Swift Trucking School: Company-Sponsored CDL Training

At TruckingTruth, we've done a ton of research for you! We've contacted the company recruiters at Swift Transportation and put together a fantastic review of the Swift Transportation paid CDL training program.

We'll start you off with our opinion of their paid CDL training program and then we'll take you through all of the key features and important information you'll need to know. Some of what we'll cover:

• Student Hiring Requirements
• Truck Driving School Locations
• Driver Pay During Training
• Advantages Of Working For Swift
• Cost Structure Of CDL Training
• CDL Training Itinerary
• Swift Transportation Pay And Benefits
• Vacation Pay And Home Time

Swift Transportation Has Nearly 20,000 Trucks!

Swift is one of the largest carriers in North America, and likely the world. They generate over $4 billion in revenue and operate nearly 20,000 trucks!

Read on!

After many hours of online research and speaking directly with a driving recruiter, I feel Swift is a great place to begin a career as a truck driver. Their CDL training program seems to be well run and operated with a decent amount of time in both a classroom setting as well as time practicing and refining skills behind the wheel of a truck. The paid training provided after CDL schooling also seems to be very fair and well put together while offering decent pay.

While starting pay after training is a bit lower than the industry average, pay raises come very quickly with 5 raises in the first year. After about 1 year of employment, the mileage pay is right on par with the industry average. And since Swift Transportation is such a large carrier, you will receive the added benefit of much more drop and hook freight than at other carriers which means less time waiting to be loaded and unloaded.

Swift also has an abundant amount of opportunities beyond their OTR dry-van division. While specific opportunities will depend on your geographical location, I’ve found that Swift offers far more opportunities to explore different areas of trucking than most other companies can offer.

While I always recommend you do your own research and thoroughly investigate all possible training companies, Swift Transportation appears to be an excellent option for those looking to start their truck driving career.

Based out of Phoenix, AZ, Swift Transportation began in 1966 and has grown to become the largest truckload carrier in the world. The company now operates more than 20,000 trucks with operations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

While Swift mostly operates dry-van equipment throughout the US, they also have operations within flatbed, refrigerated, specialized, auto-hauling, container, intermodal, and just about everything in between.

They have an abundant amount of regional and dedicated freight as well. In addition to their many drop yard locations, Swift also owns more than 40 full-service truck terminals which provide drivers with fuel, maintenance, and repair services.

Swift Transportation Minimum Hiring Requirements

• Must be at least 23 years of age (21 if you have served in the military).
• Possess a valid CDL Class A License (CDL training available).
• Pass a Swift written test and a Swift road test.
• No DWI, DUI convictions within the last 5 years.
• No reckless driving convictions within the last 3 years.
• No more than one moving violation within the last year and no more than three within the last three years.
• No major preventable accident within the past twelve months or more than two in the past five years.
• No more than one driver's license suspension in the past three years.
• Applicant must provide a current 5 year DMV printout.
• Applicant must pass the Workwell Physical Assessment, a DOT physical and DOT controlled substance and alcohol testing.
• A conviction form must be filled out for all misdemeanor or felony convictions. This does not necessarily disqualify you from employment.

Swift Transportation Hiring Areas

Swift Transportation CDL Training Facilities

Swift operates 5 fully functional CDL Truck Driving Schools in the following cities:

• Phoenix, AZ (HQ)
• Lewiston, ID
• Memphis, TN
• Corsicana, TX
• Richmond, VA

Swift Transportation Drop Lots And Terminals

Swift operates terminals throughout the United States, including:

• Albuquerque, NM
• Atlanta, GA
• Columbus, OH
• Denver, CO
• Detroit, MI
• Edwardsville, KS
• Fontana, CA
• Gary, IN
• Greer, SC
• Minneapolis, MN
• Harrisburg, PA
• Houston, TX
• Jurupa Valley, CA
• Lancaster, TX
• Lathrop, CA
• Lewiston, ID
• Manteno, IL
• Memphis, TN
• Menasha, WI
• Ocala, FL
• OKC, OK
• Phoenix, AZ
• Richmond, VA
• Rochelle, IL
• SLC, UT
• Sparks, NV
• Sumner, WA
• Syracuse, NY
• Troutdale, OR
• West Valley City, UT

TruckingTruth's Take On Swift Transportation

The hiring requirements at Swift appear to be about average for most trucking companies. It's important to be 100% honest with them before you head to their local school location as they perform a final background check after your arrival.

Swift is, without a doubt, the largest motor carrier in the world. This may have many advantages, as well as some disadvantages. But, since nearly every carrier which offers a CDL training program is a larger carrier, the advantages in this case probably outweigh the disadvantages. After all, they are the most successful trucking company on the planet.

