Swift Training

Well I received my bus ticket to Memphis today. I leave Saturday and arrive in Memphis, TN on Sunday morning. All my nerves are kicking in now because it is becoming reality now that I have my bus ticket in hand. But I am also excited and ready for learn and drive! I have my CDL permit and DOT physical completed. Wish me luck!

Awesome!

Best of luck. Try not to be too nervous.

I wrote this a couple weeks ago, might be helpful as you nentally prepare for a successful 3 weeks of schooling...

The Ego Becomes the Downfall of Many Students

Awesome!

Best of luck. Try not to be too nervous.

I wrote this a couple weeks ago, might be helpful as you nentally prepare for a successful 3 weeks of schooling...

The Ego Becomes the Downfall of Many Students

Thanks G-Town! As I was reading that article I tried to give myself the same mindset that I am there to learn and not make friends and chit chat about nothing. I have a tendency to study alone though so that I can focus. I just hope that doesn't make me look like a "loner" so to speak. It's just how I can pay attention and retain what I am reading.

I will do what I can to learn as much as I can and be successful. My goal is to pass the CDL exam at the end. One hurdle at a time.

A likely occurance is study groups will form specifically for PTI. That’s why I suggested aligning yourself with like minded students.

After the initial smoke clears...about day 4, you’ll see who is serious and who isn’t. Trust me...the benefit of a positive study group is far better than attempting to learn PTI alone. It’s a very dry subject.

Here to help. Again, best wishes for success.

Good luck! One day at a time and don't let anyone's negativity get to you.

Well everything is packed up in my duffel bag and backpack. I’m actually surprised I fit almost all of it in the bag. Couldn’t fit my pillow but I guess I can always get a new one later? Or a bigger duffel bag lol *shrugs* the bus leaves at 2:15 tomorrow and then 25 hours later I’ll be in Memphis. The paperwork says I’ll be going straight from the academy to on the road training but I have read that I will go home first to get my license in my home state then go to the nearest terminal. I’ll probably defer to the paperwork they gave me and expect to be out straight after. Not sure how I’ll get my license then?

With Swift you are required to pass your CDL test before heading out with a trainer (mentor).

Good luck, take it one day at a time.

Day1: Well we started with about 21 people in the class and are already down to 17. Some left because apparently they had already gone through CDL training (some left before it was finished and I’m not sure if the details on the other) and didn’t want to start over so they quit voluntarily. One of them was my room mate.

The first day was pretty much rules, hours of service, and map reading. We were also given out pre trip study sheet to get a head start. Today is DOT physicals for those who haven’t gotten them yet and for those of us whose physical wasn’t acceptable due to being filled out wrong or missing information. Unfortunately I am among that group, ugh. When they put my urine results on the sheet they just put a line instead of actual results, which were negative, so that wasn’t accepted. So today I need to get my physical done again and we are all getting hair follicle and urine tests as well.

Not too much to really report other than that. More updates to come if I have time. Lol study study study

Well.....since I had to get my physical done over again they gave me a 5 month medical card because the doctor wanted me to get a sleep study. That being said, in order to stay at the academy you need a minimum of 1 year medical card. So needless to say I’m being sent home. I’m at the bus station now to head home.

I was extremely upset and ticked off. Not at Swift at all but more at the doctors office who filled out my paperwork in the first place.

Now I’m not sure what to do. Spend the thousands of dollars and get a sleep study or get a second opinion and another physical and go to a different company? Swift said that they WANT me to come back so if I decide to do the study I am more than welcome to come back to another class. The instructor even said “you come back real quick okay?” He was disappointed to see me leave.

So that’s where I stand now. Any advice?

I also want to add that even though I was only here a few days I have nothing bad to say about Swift. It was of no fault of theirs and they were real nice about the whole situation. I know some people will start bashing a company because they let them go in training for one reason or another, but there are certain rules and regulations they need to follow so there’s no reason for me to be mad at Swift.