academy,mentor, solo .. oh my!!!

Discussion in 'Swift' started by jbutcher23, Aug 30, 2010.

  1. jbutcher23

    jbutcher23 Bobtail Member

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    Well I have posted a few times on here with a few minor questions. Other than that I am new to the forum. I have been a behind the scenes reader of many of the Swift posts for a month now. Well, I have made the shakey, nervous leap into this career called trucking. I gave my 2 weeks notice today and I am scheduled for the Millington academy on Sept. 13th. I have had a 10 year career with cable companies now and its just not taking me where I want. I have 0 education and it is hard to get a decent job without that ever so sought after piece of paper. Trucking has always intrigued me and I decided to jump! I went and took my physical and passed without any issues. I also went and took my CDL permit test and passed that as well. So I have completed the pre reqs and I am very excited. The PTI and backing have me worried though. I have never driven anything bigger than a van. I have used a manual before but have limited experience. So needless to say BACKING SCARES ME!!!! lol Well I will make it a point to keep this posted and up to date as possible. Any pointers, tips, or tricks will be appreciated, Wish me luck and heres to a new career in Trucking!!!!
     
    Last edited: Aug 30, 2010
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  3. JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    As you may already know, you'll take another physical at the terminal on the first day. If you have ANY medical issues WHATSOEVER, even if they weren't picked up by the MD, PA, RN, etc., that signed off on your med card, get it out in the open and document, document, document everything that proves the condition, if you have one, will not affect you as a driver.

    Congratulations!

    Join the crowd....and it is a huge crowd!!!! You'll be fine, just pay attention.

    Stay in touch. All us Swifties are with you 100%!!!!
     
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  4. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    Hey, even a few of us NON Swifties are with you as well. Good luck with your new career.

    (from a retired old fart):biggrin_25523:
     
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  5. JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    Ya know, I should have said that! The non-Swifties (present company accepted!) here have been in my corner from Day 1 and, thank God, you guys and gals are still there!:biggrin_25514:
     
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  6. nicnat2

    nicnat2 Medium Load Member

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    The PTI is no big deal and you will understand it after you go thru it a few times...Backing takes practice and there's no 2 backs that are ever the same...that being said, you need to get over things that scare you...real quick..Being a professional driver is not a walk in the park and you need to pay attention at all times and backing is where a lot of rookies make mistakes...You need to go in with self confidence and just kick some butt!!!! :biggrin_25524:
     
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  7. Schmidtrock

    Schmidtrock Light Load Member

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    Jan 8, 2010
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    Congrats and good luck and all that jazz. You'll be fine. Keep your ears open and pay focused attention. Like said earlier, PTI ain't nothing but a thang. I'm solo now two weeks and still don't know how to back LOL! j/k It all comes with repetition and muscle memory. Did I say pay attention? Really, though welcome to Swift and enjoy your training. I know I did and am enjoying the solo ride even more! Keep us posted as you can!
     
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  8. scottied67

    scottied67 Road Train Member

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    In 6 months come back and read/remember these feelings and laugh. Everything is going to be OK. I recall last January 21,2010 at the truck driving school orientation the head fellow was telling us what to expect. He said that they have a 48 foot trailer that we would be pulling all around town. I just about got up right there and left lol the anxiety of it was almost overwhelming. Looking back I just internally giggle about.

    This job is soooo easy I can't believe they pay people to do it. Don't worry about the PTI, your instructors will give you all the answers, all you have to do is listen and learn it, absorb it, live it. As far as backing, the trailer only goes where you want it to go-- easy money bubba.
     
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  9. Texas-Nana

    Texas-Nana Princess Drives-a-Lot

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    I wish you blessings as you begin your new career and I hope you'll be as happy at Swift as I am.

    Just remember that if you'll rev your engine a lot just before you start backing it scares all the non swift drivers and they'll scatter like chickens in a windstorm.:biggrin_2559::biggrin_2559:
     
  10. gdyupgal

    gdyupgal Medium Load Member

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    :biggrin_2559::biggrin_2559::biggrin_2559:
     
  11. Palazon

    Palazon Road Train Member

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    Very true!
     
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