SWIFT ACADEMY MILLINGTON, TENNESSEE BOOT CAMP
PLEASE NOTE: I attended the Swift Academy - Millington, Tennessee - These are my observations and it is up to you to make an informed decision before you step on Greyhound bus to Swift Academy - Millington, TN or any Swift School - This school is more geared to those that know about inner workings of a truck ALREADY - so fast paced as you will sink or swim and end up with a bill for $3,900 tuition and $500 room from Swift plus $40 for a physical and no free breakfast - WARNING - Have an extra $200 to get home for Greyhound Bus in case you decide to leave early as Swift will not pay for your ride back home - Use Code - EP152010 Promotion Code for Greyhound Website Discount - Mondays class was 62 students and down to 22 students by end of week. - I will post BOOT CAMP SCHEDULE - Up at 4AM TO 5:30PM everyday for next 13 DAYS STRAIGHT - Pray that Swift assigns you room mates that are quiet and helpful as you must go to bed at 8pm everynight to get up at 4am or YOU WILL SINK.
Admirality Inn & Suites- Millington, Tennessee (Downgrade from Motel 6)
You arrive at the Greyhound Bus Station in Memphis (pickup is 11am - 2pm - 5pm - 8pm - 11 pm) on a Sunday (taxi is $50 from station to hotel) - can't stand outside Greyhound Station - Memphis Law
You are assigned a "suite" with FOUR separate beds (beds are not comfortable), kitchen, coffee pot (no coffee provided), small tv, wi-fi does not work well in room, ***Get UP AT 4AM EVERY MORNING - SHARE BATH WITH 4 OTHER STUDENTS AND TO EAT BREAKFAST - Bus leaves at 5AM every morning so NO FREE BREAKFAST INCLUDED to be a class at 6AM - You will be tardy if you are late to class by one minute - Hotel Staff has FREE BREAKFAST AREA locked down like FORT KNOX to Swift Students - FRONT DESK IS NOT VERY FRIENDLY - must sign in and pay for breakfast - STUDY LOUNGE IS IN LAUNDRY ROOM AND CLOSES AT 11PM Everynight - Cost $2.00 to WASH / LOAD - $2.50 to DRY / LOAD - CLASS ENDS AT 5PM ALMOST EVERYDAY *NOTE CLASS WITH Horace Campbell has been noted to have class stay till 8pm and as late as 1am on Sunday) Bus gets back from class at approximately 5:30PM everynight - YOU DO NOT CHOOSE YOUR ROOM MATES - They will be assign you a bed and can be moved at ANY GIVEN NOTICE - No Elevators 1st & 2nd motel room
STAY ONE NIGHT OR 20 NIGHTS - OWE SWIFT $500 FOR ROOM
I will be posting ***FEE SCHEDULE ***BOOT CAMP SCHEDULE ***FAMOUS SEVEN PAGE PRE-TRIP INSPECTION MEMORIZATION (WORD FOR WORD PLUS POINT AT EACH PART) HANDOUT - NOTE RANGE HAS MANY DIFFERENT MAKES OF ENGINES
Range with Gary, Doug, and Dee - You must log your classtime, driving time everyday ON LOGS - ***Class size is LARGE so you will fight for Drive Time to log on your paper - Must have X number of driving hours to pass course - Doug and Gary DO NOT assign partners - my advice is to team up with someone in your state as you can practice your pre-trip inspection with them EARLY ON - DO NOT TEAM UP WITH room mate another state as it might confuse you
DATE OF TERMINATION - AMOUNT REFUNDABLE - AMOUNT OWED
0- 3RD DAY $3,900 $0.00 *** Drug Screening, Physical, Paperwork, Logging, Straight Line Backing
4TH DAY $2,700 $1,200 *** Drop & Hook, Handout of Pre-Trip Inspection, Intro to Off Set, Blind Side
5TH DAY $2,400 $1,500 *** Range - Evaluation on YOUR STATE Pre-Trip Inspection
6TH DAY $2,100 $1,800 *** Range
7TH DAY $1,800 $2,100 *** 30 Questions of Trucker Handbook Due - homework plus read 6 chapters
8TH DAY $1,500 $2,400 *** 800 POINT TEST GIVEN ON THIS DAY IN CLASSROOM - Pass or Fail
9TH DAY $0.00 $3,900 *** Must pass test to continue to range
BOOT CAMP SCHEDULE
DAY 1 - MONDAY - DRUG SCREENINGS, QUALIFICATIONS PAPERWORK, LUNCH OFF LUNCH WAGON (UP TO $4.00)* ONLY DAY PROVIDED, ACADEMY PAPER WORK - TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE CONTRACTS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES
DAY 2 - TUESDAY - CLASS (LOGS, MAPPING, AND TRIP PLANNING)
DAY 3 - WEDNESDAY - RANGE
DAY 4 - THURSDAY - RANGE - HANDOUT OF YOUR STATE CDL PRE-TRIP INSPECTION *** SWIFT STARTS CHARGING $1,200 FOR THIS DAY
DAY 5 - FRIDAY - RANGE
DAY 6 - SATURDAY - RANGE
DAY 7 - SUNDAY - CLASS (HOURS OF SERVICE, TRIP PLANNING, LIFE ON THE ROAD)
DAY 8 - MONDAY - CLASS (REVIEW OF HOURS OF SERVICE, DEFENSIVE DRIVER TRAINING)
DAY 9 - TUESDAY - RANGE
DAY 10 - WEDNESDAY - RANGE
DAY 11 - THURSDAY - RANGE
DAY 12 - FRIDAY - RANGE
DAY 13 - SATURDAY - RANGE
SUNDAY - OFF *** Some students will stay for another week in Memphis while some will travel back to home state via Greyhound to take driving test / pre-trip - Cost is anywhere from $130 to $300 depending on your state
DAY 14 - MONDAY - ROAD
DAY 15 - TUESDAY - ROAD
DAY 16 - WEDNESDAY - ROAD
DAY 17 - THURSDAY - ROAD
