Swift Training Memphis 3/30/15

Day one (preparation) Well…I am getting things ready for the school now like take my DOT physical and Permit Test. I did find out that the military base has a registered DOT physician on the registry. I am attempting to make contact now. That and I need to get my hearing aid squared away. I have a bone anchored hearing aid. (what’s cool is the hearing aid is Bluetooth capable) So once I get my new device I am heading for the physical. KY is one of those states that require the physical before the permit. SO I will just have to wait to test. I shouldn’t have any problems. I have been driving HET and anything else with wheels in the Army for the last 6 years. I am not overconfident in my knowledge, but some driving skills may be lacking. Of course I should be able to hone them here. I will be more than likely heading to the Memphis school site. I am really debating on driving and was wondering about the vehicle storage and reimbursement for the gas there since the company pays for the dog for everyone. I am prepacking some stuff in the car for when I get my own truck. (hopefully) Day 3 (not in school yet) Today I went and took the physical. The one on the military base told me that unless I was actually going to be driving on the base as a contractor, I could not have my physical done there. So I forked up the money for the physical out in town. Only cost me $75 where I had it done, I didn’t take the drug test there. I figured it would be done once I arrived at the school anyway. I was worried about having a hearing aid in the one ear, but that proved to be a non-issue and I came out of it with the 2-year certification. I sent my paperwork to the state and now I am just waiting on the state to tell me when I can test. On another note, I was able to get some pre-packing done as far as the basics for clothes and what not. I still am going through some of my military gear and seeing what might be of use to me on the road. I am packing for all types of weather; I never know what I might run into. I know it’s spring, but you never know. I do have my passport already so that will be a non-issue as well. Of course I just have the passport card, good enough for land travel. I take the written test later this week as soon as I hear back from the state. Wish me luck.

Welcome to Trucking Truth, Ray! Are you just getting out of the military? Which Branch?

I went to the Memphis school during the holidays. Freezing outside, but that shouldn't be a problem now. FYI, if you haven't heard, the school is/was in Millington, TN and is now/will soon be moved to next door to the terminal. Brand new facilities! (Except for trucks) I'm not sure about exact arrangements for students in the new place, but I don't think there's a close-by grocery store for students to shop at.

Save receipts for your gas, and top it up right before you arrive. Tony will get you paid for the gas.

Get your permit in KY if you can. Your training will be customized for Kentucky. And you will probably take a driving test in Kentucky.

Keep us all posted on your progress.

No...not just getting out.. I was medically retired back Dec 2013. Served time between two branches USMC and US Army. I drove all sort of crazy vehicles for the army. I have been recovering from my injuries and I am finally able to get back on my feet and proved it today with the DOT physical.

I am not so worried about groceries as I can get my sister to take me if I need it. She lives in Memphis so thats a plus. And yes, I plan on testing for the permit here in KY before I start. I should be taking the test on Fri depending on when the state gets off their butt to load my physical into the database. (they said a few days at the min) So I am in the "hurry up and wait" status, and that is nothing new to me.

I know it has been ages since I last posted. I have started the swift training in Memphis. They are now using the holiday inn. Also a note to TT is that they no longer require the $100 sitting fee up front for class. I made it through the first 2 weeks, but the road training is now delayed. I have had no problems so far with the skills portion or pretrip.

On a side note. They are using the holiday inn. At current writing not all rooms have a microwave and/or fridge. (they are still working on it) Also no breakfast served at the hotel. Food is on your own. They do have a good cafe at the terminal and there is a BK right across the street. I have been using the dollar menu there for a main meal and snack at the hotel for breakfast and dinner. It works good. There is not much in walking distance from the hotel. There is a shell gas station and a family dollar about a half mile to the north. Not a bad walk. If you drive there is more available. I hope this helps a little bit more.

I was sent home for a week, they were short road trainers. I should start back up again soon. Until then roadies...

Squirrel

Oh, BTW Tony, Doug, Kevin and Brian are awesome.

I'm about to start Swift in Memphis as well. Thanks for your updates Squirrel. I have an appointment for my DOT physical on Thursday. I thought they gave you a form to take to the DMV that day so you can take your permit test? I was planning on going right after. I'm visiting family in KY (also where I'm taking my physical) and testing in my home state TN. I have to wait for them to send it? Confused😟

Destiny, the Dr. Had the blank forms (at least mine did). When you are done, the Dr. should sign off and hand it to you. Tootle that to the DMV.

Also, Swift will do the physical at the terminal (Wellness Clinic). They should charge you $40.

TN and KY require the DOT physical before the permit test. Just be sure the pysician that preforms it is on the national registry and you will be fine. Most docs that do the DOT physicals have the forms in the office as well. Hope this helps. I had my physical in TN and tested for my permit in KY. When I arrived at swift there were no issues.

Destiny, When do you plan on starting at the academy?

I'm scheduled Monday May 18th. My recruiter told me it's booking up fast. Was considering Prime, and Covenant (absolutely no offense to anyone who is, I'm just not super religious) as well, but I'm originally from CA not far from Fontana, and I'd like that to be my home terminal even though I'll probably rarely see it. Thanks for the info. As you probably well know, you can get tons of different stories about what you need and don't need. Another forum was saying that even though my DR is on the DOT registry, I would still have to get yet another physical when I got down there. Did you make it back to Memphis Squirrel?