Looking At Company Sponsored Schools

Glenn im looking at a mid may start date. Maybe our paths will cross.

Yeah bolt maybe so may even be there at same time. I'm from southwest Arkansas little town called Horatio about 50 miles north of Texarkana.

Sweet Im from springdale.

Glenn, here two things that are different between USMC boot camp and Swift Academy: the Academy doesn't start till 6am (not 0200), and you don't have to eat SOS*.

The school facilities are rather new - about a year old. I believe the hotel you stay at is a few miles away. The school has their own bus to get you from hotel to class. Burger King across the street, and the Swift Terminal has a restaurant of its own.

* (For non-Vets: It's a military breakfast classic. Served on toast.)

Glenn, here two things that are different between USMC boot camp and Swift Academy: the Academy doesn't start till 6am (not 0200), and you don't have to eat SOS*.

The school facilities are rather new - about a year old. I believe the hotel you stay at is a few miles away. The school has their own bus to get you from hotel to class. Burger King across the street, and the Swift Terminal has a restaurant of its own.

* (For non-Vets: It's a military breakfast classic. Served on toast.)

So is class in Memphis Monday through Friday? What happens on the weekend, are you able to go to the range and practice or just hang out in the hotel?

I was at the Swift Academy in Phoenix last April. Class was 6 days a week. No extra range time. You will really need that day off! STAY AWAY from the idiots and losers, there will be some in your class. Pick 1 or 2 people that are taking school SERIOUSLY, and work together!

STAY AWAY from the idiots and losers, there will be some in your class. Pick 1 or 2 people that are taking school SERIOUSLY, and work together!

I want to agree with this and emphasize it a little bit. Probably 1/4 of the class will be sent home within the first few days because of issues with their application, paperwork, physical, or drug screen. But more will be sent home after that for just having a really poor attitude. To me it's unimaginable that you wouldn't take it seriously and give it everything you've got if someone offers to invest in you by training you for a new career and then hiring you afterward. But it's not at all uncommon to find some students who are lazy, cynical, know-it-alls, or just plain hard to get along with.

So find a couple people that are optimistic, humble, and hardworking and work together to get through it. Ignore the rest of them completely. You'll hear all sorts of rumors and stories and heresy and conspiracy theories. Just keep your nose in your books, your butt in the seat, and focus on learning your new trade.

And be friendly.

STAY AWAY from the idiots and losers, there will be some in your class. Pick 1 or 2 people that are taking school SERIOUSLY, and work together!

I want to agree with this and emphasize it a little bit. Probably 1/4 of the class will be sent home within the first few days because of issues with their application, paperwork, physical, or drug screen. But more will be sent home after that for just having a really poor attitude. To me it's unimaginable that you wouldn't take it seriously and give it everything you've got if someone offers to invest in you by training you for a new career and then hiring you afterward. But it's not at all uncommon to find some students who are lazy, cynical, know-it-alls, or just plain hard to get along with.

So find a couple people that are optimistic, humble, and hardworking and work together to get through it. Ignore the rest of them completely. You'll hear all sorts of rumors and stories and heresy and conspiracy theories. Just keep your nose in your books, your butt in the seat, and focus on learning your new trade.

And be friendly.

Based on my almost 2 years of lurking, occasional posting, and reading on this site that was my plan. Brett, the moderators, and other experienced drivers that contribute regularly on here have influenced many of my thought patterns and ideas. Even my opinion of companies like Swift have changed. Thanks much guys.

Bolt wrote this:

Based on my almost 2 years of lurking, occasional posting, and reading on this site that was my plan.

Trust me Bolt, that alone will put you ahead of 2/3rds of your class. Let us know how much it has shrunk after the map reading/trip planning test?

Good luck!

Bolt asks:

So is class in Memphis Monday through Friday? What happens on the weekend, are you able to go to the range and practice or just hang out in the hotel?

Nothing happens on weekends. Hang out at the hotel. Find a way to Beale St. (Home of the Blues) or head south to Tunica casinos. School here is M-F.

No practice without an instructor present. When I was in that school, an instructor did come out on a Saturday to allow practice.