Swift Academy, Memphis, TN

Forgot to mention... will anxiety or mood medication get me.from getting into swift before.I talk to a recruiter? They are VA prescribed. Or should I just not mentioned anything on my meds? Thanks.

List everything. The drug test is thorough and complete. A medication that I am taking occasionally for asthma can show a false positive for a controlled substance. I listed it, they noted that in the test results and did the second, more detailed test to prove that I was not doing something illegal.

I had planned to drop a line every day. I found out that's not possible. Tuesday was more paperwork. Wednesday was all different. Out to the range and trucks. Roll call is 6am. Generally we practice skills all day (two breaks + an hour lunch) It's not on the list of things to bring, but bring a 6" ruler/straight edge to fill in the driver logs. You're outside, so dress for the weather. This is December, so lots of heavy jackets, wool caps & gloves. I'm local so I don't stay at the hotel. But from what I've heard, the kitchens have _some_ eating utensils, but you might bring some. There's a Kroger close by. 4 students to a 2br 4 bed suite. The schedule is 7 days a week, the holidays you get off mean extra hours so you get the legal training time in.

Hi! Thanks for spending time and effort in writing these great entries! Its interesting to read about your progression through the program. I know you said you are local to Memphis. Was their a deduction to what you owe and will pay back the next 13 months since you didnt stay in the hotel?

Was their a deduction to what you owe and will pay back the next 13 months since you didnt stay in the hotel?

The hotel is $500. So that's $3,900 tuition and $500 lodging in your "bill".

If you end up staying for extra training, Swift does not charge you extra.

I stayed at home, so my charges are only the $3900.

First day with Swift Academy today about 22 potential drivers showed up, 10 days before Christmas. What I wished I had known was that almost nothing was done this day! The class started at 6am. Nothing happened other than we were supposed to wait in the classroom. Around 8, they started calling us for the drug test. Also, some clerks checked & copied our DOT physical papers. Swift bought lunch at their snack bar. (We're on our own for all meals after this.)

Some people were weeded out of the group for lacking in various requirements, the students without a CDL learners permit were taken to another room.

Hints for people heading for the next class: Don't forget to drink water or coffee in the morning, and hold it till the pee test. It's not listed in things to bring, but the instructor asked everyone to have a 6" ruler to draw straight lines in our driver logs. Bring something to read/do while you're waiting. Bring your cell phone wall charger. Make friends - you'll be spending a lot of time with your new friends over the next three weeks!

Being the week before Christmas, we do have one adjustment to the schedule: Christmas day off. The rest of the time, including New Years Day, we'll be studying and driving.

Thanks great POST. I go to SWIFT school Monday in Richmond

Thanks great POST. I go to SWIFT school Monday in Richmond

Good luck, Ms Donna!

Was their a deduction to what you owe and will pay back the next 13 months since you didnt stay in the hotel?

The hotel is $500. So that's $3,900 tuition and $500 lodging in your "bill".

If you end up staying for extra training, Swift does not charge you extra.

I stayed at home, so my charges are only the $3900.

Hey brother i just got here at the hotel.... They told us that we are only going to be here for two days, that we will be checking out in two days? was wondering if you knew anything about that?

Hey brother i just got here at the hotel.... They told us that we are only going to be here for two days, that we will be checking out in two days? was wondering if you knew anything about that?

First, are you starting the Academy or Orientation?

Orientation is Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Mon + Tue you go back to the hotel (that's two nights at the hotel), then Wed at the end of class you meet your mentor, get on his/her truck and take off. No more hotel, it's six weeks in a Freightliner Palace on wheels!

If you're in Millington, I don't know.

Well best of luck, and share your experiences here!

First day with Swift Academy today about 22 potential drivers showed up, 10 days before Christmas. What I wished I had known was that almost nothing was done this day! The class started at 6am. Nothing happened other than we were supposed to wait in the classroom. Around 8, they started calling us for the drug test. Also, some clerks checked & copied our DOT physical papers. Swift bought lunch at their snack bar. (We're on our own for all meals after this.)

Some people were weeded out of the group for lacking in various requirements, the students without a CDL learners permit were taken to another room.

Hints for people heading for the next class: Don't forget to drink water or coffee in the morning, and hold it till the pee test. It's not listed in things to bring, but the instructor asked everyone to have a 6" ruler to draw straight lines in our driver logs. Bring something to read/do while you're waiting. Bring your cell phone wall charger. Make friends - you'll be spending a lot of time with your new friends over the next three weeks!

Being the week before Christmas, we do have one adjustment to the schedule: Christmas day off. The rest of the time, including New Years Day, we'll be studying and driving.

Thanks great POST. I go to SWIFT school Monday in Richmond

Yes, thanks alot for these posts. I applied to go to the Richmond school also.

E.V., do I know you? What are you doing with my initials?

(Just kidding!)

Good luck with the academy! Feel free to drop in here with your own questions and successes!

E.V., do I know you? What are you doing with my initials?

(Just kidding!)

Good luck with the academy! Feel free to drop in here with your own questions and successes!

Lol... No problem.

Will do. Which Academy are you at?

Good luck to you as well!

E.V.