Cost Structure Of Swift Trucking School

What will it cost to attend Swift Driving Academy?

The actual tuition cost is $3,900 which can be paid up front or financed interest free through Swift. If a student decides to finance the tuition, Swift will payroll deduct $37.50 each week for the first 52 weeks of employment. At that point, Swift will add an additional $37.50 to a drivers pay each month for the next 52 weeks. So if you stay with Swift for 104 weeks (2 years), the CDL program will cost you nothing.

What are all the up-front costs?

Each location requires a different amount for up front costs ranging from $154 to $400 plus basic living / food expenses.

Can I pay for my CDL training up front and have no further obligation?

Yes, the cash price is $3,900 which will be refunded at $150 / month until you are 100% reimbursed (about 26 months).

Will my meals be paid for?

The San Antonio location only provides continental breakfast at the hotel daily. All locations provide a free lunch the first day of class. All other meals must be paid for by the student.

Will my room be paid for?

Yes, lodging is provided. Students will share rooms with 2 to 5 people depending on location.

Swift Trucking School Up Front Cost By Location

• Phoenix, AZ & Millington, TN:

  This location requires students to obtain a CDL permit before arrival.

  • $100 CDL Permit Fee (approximate)
  • $150 deposit (due first day of class)

  Total up front costs: $250 + basic living expenses / food money (Swift recommends $150)

• Lewiston, ID Academy:

  This location does not require students to obtain a CDL Permit before arrival.

  • $150 deposit (due first day of class)
  • $4 taxi to the hotel (non-refundable)

  Total up front costs: $154 + basic living expenses / food money (Swift recommends $150)

• San Antonio, TX Academy

  This location requires students to obtain a CDL permit before arrival.

  • $100 Permit Fee (approximate)
  • $150 deposit (due first day of class)
  • $60 DOT medical and drug screen
  • $90 licensing fee (must be paid in cash)

  Total up front costs: $400 + basic living expenses / food money (Swift recommends $150)

• Richmond, VA Academy

  This location does not require students to obtain a CDL Permit before arrival.

  • $100 Permit Fee (approximate)
  • $150 deposit (due first day of class)
  • $60 DOT medical and drug screen (must be done at home - fee is approximate)

  Total up front costs: $310 + basic living expenses / food money (Swift recommends $150)

Swift Trucking School Repayment Plan

Once a student graduates and becomes a paid Swift employee, Swift will deduct $37.50 each week for 52 weeks. At this point, all obligations have been fulfilled and the student will owe nothing more. However, for the next 52 weeks, Swift will add $37.50 to the drivers pay each week. At that point, CDL schooling becomes free.

If a driver leaves before the first 52 weeks, the driver will owe $75 for every week remaining. For example, if a driver leaves after 6 months of employment, the following will be owed:

• 52 week repayment plan minus 26 weeks of employment = 26 weeks remaining.
• 26 weeks @75 = $1,950 payment due

TruckingTruth's Take On The Cost Of Training At Swift Trucking School

The cost of the schooling would be about average for the industry, were you to pay it up front. To sweeten the deal, after 52 weeks you will receive $37.50 back until everything is refunded after 104 weeks. This seems to be a fair structure as compared to other sponsored programs and we always recommend staying with your first company for a minimum of 1 year anyway.

Items To Bring To Swift Trucking School

• Social Security Card (non-laminated), birth certificate, and Driver’s License.
• Long form DOT physical and medical card - Must be less than 60 days old and have a minimum of 1 year on expiration date
• If unemployed for more than 30 days, bring 2 notarized letters stating when and why
• Calculator, pen or pencil, highlighter, work gloves, flashlight, poncho or rain suit
• Money for basic living expenses (hotel rooms have a refrigerator, oven, and microwaves)
• Appropriate attire. Driving range can get extremely hot so bring a hat and sunscreen in the summer as well as warm clothing for the winter.
• Collar Length hair, long hair has to be pulled back in a ponytial.
• Beards and moustaches neatly trimmed.
• No shorts or tank tops on the range.
• No sandals, flip flops, or any open toed shoes or excessive jewelry on the range.
• Glasses and hearing aids if required.
• Minimum of 7 days worth of clothing (pack in duffel bags, not suitcases); Pack for various weather conditions (bring a jacket and/or sweatshirt).

Preparation For Swift Trucking School

Do I need to get my CDL permit before attending school?

This depends on the location of the school they send you to and the state you are from. You may need to take an online course and obtain your CDL permit before you go to the Swift Training Academy, but other locations don't require it.

