Swift Transportation Inc. (TN. Driving Academy) Re-Certification of My CDL-A License (2.5+ Years Later)! Milligton Tennessee
I also had to Re-Certify my Current CDL-A License & Luckily Live in Ohio.
This allowed me the full 90 days (Not 10, 20, 30 or 60 Days as with some other states), from receipt of that BMV letter.
Unfortunately, it took me 2 Separate Occasions (Saturdays), to Pass all 5 of those written tests, because I didn't study that 1st time (day after receiving my letter). I also had to take & pay twice for those Road Tests (PTI, Backing, Road Skills), because I had a Bad "Original" Test Day, with a Few Equipment Problems, which contributed to my PTI Failure & Not being allowed to Road Test that day (No Re-Imbursement).
Fortunately, I passed all those Road Tests, on the second go around @ a "State Approved" 3rd Party Testing Facility. This Whole Process cost me approx $350 which included Equipment Rental & 1 Hr. of Practice, prior to
my Final Testing (Using a Sister Truck/Trailer @ a Private Party, Close by).
It also cost me "3 Full Wks of Work Pay" (Another $2150 Gross-Minimum), because my Company didn't allow me to continue working, before Re-Certification was Completed. After Finalizing (above), I had to wait an additional 1-1.5 Wks for an available truck (Come off the Shops Dead List,
with 2 Other Drivers ahead of me).
I'm Certain that I'm Not Alone in these Issue's (Lost Time/Money & Work). Hopefully I'll be added to that "Class Action Lawsuit", which should happen within the Next Year or So? I'm going to Keep Copies of All My Expenses, Related to this Issue (Just In Case).
P.S.-I was "Fully Re-Imbursed by Swift" (My $3900 CDL Training Cost), after working with them for "6 Full Month's", because I Paid for My Training, out of my own pocket. Unfortunately, this New Problem has cost me @ Least $2500 & I'm Sure Swift or that Millington Training Facility, won't be Re-Inbursing in the "Near Future", without Legal Action of some kind. I lasted 13 Months with Swift, before "Finally" saying GoodBye, because of all the Internal BS with New Hires & etc. (Planners/Dispatchers/DM's & those Managers). Better Working Conditions/Equipment/Consistent Pay/Home Time & etc. now, it
was a Very Good Decision to MOVE ON (7/2007).
DDD "Road Warrior"
Pataskala, Ohio
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Anonymous
Harrison Township,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Recertification
#3Consumer Comment
Sun, May 17, 2009
The fact you are from OH gives you an advantage in terms of driving skills. If you were not already employed, the recertification process used is preferred compared to the typical recertification programs truck driving schools have and use, mainly at the request of trucking companies (or so it is said).
The other rebuttal suggested what you paid out-of-pocket is a tax deduction, which should be true.
Benn
Eleva,Wisconsin,
U.S.A.
Advise on those receipts
#3Consumer Comment
Wed, March 11, 2009
I would double check with an accountant, but all expenses related to having to retake the CDL are tax deductable. Again double check with your accountant but I am sure it is.