going to swift academy in phoenix

well ive spent the last 5 years as a truck mechanic and after spending alot of time thinking and researching the industry from the drivers viewpoint, i have decided to enroll at swifts driving school. i start this coming monday (march 16th), and im curious about a couple things: class is scheduled to start at 5 a.m., does anyone know how long classes last? Ive read on a couple posts that classes are 10 hour days but im not sure, also ive read that the class is 18 straight days with no time off, is that true also? i have no problems with any of these things, im just curious so i know what to expect. everything about me is clean, no drugs, solid work history, and a clean driving record, how well are the chances of being hired on after you finish the course and obtain your cdl? im sure these questions have been answered a million times on this forum, but i pretty much threw all my eggs into one basket on this one so im looking for a more direct answer. i quit my job and sold my tools so there is no turning back and i am completely happy with this decision im making. im 25, single and no kids so i couldnt be more excited pursuing this career. Being a mechanic, im very comfortable with my knowledge of how the trucks work and most of the DOT regulations. But as comfortable as i feel, im also very nervous about being hired on and everything working out. I am very excited to learn everything i can about the politics and how to become a safe and reliable driver. Thank you to anyone who takes the time to respond to this post!

 

The first weekend you will be there Saturday. After that weekends are off. Classes go till 4. And unless you have something on your criminal history or driving record that is not acceptable good chance you will be hired.
I have been a mechanic for 15 years even had my own business, word of advise, forget what you know and tell yourself you know nothing. Trust me, things ate different enough especially hire you have to name off things for pre trip.

 

exactly what i was thinking too, im just gonna clear my head and approach everything as someone who has minimal experience with tractors. the info sheet my recruiter sent me was saying it was seven days a week so i was just curious if that was true or not.

 

I cannot tell you about Swift's school. But when I had to go for orientation (for the job, no school, at other various companies, never Swift) I had to be checked into the motel by Sunday. That way come Monday morning when the mini van gets to the motel, you will be fresh. I do not know if they serve any meals. But if the motel has the "continental breakfast" such as coffee, juice, milk, danish, etc, grab something.

NEVER MISS THE MINI VAN!

As far as time off, like say a day on the weekend? maybe they do give you a day off. It might be a "rotating day off" meaning any day during the week? But I'd venture to guess that they respect a persons religion and and at the very least, Sunday is an off day?

I would personally NEVER volunteer that you are a mechanic. Oh sure, they WILL KNOW this, but once you start wrenching your truck, you'll always be doing it, and NEVER paid for it.

Keep your nose into the books, keep your concentration level up at all times in the yard, and by all means STAY AWAY from anyone that says at the end of the day, "Let's go get a beer".

Swift may NOT like knowing the students go out drinking.

One company I had orientation actually had someone working at the pub across from the motel, rat out people.

Best of luck.

 

thanks man i definitely appreciate the advice. haha theres a reason im stepping away from the mechanic side of this industry so ill try not to make it known to too many people that i use to work on trucks. ive done tons of clutch replacements on trucks and they are no fun, im looking forward to having someone else be in charge of that stuff lol. I shoud probably have specified that im going to their phoenix location, luckily its only about ten miles away from me. i actually use to work at swift about seven years ago on the safety lane.

 

as a company driver, swift doesnt want you to work on their trucks. but if you are in the middle of nowhere and can fix the problem quickly, i'd do it so i can keep rolling. but me personally, i'm not a mechanic and dont carry that many tools to fix stuff.

 

oh btw....you shouldnt have any problems gettin hired once you get your cdl.good luck on your new adventure.

 

I used to carry a butter knife and spoon and fork, and a manual can opener, and a pocket knife.

About the only tools that are important!!

 

lol along with a nice block of bologna. I'm surprised im not hearing more from people bashing on swift.

 

Ill bash swift they sent me home to wait on open truck then they separated themselves. There was many people graduated when I did no trucks available. There was non on Memphis terminal lot. They just used me for slave labor miles. Then the mentor as they like to be called used me for miles didn't teach me jack. I took a backing class they had on terminal lot that started @0700 and I had just drove all nite. My trainer drove off and left me in peculiar mo at truck stop. She made delivery before she came back and got me. My experience with swift wasn't a great one. Awe yea during orientation they give you a ticket to eat lunch off a lunch truck with nasty food. You are on own for dinner and breakfast. I was assigned to Memphis tn terminal. Then swift said I was gonna get .26mile pay