Swift or Roehl, for a new driver who is more interested in solo driving?

Where do you live? There may be better options.

 

I don't think you could go wrong either way. Both have some options. If you're going flatbed, it seems like Roehl would be the better option, I only say that because it seems like Roehl has a stronger hold in flatbed than Swift does. I could be wrong in that regard though. The question is do you know which sector of trucking you'd want to go?

 

Swift team driving is optional. They never 'make' you team. With the kind of exception when you are with a mentor. Not sure you call that true team driving though. I haven't done team driving and don't intend to.
I checked into Roehl before I went with Swift. With Roehi, they wanted me for flat bed, and I didn't think it was a good idea for me to flat bed.
I can't say I've heard any negatives about Roehl. So, can't say which one is better. I did the Swift route and still with Swift after 2 1/2 years. They've worked out well for me. YMMV. But, seems to me like either option is a good way to get your CDL, gain the experiences needed and be able to find your niche from there. I serendipitously found my niche right out the gate.
Good luck to you!!

 

If it takes 18 months to go 150,000 miles, you are being underutilized. The average should be at least 120,000 per year, so it should only take 15 months at the most to make the mileage requirement.

As for Swift, they have an interesting way of recouping the cost. I'm running off memory here, so someone can correct me if I am wrong.

They deduct money every week toward your school for the first year, then credit your pay for half that amount (I think its $100/$50). On week 53, they credit/deduct the remaining balance ($2800), so its now zero and you are free to leave. But wait, there's more! Starting week 54, they will continue crediting the same dollar amount they were the first year, but not deducting anything more for school. This effectively means that if you stay 2 years, you recouped everything that was deducted and not reimbursed in the first year, making the school 100% free. If you leave at week 52, you lost $2600 and are billed the remaining $2800, so you will effectively pay $5400 for school. Stay to week 53, and you then only paid $2600. Stay to week 76, and you will have only paid $1300, and so on.

 

Flatbedders back too, maybe not as much by bumping docks, though i’ve loaded a flatbed at docks before.
Flatbed is more physically demanding.

 

FYI, Swift does dry van, reefer of flat bed. You pick which one, are least I did. I went reefer and, I guess I'm a masochist because I actually enjoy doing reefer stuff. The only thing I've changed since I started was going from doing all 48 to being a Western region driver. Personal reasons, again, by my choice.