Another "Off to Swift I go" thread

Discussion in 'Swift' started by cookie278, Mar 9, 2010.

  1. cookie278

    cookie278 Medium Load Member

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    Dec 3, 2009
    WA
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    The idea of trucking isnt a new one for us. We talked about it years ago, but decided against it since we had kids at home at the time.
    Well, the kids went and grew up and when Hubby's job was phased out, we decided to take a good long look at trucking.
    I know the first year, expecially, won't be easy. The money sucks, but its better than nothing, and with our home is paid off we
    don't have have a house payment and that should help.

    Hubby has always enjoyed driving, likes his own company and give him a dvd player and a bunch of cheesy, tasteless horror movies
    and he is a happy man. And after being home for months we are ready to take a break from each other. :biggrin_2559: Now I know these
    things don't mean he will be a happy trucker, but I do think they will help.

    After months of reading and talking, we decided on Swift. There are a couple of reasons for this, one was we don't have
    the money to pay for private schooling. Two, we have a Swift Terminal less than 10 miles from us ( home nightly during
    classes, and no added hotel and food expense), and lastly after much reading I felt Swift has made huge improvements over
    the last few years and seemed, for us anyway, to be the best choice. And this terminal, Lewiston Idaho, has been spoken
    highly of, even by those who dislike swift.

    So, 4 months ago, he sent in the application and made contact with Bill, the recruiter in Lewiston. After a loooong wait for the background
    check (something about California being slow to get them the information), hubby got the call. He went and got his CDL permit, and did Swifts
    online training. The online class counts for 2 days class time and covers the basics. He also had to pay for his CDL testing up front. I know at
    one time, and maybe some swift academies still do, required a $150 sitting fee. Here in Lewiston, you pay for the CDL test up front instead
    of the sitting fee.

    Yesterday my husband started with Swift Academy . This was a decision that wasn't made lightly. We literally read
    every trucking forum we could find (well i read, he listened, good husband that he is). I followed countless others while
    they took the plunge into trucking. Some succeeded others did not. We hope to be one of the ones who succeed. Time will tell.
     
    Rattlebunny Thanks this.
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  3. RJwatertown

    RJwatertown Bobtail Member

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    Jan 18, 2009
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    good luck. i hope everything works out for you guys.
     
  4. Palazon

    Palazon Road Train Member

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    Tacoma, WA
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  5. cookie278

    cookie278 Medium Load Member

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    Thank you for the suggestion Palazon. I had read your heavy haul thread, but was unsure if they took new drivers. Nice information to have :)
     
  6. Palazon

    Palazon Road Train Member

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    Hey Cookie, give us an update. How's hubby doing, has he found a fleet etc..?
     
    JustSonny Thanks this.
  7. JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    Yeah Cookie, what he said!:yes2557:
     
  8. cookie278

    cookie278 Medium Load Member

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    Dec 3, 2009
    WA
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    Hubby is starting his final week at school. He is having a blast and it is going well. And he can usually shift without grinding now. :biggrin_25520: He says the instructors are great. He will be testing for his cdl on Friday and if it goes well, orientation will be next Monday.

    He'll request heavy haul at orientation. He heard he will need to drive doubles and triples, and if this is the case he may rethink the heavy haul for now. Being a rookie he thinks he might be better off learning to drive singles first :biggrin_25517:
     
    JustSonny Thanks this.
  9. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    NASA HQ
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    Another "Off to Swift I go" thread


    Hi- ho hi -ho.
    It's off to swift you go....
    do- do- do- do- do- do do- do...hi ho you go.....:biggrin_25520:
     
    JustSonny Thanks this.
  10. cookie278

    cookie278 Medium Load Member

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    Dec 3, 2009
    WA
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    One thing that I think is screwy, the pre-trip. Here is Washington you have, to know (memorize) aprox 5 different words for every part and must say them exactly, missing only 12 to pass. Other states can use a "cheat sheet". Seems odd that there is such a huge difference state to state.

    If your heading to a cdl school, try and find out what your states pre-trip consists of. If its like Washingtons, the extra study time will come in handy
     
    JustSonny Thanks this.
  11. cookie278

    cookie278 Medium Load Member

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    Dec 3, 2009
    WA
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    Just call me Sneezy :biggrin_25522:
     
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