Do I need a US Passport?

While a passport is not required, it is always highly recommended.

Which CDL endorsements are required or encouraged?

A valid class-A CDL is all that is required, but it is highly recommended to obtain a HazMat certification and a doubles/triples endorsement to be eligible for future opportunities.

TruckingTruth's Take On Preparing For Swift Trucking School

While we usually recommend drivers to obtain a HazMat, tanker, and doubles/triples endorsement, it’s especially important with Swift. These endorsements are not required, but many opportunities are available at Swift and you want to make yourself as marketable as possible. So we highly recommend taking all endorsement exams as well as obtaining a US Passport if you don’t already have one.

Swift Transportation CDL Training Itinerary

Depending upon which location you attend, the course may be 2 or 3 weeks long.

Two Week Course Itinerary

For the 2 week long courses, you will spend a week at home taking online training modules for one week. At the end of the online modules, you will go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles and take the CDL written exams. Upon successful completion of the written exams, you will be issued a CDL-A permit and can then attend the Swift 2-week driving academy.

Once a student arrives at the Swift training academy, there will be 2 weeks of instruction consisting of classroom, driving, and backing maneuvers. Usually, 4 days are spent in the classroom with the remainder of the time mostly spent driving with a few hours of additional classroom mixed in. The driving academy operates 11 hours per day, 6 days per week. Hours are generally from around 5am to 4pm, so expect to be up early.

Three Week Course Itinerary

For the three week course, students do not arrive with a CDL permit and do not take the online course. All studying and CDL written exams are conducted during the first week of instruction. After that time, the itinerary is identical to the two week course.

How much time is spent on the range backing up?

About 10 days are spent both driving and practicing backing maneuvers.

During the practice range phase, how many students share one truck?

Normally there are no more than 4 students per truck and students rotate to allow for equal driving time.

How much time in classroom?

A minimum of 40 hours are spent in the classroom. In addition, some students may complete an online training module from home before heading to the Swift Driving Academy.

TruckingTruth’s View On Swift Trucking School Training Itinerary

The duration of CDL training is about on par with other company sponsored programs. It’s a very fast paced CDL course and you should expect a lot of information and learning in a very short period of time, so be prepared. The number of hours spent both in the classroom and driving trucks are comparable to the other company sponsored CDL programs we’ve reviewed.

Also note the very early schedule. We were told classes usually start at 5am and you do not want to be late to class. It’s extremely important to arrive on time each and every day.

On The Road Training Itinerary With Swift Trucking School

Is the training period based on number of days, number of driving hours, number of miles, or some combination?

Time spent with a company trainer is based upon number of driving hours. Trainees need a minimum of 200-300 hours before they are eligible to run solo. Generally, this takes about 5 to 6 weeks.

How much will I be making when I'm on the road with a trainer?

Weeks 1 - 4 = $450 per week

Weeks 5 - 6+ = $550 per week (if necessary)

On The Road Training Policies at Swift Trucking School

Do they run your trainer and you as a "team" operation or like a solo truck?

For the first week or so, trucks are only dispatched solo freight. Gradually, trainees will begin driving more and more each day. The trainer will make the ultimate determination of when to switch over to a team truck.

Is there more than one student per trainer and truck?

No, all training trucks only have one trainee.

Do you have a "No sleeping in the top bunk while the truck is rolling" policy?

Yes, while the truck is in motion all trainees sleep in the bottom bunk.

What is your policy for handling disputes between trainer and student?

Trainees are required to call their personally assigned Driver Manager at least once per week to check in and discuss the progress they are making in the training program.Any issues can be discussed at that time, or trainees may call the main dispatch line to discuss any issues at any time. Disputes are handled on a case by case basis, but if a new mentor is needed one will be provided.

Can you get a non-smoking trainer?

Yes, trainees may request to have a non-smoking trainer.

What are the company’s minimum qualifications to be a trainer?

All trainers must have at least 1 year of experience and have an acceptable service and safety record.

TruckingTruth’s View Of Swift Trucking School On The Road Training

Training pay and training duration is very comparable to other company training programs. We find that 4 to 6 weeks of training is the “sweet spot” as far as training duration is concerned and Swift fits right into that time frame.

It’s also good to see that the first week of training, the truck is dispatched as a solo operation. Many other companies start their trainees off in a team dispatched truck right away.

