Interview with a Former Covenant Transport Female Driver

[VSSP]

You mention possibly netting 35k in a first year. Yet we hear horror stories about people making almost nothing. Is there a way to play your cards right so that almost everyone (who doesn't have home problems) who puts in weeks of research can be financially successful as a trucker? regardless of high stress environment. in short in trucking, if there is a will, is there a way, or do you think it's a long shot that some people, such as yourself have luckily made?

[TruckerDesiree]

@VSSP I think if you do your homework prior to commiting to a school/carrier, listen very well to advice & information and disect it, understand much may not apply to you but there could be a kernal of useful knowledge that may come in handy. Stay away from the those who are eager to be to close to you because there is a desperate climate and have some back up cash for emergencies you can emerge successful, yes.. do not be rigid & I see this often in trucking, unwillingness to adapt

[VSSP]

Hi Desiree, I'm someone coming from a huge turnover industry, despite i've been a consistent and resilient worker. i have no dependents and have complete freedom and will, i have knowledge of this corrupt trucking industry, i would document everything. anyway i'm and wondering how much is success in this industry attributed to luck? if i expected to be solo and signed no contracts within 6 months. i mean what is the possibility that i would be starved so severly for knowing too much? (cont...)

[TruckerDesiree]

@VSSP If you are aware of all of these things you mentioned you can indeed avoid the built in obstacles. Learning to be a truck driver is an ongoing process , there is just so much to learn. That is where most student go wrong right away by beliveing a recruiter that imples they will be a professional driver in just a few weeks. I will answer "Starve Out" tips in my next comment, I am running out of space...

[TruckerDesiree]

@VSSP "Starve Out" generally begins at about month 4 -6 during truck driver training. During yout first 35 days you may make just about $250-$300 per week, I got one check that was $750 because of a bonus for working through Xmas but they have done away with this. tmonth 3 & 4 many students say they are making a bit more but suddenly hit the skids & are sitting with no miles, maybe 700-1500 per week & having to pay tuition back, this leaves very little for food so you must plan for this

[TruckerDesiree]

@VSSP Define with the carrier you plan to sign with how much CPM (cents per mile) they pay for students who are 1-3 months from training and 3-6 months training. When you calculate 700 miles x .19cpm & realize you may be working 70 hours that week but only paid for miles, and that is Gross pay, no taxes out, before your tuition payment and any insurance or other expenses... you can see how discouraged some will get. The sitting will make you nutty if you are not in the right frame of mind

[VSSP]

@TruckerDesiree thank you :) ... i'm definitely willing to accept an extreme level of bs. i've heard about 1st year truckers making 30-40k from honest sources. how does that add up if you're starved down below 1500 per week consistently? this doesn't seem to make sense or have things worsened in 2011/12? OTR for months/ 70 hours perweek - love it/ no issue. under 30k first year - major problem for me - not worth it. i also meant to write no lease or o/o contracts. (thats a given)

[TruckerDesiree]

@VSSP Good Question. I made a video called "Tuition Reinbursement,, Bonuses..." and talk about this. it is more likely to makr between $35K and $37K. That would include bonuses such as Safety ( no accidents, incidents) retention and vacation pay. If you did not qualify for those bonuses you would make less the 1st year. The pay structure will vary between carriers. Some will pay higher CPM & offer no bonuses and I find it all averages out at year end no matter what pay structure they have

[mogges1]

Stolen truck pt2:they would unload the truck somewhere around LA. then move the fright to Mexico. then resale it.Come to find out,2 of the Dp at Covenant was the ones steeling the fright. one of the Dpers was in Chattanooga the other worked in LA, WAnt tell the rest of the story but YEAH Covenant transport Is not a company to screw with. they will do the screwing,I know more than 50 drive that drove for Cov that there DAC read stolen truck are Abandon trk..stay away form this Company

[mogges1]

TruckerDesiree.let me tell you a sore about this Covennt.This happen back int eh early 90s.there use to be on of covenat trcuk get stolen right in the T/A parking lot in Fontana,Ca..Some thime at night but most was in day light..None of the driver ever got shot at are hurt. the high jacker would just demand the truck. the High jacker would tack the truck to a wearhouse un load the truck and they would find it abandon.when the drive would call in he got fired.and had to find his own way home

[mogges1]

Dispatcher brains you cant fry em and you cant shoot em cause there nothing there to shoot.I know bowling balls that have more brains that a dam DP.