DAY 18 - FRIDAY - ROAD (Comprehensive Review, Road Exam, and State of Domicile CDL testing)
DAY 19 - MONDAY - Orientation
DAY 20 - TUESDAY - Orientation
CDL PRE-TRIP INSPECTION HANDOUT MEMORIZATION (WORD FOR WORD PLUS POINT AT PART) *Every State Is Different (Just A Sample)
SECTION 1
Engine Compartment Group
Get Key
No one can move the vehicle except you
Approach the Vehicle
Upon beginning the approach, chck the overall appearance of the vehicle
Check to see if the tractor cab is leaning to one side. This could indicate broken springs or broken cab mounts.
Check for anything hanging over, around, or under the vehicle (Tree limbs, wires, or building overhangs)
Check for body damage to the front of the cab
Check all lights (identification, clearance, headlights, and turn signals for broken or cracked lenses, and correct color.
Check the windshield for cracks, illegal stickers, and dirt
Check the windshield wiper blades for dry-rot and the wiper blade arms for spring tension
Front Bumper check the license tag for security and expiration date
Check underneath the tractor the tractor cap for leaks such as coolant, oil, and hydraulic fluid from the front of the vehicle
Open Hood Right Side Engine Compartment
Make sure the alternator is secure and has no damage
Make sure the belt is not cut, frayed, or has no more than 3/4" play
Make sure oil level is between add / full and dipstick and filler cap are secure
Water pump gear driven
Make sure the water pump is properly secured and has no damage or leaks
Check coolant level. Must show in slight glass
Exhaust System
Make sure the exhaust system is properly secured and has no evidence of soot which may indicate a leak
Fuel Leaks
Check for leaks, dents, or damages
Make sure straps are secured and rubber strapping is intact
Open cap, check the fuel and the seal
Open cap, check the fuel level, and check the seal
SECTION 2
Open Hood - Left Side of the Compartment
Check and make sure windshield reservoir is full of fluid
Air Compressor Unit - Gear Driven
Ensure the air compressor is properly secured with no signs of leaks
Ensure the airlines are secure and free from cuts, cracks, or frays
Power Steering Pump - Gear Driven
Make sure the power steering pump is properly secured with no signs of leaks
Check power steering hoses for cuts or leaks
Make sure power steering fluid is between Add / Full
Make sure the A/C compressor is secured and has no more then 3/4" play in the belt
SECTION 3
Ensure truck frame is not cracked or damaged
Ensure spring mounts are properly secured and have no damage to the front or rear
Make sure leaf springs are properly aligned; none are missing, and free from rust which could indicate a crack
Check U-Bolts for damage. Make sure they are properly secured with 4 washers and nuts
Check steering wheel shaft for damage. Make sure it is properly secured
Ensure steering box is not cracked or leaking
Check power steering hose for leaks
Check the Pittman arm for cracks. Make sure it is properly secured with a castle nut and a cotter pin
Check the Draglink for cracks, dents, or damage. Make sure it is properly secured with a castle nut and cotter pin
Make sure the steering arm is properly secured and has no cracks or damage
Make sure the tie rod is not cracked, bent, or damaged. Make sure it is secured with a castle nut and cotter pin
Brake System
Check brake line for cuts, frays, or leaks. Make sure it is properly secured
Make sure the brake chamber is properly secured and has no dents or leaks
Make sure the slack adjuster is properly secured and is at a 90 degree angle with the brakes applied and no more than 1 inch when released
Make sure the brake pads have at least 1/4" of pad with no signs of oil or grease
Make sure brake drum is not cracked or damaged
Check inner rims for dents, cracks, or damage
Check inner sidewall of tire for cuts, frays, or bulges
Check outer rim for dents, cracks, or damage
Check outer sidewall of tire for cuts, frays, and bulges
Check tops of the tire for tread separation and at least 4/32" of tread
Check lug nuts for tightness and signs of rust which may indicate they are loose
Check hub oil seal for leaks. Make sure it has proper oil level
Check valve stem for damage. Must have a metal dust cover
Check inflation with an air gauge. Check for manufacturers suggested pressure on the side of tire. Should be 90 - 110 PSI
Close hood
SECTION 4
Driver Side Door
Make sure mirror is secured on driver's door and hinges are lined up and secured
Make sure the door is secured and operating properly and the windows are operating properly
Check to make sure the fire extinguisher is properly secured and in the green operating range which indicates it is full
