My Stevens Experience

Could you list a few of the passes that are on their list please?

 

Cabbage (I-84, Oregon), Grapevine (I-5, CA), Tehachapi (CA 58), Cajon (I-15, CA), Donner (I-80, CA). Bullhead (AZ 68), Snoqualmie (I-90, WA) there are others, I just can't remember which ones.
there are plenty of other passes that would qualify, such as Lewiston Grade and Vale, but Stevens doesn't run those routes.

 

Donner Pass, Tahachapi Summit, Grapevine/Tejon Pass, Lookout, Black Mountain, Parley Summit ... to name a few

 

So, if I went out with a trainer, how long would it be? I really don't think they would have a trainer that just does mountain passes, unless he/she is on a dedicated. The trainer would not have to worry about not getting miles with his student, i.e. me.

 

Thanks for listing them, as well as their locations. As you may or may not have noticed, I am from Maine so I had no idea where any of those are.

 

Unless given an exemption (and that's not usual) you will be required to do the entire training program. This includes a minimum of 35 days with your O1 trainer. Two major mtn passes (without Jake), 8,000 miles (or is it 8,500?), drive in each of the 5 areas of the country, bump a dock in the Northeast and display driving skills meeting minimum requirements (not hard at all).
Then you'll be required to spend three weeks with an O2 trainer. In this scenario, if done properly, the trainer is just a 'shadow' watching over you. You will be required to handle the QC messages, accept the loads, plan your route, deliver properly (paperwork, etc), transflo the paperwork and of course show improved driving skills. (again, not hard). The O2 trainer is there to keep you out of trouble from making a mistake and answer questions as they arise.
Your trainers will be required to ensure you reach your goals.
You are paid weekly for your training period.
If you have driven before, the training department MAY decide to shorten your time on the road. Each case is different. You need to ask your recruiter (who will probably tell you to see the training department when you arrive).
I have seen them shorten the time once you're on the truck and display the skills needed. (I am such a case)
But each case is different and handled on an individual baisis.

 

Very good info guys! I'm off to Stevens next Monday for school, so this is good stuff.

 

Postmandav,there are 32 mountain passes on the list for training.IF your trainer is doing his job,they are not hard to get.Some others,Snoqualmie,Santiam,Shasta,Union Pass,Mount Eagle,Cumberland,Black Mountain,Alpine,Siskiyou,Fourt of July,etc,etc,you get the point.Most drivers have them out of the way within the first two weeks of training.

 

Hey Flightwatch are you starting Steven's Monday the 11th? That's when I'm starting.