My 1 year review with Swift. It's been a bitter sweet relationship, but I was positive with them. Now that I work for this new trucking company, it's night and day. please enjoy the video and subscribe. thank you 😊
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.
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 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
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!
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.
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.
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 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!
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 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.
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
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.
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!
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!
Oh, and right around the 10 1/2 minute marker so when you get into trucking also include that you need fantastic eyesight in not one but both of your eyes. I can see everything with 20/20 vision flawlessly but the BMV told me I would only be able to drive Within the state because my left eye is garbage, but the only way it is bad is if I am trying to read a sign by turning my left eyeball all the way over as far as I can to the left and not turn my head. I think their vision test is a little bit over the top personally.
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'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.
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
I graduated from my job in swift in 2019 after starting in 2018. When I started in 2018 it was 0.38 a mile. Then I went to hauling postal vans out of Laredo and that paid about an extra 200 a week. Ahh memories 😀.
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 currently work for Swift and I’ve been a solo driver for almost 5 months. One thing I could say, my driver leader isn’t so great because he never answers the phone. I have to call different terminals in order to have a question answered or I have to send a free form message for someone to answer my question. 😂😂😂 When it comes to the CDL school, I went to the school that was in Corsicana Texas and it was for almost $8000. I am currently paying all of that money back as we speak, in one year they tell you that you will be completely finished with paying the schooling back .
@@The_Cult_Nextdoor I just reached my 7 months as a solo driver. Im on the reefer side. I’m still currently paying back the school tuition. I’ll be done in November of this year because that would be my full 1 year as a solo driver. I have 3 weeks left of paying for the housing. I’m starting to see a slight increase in my pay and as of right now since I’m not dedicated. I roughly get around 1500 miles to 2000 miles per week.
@ZayThaGamer thanks for the reply, I start training at the same place this Monday. I said I wanted to do flatbed when they asked because I was told it pays a little better, but I'm just now seeing a lot of comments that they don't offer many miles. I was trying to figure out what the best option is to go with. I guess I'll just have go find out first hand myself.
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 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!
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.
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.
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 👍
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.
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
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
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.
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 ??
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.
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 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.
As big as swift is, you would think they would have employees just to clean and detail trucks before they are assigned to drivers. As a driver, I find it incredibly frustrating and insulting to be assigned a truck, and find that truck in less than pristine condition. I used to work for a company that hardly cleaned anything. I was assigned a truck for a run, and when I got into the truck I found it smelled like crap! Yes, literally like feces!!! Absolutely insulting. A driver should not have to clean up someone else’s mess. You said Swift kept you “busy.” I have heard differently from others in the past. Busy to me would be over 3,000/ week. How many miles did you get?
Hi, They kept me around 2,500 miles a week, but other drivers did complain about miles. Swift did have some ranking system with prioritized reliable drivers from my understanding. I work for this new company moving reefers and they keep me moving with drop & hooks. The dry van freight has taken a negative hit so I'm in reefer now.
I been with swift for over a year now and they just gave me a 2024 freightliner the pay is not that great 60 cents a mile,but if you want miles there is no shortage.they’ll run you to the ground.
Hi I have cdl with hazmat and tanker and double triples endorsements but no experience do you recommend swift to get experience and if run regional how many miles per and how much make per week
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.
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….
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.
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.
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
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
Id stay with a trainer for as long as it takes. Im not rushing. Teach me everything and make sure i got it. Wish i could drive too old & too many medical problems 😂
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.
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.
West virginia is not a terminal rookie.and as far as truck,they keep truck up to 4 years old due to swift buying truck instead of lease..rookie gets old truck new truck for dude been around more than a year...bonus is up to 8 cent per miles if you are diamond..man i dont work for swift that you know claiming worked for them a year.😅
