USA Truck Or Swift
Topic 8341 | Page 1
I prefer Swift but both will be able to get you on the road
Swift is a much larger company with a better variety of opportunities when it comes to home time and the types of freight you can haul. I'm not sure what the difference is in pay & benefits so you'll have to take a look at that.
Ultimately it comes down to:
1) What type of freight would you like to haul?
2) How often would you like to get home?
3) How good are the pay & benefits?
4) What type of equipment will you be driving?
5) What opportunities might be available further down the road?
Whichever company suits your needs best is the one to go with. Don't worry about anything you hear about the companies you're considering. If you choose one that suits you well and you go in there and do a great job you'll be plenty happy.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
Think about these things: what is the location of your home terminal? Where does the company send you? (Only east or only west, etc) Canada? (Swift, I believe, generally sticks to the 48 states.)
How much might be drop/hook or live load/unload - how much of that are you responsible for?
Yes, the cents per mile, don't forget the pay raise scale!
I've been driving for Swift for about 2 months now, I'm good here.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
I start CDL training with USA truck on 4/28. When I was looking on the Internet for a CDL I saw an add for the training thru PAM. I filled out the online application and was instructed to call them on the next day. When I called the recruiter he told me that he was with Driver Solutions and that I would be doing my training with USA truck. He didn't tell why I wouldn't be with PAM, but I didn't really care as long as I was going to be able to get a CDL and start making a paycheck. Maybe it's because of where I live. To be honest I have very little knowledge about the trucking industry. I've been doing as much research as possible about the training and daily life, but some things can
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.
I start CDL training with USA truck on 4/28. When I was looking on the Internet for a CDL I saw an add for the training thru PAM. I filled out the online application and was instructed to call them on the next day. When I called the recruiter he told me that he was with Driver Solutions and that I would be doing my training with USA truck. He didn't tell why I wouldn't be with PAM, but I didn't really care as long as I was going to be able to get a CDL and start making a paycheck. Maybe it's because of where I live. To be honest I have very little knowledge about the trucking industry. I've been doing as much research as possible about the training and daily life, but some things can
Oops. Hit the button by mistake. I appreciate any info that can be shared. I'm excited to start this new adventure.
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.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
I have been invited to orientation by USA Truck and Swift do you guys have any suggestion on which to go to?