[mogges1]

Sorry to hear that.are you doing Ok.are back to driving.

and if your bank can afford it, really think about buying your own truck. then get your brokers Lic.You'll see a lot of the stress of driving for a crappy Co. go out the window.You'll be your own boss and pick the load you want to haul.:)

[mogges1]

TruckerDesiree. How is your credit.What you might think about, is going out and buying your own rig. then get your own brokers Lic.Then you can have your own frieght and hire a nother diver to help you with some of the driving.REALLY if you can do that, its the best way to go

[mogges1]

I seen how Covenant treats woman.. also I'm sorry keystone is not the company I meant. its Interstate trucking.

[mogges1]

I have seen Covenat transpot bring a driver in a fire him and then turn around and put on his DAC he abandon the truck.and NEVER EVER LEASE A TRUCK

[mogges1]

I drove for Covenant back when they had nothing but Cabovers.and back then you never saw woman driving for Covenant.dam it I wish I had my CDL back. I'd team with you .no strings.

[TruckerDesiree]

@Never heard of Keystone... CR England I get too many complaints about them from Females and also their rip-off lease program

[dks13827]

While the problems that you have mentioned may have been intentional at times, my belief is that most of the time it is sheer incompetence. I see it everyday, everywhere that I go here in the USA. :(

[jchizzle3000]

Hey new follower I really like your videos although they worry me that I shouldn't even bother but my question is do you recommend any cdl training around Nashville because they all seem money motivated and its a turnoff and feels the same as the recruitment process as an itt or draughons or any other slimy for proffit schools advertised. I hope to see you on the road some day. Peace.

[TruckerDesiree]

@jchizzle3000 It is all money motivated and you should think of those CDL School Reps as used car salesmen. That does not mean that you can't learn anything though even if it is just a little bit and hardly worth the thousands they are trying to squeeze you for. Look into local community college programs that are generally cheaper and teach you more. Good Luck!

[jboomgarden1]

@jchizzle3000 I would highley recommend going to Iowa Central Community College bc they have a 3 month training and they also offer Financial Aid, along with a Pell Grant and, government guarantee loans. Plus they are PTDI certified. Just give Jamie Hoshaw a call at 515-574-1964 or 1-800-362-2793. P.s I will be starting March 2nd..

[jboomgarden1]

@jchizzle3000 I would highly recommend going to Iowa Central Community College bc they have a 3 month training and they also offer Financial Aid, along with a Pell Grant and, government guarantee loans. Plus they are PTDI certified. Just give Jamie Hoshaw a call at 515-574-1964 or 1-800-362-2793. P.s I will be starting March 2nd..

[TruckerDesiree]

@jboomgarden1 Why isn't PTDI listed on CVTA.org site that Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood just pimped for the ATA? We have been told that PTDI is little more than a "Pay for logo"

[TruckerDesiree]

@jboomgarden1 When we see that the bad carriers can just be a paid for sponsor to whatever organization of the day it negates the credibility.

[Juggaloserialeater]

I got a job offer from CRST..I dont have my certificate and no experience..theyre one of the only companies that will hire me..are they really that bad? If they are should I just go get a certificate, and what company is good to work for if I do..It seems every company I look into has tons of bad reports really so its hard for me to decide.. Id really appreciate feed back thank you very much

[TruckerDesiree]

@Juggaloserialeater You Said: " I don't have my certificate & no experience..." and CRST offered you a job. That should be your answer. If you read my responses below you will see who I feel students should stay away from if they want to have long term success. Check out Schneider National, US XPress, Stevens Transport ... & heck even Swift. BEWARE OF ANY carrier that 1. uses "Team Business Model" to move freight with students OR 2. has a lease program for newbie drivers

[CASTLE309D]

DESIREE,enjoy all your heads up vids,planning on going back on the road soon,thanks for the food for thought,

Kaylee

[TruckerDesiree]

@CASTLE309D Glad I coud help ... There are good carriers out there but you have to wade through this sort of crap unfortunately & not get burned out so you can find your way to them... Good Luck!

