Might Be Attending Swift School Next Week, First Time Ever

Hello all,

This is my first time posting but been a lurker for a good while now. I got in contact with a Swift recruiter and they want to reserve a spot for me over here in Cali. They went over the program with me and said that as of right now they only have regional openings (I wanted something strictly California or "dedicated" but they said no openings were available). I've always been interested in trucking, always had respect for truckers and always wanted to get into it and now it seems I might actually have the chance. But I'm just worried about the long time away (for every 6 days of driving I get 1 day off optional). And they don't allow cats.. dogs yes but cats no so I have to ask a my gf to take care of my cat for me and I might look into getting a dog. I've been driving (class C) regular motor vehicle since I was 18 (I'm 28 now) so I'm not sure if understanding a new driving method will be any easier.

I'm both nervous and excited and I just wanted to thank everyone who posted that helped me with getting my confidence up and helping me gain more knowledge of the industry. If there are any tips (that I haven't already read through the many useful links) about getting started or what to expect or what not to do please let me know. This is a new chapter in my life and I want it to be a good one worth reading. :)

Look into the coca cola account. It is still "regional" but a lot of it is within CA. I was just talking to a driver that basically runs Sacramento to Los Angeles with an occasional AZ or NV run.

You might want to get through school and get some substantial driving experience before getting a dog. Most companies only allow dogs to ride along if they are at least 14 years old. (Just kidding).

When I went through orientation in January, they were talking about allowing cats soon. I guess either that fell through or is still in progress. I will say, however, I did see someone in a Swift company truck with a cat on the dash. I don't know if that was an exception for some reason, or if they didn't care about the rules.

Pretty much all companies require new drivers to otr for at least 6 months before they will look at you for dedicated and local.

Pretty much all companies require new drivers to otr for at least 6 months before they will look at you for dedicated and local.

Where did you get that information?

Pretty much all companies require new drivers to otr for at least 6 months before they will look at you for dedicated and local.

I'm calling BS on this one.

Eric G...wrote:

Pretty much all companies require new drivers to otr for at least 6 months before they will look at you for dedicated and local.

You are half right...

Pretty much you can work into many Dedicated Accounts with a major carrier imnediately.

I was assigned to Walmart Dedicated within 3 months of my rookie experience. Danielsahn trained with a mentor on a Walmart Dedicated Account. Marc Lee, Schneider Riokie driver on a Target Dedicated Account.

Your assessment of local is; for the most part accurate.

My roommate in orientation went to the Swift Academy. He was one of the best drivers in our group. Good luck with school.

Look into the coca cola account. It is still "regional" but a lot of it is within CA. I was just talking to a driver that basically runs Sacramento to Los Angeles with an occasional AZ or NV run.

Do you know much about the Swift Coca Cola? Is it D&H? I am looking into Swift and it sounds like a good deal. Is it from CC warehouses to retailers? The pay that I heard sounded too good to be true. Is there a catch? I would much rather have the L.A. to AZ or NV route, especially if it is out of their Mira Loma terminal. I hate Coastal Cali. traffic and the 5 corridor also.