I used to work for stevens transport. Hand to God. We had a safety training group. Someone started making swift jokes and the safty guy shut it down quick. He said swift only get crapped on because you guys are one of the largest trucking companies and when someone makes a mistake, it's easy to point fingers. Bigger the company the more possibilities of having more wrecks. Good info and thank you for putting it out there.
Richard Morin. Everybody hates swift, their drivers are all out to snitch on other drivers. They think they'll move up if there's less competition. I was shut down for the night at a truck stop and a swift driver came by at night and hit my truck when I was sleeping. The Stevens transport safety instructor is nobody special either. If I see the Stevens transport safety instructor I'll knock his teeth out. That's about how important that moron is.
That’s false. I don’t even work for swift anymore. Just because you work for a certain company doesn’t define your character and you’d be pretty shallow to think that.
@@bennydrives yes, doesn't have to be that way. I started with Werner before elog. Used to run either illegal hours or overweight almost every trip back then. Then I drove another company LA to New York and back in one week solo company driver making 3,000 dollars a week, then tear up the log book I went name this company. This was 20 years ago
the way i see it honestly is sacrifice the time to get experience and then jump boats to another company that pays better and slowley move up i mean people nowadys think they just get a license and expect to get 2k fresh out of school its like everything else YOU HAVE TO PUT THE TIME IN!
Started OTR with Swift and was able to get on to a Wal-mart account. I went from 49 cpm to 63 cpm and i was less than a year in of driving. Just like everything in this world, not everything is going to be for everyone. I joined Swift because of the benefits they give us Veterans. I shopped around with about 5 different companies, and none of them could match Swifts programs. If you thinking of going Swift, and OTR kinda ruins the flavor, i would recommend going OTR at first then work your way on to a dedicated lane like did. The account i was on, i was home for all my 34s. 6-8 days out 2 days home.
I got my class A with swift in early 2020. I only lasted 6 months over the road. I ended up jumping ship to another mega to do local and now I’m at a smaller outfit doing local which I’ve been doing for two years now. Out off all the classmates I graduated with only one guy from my class is still with swift and he’s on the target account. Swift is not a bad company… if you play your cards right you can quickly transfer from otr to regional,dedicated, local within swift.
Was it easy to quit and find a job driving local? I’m trying to see if I can validate the sacrifice of being gone from my family for the training and otr portion(my daughter is special needs) and then be driving local within the a years time. Kudos to you btw man!
Swift pay sucks. Felt like I was getting “training” pay for 6 months. 550-800 take home each week. Definitely not worth the time your gone and the responsibility of being a truck driver. I did my 6 months and started applying locally . Swift has good equipment, they are supportive. But the pay. Deal breaker.
All company drivers should be paid by the hour, period. If you're living in the truck, divide your gross pay by 168 hours and you'll see how much you're actually being paid by the hour. No matter how the company tries to justify paying you by the mile or load, the reality is that they don't pay you for all of your time. Believe me, if they would save money by paying you hourly, they would.
When I started with Swift in 2008 I was paid $0.27/mile and by the time I was let go from Swift I was paid $0.34/mile and that was in a 3 year 1 month employment period. I had a real crappy driver manager then ended with an awesome driver manager. Like you said it is hit or miss on DM's and paychecks
You right about the END. I was making more Money in another company going more home baby , but equipment safety its first for me, more when its a hub oil leak that i had when i was in my last company. I want to stay out long time , and its was a good video to watch. Thanks a lot.
Just stopped working for Swift. After 5 months, and a handful of $500-$600 checks, I went on home time and never went back. I inquired with my driver leader, seeking anyway to increase my take home thru a dedicated route or other means, all I got was silence. They had me penciled into a Cali-AZ-NV route, basically a 300-400 radius. Pickup load today deliver tomorrow, that’s about $160 in two days. No f&#*@+g bueno! I will say, for those trying to get into the drivers seat, loads are very, very light right now. Look at the GDP and the economy, interest rates are sky high, goods aren’t moving on a normal basis. Just something to think about before committing your self to a school and owing on the cost. Life on the truck is great if you’re getting paid, if it’s less than $1200, I say live at home, you’re paying for it either way.
