So I need to decide between Stevens and Prime. I'm leaning towards Prime, based on a number of factors, but thought I would post here to see if I am missing something and there are benefits to Stevens that I am overlooking. Prime pays 34 cents versus 27 cents at Stevens, give or take a penny or two in each case Prime pays an additional 5 cents for lightweight and another 5 cents for NE Regional Prime offers Blue Cross Health Insurance, versus self insurance at Stevens Prime offers NE Regional. I'm in CT, so that's a plus making it easier to get home. Prime forgives 100% of training costs at 12 months with no payroll deductions. Stevens requires a payback of $26/week for about 3 years Prime offers Reefer, Flatbed and Tanker. More options Prime pays $600/week in training, Stevens is $350 Prime allows drivers to drop their trailer and bobtail home. Stevens only allows approved locations Stevens offers better equipment (typically a T700 versus a lightweight Freightliner) Stevens offers a full three weeks in the classroom, Prime is one week then off on the road with a trainer. I want to get on the road, but more formal training is always useful Stevens runs are typically longer They're both training companies so they both have people telling students to run away, but on a scale with CRST at one end and Millis at the other, I'd put them about equal. As I said, I'm leaning towards Prime, but you guys presumably had similar choices to make, so what made you choose Stevens? What am I overlooking that could or should change my decision? I appreciate any and all input.
I chose Prime and will be starting next week.. I basicly chose them based on most of what u consider "pros" However, I did here that NE regional is over croweded with Prime drivers. theirfore, the miles may be a lil less.
what division of prime would you drive for? if its flatbed you are gonna have weekly deductions for all your flatbed gear (chains-binders-straps-tarps) and snow chains , i think reefer is load locks and and snow chains mabey a few other things, i think you get your money back if you quit and return everything i think thats why they have a higher starting wage. i dont know if stevens has any deductions like that, just because you get better cpm starting doesnt mean you'll be getting rich your first year.Prime and Stevens have top notch equipment which ever company you decide to go with is up to you. they're not the worst so.. you'll be fine, goodluck
Naawww... Prime just pays people better. The charges for equipment to drivers is so they'll keep it with them, not try to sell it in truckstops like drivers from other carriers do.
From what I know about these companies they both have their advantages. But at Prime you would make more money than at Stevens. The 5 cpm for the lightweight truck is good but I prefer to be in a truck like the Kenworth T700. At Stevens I think it would just be better for a driver to come in with a CDL instead of going there to get your CDL. Paying back the cost for 3 years is going to be for a very long time. But Stevens does tuition reimbursement. Prime pays more for training but also their training is longer than Stevens training. Prime has more opportunities. At Prime school you will be out 3-4 weeks with a instructor then into training after you get your CDL. At this you will have some experience on the road before you even get your CDL, and while doing that you can get paid 200 a week but will owe them that money back. Since it will only be you and your instructor you might learn easier and better. But at Stevens you get longer runs, better equipments to drive. Your out longer from 5-6 weeks at a time from what ive read. They also have schools out from different locations and areas. To go to their school in Dallas, you have to be a Texas resident but they can send you to another school to get your CDL. I heard both negative and positive things about them and I think a driver would be fine there. Stevens would be a company I would recommend to a newbie, but I would prefer Prime over Stevens.
I thought Prime was very good at weeding out those drivers during orientation...just messin' with ya IP.
Problem solved... you buy your own equipment. Either take care of it, or shell out good money for more.
