8/22/2011 Training

Update:

On Home time, not feeling well, but figured I'd come on and share some recent experiences:

So yes, the training was very thorough and effective. It's official; I know how to drive a truck. I've driven in all sorts of weather and I'm very confident behind the wheel.

However, I'm not making any decent money (and honestly, the ONLY reason I'm not flat broke as of now is because of Per Diem). 26 cpm, minus $54 per week to pay for tuition, hotels, etc. Not to mention that I keep getting loads with nice miles (15-1800 miles), yet WAY too much time. I knock out 550-570 miles per day easily (no cruise and governed at 62, as I'm Grad, so it's difficult to maintain constant speed...your mind wonders, and you look down and you're going 55 MPH...). They'll give me 4 days for a 1500 mile run, or 5 days for a 1700 mile run...

I've been told this changes with Pre-Alliance, but that's only for 30 days. I do not want to go Alliance as, I'm sorry, but paying 600 bucks per week and NOT owning the truck at lease end is pure stupidity to me. Especially when there are better Lease-PURCHASE programs out there.

It's down to where I know in my mind I'm ONLY here for the experience. That's the only reason I'm still here. It's a good company, they get me home when I need, they back me up when I'm in a pickle, but my primary reason for being here is money...and since that isn't satisfying, I'm not satisfied.

...I also hate California. The Shippers/receivers have absolutely zero consideration for your time...it's easy to get in, but hard to get out. That has nothing to do with Stevens, I just wanted to vent that out.

In conclusion, to the would-be student reading this; it's a training company guys. You pay for the tuition several times over:

- Per week deductions

- The Thousands of miles you drive in your 5 and 3 week training go to someone else's pocket while you make the same $350.00 per week.

- The .26 per mile pay. The only reason you're paid that is BECAUSE you're a grad. No company in their right mind would start someone out at .26 per mile in any other case. The lowest I've seen is .32 cpm. Which means, mathematically you're paying an extra $150.00 per week in opportunity costs (2500 mpw average...not my average, I just gave a random average). Especially if you stay past 3 months, since many companies only ask for 3-6 months minimum instead an entire year.

Thus, if you do the calculations, you'll find that you actually pay for the tuition in many different ways. I personally will not be here for the full year. Sorry, I can't do an entire year of averaging $400 per week...I can make that working at the call center I was laid off from before this and be home every night for some good cookin and good lovin