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Swift Academy - Richmond, VA - My Experience Begins

Discussion in 'Swift' started by Rattlebunny, Jul 26, 2014.

Page 4 of 14
  1. Aug 9, 2014 #31
    DocWatson

    DocWatson Road Train Member

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    Jersey shore
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    Good news. Congrats!!!

    Hope you're feeling a little bit better. I never heard of anyone testing out early so that is pretty awesome. Hope you make it home early to surprise your wife.
     
    DocWatson, Aug 9, 2014
    DocWatson, Aug 9, 2014
    #31
    Rattlebunny and Puppage Thank this.
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  3. Aug 9, 2014 #32
    Broccelli

    Broccelli Medium Load Member

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    Jan 2, 2014
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    That is great man! That doesn't happen often at all. My co-driver and I tested out a week early and they told me that was the first time they've done it in a long time, and we worked hard to get tested out early so I'm sure you worked very hard to do that.

    If you ever decide you want to drive team and have a co-driver in mind hit me up and I'll put you in one of my trucks running dedicated making $1000/week. I need highly motivated drivers like you. I know it is no easy feat to accomplish what you have, so you must have what it takes to be a great driver.

    Pm me if you are interested in driving for me.
     
    Broccelli, Aug 9, 2014
    Broccelli, Aug 9, 2014
    #32
    Rattlebunny and Lepton1 Thank this.
  4. Aug 11, 2014 #33
    MsJamie

    MsJamie Road Train Member

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    Now you know what I meant when I said that you WILL know your stuff before you leave Academy.

    What are Richmond's pass rate numbers? They were on the wall above Steve's desk when I was there last year. Overall pass rate was 100%, and the first-time pass rate percentage was in the mid-90s.
     
    MsJamie, Aug 11, 2014
    MsJamie, Aug 11, 2014
    #33
  5. Aug 17, 2014 #34
    Rattlebunny

    Rattlebunny Medium Load Member

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    Oct 20, 2009
    Elkton, VA
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    The numbers have taken hits in the last few months. We've had a ton of folks washed out due to some of the academics and others because of some of the basic maneuvers. I will be able to give you a better idea when I go back a week from Monday for orientation. I do know that Steve was thrilled that two of us graduated early and went on to pass the state test to get our CDLs.

    For those that can't guess, I am home now ... in Elkton, VA, I'm spending a week getting things together for my first real trip out with a trainer ... well, once orientation is completed.

    At the state test I missed two on my pre-trip, and got a perfect score on both my backing (not complicated at all) and my road test. Not to bad for someone with a severe larengital infection and an upper respiratory infection.

    I am beginning to feel better today. It's a long process and I am grateful that I am not headed back to Richmond today for orientation tomorrow. I am finally able to lay flat and get some good sleep. I am relieved.

    I'll be sure to update through the orientation process and while out with a mentor when I can.

    Until next time ...,
     
    Rattlebunny, Aug 17, 2014
    Rattlebunny, Aug 17, 2014
    #34
    MsJamie and DocWatson Thank this.
  7. Aug 17, 2014 #35
    DocWatson

    DocWatson Road Train Member

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    Good to hear you are on your way to orientation and getting a mentor. Let me know if you have any questions.
     
    DocWatson, Aug 17, 2014
    DocWatson, Aug 17, 2014
    #35
    Rattlebunny Thanks this.
  8. Aug 22, 2014 #36
    Rattlebunny

    Rattlebunny Medium Load Member

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    Ok, quick update. I am delayed once again, though it's not in anyway Swift's fault. Having been out of work for nearly two years Swift's policy for new hires is to require two notarized letters explaining what you've been doing during that time. I suppose that it's to be sure that the candidate hadn't spent the past couple of years training to be a homicide bomber or something like that. I'm actually glad that they check their drivers out. But then I digress.

    My letters were supposed to have been here at the beginning of this past week. But since my parental units are soooo reliable, they of course forgot all about it. The only reason I was asking them to write the letters in the first place was because I spent the better part of the last two years taking care of my ailing stepfather. SO, as a result of their forgetfulness, I am not going to be in orientation this Monday but I will be a week later. So, the new date is September first.

    In the meantime I am trying to let go of the anger I feel towards my ex-hippie 'rents. Wish me luck, until next time ...,
     
    Rattlebunny, Aug 22, 2014
    Rattlebunny, Aug 22, 2014
    #36
  9. Aug 22, 2014 #37
    OceanDan

    OceanDan Light Load Member

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    Rock Hill, SC
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    Yea I have to do the same. I will make certain I take my <ahem>.........."papers" with me. I will be starting in TN on Sept. 1st. I guess "labor day" is a fitting day to start a new career right?? (-;
     
    OceanDan, Aug 22, 2014
    OceanDan, Aug 22, 2014
    #37
    Rattlebunny Thanks this.
  10. Aug 23, 2014 #38
    Rattlebunny

    Rattlebunny Medium Load Member

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    Oct 20, 2009
    Elkton, VA
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    I suppose Labor Day is a bit poetic. But like all of us in this economy what I really need is a paycheck. Delays are just frustrating. Good luck on Monday O.D. I hope you get a great mentor. :biggrin_25519:
     
    Rattlebunny, Aug 23, 2014
    Rattlebunny, Aug 23, 2014
    #38
    OceanDan Thanks this.
  11. Aug 23, 2014 #39
    OceanDan

    OceanDan Light Load Member

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    Aug 8, 2014
    Rock Hill, SC
    0
    Thanks a million Rattlebunny, I'm going into this with the same attitude I attempt in life in general, I'll get a great mentor if I'm a great trainee.

    Like you I'm looking to start earning a paycheck again. I'm in a bit different situation in that my wife is very gainfully employed so this is just an addition to our family's income bucket. I believe that will help reduce some of the "stress".

    Call me silly but I'm looking forward to learning this new industry and enjoying the excellent adventures along the way. Who knows maybe I'll be learning how to replace the "mega carriers" and help drivers who wish to excel, have a company that recognizes their worth. I'm acutely aware of the importance of truck drivers.

    This will be a challenge but rewarding at the same time.
     
    OceanDan, Aug 23, 2014
    OceanDan, Aug 23, 2014
    #39
    Rattlebunny Thanks this.
  12. Aug 24, 2014 #40
    Polarbear25

    Polarbear25 Light Load Member

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    Wow sounds like the Academy isn't as much of a joke anymore. I went there back in the summer. No straight backing test, map and all other class test answers were given to you. They must of had some bad failure at the state tests if the DMV actually had you do the pretrip. For a while there they just shrugged it off and said eh swift is really good on teaching that so we arnt worried. So sounds like the people coming of there will be of a higher grade. Good. Swift really needs that. So congratulations of getting though it. Now, forget everything they told you. especially on backing and shifting. Haha
     
    Polarbear25, Aug 24, 2014
    Polarbear25, Aug 24, 2014
    #40
    Rattlebunny Thanks this.
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