FAQ

The Stevens Transport family cares about our employees. As one of the nation’s premier employers, we pride ourselves in promoting a people-oriented, positive work environment. And, we’ve never had a single layoff in our nearly thirty year history, so our employees rest easy knowing their job is secure.

Training

How much will training cost me?

Depending upon which training school you attend, you can be fully reimbursed. If you choose Stevens or a select partner, then a large part of your tuition will be covered. If you attend another approved institute, with a 120 hour minimum training program, then Stevens offers reimbursement up to $6,000. We also provide 100% financing for our students so there is no up-front cost to you.

Is there housing available if I am going through the Dallas driving school?

Low-cost housing is available with no-interest financing, if needed. Housing is also provided in Denver, Colorado. Housing not available in Houston.

Are my meals paid for by Stevens while I am attending the Stevens Driving Academy?

Payment for meals is the students’ responsibility. If needed, Stevens will provide a no-interest loan of $70 per week to cover cost of meals in Dallas location only.

How do I get to the Stevens Driving Academy?

If you do not provide your own transportation, we’ll send you a bus ticket to get you to Dallas, Texas. We’ll also finance the cost of that ticket.

Commercial Drivers License (CDL)

Can Stevens guarantee that I will receive my CDL?

There are no guarantees whatsoever. Your success at earning your CDL is up to you. Stevens does provide a highly-regarded training program that teaches you everything you need to learn and increases your odds of success.

Must I have my CDL before driving for Stevens?

Yes. By law, Stevens cannot hire you to drive a commercial vehicle without your CDL. Stevens Driving Academy provides all the training necessary to earn your certification.

Am I required to have a HAZMAT endorsement on my CDL?

Although it is BENEFICIAL to do so, it is not required. See Chapter 9 of CDL Hand-book for information about the HAZMAT endorsement.

Pay

How often do I get a paycheck?

Stevens company drivers receive pay within 48 hours or two business days from the time they turn in their load verification paperwork. Pay will be either mailed, wired or sent to direct deposit.

How do I get paid?

Stevens uses Transflow to pay our drivers. Transflow is located at most truck stops and allows you to scan and send your trips to Stevens, so that you can get paid quicker. Transflow is more reliable than mail, and takes 48 hours or two business days.

How is my pay calculated?

Drivers are paid based on the number of miles driven. Stevens has the longest length of haul in the industry, so our drivers can earn a great salary. We have one of the highest miles-per-driver averages in the industry, the average solo driver drives 2,600-3,100 miles/week. Plus drivers receive extra pay and bonuses for various situations.

Does Stevens provide layover pay?

Yes, drivers receive $25 a day for typical layovers. While waiting for a trailer in Laredo, Texas, drivers receive $75 per day.

Do I get paid while I am training?

No, you do not get paid while training to earn your commercial drivers license (CDL). However, once you have received your CDL, Stevens will pay you $350 per week for up to 8 weeks while you gain Over-the-Road experience with a Stevens certified trainer. During hat time, you can earn up to an additional $100 per week if you choose to help load and unload the trailers.

Does Stevens pay for extra stop-offs?

Yes, you are paid $15 for your 2nd and 3rd stop-offs or pick-ups and $25 for each one after that.

Do I get paid for all of the miles I drive?

Stevens pays for all dispatched miles – whether loaded or empty.

Making More Money

Is there a way to increase my income as a driver?

Yes, we have several career paths that allow you to make more money. As a company driver, you can increase your income by driving more miles. You can also join our Alliance Lease program that makes it easy for you to run your own business by leasing one of our top-of-the-line trucks. Or, become an owner-operator with Stevens providing you with all the miles you need to be successful. You can make more money by maximizing miles, earning a fuel bonus by running efficiently, or by becoming a trainer.

What if I want to make even more money?

Company drivers, Alliance drivers and Owner-Operators are all eligible to become Stevens over-the-road trainers. Trainers receive extra weekly pay, plus they get paid for all the miles driven—including those of the students. Stevens trainers average $15,000 to $20,000 more a year. What a great increase!

Life On the Road

How often can I expect to get home when driving for Stevens?

You’ll get home on a regular basis, depending on the type of route you are assigned. Local routes get you home every night, regional and dedicated routes allow drivers to get home every 7 to 10 days, and drivers on national routes get home every 3 to 4 weeks.

What if I need to get home for an emergency or special occasion?

Stevens Transport’s dispatchers work with our drivers to ensure they get home for these situations. We’ usually have a load heading near to where you need to be when you need to be there.

Miscellaneous

Does Stevens have forced dispatch?

Stevens Transport’s company drivers are assigned loads based on greatest utilization, efficiency and profitability for both Stevens and the driver.

Does Stevens have forced routing?

We assign drivers the best up-to-the-moment routes that minimize safety hazards, fuel consumption and travel time.

Does Stevens provide toll cards?

Yes, Stevens uses E-Z Pass toll cards for most toll roads.

How do you become a dedicated driver?

Seniority – Positive attitude – Clean driving/safety record – On-time deliveries – Takes around 6 months (if you qualify)

What is the advantage of dedicated routes?

Regular quality home time and familiarity with route.

When are you eligible to apply for Stevens in-house financing to purchase a truck of your own from Stevens?

You must drive for Stevens for 2 years to apply for Stevens in-house financing.

What is trip planning?

After you are dispatched, you will route the best path to get from point A to point B.

What types of Hazmat does Stevens haul?

Stevens hauls household cleaning products and medical supplies