I’m a British trucker. I’ve noticed a lot of negative videos on RU-vid about Swift. You can tell by the videos that it’s mostly rookie mistakes. We’ve all been there. Thankfully, for me, there wasn’t a lot of hand held mobile phone cameras when I was going through my rookie months. I think it’s great that a company is willing to give newly trained drivers the opportunity to gain practical experience. Stick with it lass. I did 9 years of nursing before hitting the age of 30 and becoming a trucker. The best career change ever.
Hi Pam and thanks for watching! My brother used to work in ER as a tech and now he drives trucks as well and he’s happy that he made switch. Although I know you were doing very rewarding work you have to choose you. I was actually afraid to join Swift at first because of the videos but being a rookie myself I know how some of those mistakes can be made. Nevertheless I’m going to keep going! 💪
If you watched her videos they offered her 300 hrs of training, and since shes on dedicated account most of it that is backing. They make sure it’s clear that if you feel like you’re receiving inadequate training, then tspeak up , it’s pretty simple to switch trainers.
So excited for you! I recently received my cdl and I'm researching different companies now. I'm really considering swift since they have a terminal in ocala. Thanks for your video.
Thanks Kimberly! I would definitely recommend Swift. So far things have been going well overall. Being close to your terminal makes life so much easier. Thanks for watching
I went to the Ocala terminal for orientation and the hotel provides breakfast and the feed you lunch at the terminal (when I was there it was a good truck)
Ms.Thomas i want to say thank you so much for making this video. It help me so much then you will ever know. Coming from a long time family friend. Please keep making videos god bless you
1.For your trainer preference did you choose smoker or non smoker 2.Is your trainer OTR? 3.How long did it take for you to receive your trainer? 4. What account is your trainer on?
Is this video about getting your cdl? Why would you pack a bag for a few weeks? Im a bit confused. I thought the video was about your new job at swift AFTER getting cdl. Thanks!
Hi Michael, the video is about Swift’s orientation and a little about what we were told was going to happen afterwards. For the ppl going over the road with a trainer you needed to bring a packed bag for that. Hope this helps!
I think you will but I can’t say for sure. I had done a physical for my permit in July of last year and had to another physical even though my physical was current for another 6 months with Swift.
@@ArlisaSThomas thank u sweetie I start orientation Monday with Swift!! I'm glad it's only 1 day instead of 3 days. I have gotten everything done so that's a plus🙂 I have read & watched all the videos.
Congratulations 🎊 I did too so I called JB Hunt but they were full already and the recruiter there advised me to go with Swift. I had my 1st Swift orientation yesterday 11/02/2022 today was the 2nd part of orientation which was not as long as the 1st one. I would suggest call both of them and see what they offer to you and where you think you’ll feel best. For my experience with Swift so far they seem to care a lot for their drivers ☺️
It really depends if there’s a dedicated route in your area because you have to live within 30 miles of it. From what I understand you can choose what type you want to do. Hope this helps and thanks for watching Sarah. Let me know if you have any other questions
Hi! It depends but my orientation was in Ocala, FL and my training was on the account I was on in Cocoa, FL. Some ppl have done orientation in Memojis and at other Swift terminals. Training depends on the account your on or division etc
So how long after orientation did you actually get in to a truck and do your 4 week. Do you go right after orientation or do you have a choice to go home and re pack for the 4 weeks. I’m just confused
Hi Jesse, I was on a local account so I went home. However there were drivers there that packed so that they could go with a trainer right away if one was available. And I believe but don’t quote me on this, that there were people who also went home to wait. I think it just depends on your situation and what you’re willing to do
Hi Kiara, I trained at a non-Swift school before the Feb. 7th change so I only went to school for 2 weeks. The first the day we spent a brief period of time in the classroom and the rest of the training was hands on the truck. I spent the majority of my time going over pretrip or backing the truck (mostly backing). This is a good idea for a video
Call me lazy but what the pay? I spoke with a recruiter and he fraud getting me on a dedicated/regional route at 60cpm but limited miles. He didn’t really answer the question if I would get the same 60cpm if I go OTR. Could you answer that from from experience please? Thank you in advance
Thanks for watching. I’m sorry I’m not familiar with OTR vs Regional pay. It was explained in orientation but I don’t remember. Plus I think it varies by the account your on. I’m on a dedicated local account
Hi Shaq, no I had my CDL before I applied. Right before orientation and during orientation you can get a physical and you will get a medical card. But you need a medical card to get your permit
@@ArlisaSThomas thank you for letting me know. Hey I hate to be a pain in the butt to ask a million questions, I was just wondering do they pay you the $800 when you start the CDL training at the school or do they pay you at the end of it?
