New soon to be swift trainee!

Been really busy guys. But having a blast here!! I'll have more time tomorrow, getting into the classroom tests and been on the range. Hopefully I'll have more time tomorrow to inform you all of all the things I've learned. Have a good night!!

 

Hello guys sorry for the days off. Been really really swamped with new things! We are all amazed that it's only been a week, one week, wow feels like a lot more time has passed than that!! First off, today, we have good news. The guy that was sent home for not having passed all his DMV tests has come back for the second class ever in Corsicana so we, in the class, are all glad to see that he is back for a new shot. He says he spent 1500.00 paying a old ticket off to come to swift school.

First off, I got to drive a big rig!!! Wow! Ok I have never ever been in a big rig nor have I driven a manual transmission vehicle so it was a big jump for me getting in to the first seat of the tractor-trailer. And... I backed up horribly... Well, the first few times. The trailer just would not do what I wanted it to do!! We practiced all day and I would fail miserably. I would back up one or two times without touching the lines or the cones, with one or two pull ups and the second and third time get out of wack and not be able to fix my mistake without assistance from one of the instructors. I was feeling way down.

BUT, my instructors are amazing and patient. Very very patient, thankfully!! Told me not to give up, not to be hard on myself and told me over and over not to feel bad seeing it was my first time in a manual vehicle. Well the first day I came back to my room dejected. And just wanted to be alone and not talk to anyone. Just kept thinking I can do this!! I know I can drive a truck!! Went to bed doing mind exercises and telling myself if the trailer goes left turn right and if it goes right turn left. I woke up at two in the morning thinking about how a snake moves and it just clicked! Went to the range the next day and messed up again... Today was test day! I had one shot and if I failed I would have one more day to pass the test or be sent home!! I had six points to burn the entire test.

I learned I was over correcting and turning the wheel too much. So I was told to make small adjustments. Ok I can do this. Everyone was doing their backing tests, I was the last to go. I watched the older lady go before me and she hit the line, lost 1 point, she did one free pull up corrected the tractor-trailer amazingly and finised without another incident. Ok, whew, my turn... Jumped in the tractor, breathed a prayer and slowly made my way forward from where she had parked the truck. Started backing and, thank god and from great instructors back that tractor-trailer in between the line and cones without touching or crossing the line once!!! Still have 6 points!! I did it! I was so happy. I parked the vehicle my instructor gave me a high five and said great job. After all the advice and watching how he backed the truck and how he backed away from me when his advice had to click on its on, I could tell he was really happy for me when I finally got it.

Everyone cheered and gave each other a pat on the back for passing the straight line backing test, all 11 of us had passed. No retakes, now we were scheduled to practice our pre trip inspection. We studied the beautiful machines inside and out for a day and a half and did a pre trip test the next day. I just learned the engine compartment and a tire and I had it down pretty good thanks again to our awesome instructors. We all passed the pre trip inspection and yesterday had a hazmat 50 problem multiple choice question test. It was a open book and group of 4 people test. Out of 50 questions we missed one. 98% not bad I'll take it. Today we did a mapping test, and a hour of service test. We had the same groups and let me tell you the mapping was fun, hard and when it was over exciting. I definitely need to buy an atlas to learn. It's amazing to be honest. I admire all of you guys who use a atlas day in and day out. Kudos to all of you.

Tomorrow is back to range and backing. I am 100% relaxed now and sure if I need help with anything the instructors will be there to help. To be honest I had a very unneeded pressure on my shoulders to know everything about range and if I messed up it was the end of the world. Not so in training! They told me to relax, I was here to learn and that I have time to learn what I was doing wrong. I have learned so much in this one week and I am proud to have the instructors and classmates that I have to help me and me help them when needed. Like I said yesterday I am having a blast, I am relaxed and I see the big picture of things in training. We got out of school early today so we are just kicking our feet up and getting ready for tomorrow. I want to say thanks to everyone for advice and guidance again and I will continue to post on this thread of my new career!! Have a great night!!

 

Thanks for your comment but I'll be buying one. I'm doing this for me and my family. Thanks again

 

Hello guys just a short update! I'm taking all my tests tomorrow! Off set backing, both parallel, sight and blind, and 90 degree back. If anyone has any tips, advice, please let me know!! Tomorrow is our last range day. Then we go on the driving Monday! Wish me luck! Thanks