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

Don't get me wrong, I'm not particularly thrilled about the idea of driving reefer, however I have very little experience and can't be too picky. I'm really thinking about flatbed if I can get on with the right company. But I keep coming back to Stevens because of their equipment, their equipment always seems to stand out to me. I know that's not the whole reason why you pick a company but good equipment is important to me. Seems like I just read total horror stories about them though, I'm wondering if anyone on here works for them, has worked for them, etc... any advice would be helpful.

 

I work for them. The equipment is nice, but so is the equipment at lots of other places. One advantage in my opinion though is that Stevens has APU (Alternate Power Supply) on all their trucks. The training is top notch also. The pay isnt great, but it is a great place to get your start.

 

I worked there for 2.5 yrs. their OTR training program is first rate, as is their equipment. The major downside, for me, is that they expect you to stay out 5-6 weeks at a time. I've since moved on, but overall my experience with them was positive. I feel that they helped make me the safe and compliant driver that I am today. If you have any specific questions, you can PM me and I'll try to answer them.

 

I've talked to some Stevens drivers... they have pretty much the same problems to deal with that you'll find just about anywhere. Remember, you're looking for a job.

 

What kind of mileage are you getting with them? Not familiar with APU's, when I worked with FFE (briefly) they had certified idle, which I assume is kind of the same concept? How long do you stay out? are they good about getting you home? I've always heard bad things about reefer in general because its more waiting time than normal, is that true? I worked in the American Eagle division at FFE so I didn't get a lot of reefer experience. The experience I did have was LTL and I HATED that! I know I have a lot of questions, I just want to make sure I make a good decision this time around.

 

I have heard they want you to stay out long like that, that wouldn't work for me because I am a newly wed and home time is now a lot more important than it was before.

 

Then Stevens is not for you. I'm with a company now that gets me home 3-4 nights per week. I've got two kids (6 and 5 yo), and I missed a lot while I was with Stevens. But like I said, I got great training and it paid off in the long run.

 

Auxiliary Power Unit.

basically a generator that sucks fuel outa your tanks that allows you to power heat, a/c. it may or may not have an invertor that will let you power a fridge, a coffee pot etc and also may or may not help to charge your trucks batteries.

this is an example of an apu, in this case a tripac, mounted on a truck.

 

Have you heard if they are still like that? Is Swift any better?

 

Starting out, almost all trucking jobs with trucking companies are Over the Road. They are very hard on marriages. Not just newlyweds. What you are wanting is to drive a truck for a living and be home daily. That is a local job. For that you look to local companies who haul their own products. For some reason new users to this forum fail to put their location in their profile so we can't give you specific recommendation. Auto parts companies, beverage companies and the like have company trucks. Those guys do not make the big bucks but they are home nightly. They work hard but get home. Go to your local Quick Trip and see who is delivering to them late night, early morning. Ask them what they think and apply with those companies.

Again having no idea where you are from makes it difficult. Update your profile.