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Was wondering if anyone had new scoop on Stevens Transport. Have they cleaned up there act? Any Stevens drivers out there with some imput. I'll be starting with them Dec. 5th. Thanks for the help!
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I ended up sitting with a couple of their drivers not long ago. I still wouldn't work for them. The 4-6 weeks away from home plan was still in forcw for starters. I was puzzled at their new bunk warmers. A pad or something that goes on top the mattress to keep you warm. They don't allow idleing from what I was told and that pad keeps only half of you warm while the rest freezes. Other than that and the low pay I don't know much else anymore.

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I;m in the same boat you are Payup. I'm due to start on Jan. 16. Haven't heard about the bunk warmers yet but do know thry like to keep their drivers out for awhile. I figure I'll do my year and see what happens. There's always greener pastures out there. Living where I do I see alot of their trucks out this way and know they have atleast 2 drop yards in my area. They let you take your truck home when you first get it but then you have to leave it at the drop yard during home time after that. Any more questions you can PM me or e-mail me.BOL.
Steve

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The heater pads did a fairly good job when we used them back in the 70's / 80's so not all that " NEW "
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It's funny how most companies have progressed from the old ways and gotten better while some degress and just get worse.

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Hey SB good to hear someone else out there is starting with them too. I had the same idea get some road time in and see what happens. I really want my own truck though. If it's lease or bought out right is yet to be determined.
I have strong will to survive out there and I know with a lot of hard work and patience O/O is the way to go. Some people might differ though, however I the type of person who likes my independence!
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Do you plan on making at least a 5-year commitment to trucking? That's what you will be doing if you become an O/O. I would definitely buy one instead of leasing one. Most dealerships won't finance unless you have 1 or 2 years experience. I would suggest you drive as a company driver for at least one year to see if you want to continue trucking for a number of years and if that's what you want to do. Then you can go out and buy a new or late model truck with a 4 or 5-year financing. With today's high fuel and operating costs I woudn't recommend buying and definitely not leasing a used truck. There's no way to tell what kind of shape it would be really in and could end up costing more than a new one. Most dealers have a warranty up to 500,000 miles for major repairs. Good LuckDisclaimer:Pick too ugly to post at this time,LOL.

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Thanks Jack! I respect your input. As of now the long term plan is "long term". Solitary life doesn't bother me, but we'll see.
As for the high operating costs to date, thats why I thought leasing might be a little better now. Having the company look after some of the maintenance vs. having to dot it all by ourselves.
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When you lease a truck from a trucking company, you pay for all the maintenance costs. Trucking companies LOVE to lease trucks to newbies.

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Independence? Sorry but everytime I see or hear that word muttered by
any "trucker" I'm forced to laugh.
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Just to quailfy that word "Independence".... I ment that I am tired of someone looking over my shoulder a trying to tell me how it should be done. Hell half the people where I come from don't use common sense.
Now I know some of you would say neither do the Trucking companies, but I know that there will always be some of those to some extent wherever anyone goes.
The only way to escape it is to be a multi-millionare.
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If that's your idea of "independence" then you aren't likely to find it in trucking.
There will always be a FM/DM, shipper, reciever, or dispatcher, that will always be looking over your shoulder. Just when you go to sleep the QC will beep wondering where you are and what time you'll get to your drop. Just run legal, and don't push yourself past your limits and you should do alright. You just have to take the good with the bad. We all need to pay our dues when we first start, then after you show them that you don't need any hand holding things will get better. BOL .
Steve

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Don't forget the LEO's and DOT!!
No boss indeed!!

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Unfortunately you are in for a rude awakening.
On the Stevens topic I've noticed an increase in intermodal
concerning them and the BNSF in Chicago.
Good bye "long haul".