Swift Class Start Date Of Nov. 24th Is Finally Here

Tomorrow is going to be a rather critical day at the Swift Academy at Richmond: one of these make or break days that could be the great eliminator. It will be day 1 on the range with a straightline backing exam. I'm a bit nervous about this as the largest thing I really ever drove was a 24 ft. box truck and let's just say I didn't even drive it long enough to get any experience that matters. It will be just time to be a sponge and soak in as much information as possible and ask questions when unclear. According to our classroom instructor, we will be broken up into three groups according to our driving experience. I think I'll just go with the absolute beginner group as I want to make no assumptions about my ability. I'd rather the training be a little bit elementary than be completely out of my league. The old adage applies that you can learn something from anyone applies. Please wish me luck ... I want this very badly!

I am wishing you luck my friend, love the determination you are showing. I agree being humble and knowing your abilities instead of trying to get ahead of yourself is always the best approach. It seems just by studying and gravitating on TT for support gives us a head start in the Industry. Good Luck Brian

Today started out tough! Never in my life had I imagined the difficulty of straight line backing. I'll get some more time to train this afternoon and then two attempts to pass. It's difficult for me to know which way and how much to turn the wheel. I was either under or over steering.

I'm still hopeful that this will click in time to pass on either the first or second attempt. I want to slow down, adjust my mirrors, and relax. Also I want to hold the steering wheel at 9 and 3 as my instructor suggested.

No matter how this afternoon plays out, I won't quit. If I have to buy an additional week of training, I'm prepared to do so. I'm discouraged but not down and out!

Today I was unable to pass the straight line backing exam so I will be headed home tomorrow morning. I came very, very close so I'm anything but upset. In fact, I feel positive and motivated. I've learned that I am academically very strong but need a little more hand holding when it comes to the range. In light of this and at the advice of the very competent instructors, I will be seeking private schooling. One of the instructors even mentioned that C.R. England's schooling environment may be better suited for folks like me that need extra help. This much said, I had one helluva fun time sitting up in that big rig and I have so much respect for truck drivers: you are the consumate professionals! On Monday, I will be going for private schooling as soon as is possible.

Matt glad to see you're so upbeat about your time at Swift and the training they gave you while you were there. Good luck in the future with a private school. Keep us updated on your progress. Brian M

I found that placing one hand at 12 o'clock and only using small 1/4 turns to make your corrections makes for the easiest straight-line backs.

I found that placing one hand at 12 o'clock and only using small 1/4 turns to make your corrections makes for the easiest straight-line backs.

Thank you for the tip. I think you helped me realize I was maybe over steering.

Today I was unable to pass the straight line backing exam so I will be headed home tomorrow morning. I came very, very close so I'm anything but upset. In fact, I feel positive and motivated. I've learned that I am academically very strong but need a little more hand holding when it comes to the range. In light of this and at the advice of the very competent instructors, I will be seeking private schooling. One of the instructors even mentioned that C.R. England's schooling environment may be better suited for folks like me that need extra help. This much said, I had one helluva fun time sitting up in that big rig and I have so much respect for truck drivers: you are the consumate professionals! On Monday, I will be going for private schooling as soon as is possible.

It might help to practice backing a much smaller trailer first... If you or someone you know has a vehicle with a hitch and a trailer to attach to it, like a boat trailer, you could practice backing with that until your brain gets used to the idea of doing the opposite of what you do when backing a single vehicle alone. Even using a riding mower with a small yard trailer attached could accomplish the same thing. I know the first time I tried to back a small trailer into my garage, I had a heck of a time... but I imagine its easier and safer (and cheaper) to learn to back a small trailer ... then move on to the 53 footer. The principles are the same.

Congrats and good luck to both of you. I am looking at Swift as a possibility for myself. I talked to my recruiter at Swift today and I having difficulty where I currently reside in Florida (to far south). Lucky for me my parents own a few condos in Tampa and will rent one to me so I can be better located so companies will hire me. My recruiter at Swift told me to move and change my address to the Tampa home and they will send me to their training site in Tenn. I am scheduled to take my permit on Jan 8th. I look forward to your experiences in school. Brian

So I live in Naples, too far South for Swift, or for many companies to hire me?

So I live in Naples, too far South for Swift, or for many companies to hire me?

Call a recruiter and ask. I live in Clearwater and Swift didn't hesitate with me. Granted, I started out talking TEAM with my son. Sean's domicile is also Clearwater and the Swift Terminal is Ocala.

Werner has a terminal in Lakeland. I'd give them a call. Guyjax drive for Werner and gives them decent props.

I see a LOT of Prime trucks out on I-75.

Good luck. Call and ask.