Finshed swift training, passed skills test

Hey, its been while since i last posted. I was at the swift training facility in Millington, TN. I just wanted to make a post about how everything went while i was there. I know i had a lot of questions before i actually got there. So i hope to break down how everything went and i'll be happy to answer anyones questions.

Ok, First of all... if you can drive over to Millington, do it! They give you the option of either driving over in your own vehical or taking a greyhound. The only upside to taking the greyhound is that you dont have to pay anything. But if you can drive they will pay you back for you gas, just save your reciepts. I had the most horrible experice on the greyhound, both going there and coming back. I do not suggest taking it.

Once you finally reach memphis they put you up in a pretty nice hotel on the first night. Its only a block away from the memphis terminal. 2 people per room with a bar in the lobby... Take advantage of the bar while you can. This is the last night you'll be able to drink while you're in training. Have a few drinks, but dont over do it, because they do have a drug/alcohol piss test the next day.

First day is pretty long. Lots of paper work and your DOT Physical. Yes, you are required to get a phiscial with them even if you already had to get one to get your permit. If your state does not require you to have your medical card to get your permit, DO NOT GET ONE! Swift will not pay you back for it. Although i do think it is tax deductable, so no worrys if you had to get one. Also, make sure you are able to piss for your piss test. In my class i think 3 people got sent home just because they were not able to piss in the aloted time. After everything for the day is finished they take you over to the Ghetto hotel in Millington. 4 people per room, with a stove, microwave, refigerator. I strongly suggest Buying your food at kruegers and cooking in your room. This is the cheapest route. But if you are feeling spendy, there is a all you can eat steak place right next door which is pretty good for 12 dollars. There is also a Sonic, subway, and a few chinese places within walking distance.

The next 2 days are class days and will also be long. Between 12 and 14 hours. They are going to cram a lot of #### into your head these two days. Make sure you take notes and study for the tests. 1 test on general knoweldge, combination vehicals, and airbrakes. This is pretty much the same test you took to get your permit so it should be easy. And then there is a shifting test, which is rediclously easy and consists of a diagram of a 10 speed and an 8 speed gear box where you have to fill in which gears go where, and then RPM's for the gears you're shifting to.

Wednesday through friday will be range days. Which is a major relief after those long class days. Each day at the range is only 9 hours, with a half hour break in the morning, and an hour break for lunch. You will learn your pretrip inspection, and all the backing manuevers you are required to know for your states skills test. I suggest going thourgh your pretrip that first day as much as humanly possible, and then every morning before you get in the truck. This will help you get ready for your pretrip inspection test later the next week.

On saturday class begins at 8am and on sunday at 11. These days are long again, but not as long as your first class days. You will be taking tests on logging, trip planning, and hours of operation. These tests are a little bit more difficult so make sure you study.

The rest of your time in Millington will be on the range, mastering your backing manuevers and taking your tests on them and your pretrip inspection. If you are able to pass these tests you'll move on to your road training in your state.

Road training was 5 days and was actually enjoyable. It was a bit intimadating at first, but once you get used to driving the beast it was a breeze. Here you are basicly learning what you need to know to pass your road skills test in your state. I passed my test with 4 points taken off and missing 3 things on my pretrip.

Well i hope i was helpful to somebody. Just remember to listen and study... give it 100% If you try your hardest you'll make it. I dont want to worry anyone, but out of the 58 students who started out in my class, only about 20 of us actually made it through in one shot. If you have to stay an extra week, dont be upset... just keep trying your hardest and you'll make it.

I actually didn't mean to write so much, so i appolgise for the lengthlyness. On monday i'm off to greenbay to start orientation and to wait for a mentor. I was actually wondering if anyone knows what happens at orientation. From my understanding its 2 days, but im not sure exactly what we do during those two days. I'm especially curious if there is another drug test. I may have over celebrated the day i came home (stupid drunken moment... Its hard to get away from old habits, but im done with it now). Even if there is another drug test, I'm pretty sure i left myself enough time clean out my system... just in case. If anyone can give me a heads up, that would be awesome. Thanks for all the helpful advice on this forum prior to my training. I only hope this is just as helpful to someone else in the future.

 

Well, yes kind of. They tested you on your backing manuevers and pretrip, but this was only to pass the school. They sent you to your home state dmv to take your actual skills test.

 

Yeah, there was a few people there for refreshers. It just might be a bit tedious for you since you already know how to drive. I would recomend swift accademy for just about anyone looking to get into trucking. I learned a lot from them for a small price of only 3900 dollars ha ha. But luckily its interest free and it gets paid back to you as long as you stay on with them for 2 years.

 

ha ha, no i didn't answer that. I do beleive swift has stoped hiring experienced drivers. The only people swift is hiring right now have gone through the training accademy. You would have to go through training depending on how long its been since you've operated a Class A vehical. I'm not sure on the exact details, but you could always give them a call and see what they say.

 

Thanks for your input buddy, but i would not have mentoned the fact that you can drink on your first night if you couldn't. This came straight from the instructors mouth on the first day of class, "If you had a drink at the bar last night, thats your one free pass. From this point on you are not to consume any alcohol."