Comments By Mrawesome

I'm curious as to how that happened because FedEx and UPS and the post office all three contract out what their requirements are that their drivers whether they're contracted out or in-house have to have at least a year experience. That's probably why he's telling you that you have to get training somewhere else because he got caught. There are many places that you can go fresh out of school most places you're going to require that you ride with the trainer anywhere from four to his many as eight weeks that way you get an opportunity to hit a few docs park a few times at some truckstops and get some mild under your belt but keep your chin up it'll be OK you just have to maintain diligence I don't lose sight of the prize. Companies like Celadon, CFI, CR England and Swift will take on newly graduated drivers. But like I said they're going to want you to put in your time with a trainer or someplaces call them finishers. Were all hear to help though if you have any more questions just ask. I work for Cfi it's a great place and all the students to come here real happy

Fed ex has an entry level driver program. It consists on 970 hours of supervised driving time with a lead driver. I was hired knowing i was fresh out of school. I was driving for a week when i was told i dont have enough training for the training programs. They pay was great but i was more excited about getting to be home every weekend.

Liam, if you're driving for a FX contractor you may have some Payroll issues. I don't know that relationship between FX and their contact drivers, but if the term "1099" comes up, I suggest you find a different job, pronto.

Riding and training isn't a standard practice. You just might get the job, but regular trucking companies need a course that takes at least 160 classroom hours in a recognized school. Make sure your companies Swift and Schneider understand you do not have that kind of training. Then they'll make arrangements to get you into school.

I've already did my hours and graduated from my school. Got my class A with doubles endorsement. I'm not sure why they would waste everyone's time like this but im looking at schneider. I heard they have a good training program and they know im a fresh cdl graduate.

So i started driving for an independent contractor for fed ex. I was accepted into the entry level driving program and have been driving for about a week. I am fresh out of school and my employer knew that. I get a call from my employer yesterday saying he doesn't want to train me anymore and that i need to get training somewhere else and once i do then i can come back. So currently ive been trying to find some other trucking jobs. So far ive got something with swift, an interview with Schneider running a Walmart route and just a simple p and d job with fed ex. Realistically id like to get something 5 out 2 in(dedicated, regional) but i know the odds of someone out of school getting a job like that is slim to none. Any other companies someone might be able to recommend?

Hang in there bud you will get just try and not let the instructor make you nervous and stay calm and take your time hey we all were not born knowing how to ride a bicycle keep trying you will get it just go slow and be patient and think and anticipate your next move good luck keep us updated. God bless

Failed my DMV test a second time today. Messed up on the driver's side parallel. It's freaking depressing, Most of my class passed week 4 attempt 1. Next week will be week 7 on attempt 3. I'm sure any other school or company would have kicked me out by now

Relax. Everyone else is not driving your truck. Remember the tester wants you to pass and they're not your enemy.

Liam, what does a coach tell the team just before the State Finals?

You all do great in practice. Go into this game like you do for any scrimmage. Focus on the job at hand, you'll do great!

Thnx I appreicate all the positive comments. I've been feeling pretty crappy the last day or so. Hopefully third time is the charm

Failed my DMV test a second time today. Messed up on the driver's side parallel. It's freaking depressing, Most of my class passed week 4 attempt 1. Next week will be week 7 on attempt 3. I'm sure any other school or company would have kicked me out by now

Liam can I ask what school you are attending ? Ive also been considering Swift as its close to home for me too.

Liam said he's thinking about the Richmond terminal/school.

Although you do not need to be close to any terminal, I live about 30 minutes away from the Swift Memphis terminal. A lot can be said for being close to a terminal.

I attended the Memphis school, and stayed at home, no hotel. (That also saved $500 from the tuition.)

If the terminal is close by, you always have a place to park for home time. Plus, if there's maintenance issues, you go home to wait instead of having to hang out in the company driver lounge.

You do all your office/training business at the start or end of home time, too.

I'm currently attending CDS Tractor Trailer training in woodford VA. Highly recommend it. Teachers are fantastic. I just received my pre-hire from swift. My recruiter was pretty nice though im not sure they read my job application because they were surprised when i mentioned i lived in Richmond next to the terminal. Hearing that made them pretty excited though. They also offered me the highest cents per mile out of all the companies. That being said I'm a bit nervous as i hear nothing but bad talk about swift everywhere i look. Like i get frustration but the displeasure is everywhere and the only place that even remotely mentions anything positive is this site. That being said im trying to get an apprenticeship with fed-ex freight as that is what i ultimately like to do. but if that falls through i think ill just go with Swift

If all that bad talk were true Swift wouldn't have grown the way they have. I have met plenty of fellow Swift drivers that are very happy with Swift. To be honest I think it is more of a people thing. Most if not all the big dry van companies are basically the same. I am enjoying my time at Swift, but I cannot speak for other people or terminals besides mine which is Albuquerque, NM. Get as many prehires as possible that way your options are open!

