Comments By RI Red

Just a few of the companies I have pre-hire letters from. I've done some research and yeah, I know they're all about the same according to forum posters. However, if you drive for any of these carriers here's a chance to root for your team, and wave the their flag....your opinion counts.

The End of The Road....

Was yesterday. I arrived at the test location on a rainy Thursday am. It was a certainty I wouldn't miss wipers on my in cab! I was a bit surprised how nervous I was, figured I'd be a bit more relaxed being a bit older and been in stressful situations before- I just kept waiting to screw up!

It's amazing how stuff you've memorized endlessly seems to disappear when you have to demonstrate it on test day, but all the drilling did pay off. I completed my brake tests without issue, in cab and pre-trip too.

My straight back went well, but when it came time for my offset, just into the maneuver, I was unsure of my position (they use all white cones at the test site, we used all red at the yard. In retrospect, I may have memorized my surroundings in the yard during all those offsets- things just looked odd in the side mirror at the test! I used a get out to confirm my setup- I was all good, just needed to move over a bit more. Got back in the cab, looked in the mirror, and I might as well have been on another planet- I couldn't process it! I used a pull up to straighten out, and in the process killed a cone in front. Whistle! I was getting steamed at myself now. I thought, #$^&$#! Just put it in the box! So I looked in the mirror and got my act together and backed it in, no more trouble.

Finally on parallel, I used a pull up when my line into the box wasn't perfect, and a get out to check my position in the box. As my instructors had told me they're free, use 'em! Glad I did- I was a little close on the box edge, needed to move over a foot or so- didn't want to leave any room for interpretation on the examiner's part. Tweaked my position with a small pull up and I was done. Out to the road.

I ground a few on the road, missed one and even stalled starting from a stop sign (in 5th instead of 3rd) Other than that, it was a go. A pass is a pass.

Off to the registry to get my license today.

I'll say this- If you've got the green, go to a private school. I enjoyed the process and though I probably only learned as much as what a trucking company school would have taught me, it wasn't high stress, go-go. Frustrating at times yes, but a very good experience and just the path I was looking for to get my license.

Good Luck!

The End is Near:

I have a tentative appointment for my test at the registry next week. I have Saturday to sharpen my skills one last time on the road. I'm feeling pretty good about my backing, we'll see how it goes....

RI Red wonders:

Is it a Swift policy to swap out for a new truck every 5 months?

I can't say for sure, but truck swapping costs time and money. Would you like to change apartments every 5 months?

I'm more inclined to if I don't have to stuff my couch, dining room furniture and tv into the cab....

A matter of a few inches:

After taking a week off, I was back on the road practicing last week. It seemed I'd lost my rhythm on shifting, and I spent a lot of time recovering gears missed. After a half hour of crummy shifting I determined I was slow on the shift, because I was pushing the clutch pedal too far, instead of the usual two inches. After correcting this newly picked up bad habit, things became a bit smoother again, but I was annoyed that one week off had made me feel so rusty. We'll see how this week plays out.

FYI, I "lost" my touch, too. I drove a manual truck for 5 months. Got into an automatic for another 5 months, then needed to use a manual shifter again. Grind Grind! But I got back to it after a few miles. I get a new (to me) truck tomorrow. I feel there's personal advantages both ways. Only all the new Swift trucks will be automatics.

I was out this Saturday and much smoother on the shifting- just a hiccup or two on that splitter! Is it a Swift policy to swap out for a new truck every 5 months?

A matter of a few inches:

After taking a week off, I was back on the road practicing last week. It seemed I'd lost my rhythm on shifting, and I spent a lot of time recovering gears missed. After a half hour of crummy shifting I determined I was slow on the shift, because I was pushing the clutch pedal too far, instead of the usual two inches. After correcting this newly picked up bad habit, things became a bit smoother again, but I was annoyed that one week off had made me feel so rusty. We'll see how this week plays out.

RI Red...I'm trying to decided on school...have lots of company sponsored offers but due to "life situations" I am leaning toward private...Think it is my best option...any advise in what to look for down private school road? I like you have put a lot of time into preparing and studying (Thank you TT)Money not really the issue as can get its the after complete training and job placement I worry the most about as that is reason why most of us are choosing to do this...make a career. I'm located in Northern AL and have two private schools within daily driving distance to choose from. One bigger school and one smaller school. Any advice?

I was faced with a similar scenario- two schools to choose from. The bigger school was more well known and about twice the cost of the smaller. I intended to get my permit before beginning, so class time at the school was not my main focus. I was more interested in maximizing my time in the yard backing, and smaller class sizes, so I wouldn't have to wait to get in the seat each day. On the other hand, I wanted to be sure the school was established enough that carriers would hire from their grads. Finally, as I am still employed, I needed a school that was flexible enough to work with my current work schedule.

After visiting the smaller school, reading their online reviews and getting those questions answered, I went with the smaller one. I'm quite happy with it so far- expecting to wrap up in three or four weeks, assuming my road scores continue to improve. I can say I've never had a wont for more time in the yard, and spend as much time as I like practicing, and come and go as I please. Your mileage may vary, but I'd definitely research the points above with the schools to determine that they're accredited or establish enough that recruiters visit and hire from the school.

Thanks!

I'm looking at a possible job hauling containers for Schneider. (Regional Inter-modal) Any input from drivers (pros/cons) that have experience with hauling from rail yards would be appreciated.

thanks!

I'm feeling pretty good about my backing in the yard at this point. I've been working this week on parallels and offsets with intentionally poor setups just to get a better feel and practice fixing things when they go wrong.

Although my on-road driving scores are going up, I've had to skip a weekend of practice, but we'll see if it has any effect this coming week when I'm moving in forward direction again...