During your first year with Stevens Transport, how many States did you drive through?

Why people are continually surprised that Stevens, a training company, starts at 26 cpm amazes me. Yes, similar companies pay more per mile, but a lot of them do a lot more sitting. All you have to do is read their forums.

You get the best training in the industry, whether you have a CDL or not, a very nicely put-together, newer truck, a true 48-state operating area, and good miles. As a first company, I don't think there is a better choice. I tried back in the day, but got cut at the medical; I was immediately hired by another company, so that should that should say something.

Go Stevens. It's even a good choice to restart a career, which is what I hope to do. You'll work your butt off and hate your choices, your company, your DM, your trainer, your industry, and every other driver out there on many days. Then, one day, they toss you the keys to your own rig and off you go to watch the sunrise and sunset in different parts of the country. It will make all those bad days worth it.

Don't worry. Be happy.

 

drake3d...Thanks brother! I can't tell you how much I appreciate the straight talk! Now at least, I have a better view of what to expect. Still nervous as hell, but that's to be expected. Hell, I figure if I could endure 20 yrs in the Navy, and cramped life aboard ships, I can surely do this!

 

Not too sure how much I'll be liking THAT since I'll be doing this in the winter months ......I'm guessing I'll have a good "pucker factor" going!

 

Slow your roll. It's easier going slow, something you'll learn very quickly that many other drivers have forgotten. And I don't think Stevens does chains, so you don't have to experience that.

 

No chains unless you are a select few on the chain gang. If there is any worry as a driver you can always shut it down for weather. No load is worth it. Stevens believes in it, well Safety does some of the planners and DM's will try to push you. Just remember who is driving the truck. Do not let anyone else drive you. If in your judgement it is too dangerous find a safe haven and park it.
Nervous is good to a point but once you get going it works itself to a cautious feeling which in my opinion should always stay with you. If you are too relaxed you make mistakes by taking things for granted.
DenaliDad is right it is the best training and if you focus more on the driving and less on the pay you will be surprised that your paychecks are not that bad. Just keep the doors closed and the tires rolling.
Well off to Greyhound for a short(6 hours) ride to Dallas. Good luck and always happy to answer questions and help if I can.

 

DenaliDad & drake3d....Can't thank either of you enough! Great advice all around, and I get a better feeling about it after each conversation

 

The key to your success as a driver is found in Year One. Don't spend all your free time in drivers' lounges listening to all the unhappy truckers beat your company up; they were new drivers before they became Super Trucker. Listen to your trainer and do EVERYTHING he says, no matter what his style; don't fight him. Trust me, you will experience everything he tells you and more when you're flying solo. You have a couple of "good" months before you really start hitting snow, but don't let that worry you; you and only you are in control of your right foot. Make it work for you, not against you.

And whatever comes your way, enjoy the sunrises and sunsets and the dry roads in winter. They really do make this crazy thing we do worth it.

Good luck to you, driver.

 

Thanks! Hope our paths cross sometime....honest, good advice is hard to get sometimes, and I greatly appreciate yours!

 

Just keep in mind Bass, that at stevens safety trumps everyone... If you shut down for weather, safety will back you, no you caused this load to be late dings...

be honest, and don't worry about the snow.

 

Much obliged TLeaHeart ... Lots of good info coming my way to remember....gonna have to start keeping a book!