Make sure the safety belts are secured at the floor and back of the seat
Fuses will not be needed as this truck has circuit breakers
Should have a total of three reflective triangles
Make sure fuel tanks have no leaks, dents, or damages. Ensure the straps are secured and the rubber strapping is intact. Open the cap to check the fuel level and compare to gauge. Use a yardstick or a light to do this. Make sure ground wire and gauge are mounted, and overflow valve is pointed to ground
All decals, IFTA, and inspections are current
Grab handles and steps. Check for debris and make sure they are not bent or broken. Make sure they are mounted, and secure
Make sure all decals, IFTA, and inspections are current
Grab handles and steps - Are they free of debris, bent, broken, improperly mounted or secured?
Make sure the battery has no leaks or corrosion and the box is secured
Check catwalk for damage and ensure that is is properly secured
Make sure exhaust system is properly secured. Check for soot which could indicate a leak
Make sure tractor frame and cross members are not cracked, damaged, or bent
Make sure drive shaft is properly secured without cracks or damage
Trailer
Check front of trailer for signs of damage
Must have two (2) amber lights that are not damaged
Must have two (2) amber reflectors on the bottom corners that are damage free and secured
Six-point connection for the tractor to the trailer has not cuts or frays in the lines
Ensure trailer registration and inspection decal is secured
Make sure apron is bent up and not down
Make sure splash guards are properly secured and not damaged
SECTION 5
First Drive Axle
Make sure control arm mounts are properly secured and not damaged
Make sure control arms do not have any rust. This could indicate a crack
Make sure U-Bolts are secure with 4 washers and nuts
Make sure shock is secured and not leaking
Make sure airbags are properly inflated and not leaking
Make sure airlines have no cracks or frays
Make sure brake chamber is secure with no dents or other damage
Ensure slack adjusters is at 90 degrees when brakes are applied and has no more than 1 inch of play when released
Make sure brake pads have at least 1/4" of pad and no signs of oil or grease on them
Make sure brake drums are not cracked or damaged
Check both inner rims for dents, cracks, or damage
Check both inner sidewalls of tire for cuts, frays, or bulges
Check both outer rims for dents, cracks, or damage
Check both inner sidewalls of tire for cuts, frays, or bulges
Check tops of tires for tread separation and at least 2/32" of tread
Check between the tires for foreign objects. Our trucks have budd rims instead of spacers
Check axle oil seal for leaks and make sure it is securely mounted
Check lug nuts for tightness and any signs of streaking rust which may indicate they are loose
Check valve stems for damage and make sure they have metal dust covers
Check inflation with air gauge. Check for the manufacturers suggested pressure on the side of the tire. Should be 90 - 110 PSI
REPEAT STEPS IF ANOTHER DRIVE AXLE IS EQUIPPED
Fifth Wheel
Make sure mounting plate is secured to the frame and is not missing any bolts
Make sure platform is secure and not damaged
Make sure the release arm is in the proper position and the safety is down
Make sure upper and lower fifth wheel does not have a space between them
Check the kingpin and shank from behind the tractor to ensure the locking jaws are around the shank of the kingpin
SECTION 6
Rear of the Tractor
Make sure tractor frame and cross members are not bent or damaged
Check to make sure (2) red reflectors are working, clean, and not broken
Check to make sure (2) red lights are working, clean, and not broken
Mud flaps are to be secure, both pads up, and the handle stowed
Check trailer frame (Cross Members for damage)
SECTION 7
Side of Trailer
Check for damages or holes along the side of the trailer
Make sure amber lights and reflectors on the front and middle of the trailer are not damaged or broken
Side indicator should be at a 45 degree angle and clean
Make sure the placard is properly secured and the correct one is displayed
Make sure door tie is secure
Make sure red light and reflector at the end of the trailer are not broken or damaged
Make sure sliding tandem is out and the release arm is in
SECTION 8
Trailer Tandem
Check the spring mounts to make sure they are properly secured and free from damage
Leaf springs should be properly aligned, none missing, and rust free. Rust could indicate a crack
Torque rod is securely mounted and not bent, broken or damaged
U-Bolts should be secured with 4 washers and nuts
If the trailer is air ride, check the airbags for inflation, cracks, or leaks, and check the control arm for damage
