Stevens Transport FAQ

Thanks, nascarchuck, that makes me a bit less nervous. The BP is the only med problem I've had, & with the medication, it's about normal so I shouldn't have a problem with that. I smoked weed last about 30 years ago & quit drinking over 10 years ago, so no problems in that area either lol.

I'm sure I can handle a few shower-free days also, & occasionally 3 or 4...I just don't want to have to go a week or 8 days, lol. I mean, I could probably even handle that, if it was once in a blue moon, but I wouldn't want to make a habit of it. I plan on having enough money to pay for regular showers, when I can...As long as I can get somewhere to do it occasionally.

As far as the trainers go, I'm pretty easy going & can get along pretty good with anyone. The job I just got laid off from required me to travel & stay in motels with a wide variety of people & I never had a problem with that in 14 years. Also, I realize I'm going to be the FNG for quite a while & expect to be treated like one. I can take it, as long as the verbal abuse doesn't go overboard too far, heh heh.

 

make sure you get your fueler cards from loves ta and pilot so when you swipe it it builds up shower credits on it so you dont have to pay for showers

 

Yes, I was told that by a few other people. I'm going to go out the interstate to a few truck stops near here & pick those up. Tomorrow, probably lol.

 

There are horror stories that abound about Stevens and so many other companies.
If you are honest about your medications, there should be no problem. If you flunk out of school, you will not owe money. If you flunk your physical, they pay the bus fare home.
The physical requirements are very similar to DOTs. The only thing I know for sure is the blood pressure max is one point lower than DOT.
As for the stories that Stevens gets rid of you to get the government money, don't believe it.
In order to be paid the money, the driver must complete the entire Stevens training course including out with the trainer. Once a person has completed the OR2 phase, the money is paid...not a cent before.
As others have said, some trainers should not be training and there is a constant effort to weed those persons out.
Most trainers are good about hygeine. But trucking being what it is, often you cannot make the showers every night. There is no reason it can't be by the second night, but some people don't think things thru. They figure they can't do the showers because they aren't stopping at the right truck stop with shower credits, completely forgetting that somewhere during that 15-19 hours out there each day they can stop and take a shower. Doesn't have to be at the day's end.
Trucking is not easy. It just appears that way. It requires hard work, dedication, patience and skill. Stick to your guns and you'll make it.
Good luck. I look forward to working with you once you're out there.

 

Thanks, Emulsified. Something else I noticed about the persons complaining & running down Stevens (and other companies, actually) is that from one forum to another, it seems like it might be the same few people doing it. They use the same poor grammar & bad spelling in every post, lol.

From what I see, Stevens is like most companies. You get out of it what you put in. If you're willing to start at the bottom, work hard, go where they ask when they ask you, then you have a good chance of eventually getting good loads & miles. It's not going to happen overnight, but if you stick with it, keep the ######## & moaning to a minimum, do what is expected of you (And some extra, when you can) then you have a good chance of being successful. It's the same as any other job. Too many people seem to have unrealistic expectations, in my opinion...And they also don't do enough research. They seem to think they're going to finish the schooling & get thrown into a brand new truck, and start making $1500.00 a week with 4 days off every other week. Right out of the gate, heh heh. Almost like they feel they are entitled to it.
I'm realistic, myself. I know the first year will be tough, but from the checking I've done, I think Stevens is the best place to get a start, regardless of the complaints I've read here and elsewhere. I've also read some pretty good things.
It all boils down to how much you are willing to put into it. I'm divorced, my kids are grown, & I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it. I lasted 14 years at my last job before being laid off, & hopefully I can do even better here.

 

I am a company driver, just over a year solo with Stevens, and doing just fine. I have gotten decent miles and they have steadily grown since going solo. Yes my first load out of the yard was a 4 day 5 stop 1400 mile run, not the greatest, but you know what? with the stop off pay I grossed $444 on it. Admittedly that is not going to impress they young ladies at the Gold Club, but that is still on pace for almost $800 a week. My runs have gotten better and so has my pay. I look at the gross, because taxes and deductions will vary from person to person and week to week.


Last week I ran three loads and around 3300 miles before coming home.

You can make a living at Stevens with the right attitude, work ethic and learning how to work within the system. When I have been sitting empty a couple of hours if I have not received a dispatch I call them and gently nudge them. I am not demanding I just let them know I am available. "Hey Mr Planner, this is KMac truck XXXXX I have been sitting empty for the last two hours and just wanted to make sure I am on someones radar up there, I know you guys are swamped and juggling fifty things so just wanted to make sure I don't slip through the cracks"

They almost always send one immediately. Usually a pretty good one too.

It sounds like you have the right attitude to deal with the inevitable frustrations and struggles that come with this lifestyle, so best of luck to you in your training and career.

 

Really Kmac you had throw in the Gold Club a strip club here in Delaware.

 

Gold Clubs all over my friend. I actually forgot about the one in DE. LOL

 

ha ha I didnt know what I thought there was only one here in Del and that was it.

 

KMAC, you wait a couple hours? Really? If I don't have a load assignment within 15 minutes of my MT I am on the phone. I just can't deal with not knowing which way I'm going. Of course, those deliveries that are right near a truck stop are a bit better, I can wait almost a half hour in those cases. The ones I hate are deliveries in SoCal, where there is nowhere to park for 75 miles in one direction or another. Seriously though, I have been getting a lot of preplans ahead of time lately.