Trying To Decide Got A Few Questions

Hey drivers, I got a pre hire from Stevens Transport. Im currently enrolled in Roadmaster Driving School here in Orlando, FL. Next week is my last week there and then off to orientation. Im really happy so far and where I made it because Im doing really good, and learned a lot, just cant wait to get to training. I only contacted 2 companies and only have interests in 2 companies right now and that Is Stevens Transport and Prime Inc. Both accepted my applications and both have in orientation dates for me. Im just planning to go with 1 company for at least 3 years and 1 that would help me pay off my tuition through tuition reimbursement. I want to stay over the road. Not interested in local or regional at this moment. Im not looking for great pay in the beginning , or great pay for my first year. The pay might interest me more after 1 year experience but whats more important to me right now is going with a good training company, get good experience and be the best I could be. Im not expecting for everything to be great my first year but still Im planning to work really hard. Im not going to have a problem with being out weeks at a time. Im not planning to refuse any loads, or give anyone a hard time. Im planning to learn everything I would need to know when Im in training and work to support my family. Im also planning to get my Hazmat endorsement, but after training. My physical and everything good. I passed my DOT physical on the first day of school and the doctor told me that everything is good. But still Im on prescription for diabetes with Metformin and Metformin is not a problem with Stevens or Prime. I just have a couple questions to ask, these two companies are a tough decision for me, but by next week Friday when Im done and ready to head out, I will know and make the final decision


1). About tuition reimbursement, I know Stevens will reimburse you up to $6000, but how much will you be getting reimbursed every month ?

2). Is orientation 3 days long or 4 days long for CDL holders

3). What will be done in orientation ? Because I here that theres classroom, practicing on the yard.

4). How long is training overall ? I heard it can be longer than usual

5). How much can I expect to make every week for my first year. I know I will be starting off at 26 cpm

6). Will I be running into Canada often or do I have to ask my dm to get there ?

7). What will be my home time for living in Orlando, FL

8. Will I average 2200-3000 or more miles every week

9). Passenger policy ?

10). What types of trucks do Stevens currently have in their fleet

11). Are drivers allowed to go out of route sometimes ? ( see a family member that maybe 5-10 miles away or someone you know )

12). Most importantly , how is their training overall ?




( Things Im planning to go with to orientation )
1). Naturalization Certificate, birth certificate, SS, CDL
2). Laptop
3). 2013 Rand McNally Mottor Carriers Road Atlas
4). Truck Stop Guide
5). Truck Parking Guide
6). Next Exit Guide
7). Pen, pencil, notebook
8. Calculator
9). Gloves
10). Flashlight
11). Raincoat
12). A jacket for all weather types
13). Boots
14). Sun Glasses
15). Ruler


( Things I will need when Im solo )
1). Rand McNally 720 GPS ( Will not rely on GPS all the time )
2). A Inverter
3). Refrigerator
4). Microwave
5). T.V.
6). CB Radio
7). A few other accessories

 

Thanks a lot. I got more information now. And for Prime, I've never heard about that and knew a driver that drove for them

 

Im not planning to lease , or team ( unless its a close friend ). But for the lightweight trucks, If I have no other option then it would be something I would have to go with. I just think for a driver that's driving otr, a lightweight truck wouldn't be to good, especially if your out 3-4 weeks or more