Swift Company-Sponsored CDL Training Program

Can a new driver run regional or dedicated right after school?

• While some drivers do run a regional or dedicated account directly after training, most drivers remain in the OTR division for 6 months to 1yr. However, drivers may choose a “comfort zone” in which Swift will make every attempt to keep drivers within a 1 to 2 day trip back home and remain in an area drivers are more comfortable with.

Will there be any NYC? How soon would a new solo driver be expected to go there?

• While Swift does occasionally pick up or deliver in NYC it is never forced on a driver.

Are you forced dispatch? Is the driver given any options for different loads?

• While a driver is not forced dispatched, rejecting a load will place a driver at the end of the que line for another load. Drivers are sent loads based upon their available driving hours, current location, and freight availability.

How often can I expect to be home? For how long at a time?

• OTR drivers earn 1 day off for each 6 days out. Typically drivers are expected to remain on the road for 3 weeks before taking home time. Regional drivers tend to get home weekly while dedicated accounts vary.

What percentage of freight is drop and hook?

• Over 85% of Swift freight is drop and hook.

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.

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.

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 incentivised 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.

What kind of trucks do you have?

• Swift uses late model Freightliner and Volvo tractors. 92% of the fleet is less than 5 years old.

Do you run electronic logs?

• While some trucks are not yet equipped with electronic logs, Swift is currently transitioning the entire fleet to use e-logs.

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.

TruckingTruth's Thoughts On Swift Equipment

• Swift is a huge company. The biggest motor carrier in the world. Many opportunities exist in many different aspects of trucking. While they don’t offer much in the way of local driving, they have quite a bit of dedicated, regional, and specialized freight. The number of opportunities will vary greatly depending on your home location.

• Company-Sponsored Training Programs
• High Road Training Program
• Truck Driver's Career Guide