Just joined the forum, glad I did before I left home for CRE's driving school, dosent seem like a great deal. can any one tell me if Stevens Trans is any better

Myself; I would keep looking.

__________________
My childhood dream of becoming a truck driver turned into a nightmare!

I really value what your thoughts would be, and I am looking, several post on this forum list schnider as a great plkace to start. I am testing for my CDL on my own next week. I have been around enough Army trucks and vehicles, and while in Germany I had to get qualifed to drive a 10 ton t/t and drove it for several months over there.

I have driven quite a bit, but haven been out of a truck for 3 years. That said, I have been researching as well because I am basically having to "start over" due to my absense from driving.

From my research, I would consider Schneider over the ones you have mentioned.

I have spoke to many Stevens drivers, and from the conversations I have had with them, that is not where I would be starting out as a new driver. These guys are out there with reefer units, and most don't seem to have nearly enough training on how to run it properly. I have also been to their facility in Dallas, and frankly wasn't impressed with the people I spoke to.

I am so glad that I contacted you guys. I knew that I could count on real drivers for real answers. I was at breakfast the other day and two friends of mine both retired drivers said that if I was interested in driving then I had to find someway to reach the guys who do it everyday, that they were the real teachers...

I would not worry so much about getting my CDL on my own. You will need to go to a school to get trained before any decent company would hire you anyway. Might be a step ahead to have your permit, but the school will help you get your CDL anyway. Basically the school is only to teach you safety rules and basics. Plus help you get your CDL. The company you go with will send you out with a trainer until you upgrade to solo. I would try to fund my own school, or use your GI Bill if you can do so. If you rely on a company you will be under the thumb in a contract. Most companies offer tuition reimbursement anyway so you could get your money back.

If you do not qualify for some sort of grant or can not swing the loan yourself Schneider would not be the worst that you could do. I hear they have good training. Most new drivers seem to move on to better paying companies/ home time when they get their time in with them. Good luck. be safe!

__________________
My childhood dream of becoming a truck driver turned into a nightmare!

thanks for your good advice and help...

Your welcome! I am full of advice, well full of something; anyway!

__________________
My childhood dream of becoming a truck driver turned into a nightmare!