Swift Orientation 2022, Important information and what to expect.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2022
- This video specifically answers commonly asked questions regarding the Orientation at Swift. I also address key details about the orientation that I think are important, and will help those who are looking to join Swift. Feel free to ask anything I did not address and I’ll be sure to answer your questions to the best of my knowledge.
Hey Eric good to see you out there. Great information for new driver's, it will help a great deal.
Very detailed and insightful video... Appreciate you
Great video please keep coming. Looking at working for swift myself. Be safe.
Thanks, I will definitely keep providing helpful information for those who wish to join the team. Good or bad I’ll keep you informed.
Hey Erick thank you sharing and helping others with this valuable information. I’m new in the trucking industry and it’s hard to get an opportunity without experience but after that thanks to Swift company, more doors will open to achieve our goals. Take care!!
I been truck driving for 26 years still remember my first orientation
In 1995 at CRST here is a tip when u are backing if you are not sure always get out the truck in look this truck game is all about protecting your CDL license
Thanks for the tip. I hope to be as seasoned as you one day.
@Wisdom-ct8zt:
Dear Sir,
Do you know if there is any way truck drivers can pull in forward to the parking spots/spaces (at least at truck/rest stops) instead of backing in?
Hi Eric, awesome informative video! I had a total career change to coming into trucking. I’m excited to follow your journey!
Thanks , I appreciate it! I’ve been following yours, and excited to keep up with your journey. I think it’s good that we all share our personal experiences so others can have information on the company if they wish to join. I also had a career change, I’ve always wanted to get into trucking, just didn’t know how it would look for me.
Motivating bro nice one
@@EricButler1 men I like ur motivational speech hope to join u guys soon, I will really like to ask you some questions privately how do I go about that thanks
I expect to have to do drive where ever till I get my foot in the door and experience under my belt. Then pick and choose.
I drove for Swift for about 7 months then found a local job making way more. Swift is a really good company to start with but once you have just a little experience doors start to opening up. Good luck to you.
Thanks for the video man I really appreciate it
No problem bro. Best of luck to you
Thank you so much you just earned a subscriber
Good info. Do new drivers have to go with a trainer? If so, how long should that be?
Thanks for the video Eric. I have orientation Monday(7/25/22). I just got my CDL July 8 & I'm excited about this journey. My hubby has been trucking for 27 years & I've watched him over the years. He use to work with Swift delivering to Walmart so I have a idea of what to expect
Congrats to you and hope all goes well. I'm glad I was able to provide you with some insight on what to expect. I'm enjoying this learning process and look forward to providing more informational content during my time with the company.
@@EricButler1 thank u so much
@@EricButler1 Hey Eric, where was the school at? In Florida? I tohught it was in Waco Georgia, but in your video you said you drove down a couple hours... Great video!
@@kitt199546 so sorry for the late response. I went to school at JTech, a third party school to get my CDL license. I drove a couple of hours down south to go to orientation which was only 1 day. I live in Jacksonville Florida which is where the school is located and the terminal that I went for orientation is in Ocala which is about 2 hrs away.
Thanks for the video my guy!!
No problem 👍
Thank you for your video. Good information.
Very informative!
Congratulations!
Thanks
Thank you, for your video very informative!!
Thanks for the info!
No prob!
Thank you for this information. I'm coming from West Virginia to the Columbus Ohio orientation this Monday. Catching a bus that way. 9/11/2023
Glad it was helpful! Good Luck...
Bro, thank you. I am in talk with a recruiter for swift. I have questions. Is the camera on the truck facing the driver? do they have new equipment?
very useful! thanks
Good Job on the informative video bro
Thanks my boy!!!
Thank you E B. That helped a lot bro
Glad I was able to help…
hello Eric, do they test you in a pre-inspection during orientation?
Hey buddy! Nice video and I have a question. Can you not have a apartment and live in your swift truck? Do you know if there is any driver that does that?
Good information bro! I start with swift next week 💪🏽.
Thanks, Good luck! hope all goes well👍🏾
@@EricButler1 thanks I appreciate it 💪🏽
How is the training ?
