Completed Swift Training... (posting In General Topic Too)
Topic 15425 | Page 1
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Gladhand's Comment
8 years, 4 months ago
Congrats now the real thing begins. Have patience and you will make it through training. If you don't feel safe, don't do it! Either way welcome to the industry driver!
G-Town's Comment
8 years, 4 months ago
Congratulations! The next step is a big one,...best of luck. Safe travels.
Brett Aquila's Comment
8 years, 4 months ago
Hey congrats! It doesn't matter what it took to get that license as long as you have it!
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wow....
so I started in Tenn. at the Memphis Terminal.. i have never in my life drove a manual truck or a truck at all.... the instructor i had ( will not disclose name ) was straight to the point. and told you what you needed to know once. Then you had to execute you to the best of your ability. if he saw that you were struggling hed help you once or twice and would even sit in the truck with you.. after that....... you are on your own. They dont repeat much at this location. Days were HOT.. Heat index up to 105... I was tired... always sweaty ... got black as hell... but ...
It was all worth it. Continue
Week 1
Straight Line Backing.... sounds easy.... Small bumps to the steering wheel or you can have your trailer jackknife lol. ( i witnessed this) I swear i didnt do this.... I am guilty of turning my steering wheel too hard for a "straight" line.... smh. silly me
Week 2 Backing Skills
I did the 90 Degree and the Right Offset .
Eventually I understood the concept for the Right offset. and could easily get it in. I struggled with the 90 degree backing for a while even during the evaluation and actual test.
During the 2nd week. Evaluation was on Wed. and final testing was on Friday. If you cannot pass in the second week you are placed on Academic probation . meaning you have to stay another week to learn your skills. Thank GOD! I passed. ( keep reading though)
Found out I had to travel across the country to complete my road training ... ugh... but i made the trip by car. nice road adventure
fast forward
Week 3 Road Test
Found myself in Minnesota for the last week of training. The instructors at this location... VERY HELPFUL AND ALWAYS POSITIVE. THEY REALLY GET YOU READY FOR THE ROAD TEST. I understood the concept of the 90 in week 3. " Add bend or remove bend " DUh!!!
but.... i FAILED MY ROAD TEST TWICE do to being CARELESS...
"Watch that Splitter" and "Remember what Gear you are in"!
A simple mistake WILL cause an AUTO FAIL
In the end it took my 3rd try and I PASSED.
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.
TWIC:
Transportation Worker Identification Credential
Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.
Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.