Swift Academy, Memphis TN
Topic 14074 | Page 2
Yep, straight backing was easy. And fun as hell too. Lol
The whole class passed it with no problems.
See! I told you. Now just do that every day. First thing you know, you'll be driving with mentor. By the way how long is school? Do you know how pay is structured. I've read Swift gets 150 a month for 13 months. Haven't heard when that starts. I'm sure some Swift drivers know. Just wondering if they wait until you go solo, and wait a week or two? Don't worry about that, just think about backing, and never hitting anything!
Well, after an eventful bus trip (which I'll cover below), I'm officially a student at the Swift academy in Memphis, TN! I'm not going to cover every detail of my time here because it's been covered many times on here better than I could ever do, but I will mention topics I found interesting or important.
Like I said, the bus ride was...eventful. The bus was almost an hour late, and I didn't have a ticket, just my confirmation email. Luckily they let me ride to the main terminal to get one. The first stop was Fort Smith, Arkansas. NOTE: when the driver says you've got 10 minutes before they leave, they actually mean 7. I went to the bathroom, went back outside and the bus was GONE! The dispatchers called the driver and told her she forgot somebody. Thank God she came back!
I arrived in Memphis on time (after not stepping off of the bus again...I'm not that stupid). 3 hours later a shuttle picked me up to go to the hotel, where it was another 5 hours before I was able to get a room. Tired and irritable would be an understatement.
Today was Day 1. The usual stuff was covered...drug test, permit and DOT physical check and academy policies. This is important...if you have a DOT medical card, make SURE the CDL Applicant/Holder box is checked Yes. If not you get to take another physical. Also, if you have any conditions such as sleep apnea (like I do), a medical release form from your doctor carries a lot of weight.
All in all, I'm glad the day is over. Now to head to Walmart in a bit for food and then some relaxing.
I think I'm going to enjoy my time here. If anyone has any questions, I'll do my best to answer them.
Mike I don't have a ticket also just confirmation email! Am I allowed to get my ticket a day before my departure date? I just want to make sure I'm not gonna have a problem when I get to the terminal. Also when you arrived at the TN Terminal , you didin't call the shuttle to pick you up? My arrival is 4:10 AM so I dk how to get to the hotel :-/
and if you have the checklist of the things that I need to bring aside from my DL , Social , Permit , DOT ( with long form ) , Utility bills. I will really appreciate it.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
Dispatcher:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.
Flatie, send me an email with your number and I'll text you the info. Much easier that way.
woodallm@gmail.com
It's been a hectic 2 days, but totally worth it. Today we did our pre-trip inspections and everyone passed (including yours truly)! I had a serious case of brain lock at first but studying really does pay off. Next week we start backing training. Can't wait! It looks like I'll have to learn right side offsets, straight line and 90 to pass my state exam.
Pre-trip Inspection:
A pre-trip inspection is a thorough inspection of the truck completed before driving for the first time each day.
Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also may inspect your vehicles. If they judge a vehicle to be unsafe, they will put it “out of service” until it is repaired.
See! I told you. Now just do that every day. First thing you know, you'll be driving with mentor. By the way how long is school? Do you know how pay is structured. I've read Swift gets 150 a month for 13 months. Haven't heard when that starts. I'm sure some Swift drivers know. Just wondering if they wait until you go solo, and wait a week or two? Don't worry about that, just think about backing, and never hitting anything!
Swift will deduct $37.50 per week for 12 months. If you continue your employment they in turn will deposit $37.50 per week until month 24. If you stay with Swift for 24 months post completion of training, it is basically free.
Flatie, send me an email with your number and I'll text you the info. Much easier that way.
woodallm@gmail.com
I sent you an email!
Thanks G-Town, that was my question. Didn't intend to hijack post. So first check will have the 37.50 deduction! Good to know.
Thanks G-Town, that was my question. Didn't intend to hijack post. So first check will have the 37.50 deduction! Good to know.
Plus a deduction for hotel expenses. I don't remember the exact amount, but it's paid in full in 13 weeks I believe. I'm a veteran so my schooling is free as long as I stay with Swift for a year.
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