Just graduated. Interested in covenant. How are they?

There are better companies than this one. I even would rec. Swift over Covenant. Want a good team company for newbie's?? Try US Xpress. Solo company in AZ for newbie's?? Try JBS Carriers, Conway Truckload, or GTI.

KH

 

Stevens is actually a good starter company for a freshly graduated student. Their on-the-road training is some of the best in the industry. You will learn how to drive without such conveniences as jake brakes and cruise control. After training, however, I'd get the first year in and start looking for a better company.

Stevens' training requires the student to pick-up and deliver freight in all the regions of the country (I think they seperate the country into six regions, it's been awhile). Also, you as the student will have to manage to "named" mountain passes, or one "named" mountain pass and to minor passes without using your jake brakes. Your entire training period, and a period of time afterwards, will be spent driving without cruise control. This forces you, the student, to be aware of the speed of your truck at all times.

Stevens' trainers are largely hit or miss. They do have trainers who genuinely WANT to train, and trainers who see a student as an additional logbook. This is a problem you will encounter at any training company. Don't be afraid to let your voice be heard if your trainer isn't training you. Yes, your training period may be extended if you need to switch trainers. But would you rather hurry through training and not learn, or take some time and be more confident when you get released in your own truck? Take your time. You have the rest of your career to drive, so make it a long and successful career by taking full advantage of your training time. It may be your trainer's truck, but it's YOUR time.

Again, after training put in your year. Stevens is not a very good fit for many drivers who don't live in the Dallas area, due to their insistance that every truck comes to the (only) Dallas yard every month or so. This makes hometime a true PITA. And the pay isn't all that great. There are plenty of better outfits out there once you gain that vital first year.

 

Run.....