Swift Transportation Company Phoenix AZ: Become a Truck Driver with Company-Sponsored Training

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If you're interested in becoming a truck driver, Swift Transportation Company in Phoenix, AZ offers company-sponsored training. This program is designed to help individuals with little to no experience get started in the industry.

The training program covers the necessary skills and knowledge to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL). Swift Transportation Company provides a comprehensive training program that includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.

Swift Transportation Company's training program is designed to be completed in a relatively short period of time, typically around 3-4 weeks. This allows individuals to get on the road and start earning a living quickly.

CDL Training Itinerary

The CDL training itinerary at Swift Transportation in Phoenix, AZ is a crucial part of becoming a truck driver. The length of the course can vary between 2 and 3 weeks, depending on the location.

You'll spend the first week of the 2-week course taking online training modules from home, followed by a week of classroom and driving instruction at the Swift Driving Academy. The driving academy operates 11 hours per day, 6 days a week, with hours typically from 5am to 4pm.

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Credit: pexels.com, A bright yellow ambulance moves swiftly on a city street, providing emergency services.

In the 3-week course, you'll spend the first week studying and taking CDL written exams, then move on to the same instruction as the 2-week course.

Here's a breakdown of the typical itinerary:

* 2-week course:

+ 1 week of online training modules from home

+ 1 week of classroom and driving instruction at the Swift Driving Academy

+ 11 hours of instruction per day, 6 days a week

+ Typically 5am to 4pm hours

* 3-week course:

+ 1 week of studying and taking CDL written exams

+ 2 weeks of classroom and driving instruction at the Swift Driving Academy

+ 11 hours of instruction per day, 6 days a week

+ Typically 5am to 4pm hours

It's worth noting that the training pay and duration at Swift Transportation is comparable to other company training programs.

Hiring and Requirements

To work with Swift Transportation, you'll need to meet their minimum hiring requirements. You must be at least 23 years old, or 21 if you've served in the military.

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To drive for Swift, you'll need a valid CDL Class A License, which they offer training for if you don't already have one.

Applicants will also need to pass a Swift written test and a Swift road test, as well as meet certain driving record requirements. Here are the specifics:

  • No DWI, DUI convictions within the last 5 years.
  • No reckless driving convictions within the last 3 years.
  • No more than one moving violation within the last year and no more than three within the last three years.
  • No major preventable accident within the past twelve months or more than two in the past five years.
  • No more than one driver's license suspension in the past three years.

Additionally, you'll need to provide a current 5 year DMV printout and pass a Workwell Physical Assessment, a DOT physical, and DOT controlled substance and alcohol testing.

Paid CDL Training

Paid CDL Training is a great option for those looking to get started in the trucking industry. Swift Transportation offers a paid CDL training program.

The program is reviewed by TruckingTruth, who have done extensive research and contacted company recruiters. They've put together a comprehensive review of the program's key features and important information.

Swift's paid CDL training program is a fantastic option for those looking to get started in the industry. It's a 2 or 3 week course, depending on the location.

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The 2 week course involves a week of online training modules, followed by a week at the Swift driving academy. Students will spend 11 hours per day, 6 days a week, learning and practicing driving and backing maneuvers.

The 3 week course is similar, but students don't arrive with a CDL permit and complete the written exams during the first week of instruction.

Here's a comparison of the two course lengths:

Students can expect to spend a minimum of 40 hours in the classroom, and some may complete an online training module before heading to the Swift Driving Academy.

Getting Hired

To be eligible for a job at Swift Transportation, you must be at least 23 years old, or 21 if you've served in the military.

You'll need a valid CDL Class A License, and CDL training is available if you don't already have one.

Swift requires you to pass a written test and a road test as part of the hiring process.

Cars of Insurance Company
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If you have a DWI or DUI conviction, you won't be hired if it's within the last 5 years, and reckless driving convictions within the last 3 years are also a no-go.

You can have no more than one moving violation in the last year, and no more than three in the last three years.

Swift also looks for a clean driving record, so no major preventable accidents in the last year, and no more than two in the last five years.

Additionally, you can't have more than one driver's license suspension in the last three years.

To apply, you'll need to provide a current 5-year DMV printout.

You'll also need to pass a Workwell Physical Assessment, a DOT physical, and DOT controlled substance and alcohol testing.

If you have any misdemeanor or felony convictions, you'll need to fill out a conviction form.

Policies and Pay

Swift Transportation Company has some specific policies you should be aware of.

Trucks near Warehouse
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Swift over-the-road drivers are typically out for 10-14 days at a time, with regional drivers' home time varying based on freight demand.

Swift allows riders, but unfortunately, it doesn't offer much information on its rider policy.

Swift does not allow pets on its trucks, and it also doesn't offer tuition reimbursement.

When it comes to pay, Swift has a unique structure that can be a bit complicated.

Starting pay is $.36 cpm, with an increase to $.38 after 1 year and additional raises every year up to 15 years.

Here's a breakdown of Swift's pay structure:

Keep in mind that pay is based on the length of haul and geographical region for any given load assignment.

