Embarking on a career in truck driving can be a significant life change, and for many, Stevens Transport in Dallas, Texas, represents a potential starting point. This article provides a factual overview of what prospective drivers should anticipate when considering CDL training and employment with Stevens Transport, based in Dallas, Texas. It’s crucial to be fully informed about the realities of company-sponsored training programs and the subsequent employment conditions.
Understanding the Initial Financial Outlay and Obligations
Upon arrival in Dallas for Stevens Transport’s CDL training program, new recruits should expect immediate financial responsibilities. Despite initial impressions of provided support, trainees often find themselves quickly in debt. Promises of furnished accommodations and financial assistance are typically structured as advances, not outright provisions.
A promissory note is presented upon arrival, covering expenses such as initial hotel stays (approximately $240), food provisions ($210), and a mandatory physical examination ($65), even for those already possessing a DOT physical card. Transportation costs to Dallas, if facilitated by Stevens Transport, are also included in this initial debt. The cumulative amount of this promissory note can be around $645 or more, depending on individual circumstances.
Furthermore, trainees are responsible for expenses related to obtaining a Texas driver’s license, the CDL permit, and the CDL itself. It’s also important to budget for the future cost of transferring the Texas CDL back to their home state license if they intend to return.
Repayment of this initial promissory note begins immediately through payroll deductions at a rate of $25 per week, adding to the financial pressures faced early in the training process.
The CDL Training Loan Agreement: Terms and Conditions
A significant financial commitment is the loan agreement for the CDL training itself. Trainees are required to sign a loan for a substantial amount, reportedly around $4,552, which, with an 18% interest rate, escalates to a total repayment of $4,950. This loan repayment is scheduled to commence on the 10th of the month following graduation from the training school and continues for one year.
A critical aspect of this loan is its unconditional repayment clause. The full loan amount becomes due even if a trainee fails the CDL course or is terminated from Stevens Transport for any reason, including accidents deemed their fault. Loan forgiveness is contingent upon completing one full year of employment with Stevens Transport. Leaving even a day before the year completion mark results in the full loan amount becoming payable, without any pro-rated reduction. Defaulting on the loan leads to its referral to a collection agency, which can add a further 30% to the owed amount.
Company Culture and Operational Realities
Perspectives on company culture can be gleaned from anecdotal experiences. One frequently mentioned figure is a member of the owner’s family in a vice-presidential role, described as lacking in interpersonal skills, which reportedly sets a tone for overall employee treatment within Stevens Transport. This sentiment is allegedly echoed by trainers and even individuals at local transportation hubs familiar with the company.
The quality of contracted hotels for trainees is also consistently described as substandard, highlighting a potentially uncomfortable living situation during the initial training period.
Training Program Structure and Post-Training Expectations
The CDL school phase lasts approximately three weeks. It is crucial to understand that this school, while seemingly separate, is deeply integrated with Stevens Transport. Its primary function is to train drivers specifically for Stevens Transport’s operational needs. The loan agreement itself is explicitly framed as an incentive for drivers to commit to working for Stevens for at least a year. Therefore, expressing intentions to pursue other career paths during training might be counterproductive.
Following the school, a week-long orientation marks the official commencement of employment with Stevens Transport. The subsequent phase involves over-the-road training, starting with five weeks of teaming with a trainer. Driving hours can vary significantly; owner-operator trainers might operate for the maximum allowed 11 hours daily, while company driver trainers may initially offer as little as 5 hours of driving time per day for the trainee. Delays can occur if a trainer becomes unavailable, requiring trainees to wait for reassignment.
After the initial trainer phase, a second week of orientation in Dallas is followed by a three-week period of teaming with another student driver. Waiting times for solo truck assignments can be extensive. Reports indicate that some students have experienced waits exceeding three months before receiving their own trucks, sometimes involving unconventional assignments like retrieving abandoned trailers via bus travel. This extended waiting period translates to a significant delay in earning a substantial paycheck.
Operational Policies and Working Conditions
Stevens Transport’s operational policies include governing truck speeds at 62mph. While dispatch is described as “non-forced,” drivers are strongly encouraged to accept assigned dispatches to ensure future work availability, suggesting a practical limitation on dispatch choice.
Route assignments reportedly frequently include trips to New York City, particularly within the first eight months of employment.
An internal perspective on driver profiles suggests a preference for individuals with limited prior education and lower previous income expectations, implying a potential strategy of targeting a workforce amenable to Stevens Transport’s compensation and working conditions.
Company statistics indicate a high driver training volume (approximately 2000 drivers trained annually) compared to the addition of new trucks (reportedly only 100 new trucks in a recent year). The company operates with around 1800 tractors and slightly over 2000 trailers. FFE Transportation Services is identified as a direct competitor.
Conclusion: Proceed with Informed Caution
In conclusion, while Stevens Transport offers a pathway into the trucking industry through its CDL training program in Dallas, Texas, prospective drivers must be acutely aware of the financial obligations, loan terms, and potential working conditions. Recruitment practices may not fully disclose all financial responsibilities upfront, leading to unexpected debts and repayment pressures. Thorough research, careful consideration of the loan agreement, and realistic expectations about post-training employment are essential before committing to Stevens Transport. This overview aims to provide crucial information to help potential recruits make informed decisions about their career paths in the trucking industry.
