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Swift Transportation Review

What You Need to Know About CDL United & This Review

Our goal is to provide you with up-to-date, honest, and accurate information about various trucking companies. We know it’s easy to get information mixed up or hard to know whether or not everything the recruiters are being 100% honest. We’re pretty determined to bring transparency to this process and even the playing field between carriers and drivers.

No carrier can pay us to remove negative information from a review. The only way we will remove it is if they provide us with documentation of a policy change or if we get feedback from enough drivers to warrant an update.

That being said, if you’re a driver at one of these carriers and want to help keep this information updated and accurate, then we would love to hear from you. We’re a small team and it’s very time consuming to keep up with everything. If you want to learn more about how you can help out the community, then submit a form at the bottom of this page or use our contact page.

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Getting Hired with Swift Transportation

Hiring Requirements for Swift Transportation

Must be at least 23 years of age (21 if you have served in the military).
Must possess a valid CDL Class A License (CDL Training Available).
Must pass a written test and road test (designed and administered by Swift).
Must not have any DWI or DUI convictions within the past 5 years.
Must not have any reckless driving convictions within the past 3 years.
Must not have more than one moving violation within the last year and no more than three within the last three years.
Must not have any major preventable accidents within the past twelve months or more than two in the past five years.
Must have no more than one driver’s license suspension in the past three years.
Applicants must provide a current 5 Year DMV printout.
Must pass the Workwell Physical Assessment, a DOT physical and DOT controlled substance/alcohol testing.
A conviction form must be filled out for all misdemeanor or felony convictions.

Will Swift Hire Convicted Felons?

Yes. Having a misdemeanor or felony does not automatically disqualify you for a job with Swift Transportation.

Swift Transportation Hiring Areas

Swift hires and employs drivers from all of the lower 48 states.

However, they do not necessarily hire from all areas year-round. It varies depending on if they need drivers from areas at the time.

Dedicated Routes Hiring Right Now

Area	Type
Chicago, IL	Intermodal
St. Paul, MN	Intermodal
Haslet, TX	Intermodal
Nashville, TN	Reefer
Brundidge, AL	Reefer
Grandview, WA	Reefer
Washington	Heavy Haul
Oregon	Heavy Haul
Idaho	Heavy Haul

Request Information

Swift Mentors

Eligible after 30 Days with Swift
+ 6 Months of Experience

What are Swift’s Minimum Qualifications to be a Mentor (Trainer)?

A driver can qualify to be a mentor after at least 30 days with Swift if they have 6 months of previous driving experience.

Working for Swift

What's Good About Working for Swift?

As North America’s largest truckload carrier, Swift has stable freight and miles.
Swift transports a variety of freight from retail to industrial materials – the majority of which is no touch and drop & hook.
Swift company drivers can earn extra pay for any of the following: detention; extra pick-up and drop-off; layovers; breakdown; loading; unloading; local work; tarp pay, etc.
Each Swift truck features Qualcomm on-board computers. They provide wireless communications between the driver and dispatch.

Swift has TrailerTRACS to help locate trailers and improve utilization of trailer assets.
Swift uses over 16,000 late model trucks, 92% of which are less than five years old.
Swift features seven “driver comfort zones” across the country. Swift drivers can choose the region they wish to drive to suit their lifestyles.
Average home time is one day off for every six days of driving. Regional drivers are home every week.

Driver Pay

Company Driver Pay at Swift Transportation?

Starting pay is 36 cents per mile + bonuses. We’re still seeking confirmation about what the pay rate is for driver trainees.

When Will I Get My Pay Increase?

You’ll get an increase to 38 cents/mile after 1 year and then increases every year for up to 15 years.

Does Swift have a Fuel Bonus?

Swift offers a mileage bonus, as well as on-time and safe driving bonuses. Quarterly bonuses could be as much as 8 cents/mile (that can end up being around $2800 per quarter).

Swift Employee Policies

Swift’s Pet Policy

You may read elsewhere that Swift does not allow pets. We’re pleased to say that has changed. Swift now has a dog policy. You can request the paperwork to bring your dog on your truck with you during orientation.

Swift also allows service dogs.

It is unclear at this time whether or not there are any deposit fees for having your dog; check with your recruiter beforehand and get it in writing.

Swift's Passenger Policy

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You are only allowed to have 1 rider at a time with you and they must be at least 12 years of age. If the rider is under 18, then they may not ride while school is in session.

Females cannot be knowingly pregnant and ride in the truck.

An annual $100 insurance fee is deducted via payroll deduction on a monthly basis.

Swift Transportation Dispatching

Can I Run Regional or Dedicated Right After School?

Most drivers remain in the OTR division for 6 months to 1 year. Some students get lucky though. However, drivers may choose a “comfort zone” meaning that Swift will try to keep you within a 1 to 2 day trip from home and remain in an area drivers are more comfortable with.

Does Swift Force Drivers to Go to New York City?

Swift does not have forced dispatch to New York City.

Does Swift Have Forced Dispatch?

Swift doesn’t force dispatch their drivers. That being said, rejecting a load will place a driver at the end of the line for another load.

What’s Home Time Like at Swift?

OTR drivers earn 1 day off for every 6 days out. You’ll be expected to remain on the road for 3 weeks before taking home time.

Regional drivers tend to get home weekly while dedicated accounts vary.

How Much of Swifts Freight is Drop and Hook?

Over 85% of Swift freight is drop and hook.

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Company Driver Benefits

Swift Offers the Following Benefits for Company Drivers

401(k)
Disability, Life, Accident and Critical Illness Coverage
Stock Purchase Program
Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
Paid Vacation
Prescription Drug Plans

How Much Does the Health Insurance Cost?

