Swift training school any one out here been there.

I shouldn't have too much of a problem remembering that

 

Just wanted you all to know how much I appreciate everyone's patience with me...and I'm gonna calm down. I came in here all freakin' out about my husband not getting enough miles, not being treated fairly, etc. But since I've read quite a bit of this board, I realize it's kind of the way it is at first. I better understand that when he gets some more miles under his belt, and they trust him more, and see that he's getting to his pickups/deliveries on time, hopefully things will get better. We've discussed it, and we're going to try to stick it out a year, and then see where things go from there.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll have some more questions and I'm relieved so many are here to help.


Cindy

 

I started with TMC everybody said it was a bad place to work it was a great exp. the reason i left was i needed to be closer to home for my wife when she was ill if i ever go back qver the road i will call them back so go try them out it might be what your looking for good luck

 

Good luck to both of you, it will be hard at times but do what is best for both of you.............

 

I instructed ADR[A] school (1976-1979) and AD[C-7] school (1979-1981) at NATTC Memphis. Maybe we've met!

I just applied online at Swift after talking to Riley (recruiter). He SAYS training is now 2 weeks at Millington (have your state permit, DOT physical, MVR report before you arrive, which I like - cuts down on training time) then I'll come back to Florida for my orientation with a mentor. There is no longer a $150 sitting fee. He basically said I don't need to take any money at all to Millington, but I know from my military experience that would be a mistake. I'll have some cash in my pocket, a Visa card, and ATM access to my checking account, so I'm not worried. The short training period at Swift is NOT good for all trainees, I'm sure, but I drove years ago, and expect no problem getting back in the saddle again. Swift also still trains your spouse for free, so that works for us, once we decide to team up.

NATTC itself was moved to Pensacola in (I think) BRAC 1995, and the NAS closed, turned over to local government (it's an industiral park with airport now, I believe). I think BuPers maintains offices in the old NATTC now, but it's no longer a military base.

I'll update if and when I actually accept Swift's offer. For me, it might be the best deal in town so far, since I can't pay for my own training up front. Still considering PAM, CFI, Schneider, and the rest. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

ADDITIONALLY: Almost forgot. I asked Riley about Swift's tuition. If the company pays for your training, you sign a contract (loan) for the $3,900 and begin paying it back in payroll deductions for 13 months! BUT, then they reverse the process and start reimbursing you the same amount over the NEXT 13 months (no contract). So, if you stay with Swift for 26 months, you wind up paying nothing for the previous training. I think I can handle that. If you can pay your own way (outside loan, etc.) your starting pay per mile will be higher than mine!

 

I am taking my test at the DMV on Tuesday. Swift has been great so far and I have NO complaints about anything.

They told us to keep the $150 as we would need it to pay the DMV with. For Mississippi that is twice as much as I needed.

They have also changed the training program. Swift is trying to change it so they have better quality drivers. My class was the first class on the new training program. All of us passed the written (some had to take twice). I passed it on the first go.

I have been doing the road training since Monday and everything is going great. I have been driving around Memphis with my instructor the past 2 days. I got kind of lucky. On monday I got teamed with 2 other people with an instructor. They were from the prior weeks class and were just waiting to take their test at the DMV. One passed on Tuesday, and the other on Wednesday. So Thursday and Friday it was just Me and the instructor from 7am to 4:30pm and I did all the driving. Yesterday he just told me where to go and didn't have to say hardly anything to me and I'm feeling really good behind the wheel.

I can't believe how many idiots there are on the road. Yesterday there was a JB Hunt truck that scared the crap out of me. I was in the left turn lane following my instructors instructions and the JB Hunt truck zoomed by in the oncoming traffic lanes. We were in the city on a 4 lane road with center turn lane. A car up the road slammed on its brakes and the JB hunt truck's trailor missed me by a few feet as he cut back into the center turn lane (to miss the oncoming traffic!!!!!). I had already stopped (slammed the brakes actually) when I seen him out of the corner of my eye. I never heard an instructor cuss so loud.

Then on Thursday we were trying to make a right turn and every time I let off the brakes a car from oncoming traffic turned left and cut me off. This happened about 5 times (I guess they have no idea that I NEED the left lane they are going into to make my turn). THEN the people behind me got pissy and passed me to make their right turn - in front of me. We waited for all the idiots then made our turn.

I'm driving an 2002 Freightliner for training. It has about 600,000 miles on it but its actually in very good condition.

The range trucks (where we practice skills - backing) are OLD OLD Internationals that are falling apart and have over 1,000,000 miles on them. No big deal though as it gets the job done and since they get beat up on by students all the time its no wonder Swift uses them for trainers. They do maintain them but they are not apealing to the eye.

I'll keep you all posted as much as possible. I'm going back tomorrow and will take my dmv test tuesday. If everything goes as planned I'll start orientation on Wednesday.

Don't have a laptop so I may not be back for awhile....

 

Good Luck to you Kevin.

 

Also good luck to you............

Don't let anyone rush you be careful all will come in time.

....................J.................

 

All the best Kevin - good luck!

 

and the teacher becomes the student.

if we did meet, i was the skinny little drunk guy with an anchor tattoo on his right forearm. man, the drinking age in tn. was 18 and i was 17. it's amazing that i survived.

welcome to the trucking world, it will test your patience, so your military background should serve you well.

good luck.