Policies

Swift's home time options vary based on the type of driving you'll be doing. Over-the-road drivers are typically out for 10-14 days at a time, while regional drivers' home time is determined by freight demand.

Swift allows riders, but they don't provide specific policy information on the topic.

Swift does not offer tuition reimbursement, so if you're looking to further your education, you'll need to explore other options.

Swift's pet policy is pretty strict - they don't allow pets on board.

Here's a quick summary of Swift's policies:

Dispatching Policies

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Credit: pexels.com, A fallow deer standing in Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland, during fall.

Swift Transportation's dispatching policies are designed to balance flexibility with efficiency. Most drivers start out in the OTR division, but can choose to opt into a "comfort zone" where they're given preference for loads within a 1-2 day trip back home.

OTR drivers typically spend 3 weeks on the road before taking home time, earning 1 day off for every 6 days on the job. Regional drivers, on the other hand, get home weekly.

Over 85% of Swift freight is drop and hook, which means drivers spend less time sitting around waiting for loads. However, drivers aren't guaranteed to stay within their comfort zone, even if they opt into it.

Drivers are sent loads based on their available driving hours, current location, and freight availability. Rejecting a load will put them at the end of the queue for another load.

Driver Pay & Benefits

Swift Transportation Company offers a competitive driver pay package, with a starting pay of $.36 cpm, plus bonuses. This can increase to $.38 cpm after 1 year, and then rise annually up to 15 years.

Loaded Truck on Road
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The payment structure can be a bit complicated, as it's based on the length of haul and geographical region for any given load assignment. However, there are more raises in the first year than usual, with 5 increases in the first 12 months.

Quarterly bonuses can be as high as $.08 cpm, which is a potential of around $2800 per quarter. This can add up quickly, making Swift a attractive option for drivers looking for extra income.

Here's a breakdown of the pay increases:

It's worth noting that while starting pay may be lower compared to other motor carriers, drivers can expect their pay to be around average compared to the industry standard after 1 year.

Opportunities and Equipment

Swift Transportation Company offers many driver opportunities, including dedicated and regional freight, along with a limited number of local positions.

The company has a wide variety of opportunities available, allowing drivers to move around from division to division and never run out of new opportunities.

Drivers can choose from divisions such as Convention Services, Container, Flatbed, Heavy Haul, Intermodal, Refrigerated, and Dry Van, with most drivers starting their career in the dry-van division.

Swift Transportation uses late model Freightliner and Kenworth tractors, which are sold after reaching 500,000 miles.

Driver Opportunities

Car Mechanic Repairing a Truck in the Garage
Credit: pexels.com, Car Mechanic Repairing a Truck in the Garage

Swift Transportation Company offers many driver opportunities, including the dry-van division where most drivers start their careers.

Their divisions include Convention Services, Container, Flatbed, Heavy Haul, Intermodal, Refrigerated, and Dry Van, so you can choose the type of driving that suits you best.

You can also consider dedicated and regional freight, as well as a limited number of local positions.

Swift is one of the largest carriers in the nation, which means they have a wide variety of opportunities available, allowing you to move around and try different divisions without running out of new opportunities.

With so many options, you can find a role that fits your skills and preferences.

Starting pay at Swift is $.36 cpm, plus bonuses, and you can earn up to $.38 cpm after 1 year of service.

You'll also receive quarterly bonuses, which could be as much as $.08 cpm, potentially earning around $2800 per quarter.

While the payment structure may seem complicated, with 5 raises in the first 12 months, your pay will be right about average compared to the industry standard by the end of your first year.

Equipment

Trailer Trucks on the Road
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Swift Transportation Equipment is top-notch, using late model Freightliner and Kenworth tractors that are sold after reaching 500,000 miles.

These tractors are reliable and well-maintained, making them perfect for long hauls. They're also equipped with Smart Idle systems to help reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions.

Review

Swift Transportation is a great place to begin a career as a truck driver. Their CDL training program seems to be well run and operated with a decent amount of time in both a classroom setting and practicing skills behind the wheel.

Starting pay after training is a bit lower than the industry average, but pay raises come very quickly with 5 raises in the first year. After about 1 year of employment, the mileage pay is right on par with the industry average.

Swift Transportation is the largest truckload carrier in the world, operating more than 20,000 trucks with operations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Swift a good company to work for?

Swift Transportation has a mixed employee satisfaction rating of 3.2 out of 5, with 54% of employees recommending it to a friend, but a 3% decline in rating over the last 12 months. Read reviews from over 1,800 employees to learn more about their experiences.

How much does Swift pay per mile?

Swift pays 44 cents per mile, with a bonus of $0.5 to $0.5 for loads under 500 miles.

Darla Bartell

Senior Assigning Editor

Darla Bartell is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and journalism, she has honed her skills in identifying and assigning compelling articles that captivate readers. Her expertise spans a wide range of topics, including Truck Dimensions and Regulations, where she has consistently delivered insightful and informative content that meets the needs of her audience.

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