Need some good advice

Look at the big picture; if you're unemployed and can't afford private school and need a paycheck ASAP, then go to Stevens. There are free private schools thru the WIA program, but it may take awhile to get the paperwork approved. After 3-6 months experience, a whole new world of trucking jobs will open up to you, including local such as food service, dry bulk cement, grocery warehouse drivers, etc.

 

Double post.

 

i have no experience with stevens personally, but they are on my list of places to avoid at all cost. 2 very close friends whose opinions i value both could not say enough bad things about them. i wouldnt usually pass on bad info without having an overwhelming amount...i also wouldnt take a couple random people's word and write off a company as bad (as you should not take just my word)... in this case i felt compelled because of who the people are that are ex stevens employees. had issues with equipment, and with sitting for hours/days at a time-nearly every time.

on the other hand, as company schools go, ive heard decent things about millis. i again have no personal experience with them. ive been against the idea of company schools in nearly every post ive made on the subject. you can find a private school that will finance tuition. but millis' deal is (supposedly) one year contract and $25 taken out of your pay per week as reimbursement for school. quitting earlier than 1 year does not make you indebted for the whole thing...each week or month they are also contributing to the debt caused by the tuition, so you are paying it down equally each month. after 3 months, youd owe 3/4 of the total...after 9 months it would be only 1/4. after one year its paid off. again...this is just what ive learned from a poster on this site. if i were looking for a company school, theyd be at the top of my list.

 

I am suppose to start training with Stevens Dec.31st. I am starting to have 2nd thoughts. Here is why. First what caught my eye was learn to drive and get my CDL and work for them 1 year and the training will be paid for. Well at about $3800 for the training(not including interest) and paying $28.64 a week for training is not 1 year to pay that, it's 3 YEARS! That $28.64 a week is just to pay back Stevens for the training that doesn't include the hotel for the 18 days or meal money. I was looking forward to this but I do not want to have a 3 year debt with Stevens. Also once driving solo Stevens is the lowest paying mileage out there at .26 for the 1st 3 month and .29 by 1 year. I hear very good things about training with Stevens, there OTR Training drivers are very good. In about 6hrs or so I will be calling Natalie my recruiter and ask her what's the deal about this whole work for 1 year and the training will be paid for. I am also hearing we have to pay for our own physical exam about $100. I am thinking about spending $400 to get my CDL on my own. Any ideas or questions I should ask my recruiter?

 

Roehl has good reviews and is building a terminal in Texas. FFE in Texas also.
Watkins & Shepard is good, but no terminal in Texas. Talk to your recruiter at Stevens & get the facts, not heresay.
CLICK HERE FOR OUR DRIVER SCHOOL INFORMATION.

 

You're not the only one that is looking at your options. I've been researching for the past two months and have found good and bad with most every company. All the advice and posts pretty much say the same...The first year is gonna suck for pay. Get the first year under your belt and new doors will open. My dilemma isn't what company, but to make the change in careers. I sit in an office M-F 9-5 and it sucks. I worked in the field till 2008 and then took this office job. (and it pays real good). Good luck in you decision and we might cross paths one day...I am supposed to start at Stevens 01/07/13

 

Companies (for new drivers) you'll hear very few complaints about :

W/S

Roehl

Millis

 

In short, but to the point, go find you something else to do. All you are about to do is put a "ball and chain" around your ankle. And from what I read between the lines, you are not going to be happy being gone for an extended length of time. Why put yourself in this position when you really don't know what you are getting into?????