Questions for Stevens drivers!

Yes stevens has dedicated accounts, but you have to prove yourself to get one. I prefer all 48. Smokr landed a dedicated run around chicago.

You can pay for your own travel to dallas, and Stevens will reimburse you up to $200. I flew in and was picked up at the airport and shuttled to the hotel. I hate bus rides, takes too long, and so uncomfortable.

 

Stevens starts reimbursing you for your school as soon as you are hired. This means you are receiving the $25 per week while in O-1 and from then on.

 

Are you certain? The RM school said after 45 days. I also have an email to the recruiter that I sent today , I'm also waiting on a reply.
Thanks for the reply, I'm hoping you are correct as the extra $25 a week would be handy.

 

Now I'm a bit fuzzy on this one. Best trust the recruiter on their reply. Seems to me they told me the first week following the beginning of the first full month, or whatever. I never paid attention. I do know it appears on my check every week, but I've been here a while...

 

I just recieved his reply. It's 30 days after the oreintation date. He said I could also get pre hired before starting school. He has sent me some PDF info that I yet have to read. Also said he would be at the school tomorrow. I'll probably swing by and get some things rolling.

 

Yep, I got an app and stoped by the DMV # MLK and picked up the CDL handbook.

 

First of all you guys are awesome! Thanks for the great information. I start at Stevens for my CDL training this Monday the 27th woo hoo My question is about leasing a vehicle with Stevens. From previous posts I understand that Leasers start at 85 cents/mile. My question to any Stevens drivers who currently lease, what are your weekly and monthly expenses on average? What type of expenses do you pay for? Does Stevens help you pay any of your expenses? Do you need your own authority? Do you pay for permits? How do the taxes work out as a lease driver? How many miles per week do you guys have to drive to make a profit? How long are the lease terms and how much per week is your lease payment? Does Stevens help you pay fuel? I am interested in possibly leasing after I finish my training. Thanks in advance guys and continue to share the wealth of info, it will always come back to you multiplied

Johnny

 

My advice to you is drive for the company for a year, or at least 6 months before deciding on whether to lease or not. You have a lot to learn as a new driver and it's better to concentrate on developing those talents first.
You might not even like trucking!
Don't let the 0.85 fool you. It sounds like a lot, but it's not.
IF you watch your expenses, keep your foot off the accelerator and work smart, you can average from the high 30's to low 40's if you can average 2800 miles per week.
You will need to develop your skills and prove yourself to the dispatchers before you'll be getting those miles. Just a matter of working your way up. Everyone has to.
In answer to your questions:
You run under Stevens authority. Lease terms are two years. Lease payment will vary according tothe truck you have. You pay all your own fuel, maintenance, tires, tolls, and more. Just like you own it. Stevens pays for things like trailer washouts, scale tickets, lumper fees to name a few.
You make it or lose it on your fuel savings. The difference in your pocket between averaging 6mpg and 7mpg is huge, so you need to learn to drive conservatively.
As for taxes? you are an independent contractor, leased to Stevens. You pay all your own taxes, FICA, FUDA and local.
Best thing to do is talk with your trainers. More than likely, they will be Alliance drivers. Then ask around the yard, talk with other drivers. Take your time before making a decision.