Starting Stevens orientation

Don't lie. just be honest. they will do what they are going to do. Falsifying is going to hurt you more and longer than telling the truth. what is your work history before and after? An explanation of the facts says your honest AND you were working.

 

I'd check that, some states do not 'expire' your CDL for no med card, you just can't drive. I know some of the rules are changing, in my state beginning 2014 you have to have a current med card on file with the DMV at all times or the CDL is suspended, but not evoked. You can get a DOT physical for $55.

 

I think this is becoming a DOT mandate.

 

medical exp in 08 license was exp in 2011 5 yr cdl

http://www.azdot.gov/mvd/cdlinfo.asp

 

You will stay out for 5 weeks. Remember it is not just miles, you have mountains to do, areas of the country to drive in etc. The more miles you get the better. 8500 is the minimum, most get in the neighborhood of 10,000.

 

35 days is the minimum. If you complete everything, but are in North Platte on the 35th day, you may end up staying on board unti the truck gets to a more convenient location to get you back to Dallas. For instance, if you have a load going to Laredo, you may remain on board another couple days until the truck is passing by Dallas.
But the same token, if you have completed all your requirements and are ABOVE normal and passing thru Dallas on the 33rd or 34th day, they may take you off for convenience. But you will have had to exceeded minimums. Like maybe 5 mountains, 10,000 miles, etc. Plus your trainer and counselor both feel you have exceeded the requirements.
Don't plan on it. Just don't be under the mistaken impression that it will be exactly 35 days.

 

Hey KMac I have thinking of going to Stevens trucking and I keep talking to the "old lady" and she keeps telling me no because of the 8 weeks of orientation. Any help you can give me.

 

I'll give you my 2 cents worth. Others will chime in, I'm sure.
The purpose of orientation is the training. Too many drivers want to just get out there and drive, but don't understand the vast amount of things you need to learn to be successful in this business.
Some are simple, such as protocol for fueling, or how to get a cash advance while out on the road.
Others require time to assimilate such as the HUGE amount of DOT rules. There are bridge laws for each state, axle configuration and weight ratings. For instance, most of us know our drives and tandems are 34,000 max, however some states are different. Florida allows 44,000 and Colorado is 34,000 on interstates but 40,000 on state highways.
Why does this matter? Well if you're running a load from Paris Texas to Denver CO (and we do a lot of those), you can route yourself directly into OK then into CO if you're a bit overweight on your tandems and don't want to go back to readjust weight...something that could take a half day or more.
How and when do you go into scales?
What about HOS? There are a lot of little things there that can bite you in the butt if you don't understand the rules.
And that DOT officer isn't forgiving.
The fines can be huge and if you violate them due to negligence on your part (not scaling a load for instance), that cost can come right back on you as well as any CSA score or DMV record.
You've been truck driving school. Figure you can back well? How about tucking yourself into a tight slot at a dark truck stop? You don't gain those skills by attending a 4 week school.
And a trainer is a huge asset as you head out to face all the challenges this business brings.
Little tricks...what to watch for...that car merging, that truck passing. When to recognize it's time to get off the road due to weather issues. How to plan a trip to pick a legal route. Watch for overhead obstructions that don't have signs.
I can go on and on, but believe me...when you're out of training you'll be shocked at all the things you learned and you'll realize how you would struggle if there wasn't someone there to help you along.
So your wife doesn't like the 8 weeks? Do I read that she doesn't like you away from home so much?
If that's the case, you better pick a different career because EVERY OTR trucking company that takes newbies has pretty much the same policy in this area. No matter what the recruiter promised you.
If you're not willing to invest 8 weeks up front, better look for another career.

 

I would say that if your wife has a problem with 8 weeks for training what is she going to do when you are out for 4,5 or 6 weeks at a time?