Hello my name is Gary I live in Inverness Florida, I will be going to Ocala for orientation. I got my CDL-A from a private school. Did you do your 300 hours with a mentor locally or did you have to go over the road
It’s a basic test know whether or not you can read road signs and know like basic things what a license plate is etc. It’s hard to fail even if English is your second language. I don’t think anyone in my orientation class failed
I already have a CDL and I’ll be going to an orientation next week. Do you I have to sign an contract after I complete the 4-6 weeks training? I heard that swift makes you sign a contract and you can’t leave the company for 1 year
@@ArlisaSThomas that's still a contract if ask me. in my eye's its a contract because if you buss your butt off for a company and then decided you want out you shouldn't owe them shiiid. my personal opinion though..
Yes everyone whether experienced or not has to do the English test in orientation and the driver qualification test in order to upgrade to become a solo driver. If you have experience as a driver you will probably only have to do about 50 hours of training
Should i wait till i get a female trainer or would you recommend on having my opinions open The only reason i ask cause theres alot of crazy people out there??
Uhhh that’s a tough question to answer. It depends on what you would be comfortable with. People are crazy male and female though so you have to be careful either way. Whatever you decide to do just set clear boundaries ahead of time
Today they told me that I have to pay back the HOTEL which I believe she told me it was $1,000USD 😰 is this true??? They called me this morning to send me the App. But they explained to me, that I would have to pay back the CDL and Hotel as well. Can you explain this please! THANK YOU for your help ❤️🤟🏽
@@ArlisaSThomas yeah that is what I am talking about. I was wondering if you know or have heard something about that. For me asking to pay back the hotel on top of NOT providing any type of meal on the day, is very cheap for a big company like SWIFT, today I have to tell them if I’m going or not and still thinking about it. Thank you for your content and god bless your road days ❤️🙏🏽👈🏽
Hi Khishea, this video is for people who have applied for a driving job at Swift and already have their CDL. I didn’t go to Swift academy to get my CDL so I’m not sure but I will say that when I went to my CDL school I had to have my permit beforehand. Some schools like will allow you to come in without it but it will take you longer than some of your other classmates to go through the program though.
@@ArlisaSThomas with your refrigerated local approx how much you make week or 2 weeks I want to do local and I’m thinking about starting my cdl journey. Not trying to get to much in your business but it’s important for me to know
Hi Chris, I don’t think so but I can’t say for sure. I do know that they can take other hair like from under arms, legs beard if they can’t get it from your hair but it needs to be link an inch long or so. Don’t quote me on that though. My niece had a hair follicle test done a few weeks ago and she has short hair. So they took the hair from her under arms but it could depend on who’s testing you. Hope this helps
No not at all they weigh you take your height temp check your eyes and ears mouth. Do a vision test ask you some questions like how often do you drink.?and urine and hair follicle drug test
@@ArlisaSThomas Nice. I was contacted by a DDM in Arcadia, and he says he has me on his dedicated Walmart account, so I will be training with them in Arcadia and will be home everyday. I don’t know how I got so lucky . I’m in the hotel right now, and I’m a little nervous because it’s been months since I’ve been in a truck. The DDM told me not to worry because I will be training with them. I don’t do drugs so not worried about the drug test, just a little worried about the orientation road test tomorrow. Thanks for all your help and quick responses , it really helps a lot.
Congratulations!! Unless things have changed you know that by now that there is no orientation road test. The road test happens when you’re about to upgrade to go solo. I try to respond quickly, sometimes I don’t get notifications for comments or I will miss the notification or I couldn’t respond and the time and then forgot to circle back. Anyway, I like the Walmart Dedicated Account and hopefully you will too!! The nerves are good just channel that nervous energy into something positive. Eventually the nervousness will calm down. I know you will do well! We might run into each other at some point!
