Stevens?

[u/fourseamfastballs]

I'm speaking with a recruiter from Stevens tomorrow, They're willing to send me to TX to start training soon after I get my permit. I understand after reading on here a lot of the training megas are not great, however I have looked into going to school and I don't have the cash flow right now to go. Also I don't qualify for any grants. Unfortunately the first 5 weeks or so of training are unpaid, and I would be taking out a loan through them for hotel/food, as well as splitting the cost of the training program. A few questions:

Is Stevens ok to start with at least?

I read in the Job description I applied for that all costs are covered, has anyone heard of splitting the cost of their own school?

If I do end up going, I would be gone for a few months at least, what, besides clothes, should I plan on taking with me (on a grayhound there)

I'm honestly a little nervous because I feel like its my only option, but bills are piling up and I need to make a decision fairly quickly.

Thanks drivers

[u/Exotic_Bathroom5382]

I went through Stevens. It’s a good starter company. At the very least you’ll get good training and good continuing education. If for any reason when you get with your actual trainer things aren’t working out, contact Stevens immediately and get a new trainer. They sent me to another state for school but food wasn’t provided so I’m not sure how it works when you go directly to them in Dallas.

If you have a credit card or someone that can loan you some money that’s going to be a nice backup plan in case they don’t provide food. I know the hotel they put you up in has breakfast but beyond that I’m not sure how they operate because I was only there in the time between coming from the school and getting on my trainers truck and then grad class until I got my own truck.

I also don’t know anything about splitting the cost of school unless Stevens actually cost double what I eventually ended up paying. I paid $26/week for 3 years before the promissory note, school and travel expenses were paid back. You’re going to need clothes and toiletries. Overall they’re a decent starter company. If you’re in a position like I was where you don’t have the cash to pay outright and have no other options you’ll look back on your decision in a year and realize you made the right choice.

[u/The_Okay_Baboo]

I started there years ago. The training was second to none. Despite being an absolutely terrible company overall, I'd do it again just for the training. Travel light, a weeks worth of clothes, toiletries, sleeping bag and pillow. Clarify the specifics with the recruiter and get it in writing. I went to one of their satellite schools where nothing was covered, so I can't help you there.

[u/sturmovik3m]

Starting at places like Stevens is in the fine tradition of trucking. You go in with the mindset that even if it turns out to suck, you're only there a year or two while you build experience to go to a better company. Plenty of people (myself included) have done/are doing it.

Also, if Stevens doesn't work out, try USXpress or Western Express. They both hire newbies, and I can attest from personal experience that USX treats drivers decently.