Hi everyone, A little bit about me, I came off the road this time last year to handle some issues at home concerning my elderly parents, with their home and their health. At the beginning of this month I contacted Stevens in Dallas through their website, and I told them my situation- that I had a clean DAC, CSA score of 0, clean driving record, a good safety record, and that my only problem was a not so perfect job history. I didn't think I would hear anything back from them since I have been out of the saddle for about a year, and having a not so perfect job history, but they did send me a recruiting packet in the form of a pdf through email. My question is, even though they sent me a recruiting info packet, are they pretty sticky with your work history? and the fact that I have been out of the saddle for a year? Thank you.
You will probably need to offer some proof of why you didn't work last year, I just submitted letters from 3 friends/former co-workers stating why. They will probably want you to go thru a refresher course as well.
Yeah I lived off my savings, as well as apply for non trucking work. I didn't start looking until June, and finally made the decision to go back on the road. Being a training company, if they accept me, maybe they might send me out with a trainer for a month or so.
Drivers returning to the road after an absence are usually required to do a 'qualifiying drive test' where a red shirt will rate the skills. If they rate below the minimum skills of a new driver, they are required to do a refresher course. If they rate about the same as a new driver, they can head directly into OR1. If their skills exceed the new skill level, they are rated and can apply for a varience. As such, they may be required to accomplish only certain skills with a trainer. Usually it's a couple mountains, 5000 miles, etc. Normally they are sent out with senior trainers who will grade their skills and either recommend grad fleet or further training. The thing that trips most requalifying drivers up is backing skills and PTI skills. If you are trying to return, be sure you can not only do a thorough PTI, but verbally explain how a brake chamber works, the difference between a single action chamber and dual action (and where you would find either). Know your tread depth minimums, types of tires and wheels used. Every driver comes out of school knowing you must use virgin tires for steers, but can use recaps on the drives or trailers, but you'd be surprised at the number of returning drivers that have forgotten that. So study hard before returning!
Well I have been approved, what I will have to do is go out with a trainer for 2-4 weeks, and then go on the company side for 30-45 days, and at the end of that, if I want, I can go Alliance. I am looking forward to it, and ready for the challenge and learning something new.
