Swift

I applied at Swift today, I've heard a lot of bad things about them, but there training program seems pretty quick and the pay is better than some other companies.

All the big players are kicked around - easiest targets. I went through the whole Swift nine yards from Academy to solo driver (started on my own last week). I haven't been pushed around, intimidated, short changed, screwed, beat up, sold a truck lease or otherwise put upon.

In fact I believe through their policies Swift does their best to support their drivers. I have no experience with other trucking companies, by so far I'm happy with all Swift has offered me.

No, Swift academy is not summer camp, as a driver you get back what you put in. Driving has its own stresses and their training is tough and stressful itself. But Chris, stick with it and you'll do well.

I don't know how to easily look them up but I've posted diaries of my Swift experience till now.

Thanks, for responding back, I'm suppose to call them back tomorrow and check on the status of my application. I've talked with every big Company out there, and I like what Swift has to offer. The only thing I wasn't crazy about is the fact they have a two year contract. How do you access those Diaries?

Thanks, for responding back, I'm suppose to call them back tomorrow and check on the status of my application. I've talked with every big Company out there, and I like what Swift has to offer. The only thing I wasn't crazy about is the fact they have a two year contract. How do you access those Diaries?

- Click on "Trucker's Forum"
- Go to the CDL Training Diaries Category, or just search Errol in the search.

Errol - Swift Orientation, Memphis, TN

Thanks, for responding back, I'm suppose to call them back tomorrow and check on the status of my application. I've talked with every big Company out there, and I like what Swift has to offer. The only thing I wasn't crazy about is the fact they have a two year contract. How do you access those Diaries?

I just finished with Swift's academy and will be going on to orientation and then out with a mentor soon. There is no two year contract to work with them.. or any contract to stay with them at all, actually. However, if you choose to work with them for 2 years (26 months, to be more exact) then they will have completely reimbursed you for the cost of the academy. Basically, from the time you go out on your own solo (after the mentor training) they begin to take money out of your paycheck ($70 per week,slightly more if you stayed at the hotel, for 13 months) to pay for the tuition cost of the academy ($3900 + $500 if you stay at the hotel). However, they also begin to reimburse you $35 per week for as long as you stay with the company (though I think if you switch to dedicated or something, this stops).

So the run down is pretty much this:

For the first 13 months, you pay $70 (plus lodging costs until repaid) per week to pay them back for the academy. You will have to pay this amount regardless of whether or not you stay with the company.

For up to 26 months that you decide to stay with Swift, they will give you $35 per week as tuition reimbursement. If you stay the full 26 months, you'll basically have payed nothing for going through the academy.

Its really not that bad of a deal, and you should probably stay with your first company for at least a year, anyways. After 13 months, you may be able to find something that pay you well enough that outweighs that $35 per week that they'll give you.

Just to clarify: For the first 13 months you're working for Swift, you'll only be paying $35 per week for the academy: but it will show on your paycheck as a $70 deduction and a $35 reimbursement.

If you leave for another company after say, 6 months, then you will have to pay them $70 per week for the academy for the remaining 7 months.

Thanks, for responding back, I'm suppose to call them back tomorrow and check on the status of my application. I've talked with every big Company out there, and I like what Swift has to offer. The only thing I wasn't crazy about is the fact they have a two year contract. How do you access those Diaries?

I just finished with Swift's academy and will be going on to orientation and then out with a mentor soon. There is no two year contract to work with them.. or any contract to stay with them at all, actually. However, if you choose to work with them for 2 years (26 months, to be more exact) then they will have completely reimbursed you for the cost of the academy. Basically, from the time you go out on your own solo (after the mentor training) they begin to take money out of your paycheck ($70 per week,slightly more if you stayed at the hotel, for 13 months) to pay for the tuition cost of the academy ($3900 + $500 if you stay at the hotel). However, they also begin to reimburse you $35 per week for as long as you stay with the company (though I think if you switch to dedicated or something, this stops).

So the run down is pretty much this:

For the first 13 months, you pay $70 (plus lodging costs until repaid) per week to pay them back for the academy. You will have to pay this amount regardless of whether or not you stay with the company.

For up to 26 months that you decide to stay with Swift, they will give you $35 per week as tuition reimbursement. If you stay the full 26 months, you'll basically have payed nothing for going through the academy.

Its really not that bad of a deal, and you should probably stay with your first company for at least a year, anyways. After 13 months, you may be able to find something that pay you well enough that outweighs that $35 per week that they'll give you.

Those are the same thing I went through. Just finished everything and upgraded to solo couple days ago. I'm not due for my paycheck as a company driver yet, but all went well and as Swift promised. Looking good!

My two diaries:

#1: Swift Academy

#2: Swift Orientation

No way does Swift, or any company went to train you "for free" and then let you walk away to a different company. But the financing/payback commitment is for one year. That refund scheme is separate from the payments, but helps you decide to stick around for the second year.

One more thing about payment: Swift offers any US veteran a "scholarship" that will fully pay off the tuition after 12 months of Swift employment. It's their own deal, not connected with the VA, and worked for me, a Vietnam era vet. Just bring in that DD214. With that "scholarship", you don't have a paycheck deduction.

Forgot part three:

My First Week Adventure