Chronicles of a Swift trainee

Discussion in 'Discuss Your Favorite Trucking Company Here' started by Marky84, Nov 10, 2012.

  1. Marky84

    Marky84 Heavy Load Member

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    Hey all. I'm currently on the greyhound approachin Chicago. Heading to swifts millington academy. I will chronicle to my best ability my adventure with Swift :)
     
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  3. Marky84

    Marky84 Heavy Load Member

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    I've arrived in Memphis. 1 more bus to millington. Sleeping bags suck. I can't believe I never thought of this. Been thinking about ditching the stupid thing as its been nothing but a pain. Had the(in retrospect, not so bright,) idea to put a blanket and a shirt and some pillowcases in there and tie it all together. And it was working, till I got off the bus from Chicago. The whole thing comes undone and dumps everything. Took 10 minutes to get it mobile again and get inside. Once inside it took another 10 or so minutes to sort everything out and get the bag secured. Ditching it may not be so bad as i do have a blanket and its only a summer sleeping bag anyway. however its my father in laws, so thats the main reason i still have the stupid thing with me. On the upside the bus crossed the bridge over the Mississippi. Never seen it from ground level. was magnificent. Dirty but still cool.

    now just waiting about 2 hours for the 30 some minute ride to millington and the final stop before I get on what I presume will be a swift shuttle that will take me to the school and the fun of processing.
     
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  4. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    Good Luck,

    Enjoy !
     
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  5. cadillacdude1975

    cadillacdude1975 Road Train Member

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    i hope you have all your documentation with you. they will kick you out in a heartbeat if you dont have everything. many people have gone in there and not had documentation of medicine they were legally taking, and swift put them on the road. in other words, if you are on prescription meds that are DOT legal, you still have to show swift a letter from your doctor stating you are on the meds and why.

    good luck.
     
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  6. Marky84

    Marky84 Heavy Load Member

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    Yup, got everything. I'm at the hotel. Get to rest and relax for the night. No wifi sadly so I'm on my phone.
     
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  7. Marky84

    Marky84 Heavy Load Member

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    Day 1. 4am. Ready to go. Ill keep ya updated.
     
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  8. gimmpy

    gimmpy Bobtail Member

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    good luck I'll be following along
     
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  9. Marky84

    Marky84 Heavy Load Member

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    At the Memphis terminal for processing ad physical and drug screen. My previous physical from cre was no good so make sure u get a concentra physical or otherwise approved physical. Cost me 40$.
    Bring food money. No continental breakfast :( be outside early and get on that bus. Some pplhad to take a 2nd bus.
     
  10. vanishing point

    vanishing point Light Load Member

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    Good thread subject: this will help other (new) drivers discover the ups and downs of starting out with an OTR outfit. Good luck.


    Suggestion for sleeping bag scenario: one-inch nylon strap with (plastic, usually) snap-on clips. Found at most camping/sporting goods store, or your local Wal-Mart.



    Couple other useful items while I'm thinking of it... things that hold other things together:

    - '550 (parachute) cord': also made of nylon, rated at 550lbs strength (presumably), hence the name. Great substitute for weak boot laces (made in China-like types), amongst other things. Not to mention a suitable substitute for securing loose things (temporarily) if you happen to run out of zip-ties.

    Upholstery thread: for sewing old jeans, shirts. Also made of nylon, which means whatever you need to stitch up won't come undone like conventional (cheap) threads.

    Ooops, almost forgot, Duct tape. Make sure you get that somewhere. Probably one of the top ten items to have in tool bag.

    Again, best of luck.
     
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  11. Marky84

    Marky84 Heavy Load Member

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    Jefferson, WI
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    Thanks alot :) day 1 over. Went well. Went to Walmart half mile down the road and got food. 1st day is at terminal in Memphis and 2nd is at the skool 1.5 miles away. Again, bring food. Ill keep the updates coming. Been pretty good so far
     
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