What To Wear During Swift Orientation
Topic 24274 | Page 1
Welcome to Trucking Truth, Frank! We have lots of information for new truck drivers, just touch on the three-bar menu in the top left to see what you can learn here.
And don't be a stranger here on the forum.
Swift's a good company. I drove for them for three years, no complaints.
What's your progress in your career? You mentioned "orientation" so I assume you have your CDL already. Road experience?
If your a trucker rookie, pack more for the road and not so much for the office. On the last (third) day off orientation you'll be assigned your trainer and should soon be on his/her truck for the next five-six weeks.
Here are packing lists for you:
Items To Bring To CDL School, Training, and OTR
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.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Thanks for the reply...I just wanted to know what i should wear day 1..and yes i passed my road test on dec 4th
Honestly Frank, on day 1 you'll be fine if you're clean and neat. You may be surprised at how some people show up.
I kinda was hoping that my black cargo pants and black teeshirt with my light columbia jacket is good enough
Honestly, if you wear that you'll be way over dressed compared to some of your fellow students. Don't spend any more money on clothing. You are good!
In most truck companies, there is no dress code for the drivers. Personally, I wear "safety color" bright green, orange, yellow tees, jeans and good work shoes. On the road, expect anything to get dirty, you might even get some grease spots.
As Old School said, just dress neatly. In orientation you'll get more "Brownie Points" from paying attention than you will with Chinos and a button shirt.
Don't forget in packing to be ready to work in any weather, from North Dakota to South Carolina.
Good luck!!
Errol wrote:
In most truck companies, there is no dress code for the drivers. Personally, I wear "safety color" bright green, orange, yellow tees, jeans and good work shoes. On the road, expect anything to get dirty, you might even get some grease spots.
As Old School said, just dress neatly. In orientation you'll get more "Brownie Points" from paying attention than you will with Chinos and a button shirt.
Don't forget in packing to be ready to work in any weather, from North Dakota to South Carolina.
Good luck!!
I agree with both Errol and OS here...
Best advice? Show up well rested, pay attention, and stow the cell phone. My orientation was at the same terminal you are going to. The classroom instructor is fair, but tough and will not take any BS.
Two folks were dismissed during my 2.5 days; one for falling asleep (after the second warning) and the other because of repeated incoming cell calls which the “Bozo” actually answered. The 3rd time he was asked to leave.
Consider orientation a job interview.
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.
Welcome to the forum. Just wear something clean and practical. Make sure you are well prepared for Orientation and for going on the road. Clothes, shoes and at least 14 days of clothes for changing. There will be time for doing laundry but if you have and don't need it, is better than not having it and need it. Make sure you have a good flashlight with extra batteries. Also so good gloves, you will be fueling with diesel fuel.
I had my Orientation at Jurupa Valley the 10th and 11th of December. I'm now out with my mentor. Read all you can from the 3 bars at the top left of the page. And particapate in the forum discussions it will help with many of your questions. Also check out in the search bar for of maybe your many questions with be in there. And never be afraid of asking anything on here. There are many drivers on here that will give the true perspectives of things TRUEFULLY. Good luck on your adventure.
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Raptor
Alright well I guess I passed day one here at swift...
Amazing how people are on their phone and sleeping during their first day..was quite shocking..
Hope I get the job haha
How did it go? I go this Monday and I am nervous for the drive test
Alright well I guess I passed day one here at swift...
Amazing how people are on their phone and sleeping during their first day..was quite shocking..
Hope I get the job haha
Welcome to Trucking Truth Victoria.
Which Swift Academy are you attending?
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Swift Transport Becoming A Truck Driver Truck Driving Orientation
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Hey guys I am in PA awaiting my orientation at Swift..
Says to wear business casual so I bought kakis and a polo colored tee..
This is my first trucking job..I kinda was hoping that my black cargo pants and black teeshirt with my light columbia jacket is good enough but whatever..ill just dress up with the kakis lol
What did you guys wear during your orientation?