[TheFreeRadicalist]

wow thanks thats very helpful to myself a rather nieve person when it comes to trucking

[TruckerDesiree]

@TheFreeRadicalist Hey ... even the toughest get duped in this crazy training system. Really no one is safe... that is why you have to be a clever fox to outsmart these creeps... get your experience and move one to a carrier that REALLY CARES about their workforce

[TheFreeRadicalist]

Lately I have been researching on where to look for a carrier to earn my CDL despite the so many negative things being said about most trucking schools, carriers, etc are there ANY good stories or suggestions of which trucking schools or carriers are good? So far I can only find the bad. Any suggestions on a positive direction to move into? thanks if you can help! Hope to hear some positive experiences or suggestions....

[TruckerDesiree]

@TheFreeRadicalist If you will check out community college programs in your area to see if they have a CDL program they are generally more thorough and cheaper. Stay away from Road Master if you can who charges an enormous $7000 or whatever they can sock to you to give you minimal training. This system is set up for failure so try to understand there is no way you will get $5000 or $7000 worth of truck driving skill in a few weeks.

[TruckerDesiree]

@TheFreeRadicalist The carriers who have the better reputations are ROEHL, Schneider National, and two who will work you to death but you should expect to be driving on your own in a few months are Stevens Transport, Swift, and USA Truck ... I get few complaints about them except for low pay and not getting home when promised. If those two things are not a factor for you then you should check it out. Low Pay and Missed Hometime is the name of the game

[simmeringsmoke]

Thanks for the heads up- I just graduated truck school and am looking for a company to drive for.

sure won't be Covenant!

[TruckerDesiree]

@simmeringsmoke Glad I could help. Any carrier that uses the team business model in training AND/OR has any sort of lease owner operator program available during training is a sign of corporate greed. This is a "RED FLAG" that they are setting people up to fail in their first year which is crucial for a student truck drivers. Any carrier you lean towards Google the name followed by the word "Complaints" IE: "CRST Complaints" "CR England Complaints" etc.

[shamgod123456789]

Hey there..do you still drive trucks and if so what company..I'm going to TRANS AM,any suggestion

[TruckerDesiree]

@shamgod123456789 Check out reply I gave above to check out any carrier you are considering. Short answer on Trans Am: Google that carriers name followed by the word "complaints". They are not as big as some of the others but they do engage in this "sharecropper fleece owner operator" truck driver training. The object is to get unsuspecting new recruits to run cheap freight as long as possible, make a few bucks off them until they burn out

[anzwertree]

I'll be getting into transport soon. I've wanted to get into it for a long time. I was raised in a very fundamentalist household. My whole life was about meetings and door 2 door work. Ever since I disassociated from the organization, I lost pretty much everyone I knew. Needed something to get me away from this town. Wish I was out on the road now.

[TruckerDesiree]

@anzwertree I understand... but be cautioned that there is a "cult" like atmosphere in many of these truck driver training carriers as well. One you are "in" you are expected to keep the skeltons in the closet or be "shunned". This is the environment of this industry at this level and this particular carrier as well as a couple others hide behind the bible in my opinion to conceal some of their dirty deeds.

[anzwertree]

@TruckerDesiree Why am I not surprised? If you watch any of my older videos about leaving my religion, you'd see just how deep these cult mentalities run in the US. The Bible is just one of the many fronts people use as an escuse to conceal their hypocrisy -- IMO, of course. It sucks, especially in the Bible Belt of Georgia. In any case, though, it sure beats the hell out of peddling Watchtowers door2door. I'll take life on the road any day of the week. Shit, I even though of joining the circus

[TruckerDesiree]

@anzwertree LOL , I think you are off to a good start! If you are resiliant enough to have gone through peddling door to door, perhaps getting your head chewed off daily you can probably accomplish anything now. You just need to find the right path my friend to get away from the fanatics that give God and Jesus a bad rap. Cheers! DW

[anzwertree]

@TruckerDesiree Yeah, I don't have much of a problem with gods or Jesus. It's their fanclubs that scare me