What are your thoughts on TMC?
So the Knight terminals are different than the Swift terminals? Thanks for the info! Stay safe.
14:52 It is a shipper's market. They're driving rates down because they can get away with it. Hopefully, the pendulum will swing back in favor of the haulers, but it's going to be tough.
MS Carriers was a great company. I got 3 years in with them and quit the day we got bought by Swooft. My career took off after that.
I had an amazing time at Swift as a company driver and a spectacular time as an Owner Operator there.
Bullshit, are u on their management team
It cost $2150 all in to get a CDL at a local school in Bakersfield, CA where I live. And they are hiring everywhere here for new drivers going local or OTR. Just have a clean record. Don't know how people being taken for a ride charging 11,000 dollars and a 1 or 2 year commitment with Swift. That's not a lot to save up for.
I worked for a year in 2006. I was on my 34 hour break and drank a beer at the sparks Petro. A cop saw me but I was not drunk nor driving. Swift threw me out of truck with my dog. No bus ride or let me get back to Fontana. I'm still working as a driver today. They are holier than Thou..LOL
I was a BAD BOY ! REALLY I WAS LUCKY NOT TO GET BLACKBALLED. WHO BELIEVES THERE DAC REPORT.
Damn dude thats fucked up 😞
It’s a one year contract, it’s less than 11k, more like 7k…they only take $100 out of every pay check for a year.if you leave early in some cases they prorate it.
You only have to stay with the trainer for 3 weeks even if you didn’t do the top gun. Top gun you should only be in the truck for 2 weeks so it look like you were still “got”.
Swift has been giving most new drivers new trucks.
If you are a new driver be prepared to be on the road if you want to make $1000 after taxes.
A lot of people complain about pay, but they don’t complain about their expenses. Just my take. 🤷♂️
@yuriy6641 I went to their school the contract is 1 year
@honchorara why this one dude on here talking about he made only $547 in one week working for swift? I heard ab the one year and was also interested but 547 is less than I make rn and for a full year is gonna be tough
@@lucarce4850 there could be a time where you make that type of money. Most of the time that happens is because you just took a few days off. Make sure you have the load delivered by Sunday if you want the full Mileage on the upcoming check, you could get a big load on Friday that you gotta drop off on Monday, you will only get a percentage of that load. Try to push it get it dropped on Sunday if you can. But if you are out here running hard all week, no way you are taking on $500.
@@lucarce4850 you only making that if you are not running hard. Sound like they took their time with loads and went home that week.
You recommend not going to the West Coast when it’s winter time or you mean East Coast
I just sent in my application to swift, I'm mostly looking for a company to give me the training I need to get my cdl. I'm hoping swift will be good for that. I'm also prior military, so being shipped out to a school with a bunch of other people is no different than basic combat training to me. I aint got nothing at home besides my video games, but I haven't really been playing them. I want to go OTR and go see the country, and experience different people and see what life is like in other states. I only am hoping I dont have to drive through NYC or anything. I've heard thats a nightmare!
the terminal matches our beautiful city :P thanks for the info, looking into my CDLs
So you’re saying I shouldn’t get my CDL with them?
Good video brother. I'm a new driver & I'm disheartened by the exploitation that new drivers face in trucking. I see why 70% of new drivers quit their 1st year. Thank you for your experience & insight.
i do 75cpm with swift, but we give up all the monthly bonus cpm available. Still subject to the safety scores though.
I’m going with swift in June they told me I’ll be done paid it back in 13 months then I can choose if I want to go to another company or stay with swift a again….
Veteran driver here but wonder if Swift's massive customer base provides a dedicated route
800-1000 every what? Week? Bi-weekly?
I want to do this so so so so so bad. I smoke currently so I need to stop. Any recommendations for getting in asap? I know I'll likely have to wait 6 months to pass the hair follicle but I really don't want to wait.
Any advice is helpful.
PS. idc about being home, I would rather be OTR for most of the week if not the month.
Well, you're the only one who can change your life. As the old saying goes, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink it." I was a pothead before becoming a driver and found out they hair drug test. So, I ended up quitting, which was hard, but now I look back at it. I feel better without it.
How long did you quit before becoming a driver?
So I applied swiftly but didn’t finish the application and all the suddenly I am getting 4-5 calls a day from swift recruiter but never picked up the phone…. my gosh that tells me they are desperate for drivers…
That's what happens when you pay drivers poorly and give an overall bad experience. Also, the frieght industry is facing some hard times with getting loads.
