Swift Debt Pay Off

Hey TT, It's been a minute since I've even logged onto here, but Swift's been keeping me busy with their CDL training. Anywho. I was wondering if there were any trucking companies out there that would pay off my Swift training loan if I were to sign on with their company. And if so, which ones? I'm currently unsure if it would be a good idea to work with Swift after I obtain my CDL license.

Thanx in advance,

Bam-Bam

I'm currently unsure if it would be a good idea to work with Swift after I obtain my CDL license.

Thanx in advance,

Bam-Bam

Why?

Hi Bam-Bam,

Sorry that you're feeling somewhat ambivalent about Swift. Assuming nothing illegal or unethical has happened and that you graduate, I would give the experience a chance to play itself out. Remember that you're in a new situation with a new set of challenges and it may not be any easier with a different company. You've taken a courageous leap into unknown territory by starting a new career and I've enjoyed reading about your experience. Your courage is commendable - see this through and we'll be here to encourage you on.

Take care!

Knight!

Hey Bam, please you must say why? Also if I remember correctly you had employment gaps? They are on my list. Enquiring minds need to know the scoop.

Hey Bam, please you must say why? Also if I remember correctly you had employment gaps? They are on my list. Enquiring minds need to know the scoop.

I'm here for you as well. After all, we might even run into each other because I expect to be in Richmond on Oct. 19th. It would be real cool to meet up with a TruckingTruther. :-)

As long as you don't have a contract with Swift, I would imagine any company hiring school grads would hire you. You would just have to inquire with the companies and see. Most all the large companies pay tution reimbursement, but it is generally in small increaments. I have never heard of one paying a school off. I stayed 7 months after school and when I changed they hired me as an experienced driver and gave me a sign on bonus. I used some of that and paid my school off. You on the other hand would be considered a grad.

90% of the students currently 1 -2 weeks behind my class and the 2 classes ahead, as well as mine said they will not be working for Swift even if given an offer. They all claim there are better opportunities out there, and they started applying to other company's before even attending school. I am not sure what I am going to do. If I personally was to base whether I accept a job with Swift or not based on the behavioral and professional standards of 4 out of the 7 instructors we currently have, I would refuse the offer and work elsewhere. Not sure how SWIFT is in other state schools.

Vin_C12H24, this is a very common problem that new students face in this industry. I'm really glad you brought this to us so we can help you understand the situation better and make the right choices for yourself.

First of all, I want you to take a few minutes and listen closely to a recent Podcast of mine:

Episode 10: Terminal Rats Are Derailing Trucking Careers

Get started on that if you would while I continue answering your question in the next post.

90% of the students currently 1 -2 weeks behind my class and the 2 classes ahead, as well as mine said they will not be working for Swift even if given an offer. They all claim there are better opportunities out there, and they started applying to other companies before even attending school

I can't begin to tell you how upsetting this is to hear all the time. This industry, and more specifically the other Websites dedicated to this industry, are just loaded with misinformed people. I mean, ask yourself something; if all of these people that are saying these things are just truck driving students then how in the world would they know which trucking companies offer the best opportunities, right? They must be hearing this from somewhere because they have no trucking experience.

So the question is, how good is the information they're getting? In our opinion the information they're getting is just terrible

Think about this also. Swift Transportation is the largest and most successful truckload carrier in North America. They have the largest number of trucks, the largest number and variety of customers, a variety of different types of freight to haul, beautiful equipment, and a long list of dedicated accounts they handle for many of the largest corporations in the United States.

So that being said, what exactly do the others tell you about these "better opportunities" that are out there? What is better about them? And to me, the bigger question is who is more capable of providing great opportunities to new drivers than the largest, most successful carrier out there?

There's a lot more to understanding this situation than I've given you so far but I'd like to hear what you think regarding those questions first.

Also, this:

If I personally was to base whether I accept a job with Swift or not based on the behavioral and professional standards of 4 out of the 7 instructors we currently have, I would refuse the offer and work elsewhere

I would be interested to hear some specifics about the lack of professionalism with the instructors. What are some examples of the things they're saying and doing?