Decisions Decisions (Prime V Swift)

I'll try to keep this as short as possible, any feedback on either company would be greatly appreciated. Will be happy to answer any questions that may help you offer further feedback/advice.

So as it comes closer to when I expect to be calling a recruiter (Shooting for beginning of Feb) I thought I had made the decision of going with Swift, couple of guys I know drove for them, and someone in my family just started with them, so in my mind it was dead set that was who I would be going it since it all seemed to work out well for those (3) people, However, reading through a lot of the forums and the diaries another one has popped up I am very interested in, Prime. Now I have looked at both Swift (which seems outdated but I could be wrong) and Prime pages in the CSTP part of this site, both have major benefits/downfalls.

Swift Good- 85%+ Drop and hook (seems nice less downtime), Newer trucks, non-forced dispatch (don't plan to refuse anyways but still), Terminals all over,

Swift Bad- Lower OTR Training pay, No Pets (if I ever wanted one), Appears to have more upfront out of pocket cost, Only provides breakfast, Requires DOT physical before hiring,

Prime Good- Extra pay for going NYC (rare), Lightweight fleet bonus (needs researching), Higher Training Pay, Training cash advance if things get rough!, Haven't heard anything bad about them yet, Provides 3 meals a day for training on site, More 1 on 1 training.

Prime Bad- Forced dispatch (gonna mark has downfall), 50% Drop and Hook, OTR training after 4 days worries me a bit, No terminals in my state (NC)

Between the two its become quite a tough decision, however I am now leaning more towards Prime, I think once I've been in the truck a few days the OTR training wont bother me so much and will infact help me more then weeks on end in a parking lot/classroom. Plus with the option for a pay advance while in training and the ability to make money more quickly OTR (after the 4 days) it will really help solidify my plans to make this jump in Feb or even the end of Jan if bills allow.

What is it about the "OTR training after 4 days" that bothers you ?

If you have your license already, you will do your orientation which will include a brief test in the simulator lab, then once orientation is complete, you'll meet your trainer. It's important to understand that when you meet your trainer, that it's an interview for both of you. If you don't get a good vibe, don't go along. This also goes for the trainer, so act accordingly.

Just my personal feelings, but keep the flip flops, shorts, and tank tips for the shower.

If you're awake when the truck stops for fuel, get up and clean the windows for him. (Make sure to leave no streaks) If you have down time (waiting at a truck stop for an appointment time) clean the "house."

Remember, you're coming into this person's house, and asking him to teach you. Be respectful.

What is it about the "OTR training after 4 days" that bothers you ?

If you have your license already, you will do your orientation which will include a brief test in the simulator lab, then once orientation is complete, you'll meet your trainer. It's important to understand that when you meet your trainer, that it's an interview for both of you. If you don't get a good vibe, don't go along. This also goes for the trainer, so act accordingly.

Just my personal feelings, but keep the flip flops, shorts, and tank tips for the shower.

If you're awake when the truck stops for fuel, get up and clean the windows for him. (Make sure to leave no streaks) If you have down time (waiting at a truck stop for an appointment time) clean the "house."

Remember, you're coming into this person's house, and asking him to teach you. Be respectful.

Absolutely, A lot of that is pretty straight forward and I have read previously, plus the last two things you mentioned, I would want to do that out of respect and like a small way to say Thank you yanno.

What concerns me about that is after 4 days I could be on the highway pulling a trailer with really no experience driving anything bigger then a pickup truck. Its a pro/con kind of thing.

Also a minor correction since I apparently read wrong while once I hit the road after 4 days I can take out $200 a week in advances, I wont actually get paid any real money until after my first 10k miles it seems according to the website. So its kinda the same as swift, 4 weeks in class unpaid, or 3-4 weeks on the road technically unpaid except for advances.

You're right about the pay advances during PSD training at Prime. You don't get paid yet, but can get advances which will need to be paid back after you get hired officially.

The 10000 miles PSD is really just a hypothetical number. It could be more, it could be less. It really depends on when your trainer thinks you're ready.