Thank you bro
I did Swift orientation back in 2002 .. seems like it's a Lil more complex now than when I came through !!
How TF you know that do you work there?
What’s the road test,backing & 50 questions exam?
On you first day with you mentor do you have to do pre trip and road test with him? I dont remember how to do the pre trip very well😓
I am a school bus driver looking to get my CDL so any information you can give would be appreciated
Hi. I hold cdl class A from trucking school i Get it 3 years ago. But did not drive yet. If i want to join swift , you think they gana ask me for refresh courses ? Thank you
Hi there , thanks for the video, How is the pay for training ?
Thank you Sr
You’re welcome. All the best…
Hi. Did you have to do a pretrip, backing test, and written exam at orientation or just at the end of your driving training?
Thanks for making this video I'm starting swift driving school the 8th of next month
Congratulations, this is a great time to become a trucker. I wish you all the best in your trucking journey.
Congratulations
Thanks yeah I'm starting Swifts online school part August 15 and then from their the school in Columbus ohio
So far swift had me do the online classes my teacher Tim was the best yesterday the 8-24-2022 I passed the cdl class a permit test, now the 6th of next month I go to the driving school for the driving part and road test
What's is the new driver pay,weekly pay during training
Hi sir I just talked to a recruiter and started my application process. My question to you is if I’m a girl will they put me with a girl? Do they pay us for the orientation? I was told I’d get paid $800 a wk during my training of 4 wks, not sure if it’s true.
I start with Swift in a few weeks. Do they train you? I got my CDL but I've been out of school for 6 months.
Thank you sir
All the best
I just applied to swift talked with my mentor my last time smoking was in august and I haven’t smoked since she said that the hair test would go back six months if I detox with baking soda and apple cider vinegar would I pass the hair test ?
i appreciate this video you made! i actually have one question are you able to chose which terminal uou want?
I do believe you can. Check with whatever terminal you’re closest to which should be your home terminal and ask to switch. That may work. My original terminal would have been the Ocala terminal but they coded me at the Greer, SC terminal because of short staff so I do believe that’s possible.
@@EricButler1 Thank you for response ! im in california and im thinking of going with the otay mesa swift terminal
Eric, got a call from recruiter told me school for CDL start every Monday, I could come in for a one month class any Monday. She said I would he housing and cost was $9000 and a 1 year contract . I will go with a mentor for 200 hours which is a week?? Then I get my own truck and start driving interstate? I just turn 21 and some people are telling this sounds wrong because interstate is 23 year olds? Also hearing pay is bad after all cost are deducted? Do I get a truck after mentor time, Is CDL school paid training or am I not paid until I get a truck?
What’s the hair follicle test for again?
Do you get paid during orientation?
How soon do they do the hair follicle test?
Hi I am from Kissimmee, Florida
If I don’t use my car . Swift provide transportation to orientation?
Nice info bro
Thanks 🙏🏾
Out with my mentor now, just finished my first 50 hrs. Good luck! I’m out of Orlando, so I’m not sure where I’ll end up.
That’s awesome. You’ll end up somewhere far far from Orlando. Hope your training goes well. I’m glad to be on my own now. I’m actually on my second load now picking up in Tampa and running it to Pensacola. I’m doing my 10hr reset at the Ocala terminal now.
@@EricButler1 I’m doing mine in Syracuse New York. It’s been a good ride so far. Since I got to my mentor last Thursday, I’ve driven from Indianapolis to Illinois, iowa, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, Kentucky , West Virginia, and New York. I love it! How bad was the test after your mentor?
@@garywiley9335 the test was a breeze, nothing to sweat about. I too was all over the map from Fl to Cali, TX, Utah, Wyoming, Illinois, Arizona, etc etc…
@@EricButler1 thanks for replying! Be safe, maybe I’ll get to meet you and arlissa someday . I’ve followed her from the beginning.
@@garywiley9335 I guess you finish your training. Currently in with a mentor been two days now. Not sure if he have patience to teach. And I don’t know how long it will take to get another mentor if I decide to leave.
So for drug testing they sent you to another company before you arrived and did you have to pay?
what if you have 5 years experience? they still make you go out with trainer huh?
