Swift Academy - Richmond, VA - My Experience Begins

Hi All,

I've seen in several threads on TTR that each Swift Academy has it's own ... flavor if you will. So, that being said, I am starting this thread to specifically cover the Richmond, Virginia Swift Academy.

I am going into this with the knowledge and experience of someone who has, once before, gone through the whole starter trucking company regimen. I spent six months working for Stevens Transport back in 2008, but found myself in a situation where a foreclosure caused me to have to come in from the road. Now, a long six years later, I'm back. But since it's been so long I am forced to go back into a training program so I can make myself a viable candidate for a trucking company ... according to the insurance companies.

I begin my journey with Swift this Monday, July 28, 2014. Actually the adventure begins the day before with a relatively short bus ride from Charlottesville, VA. But then is there a short ride on the dog ... ever?!

I have my CDL Instruction Permit, my Medical Cert from a Swift approved doctor, a little savings to live off, and have been armed with the knowledge that I need to be vigilant in regard to the cab company that comes to pick me up from the bus station in Richmond. It seems that the cabbies in town like to pick up Swift students and then railroad them into paying for the ride when Swift contracts with a specific company to prevent this unnecessary expense.

As of this writing, Swift ONLY uses Fresh Prince Taxi to get you to the Academy from the Bus Station. If you're going there and any other cab company tells you different, follow your instructions and wait for Fresh Prince or the cost will be $30 or more to get there as opposed to free.

All this adventure and I haven't even started yet.

I have one minor possible glitch ... I recently moved to Virginia (02/2014) and it seems that my Social Security card has come up missing. I was out of town this past week and since I don't typically carry my birth certificate with me I was unable to get to a Soc Sec office while on the road. I had hoped to get back before the office in Harrisonburg closed, but I didn't get back into town until after 10M. I was up front with Swift while I was away and that this might be an issue. I was told that as long has I have my license and birth certificate with me at the Academy I should be fine. I'll keep you updated. Should I have to delay ... it's only a delay.

Otherwise, I have my references, and I'm getting my other needs together and ready to go.

So today is Day -2. I'm leaving the laptop behind and will be updating on my iPhone.

There are questions that I haven't been able to get answered.

I understand the dress code for class, but is there one while we're out on the practice range other than offensive t-shirt, low hanging pants, and so on. Can we wear shorts in this Virginia sweltering heat? I am going on the assumption that we can and am packing some.

Is there anything near by the hotel (Candlewood Suites at Richmond Airport) as far as groceries or other options? Entertainment?

Until next time...

 

If you're coming to class from a long way off and don't want to take the bus ... I could never blame you there ... consider taking the train. Much more comfortable and a bit faster.

When I joined up with Stevens back in 2008 I rode the dog from Bangor, Maine to Dallas, Texas via Atlanta, Georgia. Five days in absolute hell.

I'd imagine that they'd likely reimburse you for part of the cost.