Missouri state law says you have to wait at least 14 days after getting your permit to get your CDL license. During those 14 days you will normally be out with your trainer OTR. So you can possibly get around 10,000 miles during that time. Or you may only get 100 miles. Doesn't matter, you'll still come back and get your CDL if you train x amount of hours and fulfill some requirements.

I think there's also a requirement to be dispatched on at least one load while under PSD training. At least that's how my trainer explained it to me.

As I noted in my diary, my PSD training has been spent right here at Prime HQ. My trainer is staying local through the holidays, so we simply go to the training pad and out for road practice daily. He did say we'll have to deliver a load locally so that I'll be able to test out on my 14th day. After that I'll go out with a, TNT trainer for the required 30k miles.

The 3 meals a day during training is only for the first 7 days fyi. But the cafeteria food is good and very low priced. They aren't trying to get rich off of feeding you. Note: If you attend the Friday morning safety meetings (conveniently held in the cafeteria), you're breakfast is free that day.

Lastly, I replied to you in the diary but I'll repeat it here for others: You don't need a terminal near home. Prime goes EVERYWHERE. They'll tell you where to drop your trailer and you can take your truck home on hometime.

Patrick, do not worry too much about the "training pay". The OTR training lasts around 4-6 weeks, then you get OTR mileage pay for the rest of your career. True, a small paycheck buys less/pays fewer bills than a larger one, but it's only for one more month.

I'm curious about the "OTR training after 4 days". Most companies put new-to-the-company drivers (fresh grads and experienced drivers joining up) through 3 days orientation, then they go on the road. Your pay starts with day #3 of orientation, then as a brand new driver you'll go on the road with an experienced trainer for that 4-6 weeks (that will be with training pay rates), so don't worry too much about being a brand new driver given a big machine to drive around.

I went through Swift's Academy. I started school in early December (2 years ago) and started earning paychecks in mid February. Your time may be different.

Patrick, like Errol I too attended Swift Academy and continue driving for them.

Just a couple of points adding to what already has been said. Swift is also a forced dispatch operation. I think you may be under the impression this "forces" you to drive. If you have available hours, are well rested and not physically ill then yes you must take the load you are dispatched with. As a rookie it's highly recommended to accept what you are given, building up a positive track record of performance. However if you are tired, bad weather or other valid reasons you are not forced to drive. Safety first!

The drop and hook figures you posted are subjective and can change without notice. With Prime if you are running a reefer , you are far more likely to have a live load or unloading scenario. My job with Swift is 80% live unload delivering grocery to Walmart stores.

Both Swift and Prime have well maintained, newer equipment and on-board driver electronics/communications called a Qualcomm.

Swift and Prime differ in how they road train, Swift pairs a trainee with a mentor for 200 hours of driving. Prime splits this up their road training between two different phases and yes with Prime you will be under a load with only a permit in the beginning. But realize, the person sitting next to you is there to assist and provide guidance as you learn how to driver with weight on your truck.

IMO both companies are very good and have a lot of experience with trainees.

I went with Swift for several reasons; I knew a longtime, successful driver with them and perhaps most important they have a multitude of dedicated account opportunities available that suited my wants and needs as a driver.

Both companies are well represented on this forum and I expect others will check-in with their input.

Good luck.

Swift has no pet policy. Found out that means no policy. Not no pets. After you're solo its smart to wait a while before bringing on any distractions. Thats my policy. Prime has a $1000 deposit for pets I think.

Swift does not allow pets in Company Trucks.

Swift has no pet policy. Found out that means no policy. Not no pets. After you're solo its smart to wait a while before bringing on any distractions. Thats my policy. Prime has a $1000 deposit for pets I think.

Ya i saw that not a big deal i dont plan on bringing one as far as i can tell at this point

Turtle stated:

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Lastly, I replied to you in the diary but I'll repeat it here for others: You don't need a terminal near home. Prime goes EVERYWHERE. They'll tell you where to drop your trailer and you can take your truck home on hometime.

Do you HAVE to take the truck home on hometime? Personally, I'd rather leave it at a terminal or company drop yard and drive my car there and back.