Profile For Joe T.

Thanks for the answers guys. Lots of useful information.

I'm interested in trucking and have several questions, but can't seem to find definitive answers online. Different people say different things, and everyone says their answer is the truth. I spoke to someone at Swift but some of her claims contradicted what I read. I have absolutely zero experience in trucking and everything is foreign, so keep that in mind. I hope I can get some consistent answers.

First, it's my understanding that companies like Swift will train people with no experience. Is this true? Are there any work or education requirements at all?

Once you're accepted, are there any upfront costs? I was told the Swift academy is $3,900, but that requires no money upfront and it's covered by deductions in your paycheck for 1 year, then reimbursed in year 2. True? Are there any fees or costs before the first day?

Do they give you prep work to do before attending? Are there any pre-academy tests to take?

When you first arrive for class, is everyone on the same learning curve?

What is the classroom setting like? Do students sit at desks and take notes on videos, or do instructors do a lot of talking?

Are the instructors friendly and helpful or demanding and tough?

How long before they put you in a truck? If they know you've never set foot in a big rig before, how understanding are they about mistakes and confusion?

When you're around the trucks and in them, is the entire group practicing one at a time, essentially watching each other and waiting, or does everyone have 1-on-1 instruction with their own teacher and truck?

Are the trucks manual or automatic? I've never driven manual in my life. If they're manual, how hard is it to learn?

What percentage of students either quit or fail? Is there a large number of people who simply can't learn the material? How much rope is given before you're kicked out?

How often do they test you? Assuming you pass all the tests, how long does it take to obtain your CDL?

Are new CDL trainees always partnered with a trainer? How long does that last and what is it like? Are you basically living in the truck with him? Is this the final step before being sent out on your own?

Are you paid during the entire training process, starting from day 1? If so, how much?

What duties are there besides driving? Do you need to perform maintenance, safety checks, do inspections, unload/load the truck, interact with people, etc?

Do you always park at truck stops to sleep? What if there's no space for you?

Are you required to drive during certain hours of the day? Or can you drive whenever you want, as long as the load gets there on time?

Are there any expenses other than food? Gas, hotel, tools, showers, etc?

Where do you shower and how much does it cost?

When you first start, are you guaranteed a certain amount of miles per week? What is the average I can expect?

Are you required to take days off and go home? I was told that you're usually home for 2-3 days for every 2-3 weeks on the road. What if you want to spend 3-4 weeks or longer on the road with no home time?

Are there any bonuses or raises your first year? What about after year 1?

Who are the best companies to work for as a new driver? Is Swift a good option?

My last question is the biggest mystery. Swift told me they start you out at 32 cents/mile. Online I've seen about 1000 different numbers. What is the real number? I read one guy who said 32 is a lie and once you finish training, they tell you it's 25 take it or leave it. I've also seen people brag about other companies paying 38-53 cents/mile just starting out. If that's true, who pays that? Or are they all lying? What's the average wage for a new driver? Is 32 cents a decent starting point? (If true)

Thank you to everyone who answers any of these questions.