covenant orientation...pomona, ca

Discussion in 'Covenant' started by rpad139, Apr 8, 2014.

  1. rpad139

    rpad139 Heavy Load Member

    828
    543
    Jan 9, 2014
    Ca
    0
    Hey everyone I'm going to give you all my experience so far with covenant transport. Covenant was the only company that contacted me after putting in an app. I was denied by watkins&shepard,conway, usxpress...etc. so I'm going to take what I can from this company And try my best. This is my second attempt at trucking, my first company was central refrigerated but I didn't pass the upgrade test to solo out. So here's my 2nd chance. Yes I know covenant is team driving and I've read all the bad reviews by anonymous people under unknown circumstances. But I need to see for myself.

    Started orientation about a week ago. Free transportation to pomona via greyhound. As always the greyhound sucked and long delays...but its free so I can't complain. Arrived at the greyhound in claremont, ca around 7pm on Sunday. The hotel is called the quality inn ontario, ca, friendly staff, free breakfast,free wifi,laundry,and a jacuzzi and pool. The hotel was very nice and located near a dennys, in n out, and few other stores. Covenant has partnered with a program called "rolling strong." When you arrive at the hotel a hot female health coach will talk and assist you on passing the blood pressure test that is on the first day of orientation. It is vital the you have your blood pressure in check or you will be disqualified. So no smoking,sugar,stress the day before the test so you can pass.

    First day orientation:
    Orientation is held in the conference room of the hotel at 7am which is very convenient...right across my room. Two kind ladies will be doing the orientation. First day is a lot of paperwork, blood pressure and agility test. Covenant is a forced hazmat company so they expect you to have a hazmat endorsement by the end of your training. 2 or 3 guys were sent home because their blood pressure was too high so we ended up with 10people left. First day is great and everyone got along well. Free breakfast,lunch, and dinner as well.

    2nd day orientation:
    Drug test, and road test. The road test is very easy just a drive around the block, no freeway. Just don't hit any curbs and listen to the instructor. They just want to see if your capable of listening and being taught. Everyone passed the road test.

    3rd day orientation:
    Videos all day, safety manager came and talked to us, more videos...etc

    4th day orientation:
    We receive our employee id numbers so we are now officially employees of covenant. Also we get our comdata cards and trainers name.

    If you have any more questions or curious about anything go ahead and ask. So far this company seems like an ok company. I've talked to some covenant drivers at the terminal and most seemed happy, however I have met some upset drivers as well so who knows. I'll also be posting future posts about this company
     
    double yellow Thanks this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Cal Wally

    Cal Wally Light Load Member

    103
    68
    Mar 16, 2014
    0
    I was all pissed off after spending some time over at our (Walmart) thread. Just happened to see your post and I would like to offer up some positive observations.

    You have a great attitude and giving it a second try shows you are willing to push yourself in an effort to get what you desire. Your going to be far ahead of alot of the new school and I bet you do very well in this business. Put in your time,try and develop a five year plan and learn about the industry. Trust me there is alot of money to be made by people that understand the business end of this industry. Who knows I might need a driver if I add another truck,a good attitude beats years of experience in my operation. Good luck!
     
    rpad139, pattyj and thecleaninglady Thank this.
  4. fishnman

    fishnman Light Load Member

    116
    63
    Sep 6, 2010
    Peoria ,Az
    0
    My first OTR job out of school was with Covenant.. Thought I might pass a few things along.. 1.) They will try to "match" you with a Team Driver.. I strongly suggest that you get a phone number for the person/people they suggest to you.. 2.) Call that potential team driver(assuming of course that they aren't in the same place as you) and talk about how they see teaming. 3.) Make sure you're both on the same page. Ask lots of questions. Smoker? How often do they think showers are necessary. What do they think about keeping the truck clean? How are responsibilities divided and how do they see theirs? These are just a sampling- you'll think of your own. A little advance info goes a long way towards deciding who you're most likely to successfully co-exist with. I learned the hard way and went through a few team drivers before I found one that I synched with. I had a kid who thought 11 days without a shower wasn't a problem. I had a 50 yr. old who spent his whole sleeper shift yelling at his girlfriend, then his whole driving shift waking me up because he was screaming at his GF, or he was lost, because he was busy screaming at her. We lasted 2 weeks - that's when he told me I couldn't use the QUALCOMM without his permission, and the next day we got to the terminal in Chatt, and I got off the truck. Lastly, you might want to ask if they still do the "driver meet and greet" at the main terminal in Chattanooga. It's a good way to get face to face with potential team partners.. Good Luck to You!
     
  5. khurst09

    khurst09 Bobtail Member

    4
    4
    Jun 15, 2012
    Paris Crossing Indiana
    0
    Yep we still have the driver meet n greet and I do agree with your comments about finding the right co driver, its not always ez but once you find one teaming can be alot of fun, covenant is a great company as long as you want to work!!
     
    thecleaninglady and double yellow Thank this.
  6. rpad139

    rpad139 Heavy Load Member

    828
    543
    Jan 9, 2014
    Ca
    0
    Hey quick update everyone. I've been with my trainer for about a week now, real cool guy and has a lot of patience with me. The only negative thing I will say about covenant is the fact they put me on the greyhound to go from ca to texas. About 36 hour bus ride which really sucked. Had to meet my trainer In texas. Been hearing promising news about covenant. Messages through the qualcomm stating they just were awarded some big contracts with walmart,conway, and ups. Apparently covenant is expanding and adding more dedicated fleets, and more reefer divisions. So far everything is good...for now. And by the way the hotel for orientation in hutchins, tx sucks...has a strange odor.
     
  7. lfsuss01

    lfsuss01 Bobtail Member

    4
    0
    Apr 11, 2014
    0
    covenant was my first company , i really like it when you have problems within your own family they will do everything to help you get home . I'm looking into getting back with Covenant but with i first stared there you didn't have to get you hazmat, put now they want to have it

     
  8. rpad139

    rpad139 Heavy Load Member

    828
    543
    Jan 9, 2014
    Ca
    0

    Its not hard to get your hazmat at all. It does take some time though. It took me about 3 weeks for my background to clear with the tsa . But its worth it.
     
  9. Blacktop Junkie

    Blacktop Junkie Light Load Member

    178
    140
    Jan 5, 2014
    New Bern, North Carolina
    0
    Wow there are Covenant drivers alive on this forum besides me. Howdy!
     
  10. rpad139

    rpad139 Heavy Load Member

    828
    543
    Jan 9, 2014
    Ca
    0
    that was my first impression of the covenant forum, I thought no drivers were on these forums. I'm a covenant driver in training. Hey blacktop how many years have you been with covenant?
     
  11. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

    7,162
    6,731
    Sep 25, 2007
    Rosamond, SoCal
    0
    The only thing I can tell you.if you ever get hurt there or have an accident get a lawyer quickly.

    Get your experience and run some where else.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.