Swift Vs Usxpress

Me and a friend (who has 3 1/2 years experience) are looking to team up OTR. I have zero experience. My question is which company should I go with, swift or usxpress? He is currently working at usxpress and has been there for 6 months. He has also spoke to a recruiter there about becoming a trainer so he can teach me when I get straight outta school. Any advice would be apperciated!! Thanks!

They're both very good and very similar companies. It really comes down to pay and benefits, and the home time you can get from each.

I don't think I would worry about your friend training you. On the one hand that's pretty cool. But training only lasts a very short amount of time. It's far more important that you choose the company that suits you well for the long term. You'll want to stay there a minimum of one year and if you do a great job there's an excellent chance you'll like it and you'll want to stay much longer.

Have you actually applied and been accepted to both companies? If not, make sure you apply and find out. People tend to assume they can work anywhere they like but these companies do not hire every inexperienced driver that's qualified. They tend to pick and choose.

We always recommend that people apply to as many companies as possible, find out who is willing to give you a shot, and then choose the one you like best. You can apply to 7 different paid CDL training programs at once with one quick form here on our site:

Apply For Paid CDL Training

Here is a list of other companies that provide training also:

Paid CDL Training Programs

Joe, if you and your friend want to hang together, you could consider Team Driving.

The good news: you're together a lot. The bad news: you're together a lot.

Trucking Truth tends to lean toward solo driving, but companies really like driving teams. Good luck in getting on board!

I spoke to both companies and they will both accept me! Your telling me I should choose a company that suites my needs and i get that. But that's kinda why I'm here asking for your professional opinion. I wanna work for a good company that cares about their drivers and pays well for new driver.

They're both very good and very similar companies. It really comes down to pay and benefits, and the home time you can get from each.

I don't think I would worry about your friend training you. On the one hand that's pretty cool. But training only lasts a very short amount of time. It's far more important that you choose the company that suits you well for the long term. You'll want to stay there a minimum of one year and if you do a great job there's an excellent chance you'll like it and you'll want to stay much longer.

Have you actually applied and been accepted to both companies? If not, make sure you apply and find out. People tend to assume they can work anywhere they like but these companies do not hire every inexperienced driver that's qualified. They tend to pick and choose.

We always recommend that people apply to as many companies as possible, find out who is willing to give you a shot, and then choose the one you like best. You can apply to 7 different paid CDL training programs at once with one quick form here on our site:

Apply For Paid CDL Training

Here is a list of other companies that provide training also:

Paid CDL Training Programs

I think Brett addressed the question:

They're both very good and very similar companies. It really comes down to pay and benefits, and the home time you can get from each.

This may help with your research:

Trucking Company Reviews

• Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing Your First Truck Driving Job
• Article Category: Finding The Right Truck Driving Job
• Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Trucking Company"

It's true: the big companies, and most smaller ones, will be fine for you. Pay is more or less the same, believe it or not. Maybe a couple hundred bucks difference if you could compare two companies mile for mile, but it's hardly worth worrying about.

The things you need to look at are really what Brett is talking about: what is important to you (besides money): coverage area, pet and/or rider policy, home time rules, what they put in the truck for you. The links G-Town provided are readings for you.

It's true: the big companies, and most smaller ones, will be fine for you. Pay is more or less the same, believe it or not. Maybe a couple hundred bucks difference if you could compare two companies mile for mile, but it's hardly worth worrying about.

The things you need to look at are really what Brett is talking about: what is important to you (besides money): coverage area, pet and/or rider policy, home time rules, what they put in the truck for you. The links G-Town provided are readings for you.

I have to agree with what Errol said. I have worked for both big and small companies and they literally are exactly the same. The big differences are Home time, The Perks (Fridge in truck, APU , Detention pay), Pets in truck, etc. Comparing big and small companies is like comparing apples to apples. There really isnt that big a difference until you figure out which one you like best.

I'd say do you homework and your research. Really dig for what the company you want to go to and essentially work for are offering you. In the end there are some huge differences, although many don't come right out and tell you unless you ask. When I decided to go with CT Transportation, it was the perks of being with the company that really made my decision me. But, I did a lot of research first.

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.