Embarking on a career in the transportation industry can be both exciting and daunting. For those considering Covenant Transport, understanding the experiences of current drivers is invaluable. This article delves into a firsthand account of life at Covenant Transport, offering insights into training, teamwork, pay, and the realities of over-the-road (OTR) trucking. We aim to provide a comprehensive and balanced perspective, crucial for anyone looking to navigate their career path with Covenant Transport.
Training and Upgrade Process at Covenant
Starting any new job comes with a learning curve, and trucking is no exception. Covenant Transport’s training program is designed to equip new drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge. The initial training phase culminates in an upgrade test, a pivotal step before hitting the road with a partner. This test typically includes essential maneuvers such as straight-line backing and a 45-degree alley dock, alongside a comprehensive road test. Furthermore, online assignments cover critical areas like safety regulations and Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance, ensuring drivers are well-versed in industry standards. These classes are reported to be informative, emphasizing Covenant’s commitment to safety and regulatory adherence.
A key aspect to note for prospective drivers is the partner assignment process. At Covenant, securing a trucking partner is a prerequisite to getting assigned a truck. Both partners must be ready to roll before a truck is allocated, highlighting the team-oriented approach of the company. While every large company, including Covenant, faces its share of challenges, focusing on the positive aspects can often provide a more balanced view of the experience.
Life on the Road: Team Driving and Realities
Having spent three months with Covenant Transport, the author expresses gratitude for an exceptional trainer who significantly enriched their learning experience. The quality of training can vary greatly in the trucking industry, and a good trainer can make all the difference. This positive training experience underscores the potential for mentorship and comprehensive learning within Covenant.
Team driving is a significant part of the initial experience at Covenant. Partnering with a driver who has been with the company since February provided a valuable learning environment for both individuals. The constant monitoring and demands of the road can be draining, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mutual support in long-haul trucking. After the initial training and partnering phase, drivers transition to a 90-day team driving period before achieving OTR status.
Effective support from company personnel is crucial for driver satisfaction and efficiency. The author highlights the positive impact of a supportive fleet advocate and fleet engineer. Their attentiveness and empathetic approach in addressing driver issues contribute significantly to a positive working environment. This level of support is vital in mitigating the stresses of trucking and fostering a sense of being valued within the company.
Compensation and Benefits: Understanding Covenant Transport Pay
Understanding the compensation structure is paramount for any driver considering Covenant Transport. As an ST2 level HazMat team driver, the pay is detailed as $0.34 per mile, in addition to a $0.06 per diem and a $0.02 per mile safety bonus paid quarterly. This pay structure is specifically for HazMat teams, requiring both drivers to hold HazMat endorsements.
Covenant Transport actively encourages drivers to obtain their HazMat endorsement by offering to cover or reimburse associated costs like fingerprinting and testing. This endorsement enhances a driver’s marketability, opening up opportunities to haul a wider range of goods, including common household items classified as hazardous materials. While HazMat loads come with specific regulations, they are not portrayed as overly burdensome, further incentivizing drivers to pursue this qualification.
Minimum pay guarantees offer financial security to drivers, especially in the initial phases of employment. For HazMat drivers with less than 90 days of experience, Covenant guarantees a minimum of $700 per week, provided the driver is available for work all seven days. This guarantee increases to $850 per week for drivers with 90 days to one year of experience, and further to $1,000 per week after one year of verifiable OTR experience, maintaining the same availability stipulation. This transparent minimum pay structure provides a safety net and predictable income for drivers. Post the 90-day team driving period, the pay structure adjusts to $0.40 per mile, plus per diem and the safety bonus, reflecting career progression and increased earning potential.
It’s important to note the probationary period during the first 90 days of teaming. Maintaining a clean driving record is crucial, as DOT violations or log violations can extend this probationary period to 180 days. This highlights Covenant’s emphasis on safety and compliance from their drivers.
Addressing Challenges: Truck Issues and Company Response
Like any trucking company, Covenant Transport faces challenges related to vehicle maintenance and breakdowns. The author shares an experience with an initial truck assignment that was not in reliable operating condition due to prior accident damage. Upon reporting these issues, Covenant responded by expediting the team back to Chattanooga to address the problems and assign a new truck. Although this resulted in some downtime, Covenant ensured that once the new truck was ready, the team was promptly dispatched with a load, mitigating further delays.
A subsequent truck issue occurred shortly after receiving a new assignment, resulting in a breakdown en route to Salt Lake City. While frustrating, the author acknowledges ongoing discussions with operations to resolve the issue and refrains from detailing further specifics to avoid jeopardizing their position or disseminating incorrect information. The breakdown incident led to a stay in Oklahoma City while awaiting repairs at a 24/7 Freightliner service center, expressing hope for a swift resolution.
These experiences, while challenging, provide a real-world perspective on the inevitable issues that can arise in trucking and how Covenant Transport responds to address them. Transparency in these situations and effective communication are crucial for maintaining driver trust and satisfaction.
Conclusion: A Driver’s Perspective on Covenant Transport
This firsthand account offers a valuable glimpse into the experiences of a driver at Covenant Transport. From comprehensive training and team driving to understanding the pay structure and addressing on-road challenges, this review aims to provide a balanced and informative perspective for those considering a career with Covenant Transport. While highlighting the positive aspects such as supportive staff and guaranteed minimum pay, it also acknowledges the realities of truck breakdowns and the importance of effective communication and resolution. For prospective drivers, understanding these nuances is key to making an informed decision about joining Covenant Transport and navigating a successful career in the trucking industry.
