This week Swift Transportation announced that they are trying a new tactic in order to lure in truck drivers.
On November 20, Swift announced the rollout of their “Drive for a Degree” program, with hopes to attract and retain qualified drivers by promising to pay for their college education.
The program provides full tuition reimbursement to the company’s drivers and their dependents who take online courses through Southern New Hampshire University.
Drivers and dependents will be able to earn either an Associate’s or Bachelor’s through the new program.
The “Drive for a Degree” programs allows “drivers and their eligible dependents the ability to pursue their education career on the road 100% tuition free. Additional eligible family members are able to enroll and self-pay, at a discounted rate, as part of this SNHU partnership.
Swift is also awarding credits towards a laptop purchase and monthly WiFi reimbursements,” according to a press release from the company.
“I’ve been a truck driver for Swift for about 7 years, and I always like to reach the goals I set for myself. My goal was to be a mentor, an owner, and now to go to college. I just thank Swift for the help and the chance to be better, and I’m grateful for having this opportunity and helping me succeed,” said Jodi, the first Swift truck driver to enroll in the “Drive for a Degree” program.
Swift isn’t the first company to offer free college to company drivers and their dependents. U.S. Xpress debuted a similar program called “Full Ride” in September 2018. This program also offers covers the cost of tuition for online college courses for company truck drivers and their qualified dependents.