Check airlines for cracks and fray
Make sure brake chamber is secure with no dents or other damage
Slack adjuster should be at a 90 degree angle when the brakes are applied and have no more than 1 inch of play when released
Brake pads should have at least 1/4" of pad and no signs of oil or grease on them
Make sure brake drums are not cracked or damaged
Check both inner rims for dents, cracks, or damage
Check both inner sidewall for cuts, frays, or bulges
Check both outer rims for dents, cracks, or damage
Check both outer sidewall for cuts, fray, or bulges
Check both tops of tires for tread separation and at least 2/32" of tread
Check between tires for foreign objects. Our trucks do not have spacers but use budd rims
Check lug nuts for tightness and signs of rust, which may indicate they are loose
Check hub oil seals for signs of leaks. Make sure it has proper oil level
Check valve stems for damage and have metal dust covers
Check inflation with an air gauge. Check for the manufacturers suggested pressure on the side of the tire. Should be 90 - 110 PSI
REPEAT THIS STEP FOR THE REAR TRAILER AXLE
SECTION 9
Back of Trailer
All hinges should have pins and cotter pins
Check for damage to doors
Make sure door latches are secure at top and bottom and the handles are secure
Seven (7) red lights, (2) two reflectors, and (1) one white tag light
Make sure placard is properly secured and the correct one is displayed
Make sure door tie is secure
Make sure mud flaps are secure
DOT Bumper is securely mounted and not bent or damaged
SECTION 10
Inside the Cab
Put on seat belt, checking for proper operation
Windshield is clean and not cracked, and rubber gasket is intact
Mirrors are aligned and not damaged
Test city horn, and test air horn (simulate)
Clutch has no more than 1.5 inches of play
Gearshift is working and in neutral
Press clutch in to start engine. Make sure it is NOT in gear. Let clutch out slowly.
Steering wheel has no more than 2" of free play on a 20" wheel
Oil gauge is working between 40 - 60 PSI
Water temperature gauge is working. Normal temperature is 170 to 195 degrees
Voltmeter is between 12 and 14 volts
Air supply gauges are between 100 and 125 PSI
Fuel gauge matches leavel observed in tanks
Windshield wipers / washers are working properly (simulate washer fluid)
Indicator lights on dash are working - left and right turn signals, four way flashers, headlights, and high beams
Heater, defroster, and air conditioners are working properly
Perform a tug test by using the following steps
Put transmission into 2nd gear and leave in gear
Release parking brake (push in yellow knob), pull forward checking trailer brakes.\
Pull yellow knob out
Release trailer brakes (push in red knob), pull forward checking parking brake
Push both red and yellow knobs in
Pull forward and apply service brakes
Brake Test
Governor cut out - watch air pressure to build to between 120 and 125 PSI. Listen for air pressure release and stabilize
Put transmission in 2nd gear and leave in gear
With service brakes applied, turn off engine. Leave transmission in 2nd gear. Roll down window, release brake
Applied brake test - (engine off) Watch your air gauges to make sure there is no more than a 3 PSI drop in air pressure in one minute for a single vehicle and no more than a 4 PSI drop in air pressure in one minute for a combination vehicle
Turn key to ON postion. Make sure both valves are pushed in
"Fan the brakes or pump down" the air pressure to verify that the low air warning buzzer and / or light is activated at approximately 60 PSI
"Fan" the brakes again until the air pressure drops far enough for the brake valves to pop out
Verify that both brake valves pop out between 40 and 20
Take transmission out of gear, restart engine
Required Documentation
Driver's Vehicle Inspection Report (D.V.I.R) is up to date
Driver's Trip Report is current
A copy of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation Handbook (FMCSR)
I.C.C. Operating Authority Card is current
Proof of Insurance is current
Accident report is present
Emergency Response Guidebook (within arms reach)
Hazardous Materials Registration is current
International Fuel Tax Agreement is current and sticker displayed on tractor
Log Book is current to last change of duty status
Show examiner your current CDL Class A Permit and USDOT medical exam card
PRE-TRIP INSPECTION STUDY KEY
If the items you are looking at are made of _____________ you must check for the following damage
METAL - Cracks, dents, or bends
RUBBER - Cuts, frays, or bulges
LIQUID OR AIR - Leaks, cuts, or holes
Each time you check a part, use the key points above along with the study guide to explain specific types of damage you are checking each item for.
