Profile For Brian C.

I do apologize but I don't remember With you being in VA I'm guessing you'd be driving for Frontier the people were fine,they just built a large dorm like building which is nice I had no idea my right hand was so weak so it was a stunner Sorry I cant help you out too much

After alot of working with other schools and companies I finally decided on Millis and am in Eden Unfortunately I'm having alot of issues with the offset parking I'm not sure what will happen but I'm getting very concerned

Well I went to Indy and started orientation it got to a point where the doctor examined us I've had 2 hand surgeries and I didn't have the strength in my right hand to pass their test and was sent home Pretty devastating I now have no job or money

Ok I leave in 2 days They'll be renting me a car to get there Things start at 7 am Monday

I don't leave until 9/10 but just wanted to pass along info to others

The recruiters were great Robert and Sonny (she pronounces it Sony like the tv).They don't waste time and get right into things to see if you're eligible They have their own training school obviously small but that's what I'm looking for They pay you for the classroom training for 3 weeks and then you go with the mentor for 4 weeks Its mostly regional and you're home every weekend (they do have some cross country stuff but its not forced on people) They offered me a rental car to get to Indianapolis or I can take mine,my dilemma is the rental car goes back when I get there and wont have a way to a store or anything for food but if I take my car how in the heck would I get the car back to Charlotte NC.Most of my familys gone and my friends have to work I have to talk to them on Friday so hopefully we can figure something out Hurry up 9/10!!!

I had a tough time deciding between Swift and Online/Frontier transport to get the cdl training.Annette with Swift is fantastic but I decided on going with Online and start 9/13 The main factor was that with Online its regional so I'd be home every weekend Thanks to everyone that gave me their opinion and will keep a training diary going on this site

Brian C wrote:

He's really pro swift and I'm just wondering what is so special about Swift compared to other companies? (I'm not bashing Swift or anything) Do you have to wait for a truck or trainer after you finish up in the classroom? How are the dispatchers to work with?

Yes Brian, Errol has done very well with Swift but also has an objective viewpoint on the bigger picture of available options for a Newbie. There are many examples here of successful Swift drivers. I have worked for them for over 4 years, trained with them and continue to drive for them by choice.

We (including Errol) consistently convey to people that for the most part, no matter what company you chose as your first employer, a good driver can be highly successful and happy. That's not to say there won't be challenges and hurdles to jump, but that's anywhere, part of the job.

So then, why Swift? I made my decision to go with Swift because they best fit my requirements and IMO had excellent schooling/training (pre-CDL and post road training). My Swift recruiter? Professional, honest, with great follow-through. I also had access to a 10+ year Swift veteran driver (million miler, running NE Regional) who gave me the truth about them as an employer. Currently I am running Dedicated on the Walmart Grocery account and have no plans to make any changes. I enjoy my job, make excellent money, drive new equipment, never sit and have "built" excellent relationships with my Driver Managers and Planners. We are a solid team, working together to efficiently move the goods for our customer.

Once you are finished with initial schooling and pass your CDL tests, Swift will invite you to a three day orientation (paid), starts on a Monday morning, finishes up on Wednesday afternoon. Consider this a three day interview. Upon completion of orientation there are usually trainers available. If there is a wait, it's typically no more than a few days. If you don't mind a trainer who smokes it's likely you will not be waiting at all.

Swift doesn't really have dispatchers per say, they have Planners and Driver Managers (DM). The DMs dispatch the loads to available drivers. You will be assigned a DM who works exclusively with you, but also you will interact with other DMs on weekends and off-hours. Your professional relationship with the DM is the most important one you will have. Work on it constantly, keeping in mind their job is to keep you moving. Your job is to proactively communicate, make your deliveries safely and on-time with a limited amount of intervention from them. Stay positive and trust me, they will notice you. During my four years I have had 3 different DMs assigned to me, all with previous driving experience. Never had a problem.

Good luck Brian, hope this is helpful. Let us know how else we can assist you in this process.

Thank you G-town very helpful,I've heard some bad things about Swift (from other companies and their drivers) Would you know anything about XPO,I haven't seen anything here from a veteran driver? After what you said Swift is definitely back in My recruiter is Annette and she's great when I informed her my dad passesd away last week she said she'd leave me alone to get through this and she has,other companies have been blowing up my phone trying to get my final decision on a training date

Brian C asks:

Question for you Errol Is there any way we can do a 1 on 1 talk about Swift? I ruled them out but I talked with the recruiter again so they're back in the mix I'd like to talk to a driver

Thanks in advance

Brian part of the goal of this forum is to put information out for the benefit of everyone. Having a private conversation although beneficial to you, would not help anyone else faced with a similar question or concern.

There are a bunch of Swifties on this forum, me included: what do you want to know?

He's really pro swift and I'm just wondering what is so special about Swift compared to other companies? (I'm not bashing Swift or anything) Do you have to wait for a truck or trainer after you finish up in the classroom? How are the dispatchers to work with?

Hey, bwr, welcome to Swift!

My only advice it to be prepared for the most frustrating experience of your life. Most of the time on the range is for you to practice backing. Until you tame that beast, you'll be pulling your hair out, and questioning your reality. Fear not, happens to most people.

If you want to read about my experience, read here: Swift Academy, Memphis

Question for you Errol Is there any way we can do a 1 on 1 talk about Swift? I ruled them out but I talked with the recruiter again so they're back in the mix I'd like to talk to a driver

Thanks in advance

Congrats on passing I just want to say the makers of this website have a done a fantastic job in making permit testing so much easier,I never got the book from the dmv I did everything on here to get myself ready (more than once) and passed everything on the first try Thank you Brett and everyone else that made this site