SWIFT

So I completed my first two weeks of training and now I will have two weeks at home before going back for my 3rd week of training.. Is this normal for most company training programs? 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off then a week on and then my dmv cdl test?

I have never heard of a company training program do that. Maybe its because of Thanksgiving? I have no idea, but maybe someone that went through Swift can give you a better idea?

Karl, that is really odd. I've never heard of anything like that before. I think you should make a call and find out why you are having this break in your training. During your orientation did they give you a number for any person who can sort of serve as your trainee's liaison, or maybe a person to call if you are experiencing problems with your trainer? This just doesn't sound right to me - I think you should get right on this and find out, from someone other than your trainer, why this is taking place.

So I completed my first two weeks of training and now I will have two weeks at home before going back for my 3rd week of training.. Is this normal for most company training programs? 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off then a week on and then my dmv cdl test?

Old school

I think he might be learning still to get his CDL. He mentions that when he comes back he will then test for his CDL. But Definitely agree about calling and finding out why this is happening.

It could be a delay in getting drivers tested out. Hard to say. But I agree also - make a call and see what's going on.

Karl, that is really odd. I've never heard of anything like that before. I think you should make a call and find out why you are having this break in your training. During your orientation did they give you a number for any person who can sort of serve as your trainee's liaison, or maybe a person to call if you are experiencing problems with your trainer? This just doesn't sound right to me - I think you should get right on this and find out, from someone other than your trainer, why this is taking place.

Well this isn't a break in time with my trainer. This is a break in the time before I get my CDL.. A break in my CDL training.. So I have in writing on my contract that my school would be 3 weeks long from Oct 27 to Nov 17.. basically we were told two weeks in Millington TN and then we would be sent to the terminal in ocala FL to finish the last week. Now I passed everything on my driving skills in Millington and was given a ticket home to FL and the reason I was not sent to ocala right away was a lack of room in ocala.. so during my first week home I called Millington TN and the person I was told to contact picked up and told me to call back the following week, that they were full and didn't have enough trainers. So tomm, this Mon, I am going to call and hope I am told I can start next Monday.. If I am in next week that means I had a two week break in my CDL training, I am very upset about this.. I mean I am going to owe 4400 for this and I feel swift is not holding up Thur end on the training and they breached the contract we signed. Not to be Mr negative I am going to push through and continue with the program and use this as a stepping stone. This can't be normal though breaking like this during CDL training.. I mean I go back after to weeks off for my road training and then after that week am supposed to test out at the dmv.

It could be a delay in getting drivers tested out. Hard to say. But I agree also - make a call and see what's going on.

Yeah spot on Bret, it's a delay in drivers. I am just worried the 2 week break , maybe more, between driving Skills and road training could screw me up.. Then if I fail the driving skills after two weeks off I have been told I would go home till I could be recycled back into ocala for Academic Probation.. So I am stressing if you can't tell

Okay Karl, this is making more sense now, sorry I kind of mis-understood the actual problem. Look, don't let your stress over this make you act crazy on the phone with them by claiming they are not holding up their end of the contract. They've got enough belligerent and demanding drivers on their fleet that they are tired of dealing with without you coming across as one more before you even get behind the wheel. You don't want to force anything at this point in the process.

Listen, trucking is full of unexpected delays, it is probably one of the most frustrating parts of the job. Many truck drivers let their blood pressure rise from this kind of stuff and get all outrageous about the way they are being treated, when in reality it is just a part of this crazy lifestyle. Now is as good a time as any for you to practice handling it. I can assure you, now that I more fully understand what is going on, that they will work with you, and if the delay causes you problems with your skills they will spend some time to help you get it right.

Try to take a deep breath and relax, it's gonna be okay. These companies process a lot of new drivers at a time and sometimes this kind of stuff happens. I've been extremely busy for the past two to three weeks and I kind of raced through your post, and somehow thought your trainer was dropping you off after two weeks, and that would have been unusual.

Hang in there Karl, it will all work out. Try to figure out a way to relax and enjoy this little break at home.

I went through something similar, not 2 weeks though. Sounds like you are getting the permit in a school/city close to you? Then you have to travel further for the cdl at the academy? I was held up for 8 days between permit and academy due to the drug screen time. Your delay is probably holiday related and possibly the academy my be full of students.

Just combed through your posts. I have not regreted working for SWIFT. The training is good and they will work with you on things you need. Hang in there it will get better.