Stevens Transport

Just a clarification, Pretrip is one of the written tests you need to pass, the seven step list is the AIR BRAKE part of the pretrip. You must memorize it completely and be able to either do it or recite it for the examiner. Mine gave me my choice. Several people have failed by forgetting to turn the key back on. Even if you recite it you must say that you would turn the key back on.

 

so post the pre trip inspection in order so others can copy it into a text and study it

 

Yeah, that was my bad. I meant Air Brakes. I have the list, but I didn't have it this morning when I posted that, and I still don't have it with me. I'll post it later tonight when I get home.

 

I am a lease operator, and there are a few thing you need to understand. Fuel spiking would be a blessing, as I will NEVER pay more than $1.20 per gallon for fuel. Stay within the stevens fuel network, hit the opti stops, and keep mpg above 6, and I do not pay $1.00 per gallon for fuel. That is what the fuel surcharge does for a lease operator, the higher the fuel surcharge, the more money goes in my pocket, for every improvement over 6 mpg.

I am not struggling, have been doing this for 18 months, average of 2950 miles per week for the year so far. People have to eat, and the only part of Stevens freight that has dropped is the cheap chinese freight to wal mart.

There is no such thing as a unforeseen maintenance expense, I set money aside every week for it, and have always had enough money in my account to cover needed preventative maintenance, and the very occasional breakdown.

Leasing is a big step, and with stevens you are NOT purchasing the truck. You are a business owner, with all the hassles of taxes, bookkeeping, record keeping. For some it is worth it, for others who have never run a business it is a struggle.

Investigate, get current information, and make your own decision, do not be tempted by all the posters on the yard, or the negative talk on the yard. If a lease operator is on the yard for more than 3 days, he is not a good business owner, and is struggling to make his payments.

 

Hey boog, they dont do a pre trip at dps man. U take the pre trip test on paper or on the computer at dps, u take this wen u do general knowledge, airbrakes, combo. There is no physical walk around. U do have to know the whole airbrakes check. We been practicing that daily. I got it memorized. Today was fun, highway driving. I did great, i got really good practice on i 80. There is construction there and on top of goin threw there with a downpoor. My instructor said i did great, she said most new ppl freak out. Tomm we get to go see the dps course and run through it. I think ill be ready by monday for dps.

 

Hows everyone doin,

 

doing good big,how are you,one week to go

 

Hey hunter i'm good to go, i will be there on the 28th also.

 

Hello there to all,

I hope that the following statment is very informative and helpful. Maybe it will give you insight and help you understand the process, procedures, and programs that are in effect here at Stevens Transportation Inc.

First and most important of all. I am a driver for stevens. I am not in any part, or form member of managment. Nor, can I speak officially on behalf of the company, therefore nothing here should be considered official in any part, whole or individual.

Second, if your student that has made your decision to become a Professional Driver "Congratulations". You are about to embark on a journey in your life that you will either come to love, or come to hate.
The life has a Professional Driver is hard, and at times very lonesome. You will encounter some things in this career that you will not ever encounter in any other career.
You will spend long hours, many miles, lots of days, and weeks at a time behind a wheel. Looking out the windshield of a truck that at times can weigh close to 80,000 pds.
There will be times that you must make split second decisions over and over for hours at time i.e. rush hour traffic, New Jersey in the morning and New York at night.
For weeks you may have to wonder how to feed the family this week. How to come up with money for the rent/mortgage for the month. Or how you will make it the next year.
The job can be very rewarding, and at time exciting. I myself didn't come from a rich family. At many times in my life I was homeless and without. I joined the military at a young age and came here after that. I now because of Stevens Transportation Inc. own two homes, several cars, and can enjoy things in life that my father couldnt when I was younger.
So the decision is yours to become the Professional Driver or stay where your at in life.

When you come to Stevens Academy LP. You can expect certain things.

1)Your a grown person. And you will be treated accordingly.
2) If your not willing to learn, they will not waste thier time on you
3)They (the instructors) have collective knowledge over 100 years.
3a)Between them all they have seen it, heard it, done it, or lived it.
4)Some on them came up during the hayday or during the time that was considered real trucking.

