Question:
I am in my third week of training with Swift Driving School in Portland, OR. I am excited to be starting this new lifestyle, but nervous and hesitant. I have my driving tests on Tuesday and confident I will do well.
6 weeks OTR with a mentor is going to be challenging and different but I can get along with anyone.
Are there any mentors for swift that could prepare on what to expect for the 6 weeks of training, any supplies that I should bring, besides the obvious and what I could do to make this as beneficial as possible for both myself and my mentor.
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Answer:
Supplies: Keep it basic while in the OTJ training. After all you will be living in a walk in closet with another person.
As to how ot get the most out of those 6 weeks:
Ask questions.
Do not let your mentor run you into the ground.
Your mentor should conduct him/herself as a teacher, not as your boss.
Insist on getting your feet wet in as many situations as you can and as you are able to handle them.
If you run into a problem, be it about the training or a personal issue regarding your mentor try to work it out but if thing do not improve quickly give the training coordinator a call and either get them to help you solve it or get you with a new trainer.
Answer:
Try to always remember you are a trainee. Your Mentor is in charge of the truck at all times. You need to pay attention to him even if it doesn't seem to make sense. When your new you don't have the same view as someone who has been out there a while. His view and picture of the road in front and around you will much broader than yours. Just remember it is his truck and he is not only your trainer and coach, he is also in charge. Other than that approach it with an open mind and be trainable. School will teach you the basics but OTR will teach you how to drive a truck. Be ready to be taught.
Your trainer (Mentor) will have as much of a desire for you to complete the training as you do. Not only will he be paid for all the miles the truck runs while your in it but he will also be making a penny for every mile you drive in your own truck for 12 months. So he wants you to complete the training as badly as you do.
One last thing, be respectful at all times.

Answer:
Yes pay attention to the "mentor"(snicker) with all of his experience.
In 6 months you can be a "mentor".
Answer:

Just pay attention. Observation is a great learning process. Follow your lead driver as he/she checks in for loading/unloading. If unsure about something, ask. If left out of the trip planning procedure, ask.
All of your questions may not be answered, as the mentoring process is far from perfect. Do not fret, just learn as much as you can... others will lend a hand after you are out on your own, even though it may appear daunting at times. I've had 'newbie' company drivers volunteer to help me drop or spot a trailer... this tells me that cynicism is a self fulfulling prophesy

Answer:
Use the Search feature on this forum. Type in keywords like "supplies" "training", etc. This will save you a lot grief and answer a lot of your questions and concerns.Ivey EnviroTech Services
Start Up date: 3/1/06

Answer:
Thank you so much for the reponse, I will follow your advice and learn all that is learnable.
See you on the road

Answer:

WTF are you smoking rabe? There is no way he can be a "Mentor" in 6 months.
It only takes two

Answer:
I have heard several times of trainers doing all of the backing,to save time. Try to get as much backing experience with your trainer.Anybody can go forward it is getting backed up that can be a pain.The most important thing is ask questions.The only dumb question is the one you don't ask.If you have a problem with your trainer try to talk it out.If all else fails request another one.Not sure about Swift,but some companies want the student and trainer to be close to the same personality.I can't emphasize enough to ask questions.Good luck on your training.

Answer:
thanks trimac42, backing was always the most challenging in my training, which was my 2nd week, especially the 45 backup. I will definatly ask questions as i did in class.
How hard is it to find the docks in some of these complicated cities, is it organized to where its easy to find, or will be a challenge?

Answer:
Some times docks are easy and more often than not their tough. You'll find out soon enough the world was not designed around 45 degree backing. Those are the easy ones. You will learn to back at every degree imaginable. School is where you learn to pass the test. OTR training is where you'll learn to drive a truck. There's a big difference.

Answer:
Did you sign anything? In other words, are you tied into this program? Or can you leave at will with no financial penalty?
Reason i ask is you could be making .41 cpm and be in a hotel everynight with my company----they take new, inexperienced drivers. As opposed to being stuck at 65mph, making god-knows-what at swift and being in a stuffy, noisy sleeper everynight.

Answer:

What might be the name of this company??
Answer:

The Makebelieve Transit Corp.
Answer:
I thought he quit that job and signed on with lalaland express.