Opinions On Swift For A New Driver? Also, Big Company Company Or Small Company Better For New Drivers?

Topic 32267 | Page 1

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Pelican's Comment
member avatar

One thing that seems attractive about Swift is how big it is, I'm sure I'll never have to worry about finding something to haul.

They seem like a really good company. What do y'all think? Also, for a new driver, what's better, a small company or a big company?

Old School's Comment
member avatar

Hey Pelican, that's a great question. Rather than give you a lengthy answer, I'm going to point you to some of our excellent resources. Give a listen to this podcast. I think it's gonna provide you some real insights into your important decisions. Once you've got to the page just scroll down until you see the audio file and click it.

First click the link...

Are Large Carriers Only Good For Getting Started?

Pelican's Comment
member avatar

Will do!

Hey Pelican, that's a great question. Rather than give you a lengthy answer, I'm going to point you to some of our excellent resources. Give a listen to this podcast. I think it's gonna provide you some real insights into your important decisions. Once you've got to the page just scroll down until you see the audio file and click it.

First click the link...

Are Large Carriers Only Good For Getting Started?

Pelican's Comment
member avatar

So something I took from that podcast is that if you want good home time you should pick a company with freight lanes in your home area. How do you go about this? Or is my thinking all backwards?

Hey Pelican, that's a great question. Rather than give you a lengthy answer, I'm going to point you to some of our excellent resources. Give a listen to this podcast. I think it's gonna provide you some real insights into your important decisions. Once you've got to the page just scroll down until you see the audio file and click it.

First click the link...

Are Large Carriers Only Good For Getting Started?

Truckin Along With Kearse's Comment
member avatar

If you are in a company 's hiring area they will be able to get you home.

However your location may allow you more home time so just ask the recruiter. Example... Prime has intermodal in Chicago. Harrisburg, Kansas City... These are all home daily jobs in day cabs. There are regional routes that could get you home every weekend or every other. Just ask

Regional:

Regional Route

Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.

Day Cab:

A tractor which does not have a sleeper berth attached to it. Normally used for local routes where drivers go home every night.

Intermodal:

Transporting freight using two or more transportation modes. An example would be freight that is moved by truck from the shipper's dock to the rail yard, then placed on a train to the next rail yard, and finally returned to a truck for delivery to the receiving customer.

In trucking when you hear someone refer to an intermodal job they're normally talking about hauling shipping containers to and from the shipyards and railyards.

Pelican's Comment
member avatar

I think ideal for me would be like 14 days on 5/7 days off. But I don't know much lol

If you are in a company 's hiring area they will be able to get you home.

However your location may allow you more home time so just ask the recruiter. Example... Prime has intermodal in Chicago. Harrisburg, Kansas City... These are all home daily jobs in day cabs. There are regional routes that could get you home every weekend or every other. Just ask

Regional:

Regional Route

Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.

Day Cab:

A tractor which does not have a sleeper berth attached to it. Normally used for local routes where drivers go home every night.

Intermodal:

Transporting freight using two or more transportation modes. An example would be freight that is moved by truck from the shipper's dock to the rail yard, then placed on a train to the next rail yard, and finally returned to a truck for delivery to the receiving customer.

In trucking when you hear someone refer to an intermodal job they're normally talking about hauling shipping containers to and from the shipyards and railyards.

ID Mtn Gal's Comment
member avatar

I think ideal for me would be like 14 days on 5/7 days off. But I don't know much lol

Most companies will do 1 day off for every 7 days out. They also prefer out for 3 weeks or more, so 3+ days off. There are a couple companies that have one week on/one week off or other odd time off arrangements...but that is rare and for experienced drivers. Your times aren't likely to happen, especially as a beginner.

Laura

Pelican's Comment
member avatar

Good to know, thanks!

double-quotes-start.png

I think ideal for me would be like 14 days on 5/7 days off. But I don't know much lol

double-quotes-end.png

Most companies will do 1 day off for every 7 days out. They also prefer out for 3 weeks or more, so 3+ days off. There are a couple companies that have one week on/one week off or other odd time off arrangements...but that is rare and for experienced drivers. Your times aren't likely to happen, especially as a beginner.

Laura

Anne A. (and sometimes To's Comment
member avatar

I think ideal for me would be like 14 days on 5/7 days off. But I don't know much lol

double-quotes-start.png

If you are in a company 's hiring area they will be able to get you home.

However your location may allow you more home time so just ask the recruiter. Example... Prime has intermodal in Chicago. Harrisburg, Kansas City... These are all home daily jobs in day cabs. There are regional routes that could get you home every weekend or every other. Just ask

double-quotes-end.png

Hey, Pelican;

Roehl has similar home times to what you are looking for; check them out: Roehl 7/7 Fleet! They have other configurations, also. These are called their Hometime PLUS fleets, and they did (I believe) also offer a 14/7 as you mentioned! :)

Some reviews here: Roehl on Trucking Truth.~ Many members started there, and still are.

Incidentally, you can apply here: Apply For Paid CDL Training Paid to participate!

Swift is a wonderful company, as is Roehl. If you call the latter, keep in mind it's pronounced RAIL.

Best wishes;

~ Anne ~

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

Regional:

Regional Route

Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.

Day Cab:

A tractor which does not have a sleeper berth attached to it. Normally used for local routes where drivers go home every night.

Intermodal:

Transporting freight using two or more transportation modes. An example would be freight that is moved by truck from the shipper's dock to the rail yard, then placed on a train to the next rail yard, and finally returned to a truck for delivery to the receiving customer.

In trucking when you hear someone refer to an intermodal job they're normally talking about hauling shipping containers to and from the shipyards and railyards.

Stevo Reno's Comment
member avatar

LOL Annie, you beat me to the Roehl lol Only place I'd read about those kinda weeks on/off

confused.gif

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
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