Profile For Rob S.

Picked up a full load of yogurt in California. Took it to Vermont. Deadhead about 60 miles to the next shipper. They put on a full load of yogurt which we took back to California. Dropped it about 40 miles from where we started.

I think he means the short test after teaming with a mentor for a few weeks. If so, don't worry. It's been a while since I upgraded but it was simple. They just want to know if you can use the atlas and complete the macros. You don't need to memorize them. Handling the rig during the drive test is much more important.

God luck

I went to Lewiston in 2016. I think it was an excellent experience. Class size seemed small. Started with 20 or so, I think 6 graduated. That made for plenty of time behind the wheel.

It's not a large town. Plenty of narrow streets and hazards. One road we drove on was ( I think), 17%. Completely stopped at the bottom. When the instructor says go, get to the top as fast as possible, double clutching all the way. Fun times.

Accommodations were a basic hotel, nothing fancy. Subway and McDonald's nearby. A shuttle was provided to the school site.

I'd do it again.

If both bunks are occupied the truck is parked.

Yes, at a Target DC. I enjoyed it. We had a good mix of hustle and boredom. It was kinda fun to romp and stomp in the goat in order to get the trailers docked quickly.

In no particular order, unlimited showers, hourly pay, a beer after work, seeing family daily.

Until my lane departure warning can distinguish between rubber or wet vs dry concrete or a seal and my collision avoidance can determine between a sign and a actual threat I will not be worried.

This times ten.

I saved one as a souvenir of my time in New Jersey. I never need to go there again.

Great advice so far. My tips are turn off all radios roll down your windows.

Sometimes you will see the driver in the cab that you're parking next to. Don't be shy about asking for their help. I was parking near the entrance of a busy Pilot. The spot available had limited space for pulling forward. I noticed the driver who was going to be on my blind side. I told him I was confident enough but if I saw me approaching disaster I'd rather be embarrassed than fill out accident forms. I stuck the landing and earned his compliments.

Food grade tanks are also manual. While that's not for beginners if it's on your bucket list, you'll need the restriction lifted.

Kudos to you for taking the load. That would be a terrible reason to turn down a load. Also, remember to keep your window down while backing.

Me too. Excellent staff and fine program. Try talking directly to a Swift recruiter if you're interested in learning more.

Welcome!

I attended the Swift Academy at Lewiston, it’s pretty solid training.

Cheers,

G

When I came here my biggest questions were,

1. Will it pay enough, soon enough to meet my budget requirements?

2. If I arrive at school with my head on straight is it going to be possible for me?

3. If I'm successful, what opportunities become available to me later?

Of course, I know the answers now but those were my main concerns.

My employer hires out of schools sometimes. We are Northwest only and it's local work. Not sure where you are.

...college reimbursement that "benefit" the company. What would that be, and that is an honest question?

For example, if an employee was interested in taking some management or leadership courses a company might offer tuition reimbursement to offset the cost. The gain for the company is that the employee could be a potential candidate for promotion.

On an interstate in an urban area, if you're passing through and not exiting, stay out of the right lane. Leave that for the commuters that are entering and exiting.

3 pound hammer. No carpenter hammer, but a pry bar that can pull nails from the trailer floor. 2 pair of Visegrips. These should open wide enough for the trailer tandem pins. Bolt cutters with at least a 24" handle. A push broom. There's a thread on here somewhere that has a very comprehensive list.

If the cruise isn't turning off when it's supposed to that a pretty big deal. I can overlook a lot of things but I need the tractor to stop when I tell it to. I wouldn't use cruise control until it's fixed.

Hmmm, I've heard that posting pictures here is tricky. I haven't tried it in a very long time. Turns out when I followed the instructions it worked on the first try. Go figure.

JJ, It sounds to me like most of your concern is related to driving without proper rest. When you're OTR you can never have what civilians call "proper rest". When you have to shift from day driving to night driving as the loads vary, don't be afraid to take an extra short break. Pulling off to catch a 20 minute nap sometimes does wonders to refresh you. You won't be earning during that time but you won't be driving off the road either. After a couple months you'll get used to it and it won't bother you. When I had to drive an "off" shift I would wake, shower, and have a small coffee with some honey in it. That's as close as I get to an energy drink. Be patient and stay safe.