Advantages Of Working For Swift Transportation

• As North America's largest truckload carrier, Swift has stable freight and miles.
• Swift transports a variety of freight from retail to industrial materials - the majority of which is no touch and drop & hook. Divisions include Convention Services, Container, Dedicated, Flatbed, Heavy Haul, Intermodal, Refrigerated and Dry Van.
• Swift company drivers can earn extra pay for any of the following: detention; extra pick-up and drop-off; layovers; breakdown; loading; unloading; local work; tarp pay, etc.
• Each Swift truck features Qualcomm on-board computers. They provide wireless communications that help improve driver and dispatcher productivity, reduce fuel consumption, and improve customer service.
• Swift has TrailerTRACS to help locate trailers and improve utilization of trailer assets.
• Swift uses over 16,000 late model trucks, 92% of which are less than five years old.
• Swift features seven “driver comfort zones” across the country. Swift drivers can choose the region they wish to drive to suit their lifestyles.
• Average home time is one day off for every six days of driving. Regional drivers are home every week.

Swift Transportation Company Driver Pay

How much will I make when I go solo?

Starting pay is $.36 cpm, plus bonuses.

When will I receive pay increases?

Drivers will receive an increase to $.38 after 1 year, and then get increases every year up to 15 years.

Do you offer a fuel bonus?

Swift offers a mileage bonus, as well as on-time and safe driving bonuses. Quarterly bonuses could be as much as $.08 cpm (a potential of around $2800 per quarter.)

Swift Transportation Company Driver Benefits

What health insurance and benefits do you have?

Swift offers 3 medical plan options, 3 prescription drug options, life, dental and vision coverage, as well as a company wellness program. A company match 401k plan is also offered where swift matches your contribution up to 3% of your pay.

What is the average cost of benefits?

Cost of benefits depends entirely on which options a driver chooses and how many dependents need to be covered.

How long until you qualify for benefits?

Health benefits begin 90 days after employment begins with 401k options available after 1yr.

What about vacation time?

After 1 year drivers receive 5 days of paid vacation at $400

2 - 4 years drivers receive 10 days of paid vacation at $1,000

5 years or more is 15 days paid out at $1,800

TruckingTruth's View On Swift Transportation Company Driver Pay

The payment structure at Swift leaves a bit to be desired, only because it’s a complicated scale. Pay is based off of the length of haul and geographical region for any given load assignment. While starting pay out of training is fairly low compared to other motor carriers, there are more raises in the first year than usual (5 in the first 12 months).

We always recommend you stick it out with your first company for a minimum of 1 year, and by that time, your pay will be right about average compared to the industry standard.

Pets & Travelers Policy

Do you allow pets?

No pets are allowed on any company equipment.

What is the company’s rider policy?

Drivers are allowed to have 1 rider at a time at least 12 years of age or older. If the rider is school aged, they may not ride while school is in session. Females can’t be knowingly pregnant and ride in the truck. An annual $100 insurance fee is deducted via payroll deduction on a monthly basis.

Swift Transportation Dispatching Policies

TruckingTruth's View On Swift Transportation Dispatching Policies

A couple things to note here is the high percentage of drop and hook freight and the driver comfort zones. While drop and hook freight allows for less time sitting to be loaded or unloaded, the comfort zones also offer a more “regional” feel. Staying within a comfort zone will not change the standard OTR home time policy.

But it will allow you to drive in a region your more comfortable with and give you peace of mind that you’re close to home in case of an emergency situation. Please note, however, that drivers aren’t guaranteed to stay within the comfort zone. The way it was explained by a recruiter is that they make their “best attempt” to keep you within that zone, but you are still considered an OTR driver with availability to carry freight nationwide.

Swift Transportation Company Driver Opportunities

Do you have a leasing program, and will I be persuaded or incentivized to lease?

A leasing program is available for those who desire to become an independent contractor, but drivers are not persuaded or incentivized either way.

What divisions do you have? (local, dedicated, regional, tanker, flatbed, reefer)

Swift offers many options. Most drivers begin their career in the dry-van division. The majority of freight is no touch and drop & hook. Their divisions include Convention Services, Container, Flatbed, Heavy Haul, Intermodal, Refrigerated and Dry Van. Dedicated and regional freight is available along with a limited number of local positions.

TruckingTruth's View On Swift Transportation Company Driver Opportunities

Swift Transportation is one of the largest carriers in the nation so they have a very wide variety of opportunities available. You can spend many years at the company moving around from division to division and never run out of new opportunites.

What kind of trucks do you have?

Swift uses late model Freightliner and Kenworth tractors, which are sold after reaching 500,000 miles.

Do you run electronic logs?

Yes.

What are your trucks governed at?

Swift trucks are governed at 65mph.

Do you have APU units?

No, Swift does not equip trucks with APU units, but all trucks are equipped with Smart Idle systems and auxiliary bunk heaters.