What will be expected of you

1)To be in perfect attendacne for the three weeks
2)To be alert, awake, and attentive during all instructional periods
3)To be neatly groomed, clean, and a professional look at all times
4)To be willing to learn to how to become the Professional Driver

What can you expect in return

1) Over 140 hours of classroom, and track instruction how to safely, legally, and professionaly operate a 18 wheeler.
2) To be taught safety, HOS (hours of service) regulations, proper trip planning, map reading, how to interact with customers.
3) To be trained properly so that you can apply for and obtain your CDL (Commercial Driver License Class A) in your home state.

Rumors vs Truth about Stevens Transportation and its subsidiary Stevens Academy LP.

1) Do they check credit
Answer: No they do not check your credit. However, by quitting Stevens Transportation you have gave them the right to report to the credit bureaus either your payment or nonpayment of the loan they have extended to you

2) Stevens approved my application before I came
Answer: No, they approved your application to the school. The approval process is almost indentical to the one for Stevens Transport Inc.

3) Stevens Transporation is Stevens Academy
Answer: No Stevens Transportation is the parent company to Stevens Academy LP. The academy is a business in and of itself. It has its own officers, directors, policies, and procedures.

4) The school said I was approved for Stevens
Answer: When the statment is made it is true to the fact that your approved for Stevens Academy. When you come to the school you can expect in about the third week to sit down with one of several people for Stevens Transporation Inc. who will go over and approve or deny the application for employment to the company. Their decision is final and binding.

5) I went through the school, failed it, do I still owe the money
Answer: The representative for the school that you will talk to as an exit interview will make the determination is failure do to you not wanting to learn vs. you just couldnt get it. However, they can under any circumstance enforce the contract.

6) They made me take the 70$, the hotel, and the drug test fee
Answer: No they didnt, and in the process before you came you were given the option to pay for everything upfront. However going through Stevens Academy and obtaining the room, the bus, and the 70$ is interest free. Only the actual loan for the school itself has interest assessed.

7) Will they call my references, former employers, etc
Stevens Inc. by federal law is required to obtain verifiable good employment history on you. They are required to investigate any firing, quits for refusal to submit for Alcohol, drug testing. Failure to do so could cost Stevens The right to be a motor carrier.

8)I can't urinate in front of people so is there others ways to take the Urinalysis.
Answer: No. good thing is though you will not urinate in front of someone. The nurse will hand you the cup and you will go into the restroom beside her to use the cup. However if you come up diluted or after a reasonable time cant go. It will be counted as a refusal. Which is the policy, and procedure for other companies.

9) Have a major speeding ticket that is recent.
Answer: Don't even apply if the ticket is for doing 20 over the speed limit. Other ones are and will be reviewed by senior managment.

10) My recruitor doesnt care. They never call back, and they dont answer
Answer: There is about 10 recruitors that is answering the phone for the entire 50 states. They average over 200 calls a day, I bet.

11) I am broke with no money how can I pay for the test.
Answer. Talking to your senior instructors will get you assitance to pay for it.

12) The hotel is a rat hole, and it is horrible
Answer: I dont think I have heard that come from anybody that passed. The hotel room you have will be shared with another student. remember you are paying half rate, so it takes two students to get the full rate for the room. The bed is small but is comfortable. There is stoves, plates ,forks, knives in all rooms. And all toiletries and towels will be provided dailey. There is well known establishments in the area to shop at and The hotel shuttle makes frequent runs to the local Wal-Mart


I have now completed the school, obtained my CDL, now what?

You have crossed the first major hurdle. Congratulations again. However you are from the coveted title of Professional Driver.
You are now officially hired by the company if you have been informed of that. You will be assigned either David or Renee has a counselor and will be assigned to the Training Department for about the next 6 months.
Beverly is the Supervisor over the Counselors to include Randall and kathy. Her boss is William Tallant.

