MEGA-CARRIER TRAINING PROGRAMS

Swift Transportation

Phoenix, AZ

vs

C.R. England

Salt Lake City, UT

Swift vs C.R. England (2026)

Two of the largest company-sponsored CDL training programs in America. Which mega-carrier offers better training and career opportunities for new drivers?

Last Updated: January 2026

🎧 Listen to this article

Loading audio...

0:000:00

📊 At-a-Glance Comparison

FeatureSwift TransportationC.R. England
HeadquartersPhoenix, AZSalt Lake City, UT
Fleet Size~18,000 trucks~4,000 trucks
Training Cost$3,900$6,200
Training Length3-4 weeks3 weeks
Contract12 months9 months
Starting Pay$0.42-0.48 CPM$0.40-0.44 CPM
Team RequiredNo - OptionalYes (6-12 months)
Solo OptionImmediateAfter team phase

💰 Pay Comparison

Swift Pay Structure

  • • $0.42-0.48 CPM starting (solo)
  • • Regional positions available immediately
  • • $200-300 weekly performance bonuses
  • • Dedicated accounts: $900-1,100/week
  • • Health benefits after 90 days

C.R. England Pay Structure

  • • $0.40-0.44 CPM starting (team required)
  • • Team splits: $800-1,000/week each
  • • Solo after 6-12 months: $0.46-0.52 CPM
  • • Benefits available after 30 days
  • • Higher training debt ($6,200)

💵 Pay Verdict: Swift Wins

Swift offers higher starting pay and no forced team driving period.

🎓 Training Comparison

Swift Training

  • 3-4 week academy
  • $3,900 cost (lower)
  • Multiple locations nationwide
  • 200+ hours behind the wheel
  • Solo immediately after graduation

C.R. England Training

  • 3-week intensive program
  • $6,200 cost (higher)
  • Salt Lake City only
  • Shorter 9-month contract
  • Team driving required first

🏆 Training Verdict: Swift Wins

Lower cost, more locations, and no forced team driving period.

🏠 Home Time Comparison

Swift Home Time

  • • Regional: Weekly home time
  • • OTR: 1 day home per week out
  • • Dedicated: Daily to weekly options
  • • Solo drivers control their schedule

C.R. England Home Time

  • • Team ops: 2-3 weeks out, then home
  • • Teams stay out longer
  • • Solo positions: Weekly to bi-weekly
  • • Must complete team phase first

🏡 Home Time Verdict: Swift Wins

Better options for new drivers with regional and dedicated positions immediately available.

🎯 The Final Verdict

Choose Swift If...

  • You want to go solo immediately
  • Lower training debt matters
  • You want more division options
  • Training location flexibility

Choose C.R. England If...

  • You don't mind team driving
  • Faster benefits (30 days)
  • Shorter contract (9 months)
  • Refrigerated freight interests you

🏆 Overall Winner: Swift Transportation

For new CDL drivers, Swift Transportation wins. Lower training cost, no forced team driving, immediate solo opportunities, and better home time options make Swift the better choice for most new drivers.

Career Strategy:

Start at Swift, gain 6-12 months of solo experience, then move to higher-paying carriers like Schneider or J.B. Hunt.

🚀 Ready to Apply?

See current job openings or find a local CDL school.

Related Comparisons