Hey hey, as far as orientation pretrip, did you have to recite everything to them like a test or were they just showing you how to do pretrip the "Swift" way?
No, it’s not a class it’s just how they do a pre trip inspection. Everyone just stand around and watch the I structor. He may ask some questions or ask for a volunteer but that’s about it.
Hi brother my name is Ken I’m from Detroit I’m really thinking about going with swift and your information is good help!
Good luck Ken on your ventures. Hope all goes well.
Ty for your own time: I wanted to ask if you’ve heard about anyone being able to go to school Online (with a laptop or IPad) while driving for Swift. I’m thinking of taking some courses to keep me occupied since I don’t have any family or need to call home. I was wondering if you thought that was possible and if you know of any truckers who do it. Thanks!
Did you enroll in swifts college program? If so, how is it going? I’m thinking about doing it myself.
I don’t have a lot of hair small beard like it doesn’t grow lol how much hair do they need?
Got a question how is Swift with background checks because I have a felony conviction from 2000 and are they a 2nd chance company? I recently got my CDL
I start school for swift Monday any advice u can give
Good intel! Sales also. How has the switch gone ?
It’s going well, I was ready for change and I have a plan and a goal so my focus is there..
Where was the orientation at?
Is there a road test before you start training? Or do they test you after the training because I'm a little rusty right now.
They do the road test after your training is up. You’ll be fine though, just let your trainer know and he/she will help you through.
Is there a dress code?
Does swift have a new pay system
was there a road test on orientation? already have my CDL but i haven’t touched a truck since schooling in february cause i had to finish my military contract after the school
No the road test was not. You have to go through your training first. after you complete it you will go back to your home terminal and complete the road and written test before they give you your truck.
Great content 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 so the dot physical can be done before you get there to orientation
Yessir. I actually prefer it that way. They will send you an email with the drug test and physical information so you can get it done. If you’re not able to they’ll take care of it at the orientation.
@@EricButler1 bro I appreciate it I rather take that route don't want to deal with there doctor 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
So they go back 6 months? I smoked 1 darn time and now after your video I feel as if I shouldn't even take the job because it hasn't been 6 months. What do you think? I have NEVER failed a drug test and I don't want to now
I have my swift orientation next week. Do they have the hotel set up to stay the day before or is after the first day?
You’ll check in the day before or days depending on when your orientation. Afterwards you’ll be able to stay an extra day.
Thank you for this video.How was your training?Are you still working for swift?
Thank you for watching. Training was great and I do still work for Swift. Currently gathering data and content for my next video…
Did they pay you during orientation
bro question. did you put your 2weeks notice on your previous company prior to going to orientation?
Nah, It wasn't necessary for me but may not be the same for you. If you know you gone go with Swift and your current job tripping, just bounce. But If you're leaving a good company on good terms definitely do the right thing and give them a notice. Don't burn the bridge just because.
What did you make first year
I have a question does Swift require that you bring it your irs transcripts to show proof of wages from jobs??
No, I didn’t have to and I don’t remember anyone else needing to bring those type of documents for verification. They contact your past employers. However they are in dire need of drivers. I strongly believe they are bypassing such strict verification but they still act like they reach out but I believe they don’t honestly. If it was a past driving job they definitely would. I think you’ll be fine. If you’re coming from another career field, it’s not relevant so I don’t think they’re calling all those jobs like that.
During the 200 hours of training, do you get driving time? Or is the mentor driving the whole time?
You’ll do pretty much all the driving.
Hey, i have a question what type of documents did they tell you to bring with you for orientation? And was w2 forms one of them?
You just bring your identification. I didn’t have any special forms other than my drivers license and social security card.
I get you... ive got job history issues
Eric, where was the orientation and where is the terminal in South Carolina?
Orientation is usually at the closest terminal to your home. In this case mine was in Ocala. The terminal in SC is in Greer, SC, which they made my home terminal due to lack of staff in Ocala.
If you have a valid medical card before joining swift do you need another physical or no?
Yes, once you get accepted you will have to re certify through Swift which they will send you to that taken care of.