You will be assigned a five (5) week trainer. During this phase is major focus is to ensure that you can drive the truck. To fine tune your skills. To make sure that you understand the quallcomm, its entries, and what each number relates to. He will ensure that you can operate under pressure, and without road rage or intent to hurt others. He will ensure that you understand how to stay healthy. He will ensure that you know how to stay clean and hygenic out here. He should enroll you in all major Driver loyalty cards while you are out. He will teach you how to manage money, the bi-weekly advance you get and your payroll.
He will ensure you know how to drive safely in the weather you encounter while your out and talk about the weather you dont encounter while out. He will ensure you know all major laws for all the states. Which weights are legal and where there legal. He will teach you proper ways to approach, come across, and leave DOT houses (scales).
He will teach you how to maintain the vehicle, and adjust weights ( by sliding the tandems and the fifth wheel foward and backwards).

After you complete the phase and he signs off on you, and you have completed company requirments (two major mountains, 18,000 miles and 35 days) you will come in for a weeks of classes that are redundant by much needed.

After that week you will leave out with a three (3) trainer.

During this phase your trainers only goal is to fine tune and polish everything that you know and learn. However his job is also to cover anything you didnt in the first five weeks, or that you havent completely comprehended yet.
During this phase you must get 7,000 total truck miles and 28 days and satisfy your trainer that you know and understand the basics of trucking.

After that phase you will come in for two days of classes. You then will be assigned a truck, a counselor, a driver manager, and most all your first load.

Rumors Vs Truth

1.) I have to stay out the entire eight weeks
Answer: No you dont. However it is recommended that you dont take home time during this time. If you do after you first five your only authorized two days at the house. If you cant make it back after that and need to stay home longer all previous training can be negated and you could be made to start a fresh with a new 5 week trainer. If you stay the whole time out the company will give you 14 days unpaid at the house with no worries. I know Mike Unser only says 7, but you can ask for more

2.) I have heard horror stories about trainers
Anwer: Yes you may have. Communicate with the training department immediatly if any threat to your health or well being has been made. If any threat of harm, assault (sexual or physical), or bodily injury has been made call the local police immediatly and then call the company. If you have been put into a dangerous situation remove yourself from it and call the company immediatly. Think of yourself first and foremost

3.)Your pay will only be 350.00$ during this time
Answer: yes, under certain circumstances. While your out past the 28 days you can be given a temporary pay increase.

4.) all trainers has apu's and refrigerators
Answer: No most will have an apu and some will have a refrigerator. There is no plicy in effect that they must have both.

5.) My trainer made a u-turn, my trainer made me do a u-turn, I saw someone else do a u-turn and/or my trainer threatened me not to tell because he knows certain people at stevens
Answer: I promise you that he doesnt know anyone that is higher than Mr Steve Aaron himself. You can never be made to do a u-turn. If you trainer says you have to remove yourself from the seat log off, and call the company. If he does one notify the company immediatly. He has endangered you and everyone else around him. and there is no telling who saw your.

Now that you have the CDL and your 8 Weeks of school now what

you will be on Grad Fleet for 90 Days. In thirty day increments you will be weaned off someone helping you. There is perks to each phase.

you will have your fair share of New York, The meat patch and sitting. However you will not be singled out because your the new guy. but if your the new guy and their is someone more senior sitting close by. you will get the bad load. you can expect to make good money. Ever since I started long ago i have made no less than 500 bring home weekly on company side.

YOU HAVE COME ALONG WAY. YOUR WONDERING IS THIS OCCUPATION FOR YOU. BUT MOST OF ALL YOUR WONDERING HAVE YOU OBTAINED THAT TITLE OF PROFESSIONAL DRIVER. THAT IS AN INDIVIDUAL THING TO BE DETERMINED BY THE INDIVIDUAL HIMSELF. AND PROVEN BY THE ONES AROUND HIM. SOME OF THE THINGS THAT A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER SHOULD KNOW IS ALL THE MAJOR ROUTES, MOST OF THE CUSTOMERS, HOW TO OPERATE SAFELY AND LEGALLY. HOW TO OPERATE IN ALL WEATHER AND TRAFFIC. BUT WHO MOST OF ALL HAS TO TAKEN THE CREED AND OATH TO DO THE JOB SAFELY EVERY SECOND, EVERY MINUTE, EVERY HOUR, EVERY DAY, EVERY MONTH, EVERY YEAR UNTIL HE DECIDE TO LEAVE THE PROFESSION.

