stevens transport

Never worked for them, but I do know that pay rules have changed for them since the meltdown. They used to pay hub miles, but like most companies, found they were losing money fast, especially on fuel surcharge costs. If you're bent on driving Reefer, I'd suggest FFE out of Dallas, TX. Nothing but good words from long-time haulers. They're straight with their people and keep you busy. Never heard anyone complain about them on the road, which is rare about any company.

 

Stevens was my first company and I'm still with them. I've done six months company side and currently am in the sixth month of my first lease. Like any company it has its ups and downs but I think they're a good place to start. Pay starts around 26 cents for new drivers and they have some very nice trucks.

 

A lot of people are turned off by how long their training is (looking at a few months before you get your own truck) and just want to go to some other training company so they can get behind the wheel for a few weeks and then get cut loose solo. Well after going through it all, I'm glad I didn't go somewhere else, because I don't think I wouldn't have made it this far if i didn't get the training that I did. Go out with a trainer for 5 weeks, take some more classes, then go out for another few more weeks with someone else who just got off a trainers truck... like I said this scares a lot of people away, but you'll be glad you did it. Also, you don't have to chain up during the winter months as you aren't even allowed to unless you're approved for it, and trust me, you won't be. But by the time you get your own truck, you'll be a lot more prepared than all the other rookies out there who are hitting the road alone for the first time

 

I am currently in training with them and this Tuesday I go get tested for my CDL. The training is for safety oriented and top notch from what I can see. Yes I want to just get out there and start driving but the training is very important. Its very easy to get a CDL, the hard part is keeping it.

 

I worked for Stevens for 3 years. I didn't go to their CDL school, but I started off as a brand newbie in their OTR training program. I've got to say, it is hands down the best training program in the industry. Yeah, it's a lot longer than all the other guys, but it's worth it. When it's time to go solo, you will be extremely well prepared and confident. The emphasis is on safety. Learning not only how to drive a truck, but to do it safely, is something that will stick with you for the rest of your career. I've moved on to a different company, but the good and safe habits that I learned from Stevens are still put to use everyday. You will hear some people trash talking them, but you've got to take it with a grain of salt. All companies have their downsides, but for a new driver, you will never regret learning the right way to do this job from the start.