Decided To Go With Swift

After much research and deliberation I have decided to go with Swift. I will be beginning school next Monday. After speaking with the recruiter I discovered they actually offer schooling in my area which is a huge bonus because I can drive to and from school everyday. The school I'll be going to wasnt listed on the reviews here or their website so if you'd like to update your information the school is called 160 Truck Training 35216 East Michigan Avenue, Wayne MI, 48184. Classes are mon-fri 8am-4pm. Apparently they just started using this school. All of the other stuff on your review here still applies as far as tuition and cost and reimbursement and all of that.

Super excited to get this career started. I've always had a strong work ethic so I think I'll be able to make the most out of what Swift has to offer. If anyone has any advice or warnings in regards to working for Swift I'd like to hear it. But from what I've gathered in this forum is a job at any trucking company is only as good as the effort you're willing to put into it. I'm all in. For myself. For my family. Can't wait to get started!

Good for you Tom. Welcome to Swift.

No warnings; just come to class well rested, focused and prepared to learn at a very fast pace. I think you will do fine since you have already received the "Baptism By Fire" teaching process from your former employer. Expect nothing like that...

Best of luck!

Thank you G-Town. Your enthusiasm for Swift partially motivated me to give them some extra consideration. I'm excited to be part of the team.

Congrats and welcome to Swift. I am in my mentor phase having gone to the Academy in Columbus, my classmates from MI would have killed to stay up there lol

The only advice I can give is be professional, come in wanting to learn and communicate. From my short time here I've seen them bend over backwards to help students that have those traits. Also like it's been said, treat the whole process as one big interview. Certain people forget that until you get a driver's code you're technically not an employee so treat everyone like you'd want to be treated.

Good luck and hope to see you out here!

G-Town, I wondered if you could explain the ranking system a little better. My recruiter sent me a picture explaining it when I asked about potential bonuses. I just wondered if you had to drive for a year before you're assigned a rank and then get the bonus assigned to that rank. Furthermore, I wondered if that bonus was a quarterly thing or if that was just added on to how many cents per mile you normally earn. I also wondered if there were any other bonuses aside from the ranking bonus.

Awesome Roadpilot. Congrats on completing the academy. Hope to see you out there :)

G-Town, I wondered if you could explain the ranking system a little better. My recruiter sent me a picture explaining it when I asked about potential bonuses. I just wondered if you had to drive for a year before you're assigned a rank and then get the bonus assigned to that rank. Furthermore, I wondered if that bonus was a quarterly thing or if that was just added on to how many cents per mile you normally earn. I also wondered if there were any other bonuses aside from the ranking bonus.

As far as I remember as soon as I went solo I had started to get ranked. Every quarter we are paid a bonus off the ranking, which is really nice. I got two preventable accidents, so I haven't got a nice bonus in a while. Have patience and get out and look. Good luck!

Congrats Tom! I'm certain you'll do well at Swift with the can-do attitude you have. I've been with them for a little over a year and a half and have very much enjoyed the experience.

My warning is to steer clear of the rats. When you spend nearly every day almost completely alone, it's pretty easy to be negatively influenced by just a few negative opinions.

On the more positive side, I recommend starting out otr and then trying a dedicated account or two to see if you like it. If you prefer otr, you can always go back to that. Keep your eye on the prize, which for now is to get a solid start in the industry by getting in a full year with Swift without hitting anything.

Best of luck!

Tom asked:

G-Town, I wondered if you could explain the ranking system a little better. My recruiter sent me a picture explaining it when I asked about potential bonuses. I just wondered if you had to drive for a year before you're assigned a rank and then get the bonus assigned to that rank. Furthermore, I wondered if that bonus was a quarterly thing or if that was just added on to how many cents per mile you normally earn. I also wondered if there were any other bonuses aside from the ranking bonus.

The bonus is paid quarterly in a lump sum. After your first three months solo, you'll be entitled to participate in the bonus points. My Deficated bonus is different than OTR , so hopefully Errol or JimJ can add to this.

Overall the bonus is based on safety, on-time deliveries, fuel economy, and total mileage. Once you are solo have that conversation with your assigned Driver Manager.

Best of luck!

My warning is to steer clear of the rats

Here's what Pianoman means by this:

Podcast Episode 10: Terminal Rats Are Derailing Trucking Careers

You will come across those types, probably on the very day you arrive. Do not let them influence your thinking. In fact, do not even let them have their say. When you see you're dealing with someone who is super negative, just cut them off and go find someone else to hang out with who has a great attitude. It makes all the difference in the world.