Swift Academy Memphis Tennessee

Congratulations Nick on your progress. You’ve been given a lot of good advice.

Your attitude towards your training to achieve your goals in life is everything. You will get out of it what you put into it.

I’ve just been through this with Prime Inc. There are plenty of internet naysayers about all of the mega carriers paid CDL training programs from people who failed at it.

I firmly believe now that the reason most people fail isn’t the quality of the training or company. It is because they decided to try out trucking as a job opportunity with unrealistic expectations about the lifestyle of being away from home for weeks at a time living in a truck. The job can also be mentally and physically challenging at times, but also very rewarding.

Some stats from trainers at Prime are that out of the people that attend an Orientation interview class only 15% will still be driving a truck at the end of one year. My Orientation week had 160 people. That was cut down to 65 student drivers at the time we were waiting to be assigned trainers. If the stats are true, then maybe 24 of us will still be driving by next March.

I intend to be one of those 24. My positive attitude and determination to achieve my goals will see me through.

Good luck going forward.

I've also learned that most people that come here don't even pass the drug testing.

So that's probably one of the reasons why many end up being booted.

Failing the drug test is a big one that “weeds” people out.

Not gonna lie the room we have to move in with the trucks is nearly none... Kinda a downer considering that there seems like not enough room. Of course I like to build up as a better backer but doing that as soon as coming to school is a little intimidating.

Not gonna lie the room we have to move in with the trucks is nearly none... Kinda a downer considering that there seems like not enough room. Of course I like to build up as a better backer but doing that as soon as coming to school is a little intimidating.

There will be enough room to maneuver on the pad. It will seem much larger once you start doing it. The Top Gun courses are designed for close quarters maneuvering and backing. They are supposed to be tight as they simulate real world conditions we encounter. You got this.

If you are referring to close maneuvering, Davy is exactly right. Close maneuvering is a regular situation in driving. The key is moving slowly, constantly checking your mirrors and being extremely cautious.

Doing close maneuvers during training, with an instructor, is valuable time.

Nick I’m sharing three real world examples of docks I’ve experienced while delivering to Walmarts. I was a North East regional Dedicated driver with Swift for over 8 years, servicing Walmart stores, Sam’s Club and their vendors (backhauls).

This is the Boothwyn PA store requiring a 45’ blind side back; light post and trailer on the other side are the obstructions. Very tight.

Here is an example requiring a blind side parallel back in order to dock due to the parked trailers, one elephant style to the left and the one directly in front of my tractor. This is Manville NJ.

And finally Watching NJ with its underground dock in the basement of the store. I’ve frequently had to move stored product because this area also serves as their warehouse. Particularly difficult during Christmas season.

Not trying to shock you; but close quarter is something you’ll need to learn and become proficient in your execution. Setup is key and G.O.A.Ling is mandatory as you learn this skill.

Focus! Practice! Good luck!

Nick it may seem right now there is not enough room, but I’ll share an instructor tip with you. The course is measured out and made that way on purpose for the equipment you are using on it. You will learn specific points in place to help with placement. It could be a little different cone or delinator or some other visual item. Slow and easy is the key to close quarter movents.

The examples G showed are very good. I have spent alot of time dragging flatbeds in and out of very tight quarters. You get better with practice.

Thank you guys so much for your guidance and knowledge, soon I'll be outside on the field on this coming Monday!

I'll keep you updated and will place any concerns I have on here thanks alot!

Thank you guys so much for your guidance and knowledge, soon I'll be outside on the field on this coming Monday!

I'll keep you updated and will place any concerns I have on here thanks alot!

You've gotten some of the most SAGE advice above, good man!

I'm in your corner as well, with the 'foodie' guy (husband person) in my avatar.

Yessir, when you get that 'field' time.. the world will 'stop and melt with you!' I often watched my husband, at Roadmasters!

Best to ya! So close.... hang in & on!

~ Anne ~