Financial Support that Eases the Journey

A major part of what made his transition so smooth was Swift’s tuition reimbursement program—removing the stress of affording CDL school out of pocket. Swift Academy provides an agreement which covers the cost of tuition up front, is deducted through payroll during your first year as a full-time company driver, then reimbursed to the driver through weekly paychecks.

“The tuition reimbursement program was huge," Joshua said. "It took away the financial pressure of figuring out how to pay for an $8,000 CDL training program.”

Joshua lived close to Swift’s Phoenix terminal and drove himself to class each day. But if a student attending an academy is from out of town, Swift offers transportation and hotel accommodations! Costs are covered through the tuition agreement. Swift’s CDL school network offers nearly a dozen locations in the U.S., making the program accessible to aspiring drivers across the country.

“If you haven’t driven before, I really do think Swift Academy is a really good place to start,” Joshua shared. “Not all CDL programs are created equal. Some just throw you in, but Swift sets you up for success.”

Joshua especially valued the structure and preparation built into the first two weeks of training: “Before we even got on the range, the instructors gave us real-world tips—how to stay safe, plan ahead, and get things done on time. That stuck with me.”

Finding Purpose and Paying it Forward

After graduation, Joshua chose to drive in the refrigerated division, a decision that resonated deeply.

“When you transport food, you’re making an even bigger difference. We all have to eat. It really means a lot to me to help people get their meals on the table.”

Not only does he take pride in every haul, he considered food safety his guiding principle: “I always ask myself: Would I want to eat this when I'm done hauling it? That motivates me to treat every load with extra care.”

Driving Toward Opportunity: A Swift Academy Success Story

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