There’s not much options really when no one else wants to hire you and asking 2 years of tractor trailer experience so you’re kind of forced to go to a mega carrier
Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV 🔴 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.,
Totally enjoy your perspective on Swift. I am looking to get a CDL, (even in this crazy downturn economy, might not be the best time, but I am at a crossroads in my career of many years, and the economy WILL get better for truckers again after 2023). For sure considering Swift, I KNOW it's a starter type company, not a lot of places for a new student. I am for sure a loner, so I am actually interested in the life. One thing I still haven't figured out is how you guys manage to watch TV or internet access on the road, If you can upgrade your mattress to a better one if you pay for it yourself. What your inverter actually powers for you, just little personal type stuff. Anyway, like your videos, stay safe man!
Appreciate the comment and good luck with your career change. Swift is a great company to get your starter experience at. Luckily, being a company driver, the economy and the current state of trucking will have little to no impact on you since you’re not paying for the fuel booking your own loads etc. As for TV and internet some drivers have dishes on their truck to pick up TV channels, for internet most drivers use hotspots from Verizon. For the inverts, they can be used to power anything from microwave, air fryers, Tv’s, etc.
@@bennydrives Hey Benny, I'm just starting the process to get my CDL. Got my physical tomorrow and plan to take the General Knowledge next week. I've heard a lot fo good reviews about Swift, but in your video, you says the pay isnt that good. I watched a video from them posted a year ago that all drivers get a minimum of $1000 per week -Regardless. Why didn't you get that? I'm thinking about OTR as I want to see something more than Florida. Plus not having to pay rent and nap at my friends here and there is a plus. lol Would appreciate any input..
@@kitt199546 the $1,000 guaranteed pay didn’t come out till a few months after I was already working there, it’s also gross so your take home will still be 800ish per week.
@@bennydrives Thanks for the info, quick question, I tried to call Swift recruitment and the lady was real rude telling me that they don't hire below Orlando or Tampa, since I live in Vero Beach, I don't qualify. Any idea if thats true? It was a kick in my stomach as I really wanted to come work for them.
I have my cdl now but no experience and can't find a local job so I'm trying to decide which mega carrier would be best for me. I'm in so cal so I was thinking swift cause like you mentioned they have a lot of terminals. I know cr England is close to me to, so it's between swift, cr England, heartland express. I'm doing it for the experience then trying to go local if possible.
Actually I joined a trucker group and asked about swift as someone with absolutely 0 experience and most of them said it's a good idea for obtaining a cdl and getting that much needed experience for a resume. Least toxic group I've ever seen 😂 but there were a few comments about not getting paid because they have you hauling empty
Only crap I ever heard in regards to swift was from one coworker when we were working at a pizza joint, he called it the “Stevie Wonder Institute For Trucking”
One thing to keep in mind guaranteed pay is not take home. So then saying your going to be guaranteed 1k a week may be like $700 after taxes and what not
Thanks for the info. Not just swift but sounds like otr is not the route I want to go. I have a life and don't want to he away from home that much, kinda defeats the purpose of having a job to live comfortably
Came from CRST they bagged so hard on Swift even all the videos for orientation on accidents was about swift. I left because I was barely touching 500 a week but driving 3k miles now they’re being sued for not paying drivers their for their miles and wait time etc and they’re calling all drivers who weren’t getting paid right to come forward and join in with the guy who is suing. I was looking into a dedicated run for swift I never understood how they were so big but everybody trash talked them so that’s literally what made me apply. My friend is still there plans on leaving cause she’s getting paid 200 a week. I’m trying to convince her to come try swift with me.
