Swift Transportation Academy Phoenix
Topic 13535 | Page 5
Devan, A Big Thank You to you for this dairy! I start at the Phoenix Academy on the 25th of this month. Less than 3 weeks away and getting a little nervous. Your "play by play coverage" has alleviated a bit of the nervousness. We are on opposite ends of the curve. You, 21 starting your first career, Me almost 56, starting my 3rd and hopefully final one! I like your determination, keep up the good work!
You are going to have a lot of fun. The instructors are amazing and they will teach you everything you need to know. It's ok to have nervousness, but it will subside.
I am so amazed about how much I have progressed and that I am actually driving. You will do fine the only thing is to make sure to listen to what they tell you.
Day 16
Another day behind the wheel of a big rig. Today was fun. I made improvements on my lane control and smoothing out my downshifting.
Started the day out in Avondale. After me and the other student drove out there, the instructor took us into Phoenix and all we did is drove the roads and intersections near the terminal.
It was quite the rush to get into more traffic and taking turns. An amazing thought that came to me is the sheer size of the vehicle keeps me less rushed. Like if I was in my pickup the pressure of others would make me drive faster, but in the truck I don't feel as rushed because I am the big guy on the road.
I am enjoying this week alot! Step up the intensity tomorrow and then we get evaluated on Thursday. I am confident that I will pass.
Again thanks to you guys reading. Coming up on the end of this diary. Only have a few more days left!
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
An amazing thought that came to me is the sheer size of the vehicle keeps me less rushed.
That's the feeling I had in the road training. "Who needs to go faster?" It's not from fear/ nervousness, but it felt that's how it ought to be. Even a year later, especially in surface streets - traffic or no traffic - I feel "what's the rush?"
Also, speed limits are designed for automobiles. You need to move a bit slower with an 80,000 pound machine for safety reasons.
Day 17
Another day of driving around the 75th Ave area. As well as going over the area we will be evaluated on. I still have some rough spots in my driving, but I fill confident in what I have been taught.
Not much to note because it was the same as yesterday, just a couple more tough turns.
Evaluation tomorrow. Let's see what I got!
You've got this Devan! It sounds like you are making great progress and learning very quickly! We are all rooting for you!
Day 18
Well after much determination, I passed my road evaluation. Yes, I limped my way out, but I did pass! I am officially a graduate of the Swift academy.
Tomorrow is the big day. Get to test for the thing I came here for. My CDL! Time to put all that I have learned from the academy to use. They give us the answers to the test, we just have to execute.
All I did today was just drive for the evaluation and sit passenger while the other two students that failed, practiced some more for tomorrows retake of the evaluation.
I am ready to do this. If I pass I'll be headed over to Albuquerque for orientation. I am ready to get out there and start turning them wheels.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Well after much determination, I passed my road evaluation. Yes, I limped my way out, but I did pass! I am officially a graduate of the Swift academy.
In this business, testing is a go/no go situation, no "limping" is necessary. Congratulations!
Remember, the examiner has seen anything that happens in the driving test before. And down inside they really want you to pass - legally - but they just can't show it.
Day 19
Been on the grey dog most of the day... because I passed my CDL test first thing this morning! I amazed by my progress and feel confident in the basic skills.
Ready to get on with the next part. I am ready to do big things in this career path! Orientation starts on Tuesday!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Day 19
Been on the grey dog most of the day... because I passed my CDL test first thing this morning! I amazed by my progress and feel confident in the basic skills.
Ready to get on with the next part. I am ready to do big things in this career path! Orientation starts on Tuesday!
Yes! We are so proud of you! Great work and stay safe out there!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
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Errol, I did better today. Instructor took me through some spots with narrower lanes which helped me better my lane control. I am having so much fun!
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.