Comments By FliteRisk

I managed people for many years, got into trucking at the age of 58. Wish I would have done it much earlier. Very challenging but I am only responsible for myself!

I love the idea of being responsible for me only. I have 30 people that report to me now.

Depends on your state, in Illinois I had to get finger prints and letter from TSA before going for test.

Did you already have a CDL or were you trying to get your permit?

Hello everybody,

I am confused about the hazmat process. I will be testing for my CDL permit this week and I applied for the endorsement. Do I go through the finger print process for the Permit or do I have to wait until I get an actual CDL license? I am trying to start CDL training ASAP.

One of my students from Covenant just got hired on at Richmond to teach backing.

I will let you know if i get the go ahead. still waiting on my test card for my permit. Everything else should be good. Drug test, background, work history, DMV record all are good.

I have no real complaints about Swift. I have been with them for almost 16 months and have been a mentor for 10 months.

Like G-town said though, there is no one size fits all out here. Think about what you want to pull and where you want to pull and go from there.

The big thing out here is communication. That can make or break most drivers.

Just an fyi: if you do come to Swift ask your recruiter about schools other than Columbus. They are dealing with some backlogs right now. It is taking some students almost 8 weeks to get a test appointment. I just did a 34 hour reset there.

Sometime all the money in the world cant make you happy.

Indeed. Trucking was a pay cut for me. However, the experience has been one I thoroughly enjoy. You can't put a price tag on that.

Just do your research and be sure what you're getting into. Just like anything else, it's not all puppies and rainbows.

That is absolutely true. I have left two jobs that paid exceptionally well for less money to start my own company, and will now in about a month hopefully be starting my new life as a driver. I am going Monday for my DOT physical, and assuming I pass that, will get my CDL permit and then call to see when the next available class is.

Good luck. Im waiting on the paperwork to take my permit test. In West Virginia, you have to mail the application and wait for them to send you the test card. After that, I will probably head to Swift in Ohio.

Richmond is actually closer to me.

Definitely read Brett's book. It will give you a realistic view of the life and the career guide has a lot of great info.

Just finished the book in one sitting. Awesome read!!!

Sometime all the money in the world cant make you happy.

Indeed. Trucking was a pay cut for me. However, the experience has been one I thoroughly enjoy. You can't put a price tag on that.

Just do your research and be sure what you're getting into. Just like anything else, it's not all puppies and rainbows.

That is absolutely true. I have left two jobs that paid exceptionally well for less money to start my own company, and will now in about a month hopefully be starting my new life as a driver. I am going Monday for my DOT physical, and assuming I pass that, will get my CDL permit and then call to see when the next available class is.

Good luck. Im waiting on the paperwork to take my permit test. In West Virginia, you have to mail the application and wait for them to send you the test card. After that, I will probably head to Swift in Ohio.

Also you will want to check these out:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

Especially make sure you read Brett’s book befor jumpin head first into this. It’s a legendary read and will give ya great insight into the industry.

Thanks!! already doing 3 and 4 on the list. I feel like i'm going to like this place!!!!!!!

Thanks for the replies. I will be looking forward to getting other peoples thoughts on this. Sometime all the money in the world cant make you happy. I have been on this job for 21 years. Its the only job I have ever had in my life. Im ready to try new things.

Hello everyone,

I am new to this forum and thinking about diving into the trucking industry. I am so tired of the daily corporate grind. I have thirty employees and just want to be responsible for me. Funny as it may sound, I just don't want to be the boss anymore. Thinking about starting with Swift. Anyone here ever go through this?