I have been contemplating swift or CR England. I have had my CDL A for 10 years. Only done local stuff mostly in straight truck tanker hauling fuel. Got about a year of tractor trailer work in the oil field and then another year of fuel truck and trailer. Not much backing up with that. Just pull in and drop the fuel. I want to stay in it. But I'm in an area where I don't have much options for fuel. Just a few companies and they are not always hiring.
Hey thanks for posting these videos, it's nice to have the insight from someone who's been through it. I have kind of an odd question: Does Swift have you climb into the back of the trailer during training? I'm older and have trouble stepping up on the 2 foot high bumper. Let me know, thanks.
Hi Benny, I'm working for swift right now. Have you had any issues with swift in regards to you using you go pro while you drive in those 2 years your worked for them? Thanks and stay safe.
whats a "real truck driver"? cool video, man. im glad i watched it. Lord willing this is probably the route im going to take . You should do a video on the best truck stops and restaurants. Just a thought.
Trucking companies are crooks. Their ads sound pretty good . But it’s not even close to their claims. They don’t give very good vacation time. Since your working 24/7 ya all deserve better.
Hey Benny, almost started working for who you’re working with now but swift had dedicated near my address. Anyway, question: once your processor (the one you talk to before orientation) says your file is complete and they’ve contacted all your former employees, do you have anymore employment verifications to do at the orientation itself? Reason I asked is cause I didn’t want to bring W2’s and paystubs to orientation (or even take a pic of them) if I don’t need to cause that’s kind of private. I’ve already done my physical and drug test etc.Thanks, and best channel for this kind of info on truck driving in my opinion.
Thats the sacrifice you make when they give you new trucks and associated amenities you get less pay. I drive olders amenities suck but I made 6 figures right out of school.
Dude i loved your video. So i had my cdl but i've only done local routes i've never done long haul nor driven in mountains so no company want to hire me because of that and ask for experience but no one wants to give me experiences do you think swift would be a good option for me?
I'm considering swift CDL training (veteran sponsorship), I'm looking to (recruiter said I can) go flat bed division. Any information on the flat bed division?
I have cdl a with hazmat and tanker and double triples endorsements but no experience I don’t know which company chose I saw some videos about swift paycheck it’s bad per week 800 dollars it’s very low
@@bennydrives I got my own business for the last seven years doing remodeling work and I got my CDL thinking about to switch career but I don’t know if I will be able to make it in that industry
You can definitely make it in the trucking industry. There’s nothing but money to be made. You may not make the most your first year but if you get into specialized hauling like heavy haul or tanker/hazmat man you’ll be making bank. It also depends on if you like the lifestyle and find the right position.
@@bennydrives I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my text. I really appreciate it. My goal is to get all experience that I can before I can buy my own truck if that’s more preferable to make more money than working for a company because even if I have the money to buy the truck already I don’t have the experience that I need.
Of course man. When you get to that point, having prior knowledge about running a business will really help you. Swift is a great place to get experience in my opinion.
If your pulling 900$ checks first year thats pretty good right 🤔cant wait to start training in 2 weeks...i drive 5 12s 60+ hours a week as a taxi driver i average 600-1200 a week as a 10 99 contractor with no benefits right now. Im trying to move on to bigger and better things and swift is willing to help me do it 😀 im a lil nervous but excited, im wondering about what benefits i get though. I was looking into navy but 4 year contract compared to 2 with swift lol 😅 i want to buy my own rig one day and have no other responsibilities but myself right now so most of my checks would just be banked.
I'm super scared about takeing a CDL permit test. I'm currently 20 years old but turn 21 in 7 months . Do u have any advice? Do they pay for transportation to the training school. Is the permit test really hard ?
