Considering A New Career!

Hello everyone! First, I just want to say this site is an excellent resource, kudos to Brett and his contributors for pooling all this great information together.

I requested information from a local trucking school and was contacted by a recruiter. He sent me some information, including a couple pre-hire applications (Swift and Covenant Transport). So far, the process has gone pretty much according to how it is outlined on this site.

But, I have a roadblock...

Just before my recent birthday, I went to renew my driver's license and discovered that it had actually been expired for a year! Seriously...who looks at their license? Anyway, I now have my permit and will be taking the driving portion tomorrow to renew my driver's license.

Aside from this, I'm the ideal candidate. I have no criminal record, a decent work history, no DUI , no moving violations in the last 15 years. My license wasn't technically suspended or revoked, just expired. Will this hurt my application chances?

Welcome aboard Browncoat!

Well I have to say I honestly don't know the answer to that one. I agree - most people rarely ever pay attention to their license so I can see how that would happen. But I have no idea how the trucking companies are going to look at that.

By chance have you tried requesting your driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles to see what it says?

I would have to say speak with a few recruiters from some major companies like the one's they've given you for pre-hires and see what they say.

I know most trucking companies list "You must have a driver's license for at least one year" as one of the qualifications. I'm under the impression that's to insure that someone doesn't get a license for the first time ever at 25 years old and then become a truck driver right off the bat. But I don't know how they'll look at your situation.

That's a good one. You've stumped me on that.

Passed my driver's exam today and talked to the ladies at the BMV.

There's no suspension or points assigned when your license expires. If someone had run my report, it would have simply read "INVALID" as opposed to "VALID". That was instantly changed to "VALID" today, so there's nothing that I would have to report on my pre-hire applications.

All systems go!

Oh man, if that's the case, that would be really fortunate! Really, really lucky.

Well, here's hoping anyway.

I pulled an unofficial driving record from the web and nothing showed up. I might just go down to the BMV and get an official one printed for $8.50 to be sure. Besides, I need a break from filling out this Swift application. Holy crap this thing is huge.

I had the same thing happen to me. I didn't realize my license expired and I got it renewed after a month of 'invalid' a few months later I tried to get a job with Schwans as a route guy and couldn't get the driver job because I didn't have 12 months of a continuous driving record. U might want to check that out with your future employer.

The biggest thing I can tell you is crunch the numbers really good. In other words look before you leap. I can think of one driver that will refute what I am telling you. First you need to investigate the company on your own to insure it will be a good fit. Talk to other drivers. Read the forums etc etc. I am going to reserve my opinion about some of these companies. Some are not up front and you only discover the issues after you get to orientation. Other companies will even try to get in your pocket at orientation!! Last but not least you better look at the math. (This is a an average after probation)

Say you run 2500 per week at .35 cents per mile in a week $875.00

Now lets take out some taxes insurance now you are at $725.00

Now lets consider you need $20 per day to eat for a week (-140) now you are now at $585.00

It is a forgone conclusion you will work 16 hours per day for 7 days a week. That means you will have worked 112 hours.

Now here is the fun part $585.00/112 hours= $5.22!! This is .19 per mile!!

(This can be more or less) Probably less.

Is it worth it? That is your decision.

This number can be less or more. I am going to tell you it is less. There are a ton of things that I did not deduct that will bring that number down at ton.

There are other determining factors that you need to consider that could increase of decrease this number.

If you have a morgage payment (rent), car payment and utilities you have to make on your own you can see the math just does not work to your advantage.

Now if you are in a probationary period getting only $450.00 per week before all the deductions as I indicated above...count on some financial problems.

To Summerize:

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT THE COMPANY TO INSURE YOU WONT GET FLEECED, TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF and NICKLE AND DIMED TO DEATH!CHECK AND DOUBLE CHECK!! ASK QUESTIONS!! DOUBLE CHECK THE COMPANIES ANSWER TO INSURE IT IS ALL CHECKING OUT. THE ONLY DUMB QUESTION IS AN UNASKED QUESTION. THE PRETTY SHINY TRUCK WONT PAY YOU...ONLY THE MILES WILL....NEVER FORGET THAT!!

DO THE MATH AND TRY TO BE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE!

K M, are you talking about being a company driver or a L/O?? From what I've seen and heard from the drivers here that are good, reliable company drivers..2500 miles a week is a light week..3000-3500 miles a week are average for those guys..and who needs $ 20 a day to eat on? I'm a big eater and I could get by easily on $10 a day..I would be interested to know what your experience is..

I assume he saw SWIFT in my original post and is referring to that.

As I've been reading more and more on what to expect, it seems that this particular company has very mixed reviews. I've read success stories, and I've also read what a hassle it is to work for them.

Possibly..I've heard pretty positive reviews from the guys on here who drive for them. I was just wondering whether he was driving for them and wasn't having a very good experience or if he was hearing the negative reviews from elsewhere..I haven't heard anyone on here say that Swift is one of those companies that pressure you to lease..they have the option, but they don't arm twist you over it..