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Start Training at Swift on the 21st ....what should i expect?

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by Tk101, Sep 9, 2009.

Page 1 of 4
  1. Sep 9, 2009 #1
    Tk101

    Tk101 Bobtail Member

    20
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    Feb 26, 2009
    Lake county, IN
    0
    Okay,

    i guess deciding against my better judgement i signed up for training at the Swift academy in Memphis,TN. Will be going down there on the 21st of September. I have read many threads on the subject decide to look for up to date info and things i should be aware of ( other than the fact that maybe i shouldn't be driving for Swift) what should i bring to the academy? I was can only bring as much as i can which would be around 100 to 150. however i will also have access to my financial aid refund I would like to bring my laptop with me for college work, but not sure how safe it will be there. (Which by the way i am ahead on my assignments and will be ahead by 2 to 3 weeks by the 20th. Also crossed my mind to see if i can take mid-terms before the 21st. ) what should i expect in the classroom? I was told that i will spend 13 days in the classroom and 5 days on the road in Memphis with a teacher, then there will orientation most likely at my home terminal. Also i was curious to know if anyone that has worked for swift or currently working for them know the process behind getting my CDL license? I was first told that i would need 150 for cdl but then i found out from the recruiter that i wouldn't need that, but just to bring money for food etc. He said the costs will be worked off. how true is this?

    thanks
     
    Tk101, Sep 9, 2009
    Tk101, Sep 9, 2009
    #1
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  3. Sep 9, 2009 #2
    REDD

    REDD The Legend

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    Jun 29, 2009
    Dueling Banjoville
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    REDD, Sep 9, 2009
    REDD, Sep 9, 2009
    #2
  4. Sep 9, 2009 #3
    Gitty

    Gitty Medium Load Member

    496
    144
    Jul 16, 2009
    in my truck
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    Start Training at Swift on the 21st ....what should i expect?

    Lots of abuse

    :biggrin_25521:I'm sorry:biggrin_25513:
     
    Last edited: Sep 10, 2009
    Gitty, Sep 9, 2009
    Gitty, Sep 9, 2009
    #3
  5. Sep 10, 2009 #4
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,670
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    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    Forget about doing college classes via the internet while training. You'll have tons of stuff thrown at you and really need to concentrate. Make sure the drivers license scandal is a thing of the past there in Tennessee (with Swift).
     
    Allow Me., Sep 10, 2009
    Allow Me., Sep 10, 2009
    #4
  7. Sep 10, 2009 #5
    Tk101

    Tk101 Bobtail Member

    20
    0
    Feb 26, 2009
    Lake county, IN
    0
    What License scandal are you referring to? as for my college work, i will continue to do it and balance my work and school until i can no longer do it. I dont see much harm in attempting to do this. I see as a failure to give up before even trying. If i can't keep up in school and drive then i will simply go to school part time( 2 classes instead of 4). and if driving with swift becomes even more of an issue then after my loan is paid back..i'll leave and do work elsewhere.

    all comments are appreciated

    thanks

    Josh
     
    Tk101, Sep 10, 2009
    Tk101, Sep 10, 2009
    #5
  8. Sep 10, 2009 #6
    Tk101

    Tk101 Bobtail Member

    20
    0
    Feb 26, 2009
    Lake county, IN
    0
    Tk101, Sep 10, 2009
    Tk101, Sep 10, 2009
    #6
  9. Sep 10, 2009 #7
    Texas-Nana

    Texas-Nana Princess Drives-a-Lot

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    Nana's empty nest
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    I think people were trying to tell you that you won't have time for your college courses during your swift schooling. After you begin driving with a mentor you MIGHT but it's not likely. However after going solo you probably will.

    Welcome to Swift, I like it.
     
    Texas-Nana, Sep 10, 2009
    Texas-Nana, Sep 10, 2009
    #7
  10. Sep 10, 2009 #8
    REDD

    REDD The Legend

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    Jun 29, 2009
    Dueling Banjoville
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    You like paste also.... But we won't tell anyone!

    I don't know the specifics since I never drove for Swift. A year or 2 ago the DOT shut that Swift training center down.... I also think the whole company shut down for a day or 2 so they can rifle thru paperwork.... Swift was a third party testing center for the state of Tennessee.... Instead of testing their students they were just giving them their CDL's... CDL's were given to people who were unqualified to drive & who were not legal to work in the USA.

    I do not think they are a 3rd. party tester in Tennessee anymore... Now they train you... Or attempt to train you, then you have to go to the state DOT testing center to get tested.


    A bit of advise... Buy a CB radio & use it. Yes there will be many drivers that give you crap because of the name & reputation of Swift.... But then there are many more who will give you useful information.... But without a CB radio.... You will not be able to hear the advise of the 50 year veterans who attempt to help you.
     
    REDD, Sep 10, 2009
    REDD, Sep 10, 2009
    #8
  11. Sep 10, 2009 #9
    Texas-Nana

    Texas-Nana Princess Drives-a-Lot

    8,805
    9,197
    Apr 23, 2008
    Nana's empty nest
    0

    I stopped eating paste when I was six. It was a hard habit to break but that 12 step program was a big help. :biggrin_25523:

    And ermmmmmmmmmmmmmm that wasn't exactly the problem in TN but ermmm okaaaaaay.

    However.....I was told at the phoenix terminal the other day by some yahoo in safety that they weren't holding the school in Memphis any longer. I tell ya.......gossip is just freaking unreliable. :biggrin_25522:
     
    Texas-Nana, Sep 10, 2009
    Texas-Nana, Sep 10, 2009
    #9
  12. Sep 10, 2009 #10
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,670
    12,210
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    Yeah, Swift was doing CDL testing and passing anyone and everyone to fill seats. The state caught wind and revoked every CDL holder from a certain time period and made them re-test. Problem is, most didn't even know about it till it was too late. One guy on this forum somewhere found out midway between shipper/consignee. Had to park truck/load on the shoulder and tend to business. Btw, he was an O/O. This was Swift in Tn.
     
    Allow Me., Sep 10, 2009
    Allow Me., Sep 10, 2009
    #10
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