Swift Driving Academy Boot Camp
Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Swift2012, Oct 3, 2011.
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Someone is not having any fun at Band Camp!
I guess you think everything should be handed to you or your hand should be held at each topic!
This isn't an industry to be taken lightly....thousands of lives are at stake every minute you are behind the wheel of a big rig! Grow up and pay attention.....you just might learn something! -
Gizmo_Man and otherhalftw Thank this.
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I mean not to sound negative or pick on this guy, but this guy seems a bit down (Needs a hug, eh?).
this sounds a lot like Job Corps to me, which really isn't all that hard to survive and learn in to start with as long as you stay about your business.
Here's the thing, pal. The company cannot hold your hand, they cannot afford to do so. If they enroll you in the program after you get your PERMIT, they believe that you can hack it with no hand holding and are willing to give you a chance to prove them right.
It's tough, YES. BUT, as these guys have said, Trucking is Serious business. A lot can go wrong, and people can and will get hurt or worse if something goes far enough south. CDL training is NOT a vacation.
'Nuff said. (without going too long-winded and getting to the point of hurting feelings)Gizmo_Man Thanks this. -
WOW ! needs to chill and learn a bit about the lifestyle first.
Gizmo_Man Thanks this. -
I will add some information that the OP failed to post: Swift will pay for your bus ticket home if the following occurs: You fail the DOT physical or you get booted out. Drivers are supposed to switch out every 15min per John (if hes still there) and Dee and David Mays, the head range master. Even Kenny said that. Swift will transport you to Memphis Intl or Greyhound station if you decide to go home.
KHRollr4872, dloving8915 and tinytank Thank this. -
Anyone else attend Swift Academy?
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I did attend but was sent home.
KH -
October 8 2011
Hello Group:
I have to see what this SWIFT Driving Academy program is really all about. I have heard so many Good things about It from at least 10 people that I have met personally, at the SWIFT Orientation and then here in Millington. They have all raved on about It. One student said that It was one of the best experiences of his life. A few of the older people at the Orientation were trying to get in to SWIFT because their familys were broken up and they just needed a steady job and a steady income so they just decided to compromise for whatever OTR has to offer them.
I myself have taken a Truck School class without the classroom, (because I got my permit and all of my endorsements beforehand), on the weekends for about 11 Months and then I had a Good quality 2 Months with the FFE codriving and then another Month to 3 Months with Werner doing codriving and paperwork. I kind of know all about the Pretrip inspection check points and all of that so It should'nt be hard for me, but I am praying for the other people in the class who have never heard about or had the opportunity to do any driving yet.
It is a rather steep learning curve, but If You are Safe to begin with You can do It if You keep trying. It's all a matter of time and experience. I think that having some Motorcycle experience would help anybody in the CDL field. Keep Your recent DMVR clean, Your accidents to zero and Your DAC clean at the same time and there will be employment opportunities in doing any kind of CDL positions. The main reason for going into a CDL career should be Your employment security.
One last observation about the SWIFT2012's posting: When You are operating a Class A vehicle and are planning to change lanes: CHECK ALL OF THE HOOD MOUNTED CONVEX MIRRORS first and then CHECK THE CONVEX MIRRORS mounted on the flat mirrors 2ND and then check the flat mirrors last. I had an excellent trainer at FFE, Curtis Qualls who brought me up to speed on this point. Another point would be about how to close the back doors, if they won't close and are O.K. basically, You have to close THE DOORS ON A LEVEL PLACE.
You gentlemen can check out my postings on WikiAnswers about 45 degree parking and Blindside Parallel parking if You would like to. Be Safe!Myyshorty and beermooch67 Thank this.
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