Questions for Stevens drivers!

So, although it's probably denied by any of the recruiters and anyone at the home office, do you guys as L/O find that you all get the miles and longer runs over the company drivers? Or would you say that it really all depends on a proven driver getting them?
I guess what I'm getting at is an honest and unbiased answer to some of the things I've heard like if you don't take a lease after a time that as a company driver you won't get the miles or loads or get the bad loads where you sit a lot which is like not getting the miles= money.
Truthfully I would really expect you all getting preference over company drivers since you guys are doing the extra work and taking on the extra risk. I would actually think that would be one reason to also entice a driver to L/O. I really don't see the point of Stevens setting you up to fail as being in their best interest. Although they do hold the trump card as in if they want you to go they just don't give you the miles.
One of the things the recruiters like to say and is even on the website is that Stevens has never laid off a driver in 30 years. Although that sounds nice but it seems to me that you can have a driver sit long enough so they have to quit.
Don't get me wrong as I'm not bashing but trying to get honest answers to questions.

 

Preference over company drivers as a Lease operator, maybe a little. More depends on ones work ethic, and delivering freight on time. As far as length of haul, does not matter, it all depends on the hours one has available to use on their log book.

Yes Stevens hold the trump card, they can starve a driver out. A careful tight rope walk works best.

I do know one driver that lived in Colorado that Stevens tried to starve out, and he filed for unemployment in the State of Colorado and won. Technically he was not laid off.

Used to be, by the truck number one could tell if it was a lease operator or a company driver. Now the numbers are all mixed together, as far as I can tell. Owner Operators are easy, less than 3000 truck number.

Honestly I can not say I get preferential treatment as a lease operator. I keep a good working relationship with my driver manager, point of contact, and communicate often when needed.

Trainers do get preferential treatment.

 

Thanks for an honest answer.
And with regard to Sininsters question also can you guys post any pictures or describe how you all might have your trucks tricked out as to microwaves and fridges and utilization of space?

 

I don't do training. I enjoy being on my own and not having to share the space. I can eat spicy food, fart if I want, listen to whatever radio station I want. Guess I'm a bit selfish that way.

 

Can't seem to get a good pic. I'm in a T2000. I have a refrigerator installled under the desk, the micro on top and just 'stuff' in the middle where some put a TV. On the other side, I stuff food on the upper and lower shelf. Clothes in the closet, of course.
Nothing special.

 

Whatever you bring, just consider it will share your bunk with you. So if you want room to lie down, be sure and not bring too much.
Eight days clothing at most. Bring a warm coat, not only for the cold weather coming on us, but there are times you have to stand in a cooler and supervise them loading your trailer. Bring a rain parka. Some bood work boots. There will be places where the mud and slop will kill simple tennis shoes. Bring a pair of cheap tennis shoes for times you don't need the boots. Days where you're just driving. Can be more comfortable sometimes. Of course a good pair of work gloves and a hat. Since the weather is getting cooler, you might think of a sweatshirt.
Keep in mind, when you leave O-1 training, you will have a bunch of stuff you didn't before, such as books, atlas, paperwork. So don't stuff your bag too full. You'll need room to put the books and stuff.
In addition to what you bring to wear, you'll need a sleeping bag and a pillow if you want one.
There is a list of things recruiting puts out that will help you. Contact your recruiter for that list.
If you take any prescriptions, be sure and bring a 60 day supply if you can. Makes it easier than trying to hunt down a pharmacy. If you have to use a pharmacy, set yourself up with either Walmart or Walgreens. They're easiest to work with on the road.

 

I was born and lived in the Pittsburgh area until 1980. Now that was a football team. When I hear someone say the Bucs it makes me think of the Pirates and seeing Clemente playing.