They took my armpit hair. But I did my pre employment drug screening 2 days before orientation due to the fact that I went overseas. But thanks for the extra information I go orientation tomorrow
Hello Wayne am from Kenya how can i be able to be picked for the orientation
Did you have to pay for schooling or it was free as long as you drove with them ?
I went to an outside source for schooling and received a scholarship through Career Source to pay which I didn’t have to pay back. If you go through the company, I do believe you will sign a contract and have to drive for them for a while to pay them back. However if you leave you’ll be obligated to pay them which they try to collect it through other means. Meaning collection calls, etc.
How was the background check process? Was that done before orientation?
Actually that’s done after the orientation. For some reason, after the orientation they complete all your background check, but they do prequalify you to work first, if you pass the pre qualifications process then you get a job offer contingent upon successful completion of your complete background.
What king test they take
Did they end up bringing southeast regional back? Trying to figure out if the recruiter is lying or not lol
Honestly I don’t know, Not since I left. I’m actually waiting for intermodal to become available so I can come back to the company.
Do they have they own dmv people for the road test like do u take the test their already got permit
I believe they do. I took my test from a third party, outside of swift. I don’t think you go to the DMV to take the driving test usually a state exam we comes to the school to test you, once you pass you pick up your CDL from the DMV.
Damn so if you can't write well that's a problem.. man there's always something kicking me down...
I just got hired with swift they put me on a dedicated account ☺️
How is it?
That’s good , let’s get it💪🏾
It isn’t that there’s a lack of mentors / trainers as much as it is that there has been a massive influx of new drivers and people applying to Swift
It’s also because the pay they give us as a mentor isn’t enough to cover the stress of having a new driver with your life in their hands ya know.
@@truckermatt4603 mentors on my account get a flat $200 a week. I’ve recently applied to be a mentor. That’s borderline enough to be a mentor but maybe not we’ll see
I'm thinking of going to Swift. I'm here in Las Vegas NV. Are the trucks automatic? How many days and hours per day is orientation?
That’s cool. I drove through the Grand Canyon to St George, Utah then to Las Vegas and that was the best road trip. Not that I took many, but you get the point… It’s crazy coming from the east coast and driving through them for the first time. That was cool.
To answer your question, yes the trucks are automatic and the orientation is 1 day about 8 hours which is paid $300 to you.
@@EricButler1 great thx
How pay for orientation
Any questions or information about the test after you done with 200 hrs driving?
Yes, the test is simple. It’s a 56 question multiple questions test and a road test where they take you out. As long as you don’t hit any curbs and stop at all the stop signs you’ll be fine. At least that’s how I was tested at the Greer SC terminal. I talk about it more in my other video which talks about the 4 weeks training.
Hey man I’ve been clean for 90 plus days I decided to quit smoking because I wanted to get my cdl and better my life, I talked to a recruiter from swift early today and told him I would like to start in October or mid October so I’m hoping I’m able to pass the half follicle test during my orientation I’ve been clean since April 15 so I’m hoping I’m in the clear if anyone could get back to me that would be great 😊
Look up the Macujo method for cleaning you hair follicles. That will help to clean your hair follicles and give you a better chance at passing. I stopped smoking in February and took the test in June. I passed but I did the Macujo method and cleaned my beard. I failed the hair follicle test with Werner so I can never work there. If you fail the test it would be the same at Swift. Good luck and hope it works out. Swift is a great starter company and if you decide to stay long term they are also a great company to build a career.
They say it tests for the last 90 days if that helps
@@EricButler1 can you tell me about the drug panel how many panel drug test is it for urine & follicle test thnx bru
How is swift now that you’ve been working for a while? Or if you left, why did you leave and where did you go? Also, Has your pay or mileage lowered since you made this video?
