Stevens Transport - Dallas, Tx.

I'm not sure where this is going but for constructive purposes I'll respond.

What I recommended for 6% grade braking works well for me and that is what I teach my students.

Personally, I don't recall anyone at Stevens giving that much detail or attention to the subject.

 

Thanks .....that's all..........

 

Thanks Jerry C,
I'll know more about the company before I ever start. Could you tell me about the Allience Program. Is it worth is and can you make money at it as a solo driver. Also, how often do you go to Canada or Maine. I was just curious those are two places I have always wanted to see. If they do send you to Canada or Maine who are their clients up there. Also, you said you have a 8 speed (do you not have a T-2000) I thought all the T-2000's were 10 speed. I really appreciate the advise on the 6% grade driving that was easy and clear to understand. One other question at this time if you could help me how to they determine the miles they pay is it short miles, HUB, practical Randy McNally 's or some other system. Once again I can't thank you enough for responding to my post.

 

Also, quickly Jerry C is driving 55 miles per hour the best way to save fuel. And if driving 55mph is; how had is it to maintain a truck at 55mph. Also, what is Stevens Chain policy and have you even had to chain up.

 

Huh - last I heard they were still recommending what I call the 5MPH rule for braking: when you are going 5MPH over your safe speed, apply the brakes firmly until you are 5MPH BELOW your safe speed.

Of course, if you select the proper gear/jake combination, you shouldn't even need to hit your brakes.

 

I have been out of trucking for about 5 yrs. from 86 to 89 I was O/O. I was young and dumb and went out of business. Too busy tryin to get home. Later I ran with a friend who was O/O but after years of fill in driving I decided to go to factory work. In 2003 I spent a few months driving detroit to CA. Then found a part-time local job driving for about 9 months. 50-70 mile run; load, unload, reload, unload, reload, all in 7 hr with no benifits. I grew up on a farm and have been driving since I was 14. I have hauled reefer, flatbed, van, triaxle.

I'm finding no-one will even talk to me unless I have driven in the last year. Would stevens require me to start all over? I have CDL-A still.

 

A few answers to questions, 2 years ago all company trucks were stevens blue, and all alliance trucks were black (the dark side). With the current economy, now it is the T2000 are blue, Pete's and T660 are black, (the blue is a special color that only stevens can use), while black is the standard Paccar black.

All white refer trailers are sold trailers, and are being transported to the person who bought it.

The 10 speed transmission is only in the older trucks, and is being replaced by 8 speeds in all trucks. Harder for a student driver to destroy.

If the truck is speced right for 55 miles per hour, then yes it saves fuel. There is a lot more to mpg's than just your speed, it is how you shift, how fast you accelerate, how you climb a hill, how much you idle. My favorite speed is 58, saves fuel, I do not go to sleep, and I make my loads on time.

There are two schools of thought on brakes and going down hill, steady light pressure, maintaining a constant safe speed, or Stab braking as Lurch describes. they both work, and it depends on the hill and the load, which method I use. The best is the highest gear that I never touch the brakes going down the hill. I am the most relaxed and safest. Rule of thumb, 6% 6 gear with jake, 5th gear without jake.

 

Hey Smokr,
How is the vibe your getting from some of the company drivers your seeing on the yard. How are they talking about the miles they are getting? The condition of the equipment, Ect. Aslo, ask somebody about the chain policy for bad weather? I apperciate the info Smoker (No one can ask for more than a first hand account of what you experience day by day at their training program). WE ALL HOPE YOU DO WELL . . .

 

Thanks TLeaHeart,
I understand. To my understanding I heard Stevens pulls alot of heavy loads like grapes and meat loads. Is that a true statement or not.

 

I saw one of those black petes today at a truckstop in Auburndale, FL. I must admit it is a sharp truck.

I am starting with Stevens next month. I am looking forward to the opportunity.

When taking a load, how does one determine if there is "too much time on it"?

T-mobile is my cell carrier. I looked at their coverage map, however, I am still unsure how relilable they are out west. Any feedback would be appreciated.