Questions For Swift Drivers.

OK I have decided I would like to drive for Swift Transport, and have a few questions for Swift drivers on here.

1) Just got my permit in KY yesterday will I need to take permit test again once at the Swift academy?

2) I am very interested in Flatbed is that possible for student drivers or do you recommend dry/van to start?

3) I know the CDL training is unpaid, but once I hit the road with my trainer about how much will I get paid?

4) After training and I go solo about how many miles per week can I expect and about how often can I get home?

Thanks to everyone on here this site is simply the greatest.

Hey Robert. I think a review of the below link will answer many of your questions about Swift and also give you a really good overview of the company.

Swift Transportation Company Review

Answers to your questions:

- You will not be required to retake your permit. When you follow-up with your recruiter ask about the DOT physical; sometimes they will request you have that done before hand, sometimes not. Depends on the location of the Swift Academy you are attending. If you haven't already done so, fill out a job application on Swift's Website.

- Ask about Flatbed...based on my recollection, their East Coast Flatbed terminal is in Greer SC. Midwest Flatbed Terminal, I believe is in Northern Indiana, near Gary? ...but cannot remember, Errol might be able to confirm an exact location. I have no real opinion one way or the other about Flatbed. If that's what you want make sure your recruiter knows this. There are plenty of successful and qualified flatbed drivers on this forum willing to provide some guidance on this (OldSchool, PersianConversion, Bud, and Pat to name a few. Sorry if I missed anyone).

- Your road training (mentoring) pay is based on; on-duty-not driving paid at your State's minimum wage, driving hours is paid at $9.50 per hour. On average you can expect about $450-$500 per week depending on the time you are in the first seat. Your minimum driving hours during training is 200, including 40 documented backing maneuvers.

- Educated guess, your weekly mileage when you first start will likely be around 2200-2500. Once you get your sea legs and gain experience/confidence, that will likely increase. Learning how to maneuver the truck safely and efficiently, learning the process, and basic lie on the road will consume an incredible amount of time and energy, thus reducing your driving times. The DMs know this and will likely give you shorter runs in the beginning until you establish some positive performance history. They want you to succeed and will usually give you what you can handle.

- Home time policy is specified in the link I provided to you. My suggestion in the beginning; focus on your work, learning the trade and developing good working relationships with your DMs. Home time will be there when you need it. Truck driving is about performance, if your wheels are not turnin', then you aren't earnin' and neither is the company. Earn your stripes.

Here is some additional information on base knowledge of the industry/job, what to expect your first year, and training program called The High Road is designed to assist in getting your permit and passing the exams.

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road Training Program

Let us know how else we can help. Good luck!

Thanks G-Town I really appreciate all the advice you and every one else has given me.

I already have a DOT physical for my current job currently hold a class B license in KY.

The only home time that is really critical for me is August 3-6 as my only daughter is getting married for the first time.

Going to talk to my recruiter today and see about getting in the Swift training academy!

Robert, to fill in:

All I know best is Memphis. There's skateboards here, but flatbeds aren't a big thing at the Memphis terminal.

Don't expect to be making that big Trucker money right out of the gate. You will be messing up too much for the first week or two. Then your miles (paychecks) will build. There are several "first week" blogs here, including mine. See ErrolV and ChickieMonster, at least.

Thanks G-Town I really appreciate all the advice you and every one else has given me.

I already have a DOT physical for my current job currently hold a class B license in KY.

The only home time that is really critical for me is August 3-6 as my only daughter is getting married for the first time.

Going to talk to my recruiter today and see about getting in the Swift training academy!

Robert, Swift will require that you retake the physical with one of their approved Docs (Concentra). Whenever you change driving jobs, the new employer requires a new physical.

Robert, Swift will require that you retake the physical with one of their approved Docs (Concentra). Whenever you change driving jobs, the new employer requires a new physical.

I don't think this is necessarily the case any longer. I just received my orientation info earlier this week & it states...

Physicals: We will accept a physical that has 90 days or more remaining and the doctor is on the National Registry.

Robert, Swift will require that you retake the physical with one of their approved Docs (Concentra). Whenever you change driving jobs, the new employer requires a new physical.

I don't think this is necessarily the case any longer. I just received my orientation info earlier this week & it states...

Physicals: We will accept a physical that has 90 days or more remaining and the doctor is on the National Registry.

To be sure the OP, Robert should inquire about this with his recruiter so there are no surprises.

Thanks guys, I will ask the recruiter, mine expires in January 2017 anyway.

Also what happens at orientation?

Orientation occurs after you graduate from the academy and pass the class A tests. It's basically 2.5 days of Swift policy review, expectations, some additional class room instruction, and assignment to a mentor's truck for your 200 hours of road training. It's also an opportunity for Swift to observe and evaluate you one last time before they commit to you. Once they give you the Comdata card and your driver code, you are basically hired as a trainee.