I was just as scared about it as you are. Swift does provide transportation. Advice I can give you is pay attention at CDL school. Also download CDL test prep app and start doing the practice test and you should be fine
hi bro i wanna start driving with swift i just got my cdl iam in philadelphia i wanna ask you if swift signs a contract with them or you can leave where you want
Hello, i’m currently in the process of joining Swift. i do not have a CLD license so i will be doing their Swift Academy. i would appreciate some tips, do’s and dont’s, personal experience, stuff like that. or if this isn’t the right move, i would appreciate to know why. thanks 👍
I think it’s a good route to go for getting your CDL and initial experience! Best piece of advice I can give you is to be coachable. Be open to criticism. Learn.
Swift wanted me to drive eleven hours on and ten hours off for two weeks straight. Then you got two days off. If you wanted three days off you had to turn your truck in and take all your stuff out. You get another truck when you return. My driver manager was a bitch.
I’m currently through swift school in Waco georgia. I have about a week and a half left before my CDL test. Let me ask you, I’m worried about my pretrip exam and having to memorize all the parts, do you have any advice for pretrip exam part?
From what I've seen, in online communities, being it Facebook/twitter/youtube/.... Doesn't matter if you drive for Swift/CFI/GPtransco or whatever that provides you with an automatic transmission truck, you get bashed for only being a ''steeringwheel holder''. And you aren't a real trucker unless you drive an 18-speed manual Kenworth or Peterbilt with more dials and gauges than a nuclear sub in combination with a gearstick that touches your roof liner, all the while keeping your seat completely on the floor so you can barely see over the dash. If that is the ''true trucker'', seems overly toxic. In the end, YOU as a person need to decide what's important for yourself and what you find enjoyable. And if you enjoy driving for a company, no matter what company it is, that's all that matters since you are the one doing the miles every week. I'm a ex-bus/coach driver turned truckdriver in EU, so I'm already jealous that I can't drive trucks like you guys can, stuck with my cabover.
Can you get the CDL through the swift for free and if so, after you get your CDL and you decide you don’t like the company can you quit and still keep your CDL
@@Voltomess I responded by including a link and a quote, but my comment gets deleted. Instead, here's the quote: "Your education, books, hotel, and transportation costs are covered when you sign Swift’s financial agreement, and agree to drive for Swift for 26 months after receiving your license."
I'm considering Swift and I've been hearing all kinds of mixed reviews. I am getting the same vibe I got working for Amazon, it seems like you get out of swift with what you put in and it is the same with Amazon. My aunt used to drive dedicated for swift and she was honestly indifferent about it, but she liked it better than Marten and Werner. I am also considering Knight too even though Knight owns Swift but it seems they still run them like separate companies. I am looking to relocate out of Florida to possibly Idaho or even possibly Washington State and they are looking like my best options. What makes it hard, no one wants to hire out of Florida, especially lately.
I’m planning to switch up the channel soon but still stay within the trucking side. I’m not longer OTR I do local work now which I basically do the same thing everyday so not much to record
I’m trying to get onto Swift now but they told me they won’t take me coming out of Florida. So I’m moving to South Carolina February 3 and they have a terminal right near my house in Greer. I’m trying to go through the paid program to get my CDL through Swift. If you went through the swift academy, do you have any advice?
I've been trying to get an orientation scheduled for Greer SC and my Recruiter is having trouble getting my Med Docs but now that I know that they have them they took off from 12/25 to 1/3 only letting us know on the 30th?!?. I've completed the Clearinghouse and videos/tests and company Physical/Screening so I'm just waiting now.🤔😒🤨
Swift is not a bad place to work i worked there driver leader is the biggest thing if ya click together the only problem with swift is your worth 5000.00 in government money to be replaced the rat on the Dash with safty ramp speeds or speed limits in some areas an traffic light cencors an spped trap cencors ya get called in to safty on stupid stuff that is Bull just to replace ya for orientation because of government jobs money or training money how would you like to make a million dollars a month or new driver per terminal the only thing i would like to see is they need more hr on new driver's need to swith off on mentor's if ya never drove a truck over the road or held CDL more than 3 years this would save a lot of stupid stuff on new drivers an quit harassing old driver with safty nick pick bull i like the place but the delays you get between bill of landing or potatoe skin
