Covenant, the verdict

**TMFGO45** · 01.27.2008

Ok, I keep reading all these horror stories about Covenant. But how hard can it really be to get paid, when you have hard copies of the records and all the stuff you need to insure you get what's coming to you? They can't make you break the law, period. You simply file a complaint, correct?

I am asking all this, because me and my brother are going to team drive for them. I am trying to figure out where the truth lies. The biggest thing I have noticed, for every bad story you read about a company, there's anothe driver out there with a good one to tell you as well. Plus, most drivers aren't on here to tell you their story either. And usually just the bad stuff gets brought up, not so much the good.

Anyway, what are the thoughts then? Covenant is just like the rest? Good AND Bad!?

**notarps4me** · 01.27.2008

Well; you have seen the warnings.

Your choice. You will find out the costly way.

**danc694u** · 01.27.2008

Here's a piece of advise for you. I haven't seen it anywhere on this or other sites, although I'm sure it has been discussed.

Take a trip to the "online" legal sites. And question the Federal/State guidelines for getting your paycheck as a truck driver.

Then ask yourself, and your wife and kids. Can we hold out that long if we need too? If the answer is no, then you really haven't prepared yourself or your family for trucking.

Trucking is almost as bad as doing Commission based sales.

**TMFGO45** · 01.27.2008

Ok, so if I keep reading that all these companies are bad. Then as a team driver, who really want's to train with his brother, what are my options?

I live in Florida, and would like to make decent money (which covenant say's they are paying 14 cents per mile for training, then a jump to 17 after that).

Any thoughts on where else I can go if not with them for a good team experience, with similar benefits etc?

**notarps4me** · 01.27.2008

[quote=TMFGO45;336639]

I live in Florida, and would like to make decent money (which covenant say's they are paying 14 cents per mile for training, then a jump to 17 after that).
quote]

14 cpm is not decent money. I think we start newbies out at $500.00 a week and 35 cpm when they go solo, but we are not a team outfit. I would keep asking around on here. FL is kind of hard to get freight out of, but someone on here will have a good lead on a team outfit. I know someone that was wanting a team to run FL-CA, but you need exp. I would not go with covenant tho. Good luck, keep us posted.

**danc694u** · 01.27.2008

Originally Posted by TMFGO45

Ok, so if I keep reading that all these companies are bad. Then as a team driver, who really want's to train with his brother, what are my options?

I live in Florida, and would like to make decent money (which covenant say's they are paying 14 cents per mile for training, then a jump to 17 after that).

Any thoughts on where else I can go if not with them for a good team experience, with similar benefits etc?

ANY company that is willing to pay you less than 25 cents a mile while in training. Is a complete POS as a trucking company....period, end of story.

I realize you do have to start somewhere. And you will find a place to get that first job. Just don't ##### yourself out.

Check into CFI now known as Conway Truckload. You and your brother won't train together. But you can team together. You'll make more money DURING training, and afterwards.

Do a bit more research here as well. You may even find several places to go.

**myminpins** · 01.27.2008

Mike drove team right out of school for 29 cents a mile. Anything less than that is not worth it. Once he finished training (4 weeks), they would increase the pay but he left after 3 weeks (team driving wasn't for him).

**TMFGO45** · 01.27.2008

Well, this is what I understand of covenant's pay. 14 cents to train, 17 after that(this pay is for total miles driven on the truck, meaning i get payed for my miles, my brothers miles, and if my trainer drives, his miles as well...so so everyone understands that). Are you saying each individual should be making in the 20's per mile? Cuz our total is 28 cents for the team, split obviously. None of this is good?

And as for CFI, that is where I am going immediately after my first 6 months with whoever. I can't go there til my minor consumption is 5 years old (6 more months). I have a contact their named Christine who said I was good to go as soon as the 6 months is up.

So, since I am so new, maybe you guys can give me the info I need to make a good first decision. What am I looking for as an individual of a team (my brother) per mile, during and after training. We want to make good money of course, but I guess it's harder to find that right away. I don't know...clue me in so I can start doing some better research, instead of research I just THOUGHT was good.

Thanks guys (and gals?)

(oh, and I have a dog, who must be able to go with us...period

) thanks again

**notarps4me** · 01.27.2008

Originally Posted by TMFGO45

Well, this is what I understand of covenant's pay. 14 cents to train, 17 after that. Are you saying each individual should be making in the 20's per mile?

Thanks guys (and gals?)

If you get 3000 miles as a team, should be higher, but not from what I am hearing. Your pay before taxes will be $420.00 a week. You might not see home for a month. Does that sound like decent pay? If you ran 5000 a week $700 a week before taxes. I can take home after everything is out 800-1200 a week and be home on weekends and not have to live with anyone in a shoe box. A brand new driver with us can make $980 a week before taxes with weekends home based on 2800 miles.

**TMFGO45** · 01.27.2008

What company do you work for? How do I get a deal like that? What I wrote is the situation I am in.

Tell me what you feel a team should be making non-split, and how many miles we should be getting, right out of school.

I just looked at there pay scales again, and after even 5 years, I would only be getting like 21 cents per mile as an individual of the team.

????