Swift newbie starting out

Looks like I am all set. Talked to the recruiter today and got the conformation number for the bus ride. I leave out Saturday evening at 6pm and arrive in Memphis Sunday at 7pm. 25 hour trip... I could about walk there in that amount of time. Must be a lot of layovers. Oh well, at least everything seems to be in order to begin class on Monday. I got the new social security card and will not laminate it ha ha. I also got my new chauffeurs license, not sure why I had to turn in my valid operators license for the CDL permit and spend the money for a chauffeurs license when it will be relinquished when I get the plastic CDL. Extra money for the state of Michigan I guess.

Anyhoo, I am excited as all heck and looking forward to eventually running into a few of you out on the road. I will be trying to keep up on letting everyone know how the whole experience goes, but no guarantees on a daily update as my priorities will be to learning and studying first, keeping the family updated second, and surfing the web in any spare time left.

-SgailDreugan

 

Semper Fi

I also notice you are from Ola, Arkansas? I lived there for a couple years after being discharged from the marines. Worked for Wayne Poultry over in Danville, probably a Tyson plant by now.

Look for the long haired old guy, usually smoking a pipe if/when we get a break.

-SgailDreugan

 

Day 0 of training:

Bus arrived at 7am in Memphis, called the motel and shuttle will not come out till 11am... a four hour wait after a long bus ride with no sleep. Bus was packed, I am skinny enough to fit in the narrow seats but too long legged to get comfortable, legs kept cramping and falling asleep was next to impossible. Asked a taxi driver how much to run me to the motel and he wanted 55 bucks... too rich for me. Asked me how much I could afford.. I figured 5 bucks an hour waiting, told him 20 and he went for it. Shouldn't really spend the money but I was tired of sitting. Was definatly worth it when I saw how far away Millington is from downtown Memphis. Nice to see a cab driver willing to help out a student trucker.

Motel is not bad, better then I expected after reading about some of the places alot of drivers have been put up in. Students have to read and sign a rules and policies form explaining what is expected and the normal guest amenities we are not allowed to use like continental breakfast. Small pool that we are allowed to use, might have to take a dip tonight. Room has four beds, nice kitchen with full size fridge, stove with oven, microwave, coffee maker and even a dishwasher. It is stocked with a few mismatched dishes, flatware and pots/pans. Not the Hilton, but all in all I will say it exceeded my expectations.

Time to relax, meet roomates, do a bit of shopping (Freds, Krogers, couple fast food close by, Walmart about a mile down the road, nice walk), and plan on waking early for day 1.

-SgailDreugan