@@ArlisaSThomas Arlisa!! I got my drivers code!!👍👍🙃 I haven’t been in the truck for over 4 months, and it was my first time driving an automatic, and it feels really weird without shifting, especially when you make a turn at an intersection, half way through turning I feel like a need to do something, and my arm tries to reach for the shifter that’s not there🤣
Lol at least you got the chance to drive manual I feel like I’m missing out on something. I know will get used to it. Every now says they wouldn’t go back to driving manual, less wear and tear. With your driver code your official now, congratulations!!!🎊
Hi Brittany, I went back home after orientation because I trained on the local home daily account that I was on. And it took about about 3-4 days but I
Swift definitely isn’t the one you want to apply to then. If you find one let me know, I’m curious. There are some out there but I don’t remember off the top of my head.
BECARFULL FOR NEW DRIVERS The school was Ok, the mentor was good, but after the graduation, they promise for inexperience driver at least 1000 per week, but if they complete 5 days of work and gets what, the dispatchers are sure the drivers get stock with no trailer, wrong directions, no answer the phone, anyway they do everything for doesn't give you the 5 days driving and the inexperience drivers get paid no more than 400 a week which means you have to sleep in the truck for 2 o 3 days with no paid, no decent conditions for less than 400. is been 2 weeks and it's been the same situation week after week. That's the way Swift transportation makes money?
@@ArlisaSThomas The last disaster i get my week check for 350 I have to pay for a part because they say they need authorize the payment and I don't want to be stuck for 2 more days finally I paid the part with my own money and I quit.
@@jmorales793 sure do and all she or he is doing is lieing. Swift has so much freight to run they would be killing there own bottom line if what this person says is true. I've worked for them for 4 months now and I never sit waiting on loads
I really enjoyed video was helpful on knowing what to expect i been a diesel mechanic for 35 years And want to drive I have my cdl with all endorsements except hazmat do they push you for that
@@deancouch694 I think you’ll always be nervous but some fear is good because it keeps you from getting too comfortable. If you decide to make the leap I know you will do fine
Thank you for your encouraging words I am going to a swift open house tomorrow to check it out I wish you the best and thank you for your time. I will be looking for more updates on your posts to see how your doing
Hi Steve, you’re welcome glad I could help! And I got my CDL at a small school in FL. Actually two, the 2nd one I went to get extra backing practice because I failed my test on the offset. The first school offered a retest so I went back there to retest and passed
@@ArlisaSThomas thanks Arlisa! I was just looking into small local schools in Minnesota as I saw you're response. I'm thinking small and local schools as apposed to the larger truck company training. I'm just trying to keep tuition expenses down.
@@steveb.7120 No problem! think you can’t go wrong either way. I just depends on what you’re looking for and what you can afford. If I had to do it over again I would go the same route. I liked the idea of not feeling (or being) obligated to stay with a company that paid fort CDL if things weren’t working out
@@ArlisaSThomas thanks Arlisa! Yes I think that's what I was thinking too. Don't want to be that committed! Just trying to digest all of this and great to have wisdoms from people on the journey. Much appreciated!
Most community if not all offer CDL programs. It’s how I got mine. And they payed for it. Nothing out of pocket besides my retest because I too failed the driving portion.
Quick questions ❓ Were you trained on an automatic? I need an automatic, never learned to drive stick shift and I don't think I have the aptitude to drive a stick with all the gears. Do you feel the company spent enough time on backing? I can drive well but parking especially backing have never been my strong suits
Swift only has automatic trucks. And they spent plenty of time with me On backing in training. But honestly I think the more I do it on my own the more I learn
James I’m not sure. It’s my understanding that you don’t do the driver qualification until you’re about to test out to go solo. I haven’t taken mine yet but I’ll be taking it very soon.
Thank you for the information. I'd be remissed if I didn't mention that you are beautiful, well-articulated, and intelligent. Consequently, someone in Swift leadership should take note and consider you for a front office position.
