Swift Academy

Hello all, my name is Mike and I recently went through Swift's academy. I chose not to work for swift, so this review will be totally unbiased. They finance everything, no money out of pocket for the school on your end. There's no contract, they just want their money when it's all said and done. This will cost you 4,400.00 total. They recommend 150.00 to bring with you for meals and expenses. If you take 150 you will starve to death. I recommend at least 4-500, all meals are on you. Swift provides lunch the first day of orientation, then you are on your own. If you get your physical there, it's 40 bucks. I got mine ahead of time, only to be told it wasn't company approved and I would have to get theirs. I don't have anything negative to say about the program itself, all the instructors were great. It lasts 3 weeks, give or take. You do two weeks there, ( I was in millington, tn) then you go to your home state for your road week and cdl exam. If you live in Illinois you'll go to Gary, IN and test in South Holland, IL. There's a kroger, walmart, and several restaurants by the hotel in Millington. If you live in IL, IN, or MI and have to go to Gary, beware, there's nothing close and the hotel doesn't run a shuttle for shopping. There is a restaurant in the hotel, but it's kinda pricey. Anyway, I hope this helps y'all out some. If you have any more questions, i'll be glad to help.

One tip for cutting cost when in school. Get a crock pot. While I have been in training, I have cooked roast and chicken and sausage, etc. while in class. You put in the ingredients and set in on low before leaving the hotel for class. By the time you are back you have a hot meal waiting that is cheaper and healthier (in some cases). Then you have dinner and save leftovers for the next days lunch. It is much cheaper. I have been here two weeks and only spent $100 on food so far. I have a lot of food still in the fridge waiting to go in the crock pot. I will not have to spend anymore money on food while I am here. Another option is sandwiches and soups. You can eat much cheaper if you plan ahead.

I just finished school in Corsicana Tx. The key is do your research and plan, know what your getting into and what to expect. With help from this web-site and the forum I had no surprises. I took all five of my test at DMV the first day of school and passed with a 96 point average, ( thanks to Trucking Truth ). Get that done before you get to school, talk to your recruiter about where to get your physical beforehand. BE PREPARED!! It's fast paced, pay attention and study. I cant say much about the motel, I've stayed in worse. The training at the school, I passed my driving test at DMV with a 98. Need I say more. If Swift is as good as the school I'll be happy. On to the next chapter, orientation in Lancaster.