Covenant Questions

Oh, you're going to Orientation in California?? From what I heard, orientation anywhere but Chattanooga is a LOT easier and more pleasant. Fewer people being hired in each orientation, better accomodations (they actually put you up in a real hotel). Less of the "cattle drive" atmosphere and more personal attention. And if I'm not mistaken they'll give you food vouchers so you can eat somewhere nearby at a real restaurant....I don't *think* they feed you themselves in California. Which terminal is it....Long Beach? French Camp? I think they had a yard in Pomona too & a shop in Fontana but I can't imagine them holding orientation there....?

When I worked there, the Long Beach terminal was one of the nicest...maybe not the newest, but the ladies who worked there took a lot of pride in keeping it clean, especially the bathrooms & showers. And one of the dispatchers there was this really cool lady with LONG LONG fingernails. If she's still there, she's pretty cool people.

If I remember correctly, to verify your period of unemployment, I think they asked for 2 letters written by friends or acquaintances (non-family)....that basically state "Jane and John Doe have been unemployed from the period between January 2008, until the present time, August 2008. I am their (friend, neighbor, former co-worker, foot doctor, veterinarian, whatever, LOL) and have known them for the past 10 years, and I can attest to the fact that they were without employment, taking care of other necessary personal and family business during this time. Sincerely, So-And-So Smith." And have them sign it with a phone number & address.

In all reality, YOU can write the letters & just have the person of your choice sign it. You can do it before you go to Orientation so you have it in-hand to submit with your employment forms. I *think* this was how those things were handled. I am sure you can call up someone in Recruiting and make absolutely sure before you go through all that trouble. It's been a while since I've had to verify unemployment and I do remember being pretty confused the first time I had to do it. So don't take my word as gospel- call Covenant and confirm it.

I distinctly remember, despite my best efforts, being called up to the Personell office when they were unable to verify my time spent attending college....I didn't graduate and had no idea who they'd have to call to get transcripts (everything was automated)......all they had to do was call a friend of mine and ask him how long he'd known me, and whether he could verify that I was in school at that time. I was standing right there while they did it. Cleared up the problem immediately and that afternoon I was assigned a trainer.

Believe me though, I was nervous & shaking when I got called up to the office, thought for SURE they were going to send me home. I think as long as you're honest about what's on your MVR and criminal background and work history you should be fine.

Good luck....for all the stuff people say about Covenant they're not all bad, I stuck with them for over a year & only left because I got an offer I couldn't refuse. A lot depends on your fleet manager....they claim it doesn't matter, that the "load planners" plan loads equally for everyone... but I had 5 fleet managers in the time I was there and there is a HUGE difference. Some of them have friends in the load planning department and they know how to get the long miles, the drop-and-hooks, the 24/7 shippers and recievers....their drivers will reap the benefits. If Michelle Smith still works there, she is an EXCELLENT team dispatcher. I ran team under her and got 6000+ miles per week. Good luck

 

dang you just blew my bubble lol -- I was just knowing i would be the lucky one and get a new truck. thats ok I'm just so ready to drive. and since I leave in a couple days the nerves are at 300% lol just cant wait to leave

 

OMG Woofless, that was some of the best intel I've read about Covenant yet. Very detailed and straightforward. That was SO helpful and now I know what to do to get things together for my husband to try to get to their orientation.

 

When you do the roadtest, you're pulling a trailer .

You know what they say, only stupid questions are the ones you don't ask

 

i am up here in chattanooga and so far its ok. you do take a road test as soon as you get of the bus-- or when you get here however. the road test is first. you do not have to lift anything yet-- that starts in september. the food is not the best but they have a van that will take you to get food and to the wall-mart. its nothing but films on what to do what not to do and then you take the drug test and see human resources and thats it. then you go out with a trainer. and they do have a lot full of new trucks waiting on teams