I worked for swift for 7 months before I parted ways with the company. They were great overall with some complaints but nothing too serious. I primarily left because of pay but that’s something everyone will deal with if you’re just starting out. I was gone too often away from the family and the compensation just didn’t justify me being gone the amount of time, which was 3 weeks to a month at a time just to make enough money for the weeks I was gone. If you go home every two weeks you’re cutting into your earnings potential because they have to get you home, instead of just racking up the miles for longer periods before you go home. Now if you’re single it will work fine if you’re ok with being out on the road. That’s what they don’t explain, the fact that, really the only way you’re going to make decent income is to stay out on the road longer. In the end it still wasn’t enough. I was able to find a local job which pays quite a bit more and I’m home everyday. I’m making close to 2k a week and I get to sleep in my bed every night, and I’m still considered a newbie so no complaints. This is what I was hoping for. However I still feel that Swift is a really good company to learn all the nuances of trucking and get that beginner experience. Some people actually stayed with Swift long enough to where they are actually making really good money now and there’s ways but it wouldn’t have worked for me so I had to do what was right on my behalf. Still a well run company.
@@EricButler1 Thanks
What is involved in the skills test? I am going through Ocala. Thanks man!
The skills test is super easy. They just have you do a straight back, you drive around the block to make sure you know how to turn without hitting curbs. If you hit a curb you automatically fail but you can redo it again immediately. That’s what they did with us and I tested in Richmond, VA. They might have you do some other maneuvers but it’s all good man. Good luck to you.
@@EricButler1 is it done in a 28 foot pup or 48 foot longbox?
Do you need your CDL permit before attending orientation
Ok, so your permit is what you get before or during your driving class. you need your actual CDL License to be considered for employment, If they offer you a job then you attend orientation.
Ths Mentor, thing is for NEW Drivers with LITTLE EXPERIENCE or Not. 🤔
Yes new drivers, if you have experience you wouldn’t need to go out with a mentor. I don’t know how they would train you on the Zonar tablet but I’m sure they have some sort of trading for it.
wat u mean by tuition reimbursement ? all the money i paid for school they will pay me back for it ?
Yessir
Hey Erik I have a question if I fail the test whit swift They don’t give me the job ?
You can re take it. they won't cut you just for that unless it was something serious. You'll be fine
I heard they make you pay back the hotel cost for orientation.
Is that true??
No sir, not true at all… they pay you $300 for orientation. They don’t charge for your hotel, That’s false information my guy.
I have a written problems English is my second language? Anything do get help?
Hello, its a basic English test. If you can just study basic English words and pronunciation and you should be fine. Goodluck !!
I'll convert my trainer to skoal
Do you have to drive on Saturdays?
You drive as much as needed to get your load to its destination on time. I’m driving every Saturday. There’s no set schedule. After your 72 hr clock runs out for the week then you do a 34 hr reset. There’s so much to learn about your “hours of service” which is what you go off of.
Do they pay from Day 1 and do they give you a hotel until you are done with training ?
They pay from the first day you got for your four weeks of training. There’s no hotel you’ll be in the truck the entire four weeks unless there is a special case where they need to provide one.
@@EricButler1 is that four weeks continuously on the road ? Or you get a break
How long is the contract for? I watched one video where this one girl said that it was 26 months, then read somewhere where it said that it was 13 months, another said that it was 12, everything I've been finding out is all over the place. So I'm just trying to find out a definite answer. My first pick is prime, but in the event that prime turns me down because I was fired from my last job before my current one, I want to have some backups.
Also, me and my girlfriend will be teaming up if that makes any difference if prime will give us a chance.
Ok, first what contract are you referring too? Are you talking about leasing?
@@EricButler1 no, the one that you sign for the cdl training.
@@chrismcallister3327 I did not attend Swifts driving school. I got my CDL from an outside source which Swift approved so no contract on my end. I will ask my driver leader and get you some real answers.
@@EricButler1 alright. I appreciate it brother. Stay safe out there.
Also, would you happen to know if they would hire me if I was fired back in 2019, but have been working since then? Also I had a suspension between July 2020 to July 2021 for an open ticket that went into warrant status that I had paid in May 2020 that I forgot about from back in 2013 which was when my last ticket that I received was.
@@chrismcallister3327 I’ll look into it for you for sure and let you know all the details
What happens if you have a cdl already
Go drive… you good. I had mine when I went in from an outside school. You good to go.
Nice video, question,what about English test?
Its bad at all. You do need to understand, speak and write fairly well. if you fail they will allow you to take it as many times as you can.