The Complete Guide To A Career In Trucking

Company Training: What Should I expect during orientation?

Swift Transportation tractor trailer parked in a parking lot

When you are ready to start driving with your first company, you will first go through an initial orientation together with a group of drivers also starting at the same time.

It will generally consist of paperwork, some classroom/company specific things like videos and safety training, and a company physical. As you are constantly being evaluated on how well you will fit with the company, many people get sent home during orientation for failed drug tests, failed physicals, non-disclosure of something in their background, etc.

New drivers will then go out with a trainer for 3-6 weeks, depending on the company.

How long is orientation, and what should I expect?

Orientation itself is usually around 3-4 days, again depending on the company.

It will consist of a lot of paperwork, safety training & videos, company physical & drug test, and for experienced drivers, a road test before they get their own truck.

What should I bring to orientation and company training?

Video - What to expect at orientation?

This video explains the orientation process at Schneider National.

Where is orientation, and how do I get there?

Orientation will be held at one of the company facilities. Usually, the trucking company will arrange for bus transportation, on Greyhound, though there are reports of some companies flying prospective drivers in.

What will we do at company orientation?

Video - The Little Guy Driving The Training Simulator At Prime Inc

This video shows a student using the driving simulator at Prime Inc's training headquarters

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