The cost depends entirely on which options you choose and how many dependents, if any, need to be covered.

How Long Until Swift’s Benefits are Active?

You can qualify for benefits after the first day of the month after you’ve enrolled and completed 30 days of continuous full-time employment or after 60 days of continuous full-time employment.

Does Swift Have Vacation Time?

After 1 year drivers receive 5 days of paid vacation at $400
At 2 – 4 years drivers receive 10 days of paid vacation at $1,000
After 5 years is 15 days of paid vacation at $1,800

Drive for a Degree Program

Swift offers company drivers a way to get a college degree while employed. Swift partnered up with Southern New Hampshire University. Drivers can earn an associates or bachelors degree. Tuition is fully paid.

Swift's Equipment

What Kinds of Trucks does Swift Have?

Late-model Freightliners and Volvos. Swift claims that 92% of their trucks are less than 5 years old.

Does Swift Use Electronic Logs?

Yes. Every major carrier is required to use them now per the ELD mandate by the FMCSA.

Are Swift Trucks Governed?

Yes. They are governed at 63 on the pedal, 65 on cruise, with pass smart options of 67 mph.

Does Swift Use APU Units?

Swift uses 1800 watt inverters and Smart Idle systems.

Are Swift Trucks Equipped with Driver Cameras?

Indeed they are. They’re only outward facing though. The cameras cannot see the interior of the truck.

Swift Trucking School

Swift Trucking School Locations

Swift operates 11 fully-functional CDL Truck Driving Schools in the following cities:

Phoenix, AZ (Headquarters)
Lewiston, ID
Memphis, TN
Corsicana, TX
Richmond, VA
Columbus, OH
Jurupa Valley, CA
Kansas City, MO
Inver Grove Heights, MN
Waco, GA
West Valley City, UT

Phoenix, AZ

Lewiston, ID

Memphis, TN

Corsicana, TX

Richmond, VA

Columbus, OH

Jurupa Valley, CA

Kansas City, MO

Inver Grove Heights, MN

Waco, GA

West Valley City, UT

What does Swift Trucking School Cost?

Swift Academy’s tuition costs $6,000. Additional costs vary based on the location, ranging from $154-$400 plus basic living expenses (e.g., hygiene gear, food, etc.).

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Tuition

Will Swift Pay for my Tuition?

Yes. You will need to fill out some documentation though. Swift does not do credit checks.

Will Swift Pay for My Room During Training?

Yes. Your lodging is provided for you by Swift. Students will share rooms with each other. You could share a room with 2-5 people depending on the location.

How Long is the Academy?

The program is 3 weeks long. If you decide to do the permit class, then it is an additional week. Be aware that the time it takes to graduate the Swift Academy depends on you completing your test and earning your CDL A license.

Weeks Long

How Much Time Is Spent Practicing Backing?

About 10 days are spent both driving and practicing backing maneuvers. The exact amount of time spent practicing backing up alone varies.

How Much Time Is Spent in the Classroom?

A minimum of 40 hours are spent in the classroom. In addition, some students may complete an online training module from home before heading to the Swift Driving Academy.

On the Road Training

The length of the training period is based on driving hours. Trainees need a minimum of 200-300 hours before they can run solo. This typically takes about 5 to 6 weeks.

Swift Training Pay

Weeks 1-4	$450/week
Weeks 5 and Up	$550/week

On the Road Training Policies at Swift

Will I Run with My Trainer like I’m Solo or like a Team?

For the first week or so trainees are dispatched on solo freight. Trainees will begin driving more and more each day. It’s up to your trainer to decide when you’re ready to switch over to driving like a team.

How Many Trainees are there per Truck?

Their setup is 1 trainee per trainer.

Trainee per Truck

Can I Sleep on the Top Bunk While the Truck is Moving?

No they cannot. You’ll have to sleep in the bottom bunk while the truck is in motion.

Can I Request a Non-Smoking Trainer?

Of course. If none are available you may have to wait until one is though.

How Does Swift Handle Problems between Trainers and Trainees?

Trainees are required to call their assigned Driver Manager at least once per week to check in and discuss the progress they are making in the training program. If you have any issues then you should bring them up then.

You may also call the main dispatch line to talk about any issues at any time. Disputes are handled on a case by case basis but you’ll get a new mentor if one is needed.

Military Apprenticeship Program

Swift is now nationally approved for the Military Apprenticeship Program. This means if you are eligible for these benefits (such as the G.I. Bill) then you can use them and get paid while training for your CDL.

Do I Have to Get a Class A Permit Before I Go to Swift Transportation?

It depends on where Swift sends you to school and the state you are from. You may need to take an online course and obtain your CDL permit before you go to the Swift Academy, but not all locations require it.

Do I need a U.S. Passport

Average Indeed Rating

 3.2/5

Facebook Reviews

There are bugs to work out just like any large company. I have had a good experience with Swift, good enough thay my wife recently got her CDL through the academy and is drivingwith me.

It’s a great company to work for they have a great training program for trainers and students , they also have great driver managers and they have unlimited loads that can send u any were in the United States so u can see how beautiful this country really is , much love 💯 I’m considering coming back to be a trainer 🤔 this company truly is a well oiled Organize professional machine

Swift is a great company, I could not care less what others say. My experience so far has been excellent. My trainer is one of the best there is. They have taken care of me if I needed to get home for family emergencies or other events. Proud to be a part of a company that hold true to their word.

Do you Drive for Swift?

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