Stevens Transport

Bags are packed I'll be in Dallas tomorrow!

 

Thanks for the info boogdaddy!!! I guess that is where I was missinformed. I was told that I did not have to take the haz-mat right now. Is that true or do I need to get it?
Thanks Again
Be Safe,
ringo43

 

Well, the only thing they really stressed getting ahead of time is Chapter 14, for your permit. She told me to get as many of the others done as possible if I had time. Like you, I was told the HAZ-MAT would be done in time, but was not required initially. I am not sure if there is anything more than the written test at the DPS for HAZ-MAT certification. It would seem to me that it would involve more than just a written test, but I don't know.

 

the hazmat is more then taking the written test. it also involves a submitting fingerprints for clearance. and you have to do the same procedure EVERY time you renew your license with the hazmat endorsement. it's a 30 day process, and most people fail the test so plan on a longer process.

hazmat IS NOT an easy test. so you might want to wait untill you've settled into being a commercialized driver with other endorsements first.

hazmat used to be just a test. and it was an easy test. but then the government decided to step in and make our lives a little more miserable where it pertains to our professional license.

 

Does anyone know if Stevens allows idling or do the trucks have A.P.U's?

 

Thanks boog... So are you in school now? If so, how is it going?
Thanks Again,
Be Safe,
ringo

 

No, not in school yet. I'm due to start on the 31st. I was approved and had my phone interview yesterday, so I'm good to go. I'm going to stepup my workout program over the next week to get in a little better shape. I'm not in bad shape, I just figure every little bit helps, and I know I won't be getting any workouts in for a long time once I hit the road. I'm thinking about getting some of those stretch bands for doing something while I'm on the road for weeks at a time.

 

I believe they are in the process of outfitting all of their tractors with APU's. I think most of them have them, but not all. I know their intent is for all of their tractors to eventually have APU's. I am not sure about the idling rules of the company per se, I would be more worried about all of the local rules across the nation. From what I can figure, anymore just about everywhere one could park a rig has a rule limiting the length of time one can idle. Plus, even if they have no rules against it, I know one would never reach their bonus levels by idling much, if at all. Most larger companies have realized that idling is illegal in most places, so eventually the entire industry will have to do something. I'm not going to worry about it, by the time I hit the road solo it will be November, and the weather will be milder most places, if only for awhile. I can deal with the cold much easier than sleeping in the heat. By next summer, if this career is for me, I hope to have my own truck which I will make sure is outfitted witn an APU.

 

Bill-

I hope you have a safe trip to Big D! Keep us posted on how things go at the start. Let us know what you experience the first few days and how you like the instruction. Best of luck to you, I'll be a week behind you so maybe we will run into each other.

 

I work for stevens. good company, but better be serious about what you are doing. very strict regulations and they have a good training program which will tell you if you are serious or not. truck driving is not for everybody, but stevens can be a good start. their pay is not the best to start with but very good stepping stone or door into the business. good luck!!!!!