@Arlisa S. Thomas You're welcome. I just passed my CDL road test @ Swift Academy, and now I'm just waiting for my CDL to arrive and to receive a call for orientation. I'm also looking to go dedicated as well. I can't wait 🙌🏿🙏🏿❤️
I am going to a tech school that has a trucking academy to receive my CDL-A in June, which I believe is the best option for me personally, and I was wondering if I could post a Go Fund Me to help with funding. I used to be a smoker but when I get to and past orientation I don't know how long I can wait for a non smoker mentor/trainer to get on the road. My future has me excited and nervous especially when it comes to my pre-ride test.
I took this test 2 years ago. I don’t really remember what was on it. But I imagine if could type that question to me. You will probably pass it with flying colors. Good luck!
Things might have changed but when I was there orientation was only one day. They gave us an option to stay in the hotel the night before and the night after in Ocala, FL though
Oh and I was on a local account but people who were going on the road and their trainer was available brought their stuff to go out on the road with their trainer
Or they stayed at the hotel until The trainer was available and everyday they had to come into the office and do stuff (basically hang out from what I saw) if they wanted to get paid while they waited for a trainer
Do swift trucks have mini-fridge and inverter to plug in coffee maker and charge lap top , can you idle all night with A/C on. Can you bring wife and dog . What is starting cents per mile pay and how many miles a month can you expect , what is the governed speed limit. Do trucks have 8 or 10 speed transmission
I’m a local driver so the trucks we have are all different. Swift only has automatic trucks. These are all some good questions but are better suited for a swift recruiter.
The hotel where I stayed had a large fridge and a microwave but no stove or cooktop unless you brought your own. I drove to the terminal so I had my car and there’s PLENTY of food options within walking distance. Plus a mall further down street. There’s a small college up the road so there’s a plethora of restaurants up and down the street some you can walk to others you would need to have a car or Door Dash
Hi! I have orientation this upcoming Monday! When did you get your bus ticket? I haven't received mined yet. I should be in the hotel tomorrow night :0
@@ArlisaSThomas if swift or any company pays for your school you will be required to work for the for a certain a amount of time, if you leave before the contract is up you will owe money
Hey, I got my CDL at Prime Inc back in June. I’m starting at Swift in October. What test do I have to take. Should I study a Swift pre trip. Any information would help. Thank You. Hope to see ya out on the road
Hi congratulations on obtaining your CDL! I’m not sure what Swift test you have to take besides a road test before they clear you to drive by yourself and a basic English test in orientation as I no longer work for them
Arlisa, how long did swift take to give u an orientation date? I got my conditional offer letter Friday. I’m anxious girl and ready to GO🤗. I called and my recruiter apparently doesn’t return calls but I was told my file is being worked on!!! I just figured maybe Ocala orientation is not every week. Idk. 🤷🏻♀️
Hey Tiffany, I was scheduled for orientation the next week. But this was in January so it might be busier now especially during the summer. If orientation isn’t every week, it’s every couple of weeks. I was anxious too so I hear you. 🤗 I would give it a couple of days and call again. If you’re recruiter didn’t answer who did you talk to?
Hello is there any further info to share about the distribution center you were at? I’m starting at that same one and just trying to find out more about it.
Hello, um the terminal leader and all of the office staff is really cool. Just be honest, nice and patient and they will treat you well. Most of the drivers there are cool and look out for each other. I hope you like it there like I did!
When i originally went in with Swift I was Midwest regional and was told I couldn't be local until after 6 months. I left Swift when I came back they ha intermodal available and I jumped on that. It's doable....good luck
That’s a good question I don’t have a bonafide answer too. I think it’s 9 months but I’m not sure because there’s another RU-vid trucking with Tyler that just became an owner op and I’m not sure if he has 9 months yet
Hi quick question i applied to swift and i have completed some tasks on pulse, how long after all the application did they reach out to you to go to orientation? Or do the next step? Also if im a female would they place me with a woman as my otr trainer?
Hello, after I applied less than a day later a recruiter reach out to me and told me about orientation and more paperwork. But my initial application was done. You can request a female trainer just know that you will probably have to wait while to start training
@@ArlisaSThomas oh okay because they did my background and other things i just haven’t heard back about the next step, i talked to the recruiter yesterday, so im thinking I should probably wait? Or should i give them a call?
