Swift Transportation (Knight-Swift)

Phoenix, AZ · Founded 1966 · 18,000+ trucks · 48 states, Canada, Mexico

Company Overview

Swift Transportation, now part of Knight-Swift, is the largest full-truckload carrier in North America by fleet size. The company merged with Knight Transportation in 2017, creating a transportation powerhouse. Swift is known for hiring and training brand-new drivers through its Swift Driving Academy. While it is sometimes considered an entry-level carrier, Swift provides a massive network of freight and consistent miles for drivers at all experience levels.

Pay & Compensation

Solo Driver Pay

$0.48-$0.62/mi

Team Driver Pay

$0.60-$0.74/mi

Owner-Operator Pay

$1.10-$1.45/mi

Benefits & Perks

Swift Driving Academy (company-paid CDL training)
Medical, dental, vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid vacation
Pet and rider policy
Lease purchase program available

Hiring Requirements

Minimum Age: 21 years old
Experience Required: No experience required (CDL training available)
CDL Class: Class A
Endorsements: None required

Pros & Cons

Pros

Will hire drivers with zero experience
Huge freight network means consistent miles
Many division options (OTR, regional, dedicated, flatbed)
Paths to owner-operator through lease purchase

Cons

Lower starting pay compared to smaller carriers
Large company bureaucracy can frustrate drivers
Lease purchase program has mixed reviews
Older equipment in some fleets

Equipment & Operations

Equipment Types

Dry VanRefrigeratedFlatbedDedicatedIntermodal

Operating Region

48 states, Canada, Mexico

Home Time

Varies by division; regional weekly, OTR every 2-3 weeks

Annual Revenue

$7.1 billion (Knight-Swift combined)

Best For

Brand-new drivers who need CDL training and a guaranteed first job

Frequently Asked Questions About Swift Transportation (Knight-Swift)

Yes. Swift is one of the most accessible mega carriers for new drivers. Through the Swift Driving Academy, you can earn your CDL and start driving with no prior experience.

Swift's lease purchase program has mixed reviews. While it offers a path to ownership, drivers should carefully review the terms, maintenance costs, and weekly deductions before committing. Many experienced truckers recommend gaining 1-2 years of experience before considering any lease purchase.

First-year Swift drivers typically earn $45,000 to $55,000 depending on the division and miles run. Pay increases with experience and endorsements.