Stevens Transport - Dallas, Tx.

they will train you,

but you need a cdl from another source

 

There is an element of crap shoot, and much of what CougFan says is close. The biggest problem is drivers don't know how to use the tools they have available to them to get home on time or loads to where they want. You'll learn in time. The biggest deciding factor is your DM.
I drove for Stevens, but now am on the inside in Operations. I see what goes on first hand.

 

As most here will tell you I am not afraid to dog Stevens where I feel that they need to be but I will defend them where I feel that they deserve it too. What you posted here wasnt my experience with Stevens.

 

As I was leaving Stevens I was scheduled to go to the punkin and drive local pulling containers. I was impressed with they way they were doing things. One thing that I remember was they were going to FLY me to Chicago for training and put me solo in a decent motel. They said that I would have a bag full of shirts, etc. waiting on me there. Dont really remember the other stuff but it was alot more impressive than Stevens.

 

I haven't (and won't) read this thread thoroughly but in case you are still seeking input relating to your concerns, maybe I can shed some light or give you food for thought. Most states have grant moneys available throught the "workers investment act". Your state's employment website should have all the info on this. Not sure if this will cover all possible expenses (lodging, food, etc.) but, unless they've exhausted the funds, it will cover the tuition costs to a reputable private driving school (do your homework on which ones fall into this category). TruckingTruth.com is a valuable resource for learning about schools, companies, trucking life in general. Going the private school route will save you the indentured servant status and my research seems to indicate that if you choose the school wisely (properly certified and 150 + hours of training) you shouldn't get stuck with a cdl-a with no place to go. Of course this route won't put food on the table and keep the utilities paid. Like most have indicated, in this forum and others, most trucker farm company's trainee pay will be more than enough to repay the $2-3k schooling loan (small installment payments for 1 year beginning when you get your cdl-Stevens is 3 yrs and too much to ask in my oppinion) with enough left for reasonable cost of living expenses (seems that $350 per week early and $500 later training phase pay is the norm). Further research seems to indicate that, once you get beyond the training pay phase (2-4 months from start date avg.), you can expect $560-800 gross weekly pay during your first year of company driving. Throw in some bonuses and .01 per mile bumps along the way and you might see better $$$. Not uncommon to see those who catch on quick and drive smart making upwards of $800-1000 per week towards the end of their first year (but economy and work ethic related variables apply).
Not having made the leap and having experience under my belt, I see the potentially small(er) paychecks and crappy long hours with little hometime with these training companies during the first year or two, as being the dues one must pay to gain the training and experience needed to impress companies that offer higher miles and $$$ per mile. Having realized this I'm left to determine which is the best of the worst, so to speak. May be able to answer some of your questions relating to this if you're interested. PM me if so.

 

Sitting in Clayton, NC waiting on a meat load. Who knew we had a meat patch out here? One day trip to Alabama. I'm ready to keep going west and then north if needed to catch a load home again in a couple more weeks. I need to spend a few days at home taking care of some stuff.

 

We have Smithfield in NC, We have chicken plants in GA, AL,MS,AR
We have meat patches all over!

 

Is Stevens still giving away t shirts if you go online and say good things about them?

 

I never got my 6 month windbreaker.

 

I could never get them to stop sending me that stuipd QC message at 4am (waking me up) to come get mine when it was never there. Cant count how many good nights sleep got ruined by that message lol.