Why do I always see Werner trailers hung up and stuck on Jersey barriers?
You said you went to cdl school in Roanoke va was it CDS they are awsome
Yeah, they people running the program were great and chill. Also, at the time, it was affordable, too.
I've gone on a truck with Western Express that had a man's shifty draws left in the truck
Pay at swift sucks, trailers are always bad, I’ve got sent to multiple places for an empty and once I got to those locations no empties were available. My Driver leader is cool though.
What the hell is a driver leader? Is this a name for your dispatch?
Once Knight bought swift they started remodeling the swift terminals….. They have a bad rep sure but 25k tractors equals 25k drivers and even if 1 percent are bad drivers that 100s…. I’m still with them and I’m almost 4 years in since training…. Solo, vs 2 years minimum team with CRST, no thanks 👍
Knight didn’t buy swift they merged hence knight-swift.
Sir, were you under duress during the taping of this video?
Sherwin-Williams is paying .79 pm 2024 (when you have the experience)
The only reason im looking twards swift is because i literally just need an affordable entry way into getting my cdls i tried going to the career center to get funding for it but i was not approved because i make $5000 over what your supposed to make for the funding so that didnt work with everything getting expensive and bills i just cant save nothing for it
Weekly pay or how does it work? Cause $800- $1000 would be a blessing to me if it’s weekly or every two weeks
Pretty sure weekly
It should be illegal to set a truck down to like 62 MPH like "pay per mile" Swift does.
It's insane.
1st day at swift. Driver orientation classes. I walk out there pay sucks
@@Mike-z7s1q got to start somewhere 😅 but I agree with you.
Swift got freight. I’ve never worked for them, but I know they got freight.
They got freight but they ain't right period.....
Well yeah it's easy to have freight when you undercut everyone else to steal contracts, they all do it
Yeah I wonder why 😆😆
Yeah but in my experience it's they either barely run you, or they run you straight into an early grave. There was no in-between for the almost 2 years I worked for em.
@@easternrebel1061 🤣
Opps, wrong video, though it was about Taylor.
I kind of giggled when you said to avoid driving the West Coast during the winter time. I grew up in Oregon and as a kid my dad drove truck all through the northwest which I never really thought about how hard it is to drive during the winter, until I recently decided to look into getting my CDL to drive OTR. I suppose that once I finish training and start driving, I won’t be able to avoid driving the west coast in the winter if I ever want to be home for the holidays, so I’d better get used to chaining up. 😂😂.
I had my CDL before but it was only a class B and that was 20yrs ago and I could pretty much avoid the bad weather because they cancel school when the weather is bad so the school busses don’t leave the barn.
But I am excited to shift gears into a new career so thanks for making these informative videos.
Around 11k, and they make sure they stretch you paying that back, also you can look forward to getting paid around $500 a week. Even for a greenhorn rookie that is utter shit, idgaf ain’t nobody wanting to come out and make less than a factory worker. I tried them out this turn around, I was there I think three months and left bc of money. As for the experience there, it was actually good overall. Kinda regret jumping ship and taking a ban, but gotdamn seeing a weeks pay being $524…sorry man. I miss their nice terminals lol, hindsight but yeah. My deal was pay, my truck was an international lt…pretty good truck I just hated that it had the auto shutdown and no apu.
They told me 4 weeks with the trainer at $650 per week.
After they put you in your own truck at 55cents a mile.
If you wanna do flatbed it is 48 cents flat bed but after 6 months 52 cents per mile $20 strap $60 tarping
2 day tie down training in sc.
Just going to swift for 6 months then switching to flatbed or intermodal
Did my first year with CFI. Was horrible and pay sucked for team
crengland school is 5000 and they take out 32 a check if you work for them a year you dont have to pay they rest...it comes out to like 1350 or something like that...the school is the same price whether you stay in the motel or not and they have a shuttle from motel to school and they have their own certified instructors that test you out so you take your test there ..the only time you actually go to dmv is to turn in paper work for the cdl... equpment is excellent but the trucks only idle at 73 and above or 20 and below.. it is an ok company but it also depends on what fleet your on....
Does every new driver ride with a trainer for weeks, or only the top gun ones?
Does swift let you pick which model truck you want? I start soon and I’d like to drive a freightliner.
I'm guessing you ran out of the Richmond terminal? Who was your dl? Sounds like we lost a good guy. I hope and wish you best luck in future endeavors!
