Comments By Bolt

Hahahahha. I talk on the.phone. some companies do not allow that. I alsonlisten to Pandora. But if you hang out at your terminal and meet people get numbers and soon you will chatting while both are driving....it passes the time and will.keep you awake. To new drivers though it can be a bad distraction.

I don't think Swift will allow talking on the phone. That would be great if they did.

In AR one town had 79 but tons of flea markets with oarkingnfor a few hundred cars. There were more parking spaces than people. Lol

Rainy I think that town is close to me.

I have read that a lot If drivers are introverts and enjoy the solitude while driving. I myself am very extroverted. I love to be around people. I also have a severe case if ADHD.

I have traveled the interstate highways quite extensively in construction and familiar with the solitude, but it has never been day in and day out. Usually drive 300-1000 miles tons job work a few weeks then head to another.

These are the only 2 issues I see from blocking me from being successful. I have used audio books in the past to help while away the hours, just wondering how other extrovert type A personalities handle the solitude.

I will be 50 on Wednesday and looking forward to my new adventure. If I can preform in the construction industry at my age I know driving a truck won't be that difficult, or at least physically.

So do plan to stay OTR for the year. In that case, you'll have a smooth drive.

See you in Memphis!

WHether I stay at Swift of not I will stay the requisite year that has been my plan all along. I am setting it up for May 15. The wife and I were just talking about it and I am way more excited than I should be. lol.

My Swift recruiter called me this evening. Surprised me since it is Sunday. I have a couple forms to fill out and since I am a veteran it looks like my academy is going to be covered by Swift! YAY

Bolt asks:

So is class in Memphis Monday through Friday? What happens on the weekend, are you able to go to the range and practice or just hang out in the hotel?

Nothing happens on weekends. Hang out at the hotel. Find a way to Beale St. (Home of the Blues) or head south to Tunica casinos. School here is M-F.

No practice without an instructor present. When I was in that school, an instructor did come out on a Saturday to allow practice.

I'm probably going to drive my truck......or ride the scooter. I may just head home on the weekends then.

STAY AWAY from the idiots and losers, there will be some in your class. Pick 1 or 2 people that are taking school SERIOUSLY, and work together!

I want to agree with this and emphasize it a little bit. Probably 1/4 of the class will be sent home within the first few days because of issues with their application, paperwork, physical, or drug screen. But more will be sent home after that for just having a really poor attitude. To me it's unimaginable that you wouldn't take it seriously and give it everything you've got if someone offers to invest in you by training you for a new career and then hiring you afterward. But it's not at all uncommon to find some students who are lazy, cynical, know-it-alls, or just plain hard to get along with.

So find a couple people that are optimistic, humble, and hardworking and work together to get through it. Ignore the rest of them completely. You'll hear all sorts of rumors and stories and heresy and conspiracy theories. Just keep your nose in your books, your butt in the seat, and focus on learning your new trade.

And be friendly.

Based on my almost 2 years of lurking, occasional posting, and reading on this site that was my plan. Brett, the moderators, and other experienced drivers that contribute regularly on here have influenced many of my thought patterns and ideas. Even my opinion of companies like Swift have changed. Thanks much guys.

Glenn, here two things that are different between USMC boot camp and Swift Academy: the Academy doesn't start till 6am (not 0200), and you don't have to eat SOS*.

The school facilities are rather new - about a year old. I believe the hotel you stay at is a few miles away. The school has their own bus to get you from hotel to class. Burger King across the street, and the Swift Terminal has a restaurant of its own.

* (For non-Vets: It's a military breakfast classic. Served on toast.)

So is class in Memphis Monday through Friday? What happens on the weekend, are you able to go to the range and practice or just hang out in the hotel?

Thanks for the insight guys. I know the major carriers are moving towards autos and thats what bothers me. As someone that is jsut getting into the industry I was looking forward to learning and driving 10's and 13's. I know I will train on standards. but my daily driver once going solo will more than likely be an auto. I plan on sticking with my chosen major carrier (Swift) for quite some time, but do hope that a 10 or 13 is in my future beyond school and training.