New Member Question About Swift.
Topic 25767 | Page 1
I don't believe we have anyone recently that went through the school in Richmond but I'm sure it's very similar to the swift schools. They have it down to a science. We have a quite a few swift drivers here, and one former instructor for the West Memphis school. Any specific questions? School will be fast paced, you will struggle but show determination and willing to learn and they'll work with you. Keep your distance from the class clowns.
G Town went to Richmond I believe but that was a while back. All I can say is put your "ego" to the side and be ready/able to learn. Things will be tough, but you will make it through. Good luck and keep us updated!
Would like to get a start on trip planning and log books before I show up is there any good places to look for reliable information that would help? The class clown can stay far away from me at 49 years old I don't have time for that. Haha
I'm to old for all that ego stuff. What kind of mpg do you all get? One more thing I would like to start working on.
There is a section on logs on Tt and it’s real good.
I'm to old for all that ego stuff. What kind of mpg do you all get? One more thing I would like to start working on.
That’s step #347. You’re on step #4.
Take it one step at a time.
I'm to old for all that ego stuff. What kind of mpg do you all get? One more thing I would like to start working on.
That’s step #347. You’re on step #4.
Take it one step at a time.
Yes, John, MPG is waaay down your priority list. If you are heading for Swift (or any other sponsored truck school) you will be a Company Driver. Meaning the company is responsible for all maintenance, repair and fuel efficiency of your tractor. For many, that removes a huge burden of cares - no worries if there's a funny sound coming from the hood, just let the On Road people know. MPG would come in handy if the company rewards ($) drivers for high MPG. I drove for Swift, but the divisions I was in mostly did not have this reward.
Up at the top of the page is a blank space under the TRUCKING TRUTH banner. That's a search box. Put in a term like "trip planning" and you'll get some answers like this: TruckingTruth's Search Page results for Trip Planning
Overall, remember the school will be concentrated and intense. Yes, you got it: leave your ego in the hotel room. You may get very frustrated with yourself and others, but remember why you're there: to learn what it takes to get a full CDL-A license. Many things may seem crazy at first (Hours of Service as well as trip planning come to mind) but they will soon become understandable.
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.
MPG
Miles per gallon is very low on the list for new drivers. I was ONE DAY away from my three month review when I had a preventable. It wiped out any bonus I was qualified for. But what I learned from that incident was far more valuable than any bonus.
That’s step #347. You’re on step #4.
Packrat, I pulled out my new driver reference book. It is step #374. You transposed the last two numbers.
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Hello folks my name is John and I've been lurking around this great sight for awhile. Just got my cdlp and 1 year DOT (blood pressure is a hair high) getting ready to go to Swift in Richmond, has anyone been through that school lately. Would like to know what I'm getting into. On a side note your site was a great help in getting my permit.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.