SOME OF THE THINGS YOU WILL ENCOUNTER ARE NOT FOR THE WEAK. HOW WILL YOU TELL THE WIFE THAT THIS WEEK YOU MADE NOTHING. YOU HAD LOW MILES AND THERE WONT BE NO MONEY THERE NEXT WEEK. HOW DO YOU LOOK IN YOUR KIDS EYES BECAUSE YOU MISS THAT BIG BAL GAME HIS BIRTHDAY, HIS FIRST WALK, FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, OR HIS FIRST BIG BO-BO.
YOU WILL MISS ALOT HERE RIDING THE BLACK RIBBON, ROLLING DOWN THE ZIPPER.RIDING THE COASTER. TEMPTATIONS WILL BE HIGH YOU HAVE LOT LIZARDS, WORKING LADIES, LADIES OF THE NIGHT, AND DEALERS AT THE LEAST. BUT YOU WILL SEE MANY ITEMS TO BUY, CASINOES TO VISIT, RESTRAUNTS TO EAT OUT AT. THEY WILL TEMPT YOU.
AGAIN IT ISNT FOR THE WEAK HEARTED OR THE FEEBLE MINDED. BUT IF YOUR LIKE ME AND THE HUNDREDS OF OTHERS WHO DAILEY PUT ON THE BOOTS AND GRIP THE WHEEL YOU WILL HAVE FUN.
I ATTEND CHURCH EVER SUNDAY MOST OF THE TRUCK STOPS HAVE A TRUCKER CHAPEL ON SITE. SOMEWHERE WHERE YOU CAN SEEK SHELTER ON SUNDAY AND HERE THE WORD, TOUCH THE CROSS, AND TAKE A BREATHER.
YOU WILL ENCOUNTER ALOT SHOULD I MOMENTS. WHAT DO YOU DO AT 1AM WHEN YOU SEE A LADY AND HER CHILDREN BROKE DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT YOUR LOAD IS GOING TO BE LATE IF YOU STOP. NEVER THOUGHT LIKE THAT DID YOU.

YOU WILL LEARN THE CODES OF THE CB. WHAT IS KOJAK WITH A KODAK aka BLACK AND WHITE TAKING PICTURES AT THE ## YARD STICK. OR A FULL GROWN WITH A CUSTOMER. WHAT IS THE CASH BOX, TICKETMASTER, HEART BREAKER. WHAT DOES BRING YOUR TOOTHBRUSH AND COMB MEAN. WHAT DOES YOU HAVE A 49 ON YOUR SIX. OR I AM ON YOUR FRONT DOOR OR BACK DOOR. WHATS YOUR 20, WHAT IS AN ALLIGATOR, WHERE IS THE ZIPPER, WHAT DOES COME ON, COME IN, OR BREAK ONE-NINE MEAN.

THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE MILLION THINGS YOU HAVE TO LEARN TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER.

AND FOR A ENDING COMMENT

MY FATHER HAS BEEN DRIVING OVER 40 YEARS. HE TILL THIS DAY DOESNT CONSIDER HIMSELF PROFESSIONAL DRIVER. HE SAID THAT HE IS ALWAYS LEARNING AND THAT A PROFESSINAL IS AT THE TOP AND THERE IS NOTHING MORE TO LEARN.

MY HANDLE IS SQEAKY. IT WAS GIVEN TO ME BY MANY TRUCKERS WHO KNOW ME. DONT GIVE YOURSELF A HANDLE EARN IT. WHEN THE TIME HAS CAME YOU WILL GET ONE AND THEN AT THAT MOMENT IS WHEN YOU KNOW YOU GOT SOMEONE WILLING TO GO JAIL WITH LOL

 

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