Next Step, Orientation.

I posted a few (maybe more) weeks ago about my frustrations at the time with trying to get into training, the annoyances with CRE and the better opportunity that opened up with swift. Swift sent me to a private school, but I wouldn't have changed that for anything now that I'm past it. I felt that it was a great option before I started, and I feel that even more so now that I've graduated. I didn't have an unpleasant experience with any of the instructors at anytime, they joked and picked at me when I struggled, especially when it was 90 and humid as could be. It was a long 4 weeks of standing on driving pads, getting sunburned, and getting frustrated with things I struggled with. I got most of my time between 3 instructors (not counting the first one that was during the class portion) and they all approached things a little differently, which helped a few things click way faster for me. I'm pretty happy with my experience at that school and I'm extremely relieved I passed and got through it. The support from them was unparalleled.

I'll be set to start orientation and qualification on Monday in Greer, SC. Hopefully everything goes smoothly. Not being paid for my training kind of sucked and it was hard to do, but I'm looking forward to the start of a paycheck, even if it's not going to be much for awhile.

I have a lot to get in order at home before I head to Greer, but I'm excited all over again. Plus, I have a new CDL in my wallet, so even if things don't work out with swift, I'll have some sort of option to use it which is a massive relief.

I guess the next chapter is Swift. Excited to get back on the road, definitely my favorite part of the whole experience so far.

Again, thanks to everyone who gave me information and the forum as a whole for having a ridiculous amount of information and resources. Hopefully in 5-6 weeks I'll be excited and nervous again in my own truck.

Best of luck to you. Looking forward to hearing more about your journey.

I have a new CDL in my wallet, so even if things don't work out with swift, I'll have some sort of option to use it which is a massive relief.

Pyle, be very careful with that approach. More important than a CDL, is the 160 hour training certificate. For newbies, it's a critical document - any potential employer will need a copy of it. I'd be surprised if the school gave you this since Swift paid your expenses.

Do what you can to make sure you stay at Swuft for one year. They will do their part - you need to do yours. You've got a great opportunity before you - make it happen.

Oh I didn't mean in a jump to a different place or anything like that, just in a "I got over that first hurdle" kind of way. And you're right I didn't get anything from my school for that reason, I'd assume swift and most other large companies like them have a pretty ridiculous turn over rate, which would make sense to keep what they can to keep people from using them for a license and going somewhere else.

On the one year part, I'm in with swift for (I believe, I might be wrong) 26 months, 13 or 14 of those being that "repayment" to them as it were. I'm going to give swift the time I agreed to and go from there, maybe I'll love swift and never leave, or maybe I'll decide I want to go somewhere else or get an opportunity I can't pass up. I'm here now and in agreement for my time.