Is Stevens really as bad as everyone seems to say they are??

Robert take a look at Maverick. If you are inexperienced and looking for good equipment then check them out. I start with them next week, but I did a lot of research on them before deciding to go with them. Search Maverick here on the forums and take a read. You start at .33cpm at 3 months you hit .36cpm and at 6 months you hit .42cpm. They have good equipment and the orientation and training pay is 500 and 550. They have flatbed, glass, and refer, but depending on your location is what they have for you. I'm in Alabama and they only have flatbed availability in this area. Take a look at their website and you can even youtube some videos on them as well.

 

I have been with Stevens for more than 6 years. This isn't my first gig, but for reasons I won't go into, here I came.
I have a lot of experience, so the training isn't what brought me, but from my observations, it's first rate. The equipment is excellent as well.
I started like everyone, as a company driver, solo. Not long after that I entered the lease program and upon completion of my 2 year lease, I purchased the truck I had been leasing and now own it free and clear.
I continue with Stevens because my earnings are decent, the freight is good and my money is always there.
Do they have warts? you bet! But not as bad as others, but I'm sure there are others yet that are better. It depends on what you want and if you fit in. What works for me, may not be for you.
I am 66 years old, widowed so getting home doesn't matter. As a matter of fact, I gave our house to my daughter and her husband. Now I stop by and visit every two weeks or so, visit a day or two than carry on. In my case, that house is right in the track of some busy freight lanes so I can easily get by.
Official policy is one day home for each week out and 5-6 weeks out at a time. As you become entrenched in this company, you get better freight lanes and hometime is a little easier, but if you remain a company driver it will still be likely the 5-6 week duration.
Since I'm an O/O, I can come and go pretty much as I please.
If you are a younger person and need to get home more, this is a great place to start and get your training...then move on.
Give it a good year or two and the world is your oyster.

 

Roehl will work with someone that has little experience. Pm me for more information

 

It seems like only the people that don't care about ever being home are the ones that can be happy at this bottom feeders. That right there says a lot about what to expect.

Also, cheap mileage pay with a reefer? Pff, I would take a look at their detention pay if I were you, unless you don't mind being a free security guard for a mobile cold storage. You know what I mean.

You got way better options than Stevens. Although I must say, those KWs with the burgundy interior and dark blue paint look very sweet. By far the best looking aero trucks out there.

 

Since when?

Last time I checked TMC takes drivers straight out of CDL School. Their web site even talks about helping people find a school to go to and offers tuition reimbursement. They may want 3-6 months to take you on as a experienced driver but there are new drivers on here all the time talking about getting hired by TMC.

http://www.tmctrans.com/drive-for-tmc/default.aspx

 

I'll post when I get there and let you know. Another good post to read is Heading to Little Rock! Maverick. The guy started it when he went through about 3 years ago. I know their is like 503 pages of post, but read through the first 15 or so and he goes in detail about his orientation and drivers training. Jimthehut wrote it and he still blogs on it as well. It is a good read and it help learn what to expect when I go there. I don't think it will be much different either, but if you get the chance that is definitely a good read.

 

you do know one of the contributing factors to a bad company is their bad drivers

 

Always keep in mind that very few people make a career at a training company.
You go to a training company to be TRAINED...then move on.
Each person is different. Each one will move on at a different time, but for the most part, within two years.
So pick a company that will get you the best training for what you hope or expect to want to do.
If you want to do flatbed, forget Stevens, go for something like Maverick.
But if you want a minimum of physical interaction (tarping, loading, unloading), then Stevens may be a good choice.
They have excellent training, a good education program and have helped a lot of drivers begin their careers.
But you will (likely) move on.
Think of it as boot camp. I never met anyone that had been thru boot camp that ever wanted to do it again. But I never met one that did it and was sorry for it.