Questions

I am researching 2 "training" companies, looking to get a start in the truckload industry after retiring from the military. It will be necessary for me to go to one of the "training" companies as I do not have a class A CDL. I am looking for quality training and a foothold in the industry. I realize the companies I am looking into have their warts, but all do really. Can anyone answer the following questions for me?

1. What are the terminal locations for Stevens? I know they have one in Dallas and Laredo, but are there others?

2. Who would be better to start with-Stevens or Swift? I have been reading posts on this site for quite some time and know there are strong opinions for and against these 2 companies, I am looking for straight facts though please.

My father drove a truck for about 30 years, with 25+ as an o/o, never touching a lease opportunity, so I know a little about the industry from him.

Thank you in advance for your responses.

 

Of the 2 (looks around to see if anyone is looking,,, shhhhh...) swift. Why these 2??? You a 95B?

 

Yes, I am a 95B, changed a couple of years ago to 31B. The 2 were chosen for the following reasons:

1. Stevens-Quality of training.
2. Swift-Terminal locations and size of company. That has both pros and cons.

Looking to retire in NC, and would like a company with a terminal somewhere close. I figure it might make hometime easier; might be a bad assumtion on my part though.

 

MP, where do you reside? this could help your question a bit more, many many people from around the country ( even the world ) are part of this forum, and could maybe assist you better with better companies. i can think of a few better companies to start with,
swift would not be one of them just due to the size of them, 18,000+ trucks, just a truck # at swift, tho they pay decent, but if they pay good, they may not have the miles,
the list can go on and on on things with many companies,
give us a location
good luck to you

 

Stevens; from what I am told training is OK, but a lot of issues. I know a guy that posted his whole ordeal with them from school to when he rolled solo. I was the admin of that site. I used to crack up reading his posts. From the crime scene tape and bullet holes in the motel he stayed in too rolling down the mountain shot gun with no jake with another student that did not know how to descend mountains during his dumb and dumber training phase.

Myself I would do a lot of research on here and pick several peoples brains. Plus talk to current drivers of all potential companies. Take your time and start off right. Best way to not bail from this industry. This is one job that homework pays off well. You can also use GI Bill.

 

I am currently on in the Salt Lake City area and not looking at retirement for about 19 months. I know there will be numerous changes in the industry in that time, but I want to do ample research prior to making a decision since this is a major change. Like I said earlier, I have been reading this site for awhile now and am combining that information with what I got from my dad before he passed away (he drove for CRST/Trans Am/and a subsidiary of Great Wide).

I really like the posts of evertrucker about Crete. They told me they would hire me if I went to one of their approved schools. To me, there is alot to be said for "paying your dues". That is the primary reason for looking at a training company and working for them first. I figure a person can see all sides of the industry with them.

 

In my opinion crete would be a better option than what you have listed.

 

Good day everybody, Imagine my surprise when I joined this site, and happened to log into the section where my question had just been asked by MP2000. I'm in the same boat more or less. We're moving back to Fayetteville, NC. I'm a hard worker and don't mind paying my dues, I just want to be trained well. Thus far it seems like if a school is PTDI certified, they are generally a safe bet? A Schneider Recruiter said they had to nix the training program because of the economy. Ditto at J.B. Hunt. England might be a possibility. Does anybody want to weigh in with regard to training programs, or good companies to get a start? Thanks a lot!

 

Do you really want a good training program???

Forget about that stupid company trained me crap... Those companies don't care how well your trained. Driving a tractor trailer is a "SKILL" (yes I said it) that can't be learned in just a few weeks. They just want a warm body in the seat to move their truck.

If you really want some decent training.... Go to a Community College. Enroll in their 16 week truck driving program. Use your GI Bill to pay for it.

You'll get much better training & more experience. Plus recruiter's visit those schools as well.

If you want to drive for swift... Then do so! More power to you. But please go to a Community College to get your training. Then there is a chance that you won't be included in the statistic's of those swift morons!

 

Thanks for the info Redd. I was surprised how much general agreement there was amongst truckers in regard to different companies. I was looking at a few junior college programs in Western NC, near Hickory, Because of GI Bill and PTDI certification. The few I looked at, had about 60 percent job placement. One of the things that got me thinking about a second career in trucking is the possibility of a lot of travel and independence. It also seemed like an open job market. From all the back and forth yesterday, it doesn't seem like that is the case. I guess it would only make sense that the economy would impact trucking along with other business and industry. I appreciate your taking the time to weigh in.