Beginning my Process with Swift

Well day one is in the bag and my second attempt at the Physical was a go. Had the docs from the doc they wanted to see and onward now. Started this morning with 23 and at the end of the day sadly we have 17 remaining. Met several of the folks posting here today as well so that's really cool. Looking forward to getting re-started tomorrow with my new class who all seem to be good people. Today was just drug testing, DOT Physical (#3 for me LOL) and the contracts for the tuition and housing accomodations. Everyone that made it today seems real excited and genuinely enthused about doing well and getting on the road soon. Will post more later as time permits. Be well.

 

Wow, well I haven't been here in a few days, been pretty danged busy. So far I'm pretty well pleased with the training program put forth by Swift and am progressing nicely as is most of my class.

Day 2 was a classroom day with HOS and log training as well as map reading. Had to watch a safety/health presentation which was promised would not be the last one. We were also handed out our respective state's study guide for the pre-trip inspection evaluation. A nice big thick CDL study guide was also given out with reading and homework assignments to be turned in Sunday. Sadly, we saw another classmate leave due to family emergency, down to 16 now.

Day 3 we were given a demonstration on straight line backing, and then turned loose with the trucks for a full and HOT day of practice at this base maneuver. 'Off-time' is spent at the hotel studying the pre-trip inspection, doing reading assignments and completing homework.

Day 4, HOT again. Straight line backing evaluations are performed with one retest available if needed. Got mine on the first shot, was a little shaky with nerves but still made it. Continued straight line backing practice while through to lunch while waiting for two classmates to pass their re-eval successfully. After lunch broken into groups by states in accordance to PTI similarities and given demonstration. Spent the rest of the day practicing. Evening spent catching up log and studying PTI, then passing out and sleeping soundly. 4 a.m. arrives very quickly and the bus picks up at 0530.

This brings us to day 5, today. Back to the trucks this morning for more practice run throughs on the PTI. Instructors offered the opportunity to volunteer for PTI evaluations today. I did. Made it fine and only missed 3 minor checks. About half the class tested out on PTI early today and so far only one person that I'm aware of needs a re-eval which is supposed to be next week. The rest of the class will be required to complete their evals tomorrow that didn't volunteer early today. After passing PTI, we moved on to the offset 'alley dock' backing skill and, finished the day off practicing that. My first go at it was UGLY. LOL After a few more runs at it though, I'm starting to get the hang of it and hopefully won't be committing many more episodes of coneicide.
Today also saw another classmate leaving for as yet, undisclosed reasons. Class 722 is now down to 15.

So, there you have it all caught up and feeling pretty good about all of this. Haven't had time to really think about it all yet. The course is fast and furious, but my time in the Army taught me to learn well this way. I'm having a really good time and enjoying this new learning experience.

Thanks for following and if anybody is heading this way, I'm in room 305 at the five star resort that is the Admiralty Inn and Suites LOL

 

Thanks!
Possibly, not sure 'bout it in P'town though. Might have better luck in Waldo.

 

Where I come from orange and blue will have you doing the gator chomp brother! LOL I'm a Native Floridian Crimson Tide fan! Hope y'all do have a decent year this go 'round though, good luck War Eagle LOL!

 

Day 6 is in the bag. Today saw the completion of the PTI evals and a couple more classmates picked up a re-eval invitation for Tuesday when we return to the range. I spent the day practicing the offset back with varying levels of success as the day heated up. At one point today the index was about 120 when it was only supposed to be around 105. Actual temp reached about 99 I believe. Thank God the range shakers have 'decent' a/c in them. At 6 p.m. today after returning to the motel, my class #722 became the 'senior' class as #721 departed for their home domicile road training adventures in the quest for the CDL. A few stayed on here in TN and we'll still see them around I believe every now and again. Tomorrow brings in the wave of new folks as class #723 arrive from the lovely Memphis Greyhound station. We get a break tomorrow and Monday from the heat of the range with our last classroom gigs. Taking several tests tomorrow. Will update then.