Stevens Transport - Dallas, Tx.

Not real sure but i think they were sayin they had to sleep on top bunk while the truck was moving--while the trainer was driving--or at least thats how i took it--which is a big NO NO! I am not real sure if this is the case but thats how i took it. I have no qualms about stevens myself-seems most the complaints i see is about their lease programs which all company's seem to suck where that goes cuz they are out to make their own money. The only other thing i see is that stevens dont pay much--but i am guessing most of these people are straight out of school and they have expectations higher than they are getting. As i have said before--people expect to come out of school makin big money and they should know you gotta earn you way up just like any profession.

 

I'm not sure of the law on this as I've never run team. One thing I can say is if it were my truck I sure wouldn't want someone sleeping in my bunk that I didn't know. But yeah I could see how this could be dangerous

 

I could be wrong but that is how i read it--i been followin this pretty close as well. Ya--most people start out with the wrong expectations.

1- if your new--your gonna be stuck on a truck with a trainer whom you may/may not like for a few weeks but so what--3 weeks is nothing really--just grin and bear it

2- no one should be on the top bunk while the truck is movin--i think this is a lot of company's policy not sure if its a law or not

3-you cant expect to come out of school making $900 a week--that dont happen--just like any industry you gotta start at the bottom

4-this is like anyother job--your gonna have good days and bad--just deal with it and remember it can always be a lot worse.

Personally, i have no qualms with stevens , of course, i haven't worked for them. The do have really nice trucks. Not sure how they pay or what kind of miles they give you but I see a lot of stevens trucks movin so they must be doin ok as far as miles go--i dont have a clue.

Good luck to all and Be safe out there!

 

I survived the 5 week trainer deal, only one major argument between us.(besides his untrained dog in truck)
I survived the 3 week cheech-n-chong, met the other guy during orientation on yard and it worked out pretty well we are now good friends, although we may never shake hands again, ( due to logistics of the job).
you get your "jake" as soon as you are solo and have to wait 3 months for the cruise.
the pay is not great but miles are there.
if you can deal with being out for 5 weeks at a time
and dont think you can pick a date to be home, its NOT going to happen
safety dept. is well.... lookin out for the company. many hoops to get through there.
yea you may sit a day or two at some shippers but the miles are there
if you like to run and let it be well known with the planners and dispatchers.
the company cars on yard are first come first serve so yea you may have a wait so ask whomever is in it if you can go with them, usually not a problem. you can only go out for 1 hour anyway

This is importaint...Never Ever tell the company Dr. anything about your self! do not go into that office for anyhting except mandatory physicals or checks.
Do Not sign a release of info form for any other Dr. that has ever seen you. This guy will put you on med-hold and strand you wherever you are.
DO NOT TELL THE COMPANY DOCTOR ANYTHING!!!
So basicly if you want miles and will give up good pay and home time then Stevens is for you.

And yes I AM a company driver employee, just not a happy one at this time

 

It is against Stevens policy to be in top bunk while truck is rolling. I used to get my blanket and pillows and cover the trainers blankets up so as not to "chatch his cooties" or give him mine. There was a death not long ago because of this at stevens involving a trainer that rolled his truck with a 2 or 3 week student sleeping on top bunk. less than a mile from the Wal-mart D.C. in plainveiw Tx.

 

I am pretty sure its a law in some states if not all but is normally a company policy for most. I am pretty sure they was referrin to bein on the top bunk while rolling--not positive--thats just how i read it.

 

Sorry Turbo, but I was really wondering about this...... The Federal code does allow for what is called Non-Resident CDL's and each state that houses these schools must have a similar law or regulation in order to operate this way... The state should put on the license "Nonresident" on the face of the License.... Here is the extracts from TX Transportation code that makes this leagal..

Code:

§ 522.013. NONRESIDENT LICENSE.  (a) The department may 
issue a nonresident commercial driver's license to a resident of a 
foreign jurisdiction if the secretary has determined that the 
commercial motor vehicle testing and licensing standards in the 
foreign jurisdiction do not meet the testing standards established 
by 49 C.F.R. Part 383.
    (b)  An applicant must surrender any nonresident commercial 
driver's license issued by another state.
    (c)  Before issuing a nonresident commercial driver's 
license, the department must establish the practical capability of 
disqualifying the person under the conditions applicable to a 
commercial driver's license issued to a resident of this state.
    (d)  "Nonresident" must appear on the face of a nonresident 
commercial driver's license.

Code:

§ 522.022. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS.  The department may not 
issue a commercial driver's license other than a nonresident 
license to a person unless the person:
        (1)  has a domicile in this state;                                            
        (2)  has passed knowledge and skills tests for driving 
a commercial motor vehicle that comply with minimal federal 
standards established by 49 C.F.R. Part 383, Subparts G and H;  and
        (3)  has satisfied the requirements imposed by the 
federal act, federal regulation, or state law.

If you are not sure you should always ask about these things... Also instead of putting yourself into 5k worth of debt, go down the Unemployment office or Work force commission, and check on the CDL Training programs they offer.... I have 10 folks in the class with me that the state is picking up the tab for(even cdl fees), and all they have to do is pay for food while in school, and the state sent them to a school within 50 miles of their home.....Here is the big bonus, they can work for any company that will hire them once the graduate from the school.....

 

I am on my way sunday to my driver oriontation. I am excited to do my 5 weeks , then meet up with someone who has the same experiance as I . That may be scary , but I am hoping 6-weeks from now the winter will relax , sure it won't. Will Stevens send The Dumb and Dumber out to the ruged condition? or do they just give it to you like a driver who has 6 + months exp ?

 

Man,that sounds like a lousy deal,and a good place to stay away from,(far far away). My last hire on was with Roehl.they provided me with a rental car,Erie,PA to Gary,IN.Paid for my motel,and meals while in orientation,was also paid for attending orientation. Then another rental car back home to wait for my driving assignment out of Akron,OH. Quite a difference.

 

Good news!

As a trainee team, you will drive in winter with your trainee partner. However you'll both be ready and you'll not be alone. That's why we have trainee teams.

You'll find that during this period, learning and safety are paramount. The rule at Stevens is that no matter what, you are in charge of your truck with regards to safety. If you don't feel safe driving in the weather conditions, just let them know and you're covered. In fact, you need to call them back before you roll again for two reasons. They have other drivers who have reported better conditions, and they need your report for other drivers.

Welcome to stevens friend. If you see truck 7655 out there at a truck stop, stop by and say hello.