Starting class on January 30th. Anyone else on here attending?

I myself just graduated from my school in S.Fla 1/24 got my class A CDL hard copy license 1/25,and had my fingerprints done for my HAZMAT the same day.I am waiting to hear from Stevens on my application, although I have a pre-hire with US Express. I prefer to go with Stevens because of the extra training that they provide but from what I have been told is beware of them pushing you to lease one of their trucks.

 

Pdx couldn't be more right.I looked into some of the other self training schools and found the same.CR was the absolute worst.Don't believe me,check out their hotel on You Tube.My jaw hit the floor.On top of having a seemingly top notch school,what I liked about Stevens was that it didn't seem like you had to team-up with another driver in order to make it.And from my reading the Alliance lease seems to work for quite a few,unlike some others that are completely awaiting on everyone's failure so they can take there truck back,lease it to some one else,and kick your country ### to the curb with a bad DAC report.But naturally I'd take some time and see if there was a. money to be made at it and b. see if the over the road lifestyle is for me.The only down fall of the whole deal that I could find(and I think this may answer that question of having small kids a few posts back),is that you're going to be away...for a while.Not home every weekend or every other weekend.Seems like 5 weeks out, then maybe 4 days home.As long as you know that heading into it and aren't disillusioned thinking you'll be home every couple weeks,you should be good.It's all personal but in this economy,I've decided I need to do what I need to do.And like Pdx says,try out the year and see what's up from there.

 

More worthless drivel. Absolutely not true.
First of all, you must complete all your training BEFORE you are eligible to move over to the Alliance Division and lease.
Secondly, you must QUALIFY. Not financially, but primarily by maintaining good fuel economy. Most profits for the lease drivers are derived from fuel economy. If you can't seem to get the hang of that, you won't be eligible.
You do not have to "team or lease" at Stevens like at some other carriers.
There are plenty of solo company drivers and each trainee will become a solo company driver before being able to do anything else.
No, they don't push you to lease, however, there is always a buzz around the place regarding leasing because O/O and L/O's are the future in the trucking industry.
IF you follow the lease program as set out a Stevens, you will make more money than a solo driver. But leasing isn't for everyone. You can read much more about this on the Alliance thread under Stevens.
Concentrate first on learning your craft. You can lease anytime you want (or never, if you choose).
There are plenty of us Alliance drivers that post regularly on the Aviary that will tell you like it is. We are not company stooges. Just feel free to ask ANY question.
Good luck to you all. Hope to see you out there!

 

How's the journey goin' Slow poke?Hang in there brother.

 

get the sleep when you can. You're going to be busy!
good luck.

 

YEAH!Glad you made it man!I'm rootin for ya!Keep us posted as you can.

 

Sorry to hear that man. Is that something that can be fixed, or is it dangerous?