Swift Or Celadon Hard Decision

Hi all, in about 3 or4 months I will either be going to Swift or Celadon to get my start in the trucking industry, I am leaning towards Swift but Celadon seems good too, Both seem to offer about the same give or take, Both have training in Virginia(I live in Virginia) But I work right behind Celadon and have worked on some of their trucks/trailers. Not that it matters. Swift on the other hand I see all the time while on road calls but seldom get to talk with their drivers. Both recruiters at both company's seem eager to get me in school, I know their paid by getting people in their schools/companies, With Swift they already have all my info I.E. drivers license, TWIC card, Med card and driving record. I faxed it to the recruiter after filling out an app. online. Celadon on the other hand the recruiter said to wait until about 2 weeks before I am ready to go to driver training then fill out an app. She gave me a link to do so and has my pre app on file, her words. This is a hard decision due to both company's seem to be a very good place to get started, If any person has advise as to why or why not on either company I would appreciate it. Please note that I am not looking for reviews about these companies, just some advise. They both also have about the same home time and contract terms the difference is Celadon says the will never take monies from your pay as long as you finish your contract, Swift says they take some each week for 1yr contract but if you stay for 26 months(2yrs) they will reimburse what you paid.

Celadon wont take any money true. But during your contract only pay 27 cents per mile. Your contact is for 120,000 miles. If you dont complete your contract, you owe the complete amount for training, $ 7,200. If you already have your cdl they pay 36 cents per mile. If you do the math, 6 cents per mile for 120,000 =7,200. (This is what they charge for training) That still leaves 3 cents per mile that they keep. So in all actuality your paying $ 10,300 for training.

Ouch

Celadon wont take any money true. But during your contract only pay 27 cents per mile. Your contact is for 120,000 miles. If you dont complete your contract, you owe the complete amount for training, $ 7,200. If you already have your cdl they pay 36 cents per mile. If you do the math, 6 cents per mile for 120,000 =7,200. (This is what they charge for training) That still leaves 3 cents per mile that they keep. So in all actuality your paying $ 10,300 for training.

Not really. Your math is flawed. Did any money come from your pocket? Did you take out a loan? No. They are footing the bill for you to learn a new career. Them asking for a 1 year commitment is nothing. Besides this site really encourages us newbs to stay with our first company for at least a year, anyway, and it makes great sense. If I am not mistaken, there are also raises built into the first year. ( been a while since I last looked) vso cthat .03 cents is given back cover the duration of the contract, as you EARN the raises, and trust, and prove that you are a good investment. They are trusting us with equipment that is worth more than we will make in our first 3 - 5 years.

I, for one see it as a privilage, and will work my arse off to get thge miles, and prove my worth, to whomever I drive for. Swift has good schools, and Celadon does too, from what I hear. Both would be great companies to drive for.

Thank you all for the replies I will weigh my options over the next two or three months and will keep everybody updated on which company I choose to go with. I can't wait to actually get out on the road and start logging miles