At this point I'm not really concerned with where I go. I'm only getting my class A so I can get enough experience to get a class B job. I've never been interested in going otr I frankly just want to drive a little box or straight truck probably delivering something. But I've seen few if any that will hire a class B without class A experience. Doesn't make much sense but it is what it is I guess.

Liam can I ask what school you are attending ? Ive also been considering Swift as its close to home for me too.

Liam said he's thinking about the Richmond terminal/school.

Although you do not need to be close to any terminal, I live about 30 minutes away from the Swift Memphis terminal. A lot can be said for being close to a terminal.

I attended the Memphis school, and stayed at home, no hotel. (That also saved $500 from the tuition.)

If the terminal is close by, you always have a place to park for home time. Plus, if there's maintenance issues, you go home to wait instead of having to hang out in the company driver lounge.

You do all your office/training business at the start or end of home time, too.

I'm currently attending CDS Tractor Trailer training in woodford VA. Highly recommend it. Teachers are fantastic. I just received my pre-hire from swift. My recruiter was pretty nice though im not sure they read my job application because they were surprised when i mentioned i lived in Richmond next to the terminal. Hearing that made them pretty excited though. They also offered me the highest cents per mile out of all the companies. That being said I'm a bit nervous as i hear nothing but bad talk about swift everywhere i look. Like i get frustration but the displeasure is everywhere and the only place that even remotely mentions anything positive is this site. That being said im trying to get an apprenticeship with fed-ex freight as that is what i ultimately like to do. but if that falls through i think ill just go with Swift

I had a couple of questions for anyone that works at swift. 99% of online reviews about swift are terrible and I just wanted some honest advice. I'm contemplating swift as they have a terminal in Richmond Va. 1. What's the home time like? A recruiter told me new drivers are home every other weekend for 2-3 days and I believe it's 6 out 1 in. 2. Local and dedicated positions. The recruiter also said after 6 months you could switch to a local or dedicated route. I'm very interested in local jobs. 3.Do all trucks have driver facing cameras? 4.does swift still use manual trucks? I heard more companies are switching to automatics. 5. Average amount of miles per week? I'm looking for a company that will give a lot of miles cause I'm planning "running my truck into the ground" in terms of miles. I do know it's performance based. Endorsement-wise I plan on getting hazmat, tanker and double, triple

XPO and Knight. Look here Paid CDL Training Programs and here Trucking Company Reviews. Hope that helps.

Problem with xpo is that I'm 21

If you already have your CDL you can try my company. They are big at working with you to run as you want.

I work for H O Wolding.

I'm currently in school right now for my CDL A so I'm working on pre hire. I'll definetly give them a look. Do they hire inexperienced drivers and are ok with 21 year old's?

Hi there I was wondering if there was any companies partially similar in terms of home time. I was looking for something along the lines of out 2-3 weeks. In 4-7 days. I'm not in it for the money really so the company doesn't matter much except home time is a big factor. I have applied to Roehl but I'm trying to find other options.

Liam, it is true that as an inexperienced driver you could find a local job. But that is rare. There's too much going on with driving 18 wheels for a company to let a newbie do the driving.

The major carriers main line of work involved OTR driving. It's what you have to do if you go that route.

You wonder:

I'm planning on attending trucking school in a month so ive been looking at jobs(Class A and B) just to see what's available

I'm not sure if im doing something wrong or not looking in the right places.

You need to have a job lined up as soon as possible. Keep in mind that Paid CDL Training Programs can get you driving with little or of pocket. At least start collecting pre-trip hire letters.

• Article: Understanding Pre-Hire Letters: The What, Why, And How Of This Important Step
• Trucker's Wiki: "Pre-Hire Letters"
• Forum Topics Tagged "CDL Pre-Hire Letters"

Are you doing something wrong? Other than wanting a non-OTR job, no. Are you looking on the wrong places? Well the places where you want to look are rare.

If i got to go otr i dont mind. I qualify for a grant that pays for 2/3rds of my tuition. Only reason i havent been looking at prehire letters is because i was trying to get a ltr job but its a little uncertain at the moment. That being said im waiting one more local job then ill start looking at companies. I'll probably end up going with the company who has the best home time. I'm not hurting for money or need a whole ton of it so im pretty flexible with where i go. I just dont understand the point of class B jobs existing if most require experience or willingness to get class A