Stevens Transport Newbie Has Questions!

So FINALLY the opportunity to go over the road has come around, so I'm hopping on it. I'm enrolled in Tennessee Truck Driving School right now and I've already got hired on with Stevens transport. I do have some questions about them though.

1. How big of a mini fridge can I put in their trucks? 2. Can I bring my dog? 3. How are they as far as home time? I understand they said I'll likely be out 2-3 weeks at a time with 2-3 days off accordingly. 4. My recruiter for Stevens said I'll average 3100 miles a week, even though I'm new. I'm not holding my breath on this one though. Any idea how accurate this may be?

I do have more but I'll stop with these for now lol

https://www.truckingtruth.com/trucking-companies/

This might give you an idea of things. Just find them on the list.

Chris welcome to the forum. Before answering your questions I suggest (if you haven't already) you review/read the following links:

Truck Driver's Career Guide

Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving

High Road Training Program

The above information will help you establish a realistic set of expectations and goals. Many new drivers enter this profession with lofty, ridiculous expectations that are quickly dashed when they begin to experience the realities of this industry. The High Road Training Program is a CBT curriculum designed to enable a new student driver to more easily pass the permit exam and grasp new concepts quickly and completely. It's highly recommended even if you have other study aids and guides.

Click this link for specific information on Stevens Transport. Many of your current and possibly future questions can be answered by reviewing this link.

Okay...so please realize that your Stevens offer is contingent on getting your CDL and passing Steven's physical, drug test and background check. You will also be going through an orientation process that is more like an extended interview. No guarantees. Once all of that occurs, you will be required to road train with a Stevens Trainer/Mentor for a set period of time, likely 4-6 weeks. Verify that with your recruiter. The recruiter quoted you an average of 3100 miles per week...I'd ask that same question of your trainer. In the first few months of your solo career, I think 2500-2700 is probably more realistic and will reduce the potential for disappointment. As you gain experience and begin to prove yourself as a solid performer, building a professional and trusted relationship with your dispatcher/driver manager, your mileage will begin to increase.

The home time is also somewhat subjective. In the beginning, you should try to run your a** off to learn as much as you can as quickly as you can. I know home-time is important, but it should be a secondary consideration to learning your new job. A job that is completely unlike anything you have ever attempted or experienced, with a very steep and at times unforgiving learning curve. IMO and many others on here share the same thought, stay out as long as you can. Try not to ask for home-time every two weeks. Your dispatcher/driver manager notices that you really want to work. Set yourself apart from the rest of the rookie pack and you are more likely to get the longer runs.

Good luck!

Chris, G Town just gave you some great advice on the real important stuff. Let me answer your Mini Fridge question. I recently bought a Dometic CF 18. It is a true compressor driven refrigerator (freezer), one or the other, not both at the same time. It is not a thermoelectric cooler. (those are good too). Google both of them if you are unfamiliar with the terms. The Dometic CF 18 is an "Ice Chest" style refrigerator. I weighs about 35 pounds empty. It plugs in directly to a 12 volt power outlet (cigarette lighter type). They make bigger ones but they may take up more space and be less portable than you desire. Mine works fantastic and there is no installation required. I paid $350.00 on Amazon. It sits on the floor in the sleeper out of the way. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Good luck on your new adventure!

Did they switch it to hair test

Chris welcome to the forum. Before answering your questions I suggest (if you haven't already) you review/read the following links:

Truck Driver's Career Guide

Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving

High Road Training Program

The above information will help you establish a realistic set of expectations and goals. Many new drivers enter this profession with lofty, ridiculous expectations that are quickly dashed when they begin to experience the realities of this industry. The High Road Training Program is a CBT curriculum designed to enable a new student driver to more easily pass the permit exam and grasp new concepts quickly and completely. It's highly recommended even if you have other study aids and guides.

Click this link for specific information on Stevens Transport. Many of your current and possibly future questions can be answered by reviewing this link.

Okay...so please realize that your Stevens offer is contingent on getting your CDL and passing Steven's physical, drug test and background check. You will also be going through an orientation process that is more like an extended interview. No guarantees. Once all of that occurs, you will be required to road train with a Stevens Trainer/Mentor for a set period of time, likely 4-6 weeks. Verify that with your recruiter. The recruiter quoted you an average of 3100 miles per week...I'd ask that same question of your trainer. In the first few months of your solo career, I think 2500-2700 is probably more realistic and will reduce the potential for disappointment. As you gain experience and begin to prove yourself as a solid performer, building a professional and trusted relationship with your dispatcher/driver manager, your mileage will begin to increase.

The home time is also somewhat subjective. In the beginning, you should try to run your a** off to learn as much as you can as quickly as you can. I know home-time is important, but it should be a secondary consideration to learning your new job. A job that is completely unlike anything you have ever attempted or experienced, with a very steep and at times unforgiving learning curve. IMO and many others on here share the same thought, stay out as long as you can. Try not to ask for home-time every two weeks. Your dispatcher/driver manager notices that you really want to work. Set yourself apart from the rest of the rookie pack and you are more likely to get the longer runs.

Good luck!