My Time At Steven's-Advice: RUN!!!!!

So where do you recommend a person without a cdl go? Is it best to go to your own school? What if you do not have the money? Are there any companies out there that provide training and do not screw you?

 

Time to call Chris Meyers of NBC Dateline have them do a undercover report on these driver mills and expose them on national tv for every one to see!!!! I cant believe that some state or federal law is not being violated, better business bureau ,attorney generals office . Any body got connections to the news meadia?

 

If you are currently unemployed and drawing unemployment, most states have free college courses availible, which includes cdl training. As for driving companeys all I can say is check out roehls thread under good trucking companys and make your own conclusions

 

People have disappeared for suggesting less than that. Better watch your back, your in the big league now.

Ok I just made that up. I have no personal knowledge of anyone being harmed for trying to take down a million dollar company.

 

Steven Aaron has done really well - income wise. You ought to see his estate in the heart of Dallas. On about 4 acres, tax valued at over $12,000,000, in today's real estate economy probably only worth about $10,000,000. I would have to say that at least 50% - probably more - of the company revenue comes from the training program no matter if a person finishes and drives or not.

 

Did you have to repay that $6000.00 dollars at 19% or did you make it one year?

 

..$12 million for an estate, well Dallas has higher property values but with this economy if he had to sell it now he would be lucky to get 1/2 that amt.. read a story in the local newspaper here awhile back about Hynix closing their semi-conductor plant, cost $200 mill to build it & now it's sitting vacant with a seller hoping someone will buy it for $50 million.. that's how far commercial property has fallen in this area of the country!

 

My husband works for Stevens. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. How strange to hear such bitterness towards a company. Imagine my shock to hear that the world isn't perfect.

Husband attended the CDL training in CO. Then went to TX for the student training. He worked a full year without any problems. He's always gotten paid on time, always gotten home-time ON TIME, never had to pay anything out of pocket that wasn't immediately reimbursed on the next pay. The truck has always been fixed immediately when needed. SO what's the problem? Not making it the full year? When you sign a contract, you read it and understand what it entails. We knew the risks of leaving the company before the year was up. Sure, if you want to be a career driver, I am sure there are cheaper and less risky ways to go. In this economy, EVERY company as their pick of employees and can toss them aside at the slightest infraction, even imaginary ones. Big Bad World Out There.

Stevens allows spouses in the truck. Thankful for that. I have been onboard since last April. We are able to save a great deal of money not having a mortgage and utilities or debt of any kind. I cook meals and keep a smile on his face. We are out 5 weeks at a time and have 5 days home-time. Life is as good as you make it. We make it fabulous. We're together, we have an early retirement plan. It's working.

On our way home to my parents for Christmas!

I suggest that company bashing has more to do with individual than the company itself.

 

Just about everyone at Steven's is a newbie, therefor they don't have anything else to compare it to. I was with them back in the late 80's (I got my CDL on my own in 1988) They were the first "big" carrier I worked for..

I have a buddy that's with them now.. We compare notes, and not much has changed through the years. They have a student program.. The average person would starve trying to live off of what they pay you. Not to mention the trainers were trying to run the truck as a TEAM.. not a training truck..
Doing stuff like getting a load that delivered like 900 mi. overnight.. The trucks are castrated, you have to "earn" your right to use the cruise control and jake brake.. They deactivate them till you reach a certain amount of time w/ the company..
It's ridiculous but they try and push their "Lease Purchase" on newbies right out of school.. Are they nuts!!
They nit pick everything you do.. You can't make a decision for yourself, they are routing you everywhere.. telling you where and how much fuel to put on.. You have the hours.. bam! You have to take this load.. repower it from someone else who can't make it..

Hometime.. what is that?? Right now they're telling my buddy they most likely won't be able to get him home for Xmass.. Heck, he was in NJ just yesterday (& lives in new england) why not just allow him to deadhead home NOW?? So what if he has a extra day of two at home.. (He has been out for like 7 or 8 weeks now.. has accrued enough time for 8 days off.. ) When you go home you have to secure the truck somewhere, NOT your house.. either a KW dealer, or terminal..

If this sounds like a company that you want to work for good luck to you.. But, as a newbie ya gotta start somewhere.. I guess? I'd get my CDL elsewhere (they have student loans avail. at reputable driving schools, plus somewhere like a community college will be a LOT cheaper).

 

You do not currently work for Stevens and some of your information is incorrect. You do NOT earn the cruise control and Jake, the Jake is on as soon as you begin your finish training. The cruise is turned on after 90 days solo. You know this going in.

Stevens trys to get you as close to home as is possible, while securing their equipment at a location of their choice. Could be like swift, where one has to leave it at the closest terminal which can be hundreds of miles away.

Stevens is forced dispatch, you do not get a choice. Students need to be routed, told where to buy fuel, how much to buy....all part of training.

There are bad trainers, and good trainers.

Stevens is a training company that has many additional policies and rules that a trucker who has had a CDL since the 80's would hate. A newbee needs the hand holding and instructions.

A smart person will go to a community college and get their training for the CDL there, and get a govt grant to pay for it too. Then go to a training company, and not be beholden to them.