Swift, US Express or Covenant

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by Robinann, Mar 31, 2012.

  1. Robinann

    Robinann Bobtail Member

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    Feb 26, 2012
    Akron, OH
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    I'm in school and have pre-hires with Swift, US Express and Covenant at this point. I would appreciate hearing from drivers of these companies. I've got to put one at the top of my list and another at the bottom lol. Your experiences, opinions and any good or bad info you want to share will sure help me try to choose a company. Thanks so much!
     
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  3. JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    Troutman NC
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    I trained with Swift and drove for Swift for about 10 months (I was fired). I've been on the road (with another, smaller carrier that does NOT have a training program) with all of the above. U S Xpress and Covenant would be #1 and #2, and in that order. Use this forum and perhaps you can get enough information that will help you to latch on to a smaller carrier that has a training program for new drivers.

    Good luck!
     
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  4. plentygood

    plentygood Road Train Member

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    Apr 24, 2011
    USA / CANADA
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    Good luck with it!
     
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  5. Aflak

    Aflak Light Load Member

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    Jun 6, 2011
    Las Vegas, NV
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    I went with Swift lasted less then six months, was not able to handle the being out for 2 months at a time otr lifestyle. So I Put in proper notice and left on good terms. Oddly and I don’t know why I am wanting to give it another try:biggrin_1square5:. If I do go back I would have no problem going back with Swift. IMO driving for Swift is what you make of it.:biggrin_255:
     
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  6. WMGUY

    WMGUY Road Train Member

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    Nine Mile Falls, WA
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    swift and us express are about even i started with swift and they did what they said they would do, i have heard the same about us express..

    on covenant i have heard more horror stories than i can count plus while i was training we got rear ended by one of their trucks north of vegas so i may be a little bias in that regard..

    good luck
     
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  7. Robinann

    Robinann Bobtail Member

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    Feb 26, 2012
    Akron, OH
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    Do the smaller carriers have the freight to keep me running? What is limiting companies for me at this time is the fact I don't have current work history. I stayed home to raise my daughter. The companies tell me they can't verify the type of worker I am. I had 11 yrs with my employer before resigning, but apparently it's too long ago. I figured they would look at that as longevity
     
  8. Robinann

    Robinann Bobtail Member

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    Feb 26, 2012
    Akron, OH
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    Thank you! I've wanted to do this for many years, but being married and then raising my daughter as a single parent, it just wasn't possible. Now that I'm divorced and my daughter is grown, I have the chance to do what I want in life :)
     
  9. Robinann

    Robinann Bobtail Member

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    Feb 26, 2012
    Akron, OH
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    I think most places would be what you make of it, but it would be much more difficult in a company that treats their drivers like crap. I don't mind being out a couple months at a time, so that wouldn't be an issue at all. I want to get as many miles as I can under my belt and get the experience. From there, I may consider being a trainer. Apparently most these companies are in need of female trainers, but it's something I wouldn't consider until I go thru at least all 4 seasons and all weather conditions on my own....but that is all down the road. Saying you would consider going back to Swift says something for the company :)
     
  10. Robinann

    Robinann Bobtail Member

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    Feb 26, 2012
    Akron, OH
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    Before I posted here, Swift was my first choice, but US Express was my last. Apparently they are going to mostly teams. That's something I would consider later on, but it would be with a driver of my choice, that I knew very well. It would be difficult to pick a co-driver that you had only seen in orientation and be comfortable with that. Covenant starts at .17 a mile....need I say more on that subject lol.
     
  11. Wego4ut

    Wego4ut Light Load Member

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    Nov 25, 2011
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    Robinann, remember that .17 per mile is for team miles and doesn't include any bonuses. So a 5000 mile week is $850 plus safety bonus, as long as you don't have any accidents for the quarter. The horror stories you are reading are very old. Check out their Facebook page at Covenant Drivers and see for yourself.
     
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