Is Stevens Really The Best Training Company?

Hi Everyone,

I know this thread is getting long about Stevens Training in Denver. But, I want to make sure that everyone can follow along and they get the information.

I am now starting my 3rd week of training. There has been a lot of changes for me this week! So, I hope I can explain it clearly.

The Stevens Training Center here in Colorado is a Contracted Training Center. Basically, 90% of the people in program are going to Stevens when they graduate. The school treats the program as if it is a Stevens Training Center. I feel it is one of the best training centers in the West / Mid-West. The name of the school is Careers World Wide. But, do NOT let that scare you! Stevens will pay for your training here if you qualify through their recruiters. My recruiter was Kristina. She was AWESOME!

As far as I know, there are a couple of pitfalls with the Denver Training vs the Dallas Training. Stevens will not pay for your transportation to Denver, food, or housing. The housing is CHEAP! The last time I checked, it was only $50 a week. You cant beat that! The two primary people to ask for when you call the training center is Clayton or Sean. They both are knowledgeable and helpful. The will bend over backwards to help you get in the program! But, they will NOT allow you to take advantage of them. Tell them that "Richard on The Truckers Report" told you to call them.

NOW for the GOOD NEWS! I talked to the owner of Careers World Wide (CCW). They can accept Out-Of-State Students for the program! They know how to take care of you! If Stevens tells you that Denver cannot accept Out-Of-State (Colorado) Students. Then, call Careers World Wide (800-852-1243) directly. I think CCW will be able to help you overcome this issue with Stevens.

Now for my personal bad news: I can NOT go to work for Stevens Transport! I have ADHD. I was diagnosed 5 years ago. I have been on Adderall ever since. Stevens will NOT allow a person that is on a Scheduled 2 med to work for them as a trainee. Even though I have a prescription and a Doctor's note stating that I would be a safe Commercial Driver, they still would not take me. Their loss, someone elses gain. My wife and I have been reading every forum there is on Stevens since it looked like I would be working for them. Stevens (even with their Re-Power issues and other issues) was a PERFECT FIT for me! And, I seriously thought that I would possibly retire with them. But, oh well! On a side note: Their Doctor did tell me that if I had been driving a commercial vehicle for more than 1 year then I would be accepted. I thought that was interesting. I will complete my CCW training! I am supposed to graduate this Friday (9/21). I have already paid for it in full. As of Friday, I have applied at Schneider and Gordon Trucking. Tonight, I will be putting applications in at May Trucking, Roehl, Central Refrigeratorated (direct Stevens Competitor that is based out of California with a training center in Salt Lake City), and Covenant. Basically, the medication is not a show stopper for all of the trucking firms. In fact, once I have 6-12 months of experience, it appears that most trucking companies dont care.

Good Luck & Take Care,
RapidRichard

 

Check out Maverick out of Little Rock (I think). They seem to treat their drivers well and I believe that they take students.

If I ever go back OTR, I will be checking them out.

 

You are correct. My 3 lowest checks were much less than $100
. I am guessing that I averaged between $350-400 a week.

 

Really? Come on its a starter company...

 

My first six weeks I averaged $417.00 a week. That was at. 26. Back in 2009.

 

That's the spirit... after a year there are numerous options that pay considerably more. Get your year in, safely, no tickets, no accidents, no incidents and a lot more options present themselves. I know there are some options also at 6 months but a lot of the better companies frown on job hopping so personslly I would weigh these financial benefits of the next company at 6 months exp vs the 1 yr company and see which make sense overall.

The company I am seriously considering is offering $.42 a mile after 1 year. I will make this year with Stevens work, learn all I can (a lot has changed since the last time I drove) and then look to the future. Treat this like what it is, a way to get your foot in the door of the industry and gain some valuable experience