Just heard this from my recruiter 2 days ago.
Training with swift is 50.00 per week for the 1srlt year payback. I'd you quit before the year you owe the bal of 8k. If you stay the 2nd year they give you back the 50.00 per week. 2600.00.
I start mar 11 in fontana.
Hey Mike, hope everything went well for you. If you don’t mind I would like to know how it went for you in Fontana with Swift. I also spoke to a recruiter and I will be assigned to the academy in Fontana soon. Wondering what I can expect there.
Dude! I'm a Former Swift Company Driver OTR 48 States the pay is sucks!!!
The truck is so slow as hell that it can only drive at 62mph and you're not gonna get any mileage at all because it's all been pre programmed!
for 10-1/2 hours of driving you'll only get 489 miles or 496miles. And I'm only getting .40cpm!
The last freight that I hauled before I quit is from Jurupa Valley, CA Swift Terminal going to Omaha, NE 1,517miles x .40cpm
= $606.40 that's the Net of The Paycheck that I got for a week. I ended up with that freight because some owner operator rejected it and my Driver Manager forced me to take the Load assignment even though I don't like it. Since that load have 4 stops each stops I have to wait for 6 hours to unload!
Swift is a good company! But it is full of Greedy and Bad Managers that manages this Company.
If you get into a different company how much can you expect to make net
hey good buddy like your clip thanks for the info . I had Crete in mine ,tell me
dose crete carriers truck are equip with fridge and microwave or the driver has to purchase said items ??
Crete trucks come with a fridge, but no microwave.
Do private schools teach you adequately to pass the Swift tests?
What’s better maverick or swift??
11 grand to get your CDL? I simply read the book and took the test. Cost me around 100 bucks. Many years ago however.
Yeah, times have changed. I know before the 90s, you could get a CDL with a Chauffeurs license. That no more.
@@longhauljohn4153 Yeah, I was working for North American van lines at the time. I took the written test, and they let me practice in the parking lot for a month, then I took the diving test. Back then, I think they paid me like 14 dollars an hour while I was learning, so it really wasn't a bad deal.
My Canadian province has just a road test, I payed $80 and had my class 3 (tandems) that afternoon, I was 19. Unfortunately that is coming to an end soon and we will need to go to a school.
For me since I grew up around truck’s someone could teach me, the same can’t be said about the majority of people. So I understand
When I went with swift, I had to learn all 6 maneuvers, all 190 parts of the pre trip an in cab inspection. Basically it was turn an burn with me. I got my permit an had only 7 days to learn all that crap an pass while getting sent to the dmv. Couldn’t do that in 7 days. Dropped out before day 3 so I wouldn’t owe them for training.
is it true truck drivers cheat on their wife’s with prostitutes at truck stops
Done with SAP please drivers don't I mean don't smoke its not worth the headache the stress and outrageous low pay and treatment keep ya head up much prayers. looking at bigger companies I finally can breath I have alot to catch up on. but stay away from drugs just say nooo
What happened? did you fail a dot drug test or hair follicle ?
Thank you for sharing ❤
Ha Just applied for Swift last night and already know they are nightmare but I need help getting CDL and Knight was another of couple companies I'm looking at
Hi, they aren't so bad. Learn with their equipment and if you mess up hitting something with the trailer. Swift is understanding, but learn your mistakes.
@@longhauljohn4153 Thank you, I'm spending rest of this year gather all info I can and seeing what my options are as well as practicing for the CDL
What’s better maverick or swift
what’s the most reasonable pay yearly salary for first year on dedicated and otr routes? what’s cpm pay as well?
What company would you suggest as a new driver?
Honestly, with this trucking market, I would still go with the larger carriers like werner or swift. Get your 6 months, then look into crete carrier or marten transport if you're otr. It's hard for higher paying trucking companies to hire with no experience.
Im with swift I'm making 1500 to 2100 week home every day but I hustle work. My terminal upgrade and put money in the terminal. I'm going on 3 years now with swift. Academy I got my cdl free with swift he is wrong on the information. It untrue 1 year with swift your debt is paid in full. 2nd year they start giving you the money back so will end up free cdl
You’re home every day?
Home every day? What? Yet making a 1500/2100??? How??
& Happy Trails
Is otr mandatory in order to obtain cdl??
Swift will only hire new cdl holders or academy students for otr mandatory 6 months