Thinking of going to Stevens CDL training any current students or drivers comments?

I have never touched any freight here.

 

Same here but I believe that IF I would had wanted to I could had unloaded alot of the loads. But Im a driver, not an unloader.

 

I got a call back from a Steven's recruiter, and I'm really unsure if I want to go with them after what I was told.

I have my CDL-A w/Haz-Mat, but have been off the road for almost 4 years. Because of that, the recruiter said I would be required to go through their training school, which would cost $4,200. They would deduct the money from my paycheck over the course of a year, which requires a 1 year contract with them.

The orientation/initial training is 3-4 Weeks unpaid, even though they give you money for food. 8 or more weeks with a OTR trainer after you finish the school, and then you're free to solo.

I can understand companies wanting refresher training to a certain degree for drivers who've been away for awhile, but this feels unreasonable. I'm no rookie, and I've got the scars and certificates to prove it.

 

That is what Stevens and alot of the other companies require if you do not have recent (6 mos) experience. Good luck with your search.

 

This is an issue driven by the insurance industry.
If you have not driven in more than two years, they require a refresher course before allowing you to be hired.
That being said, you can do this at a local private school cheaper (probably) or community college. Stevens will reimburse you the cost of that school up to a limit. (I think that's around $3,600). It's paid to you at $25 per week. Check with the recruiter on this.
The school must be PTDI certified, but that isn't hard to find.

Yes, you will be required to go thru the entire new driver training. But you are paid during that time.
Not a lot...$350 per week... but you're paid.

I think you'll find virtually all companies requiring the refresher course. Like I said, it's an insurance company requirement.

FYI, I drove for more than 35 years, retired for a bit over two and had to go thru the same gandy dance. I could not find one company that would hire me due to my having been off for more than two years.
Check with your local unemployment office. You may be eligible for the cost of tuition being paid in full under the Displaced Workers Act.