Profile For Mike R.

Here's an update re: Stevens Transport.

My last day was Feb 28. When returning to this career field, I hoped the experience would compare to my days with Western Express, JB Hunt, and Hornady years ago. It was not what I expected.

I was prepared mentally for the normal day to day challenges that driving over the road include. I'd worked for three excellent companies in the past. I still had my CDL so really just needed a refresher.

Why I resigned: - A 16 year old and a 14 year old that required Dad in the house every day to restore "order". - Way too many repowers. The only time I did a repower with those other companies was for a very long distance run that required a team.

There are some drivers there who love the lease program and love being trainers. There are others who are just slogging through a year or three so they can go somewhere else. Like anywhere else there are the Happys and the Grumpys.

What I liked: The school was good. Expensive as hell, but they all are. The equipment was good, but the DEF system causes many problems. My trainer was good. Some days I hated his guts, but in retrospect he was fine.

What I didn't like: The frequent repowers. The dispatchers that don't remember who you are or where you live even though they have your info on the computer. The fact that you have to argue way too much just to get home near your expected home date. The fact that they hire you from the Florida panhandle, saying they can get you home, then tell you they can't get you home because you live in the Florida panhandle.

A BIG HOWEVER: There are some dispatchers, some trainers, some safety people, etc. at Stevens that are worth their weight in gold. It was those people that kept me hopeful and helped me persevere, until the home situation required my daily presence.

Here's a few thoughts: 1. I definitely needed the refresher, but within a few weeks, everything came back. 2. Stevens will actively and persistently promote their lease program. Not for me. 3. I knew I would be required to pay the full amount for the school since I resigned before the one year. I called a couple of days after I got home to get the exact balance so I could pay it in full (I had the money). I was told it was policy to automatically and immediately turn it over to a collection agency. I called the collection agency to get the exact amount so I could pay them. I was threatened and talked to like a criminal. I tried to explain that I had just quit a few days before and was not running from the debt. I wanted to pay it off. They still talked to me like I was a deadbeat, threatening legal action, etc. I got the money to them within 24 hours. This really bugged me. 4. The employee contract I signed included a non compete clause prohibiting working for another trucking company for the one year term of the contract. That ended July 19 for me, and I honored it.

Now I'm looking hard at going back on the road again.

Just completed fourth week of five week otr with trainer. Can't give details because I don't want to make waves, but let's just say that self control and perserverance are called for daily. The three week school in Dallas is designed to get folks their CDL. I already had mine, but gave the school my full attention. Lots of knuckleheads culled out, some knuckleheads remained, but met a few real good guys with good attitudes. If you are planning on going this route, get it in your head that your training is your responsibility. Yes, you will pay Stevens for the school and make only 350 a week while otr training, but self motivation and a proactive attitude are a must. And you better have a thick skin; a very thick skin. You can learn a lot, even if you're returning to the career field like me. You have to pay attention, ask questions, and know when to just keep your mouth shut. Oh, and did I mention you have to have a thick skin?

Made the decision this morning to go with Stevens Transport. I'll be starting their school Monday the 15th. Lots of options out there, but the Stevens program appears to be a good fit. I believe it will be a mutually beneficial arrangement. An hour after the phone call with Stevens, I called my boss at the bookstore to let her know I was leaving. She laughed and said "Congratulations on getting a real job. You are eligible for rehire anytime."

I believe Steven's Transport hires from your area and has a school.

I talked to Steven's Transport this afternoon, got the lowdown on their school, and received some info via email from them about their school in Dallas, TX. According to their website they also have a school in Houston and Denver.

Thanks for the input.

After coming off the road in October of 2004, driving a local tow truck, finishing my B.A. in English (at 53), substitute teaching, and working at a bookstore; I'm looking to get back on the road. The last company I worked for, Western Express, let me know about the school/refresher course requirements that guys in my position are facing.

I have a CDL Class A, and within the next two weeks my background check will be done and I'll have my Hazmat. Also have a current DOT physical card. My DMV record is clean for the past 3 years and there is nothing on my background of concern.

Nearest CDL school is TDI in Milton, FL. Visited them and discovered it is a 3 week course costing at least five thousand (if you pay cash on day one.) They don't offer a refresher. Talked to Flagler Technical Institute and they offer a 40 hour one week refresher by appointment costing about six hundred (would require hotel and food for the week also). Roadmaster in Jacksonville has a refresher, but would not give me a quote; they suggested I get a prehire agreement with a company, with specific requirements for a refresher course, then Roadmaster could tailor and price the course accordingly.

Here's what I'd really like: A way to get "refreshed" on my driving skills for little or no cost, and a position as a company driver driving solo. I'm looking to do at least one full year with a company before re-assessing. Also need a company that will hire from the Panhandle of Florida, and also the Fort Collins/Denver area (wife and kids want to move out that way in the future.)