1 Week Left Until Swift.

Topic 21681 | Page 1

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Bryan Q.'s Comment
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So originally I was going to go to a class in Charlotte. But the recruiter said everything was booked. So they are sending me to Richmond Virginia ! As each day gets closer I get more nervous , scared and excited at the same time. I know these companies can be strict with training. Hopefully everything will go smooth sailing !

G-Town's Comment
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I attended Richmond, no regrets.

Although it's fast paced if you are 100% committed, laser focused and avoid distractions (like the intoxicating aroma from the Nabisco plant), you'll enable your chance for success.

Good luck!

Terminal Rat ( aka...J's Comment
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I haven't been to Charlotte but everyone at the Richmond terminal was pleasant and extremely helpful while I was there.

JJ

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.

Errol V.'s Comment
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Welcome to crossing over to Trucking, Brian. And to Swift. This will probably be a huge change in the way you have been living. So, be "more nervous , scared and excited".

A bit of heads up: Get a toy semi-truck, Ertl or so, 12-14" long, to practice with. For some people, seeing how the tractor (the cab/truck) works with the trailer is an eye opener. Practice on the dining table trying to back the truck in between two pencils or table knives.

People on the forum have laughed at this, but I believe it helps: get your broom, hold the top of the handle by your waist, and drag the broom around the house. The trick is to not let the broom hit anything!

In backing practice, you may become so frustrated you wonder why you signed up for this. Well, join the club! Figuring out how backing works will not be easy.

Lastly, remember this: each stage of your education (Academy, mentor ride, etc.) only gets you barely ready for your next step. No one is expecting you to be "proficient", you'll just be able to get it done/pass the test.

Keep looking toward your goal. You'll get there.

Bryan Q.'s Comment
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A bit of heads up: Get a toy semi-truck, Ertl or so, 12-14" long, to practice with. For some people, seeing how the tractor (the cab/truck) works with the trailer is an eye opener. Practice on the dining table trying to back the truck in between two pencils or table knives.

I actually thought about doing this !

Wind's Comment
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I'm starting school this Sunday, I can't wait! I hear a lot of people dropout and get kicked out. What are the main reasons why people dropout and get kicked out? I'm just hoping that everything goes smoothly.

Brett Aquila's Comment
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double-quotes-start.png

A bit of heads up: Get a toy semi-truck, Ertl or so, 12-14" long, to practice with. For some people, seeing how the tractor (the cab/truck) works with the trailer is an eye opener. Practice on the dining table trying to back the truck in between two pencils or table knives.

double-quotes-end.png

I actually thought about doing this !

It actually helps more than people would expect. Our class did this during school and it helped us understand how the truck and trailer interact and gave us a lot of ideas for set up strategies in different scenarios.

Deleted Account's Comment
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I'm starting school this Sunday, I can't wait! I hear a lot of people dropout and get kicked out. What are the main reasons why people dropout and get kicked out? I'm just hoping that everything goes smoothly.

Variety of reasons, but many people don't make it because they can't pass a drug screen, lied on application, or don't pass background check.

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