How to Ace Your Interview at Stevens Transport: Top 20 Interview Questions and Answers

Getting hired as a truck driver at Stevens Transport is no easy feat. With intense competition for jobs and a rigorous interview process, you need to be fully prepared to stand out from the crowd. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the top 20 most common interview questions asked at Stevens Transport and provide sample answers to help you craft winning responses.

Whether you’re a new CDL holder or a veteran driver understanding what to expect and how to best demonstrate your qualifications is key to landing the job. So let’s dive in and make sure you have the tools to absolutely crush your upcoming Stevens Transport interview!

Overview of Stevens Transport

First, let’s get some background on Stevens Transport. Founded in 1980, they have grown rapidly into one of the largest temperature-controlled truckload carriers in North America. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, they operate over 3,000 power units and employ around 6,000 drivers.

Stevens Transport specializes in hauling refrigerated and frozen foods, produce, and other temperature-sensitive products They handle time-critical deliveries for major companies across the US. and Canada.

The company culture emphasizes safety, compliance, and customer service. They look for drivers who align with these values and can handle the demands of delivering sensitive freight under tight deadlines.

Stevens Transport’s Hiring Process

The process typically starts with an online application, followed by a phone screening with a recruiter. Candidates who pass this initial screening are invited for an interview at a terminal with ops or HR managers.

This is where things get tough. Stevens Transport interviews are known to be quite rigorous with situational and behavioral questions designed to assess critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Some key qualities they look for include:

• Safety mindset and risk management skills
• Ability to deliver on time despite challenges
• Situational awareness and quick decision making
• Teamwork and communication skills
• Customer service orientation

They may also conduct additional assessments like a road test to evaluate driving skills. The process aims to thoroughly vet candidates to ensure they can perform to Stevens Transport’s high standards.

20 Common Interview Questions and Answers

Here are the top 20 interview questions to expect and how to prepare winning responses:

1. Why do you want to work for Stevens Transport?

This is your chance to show you’ve done your research on the company. Highlight their industry leadership, focus on safety and compliance, and investments in driver amenities and training. Convey your alignment with their values and passion to grow your career with them.

Sample Answer: I’m very interested in working for Stevens Transport because of your leadership in the temperature-controlled trucking industry. Your investments in safety programs, compliance training, and driver amenities show a real commitment to your team. I’m excited by the opportunities for personal and professional growth in working for such a reputable, dynamic company. My focus on safety and customer service makes me a great fit with your culture.

2. What makes you qualified to handle time-sensitive loads?

Demonstrate your sense of urgency, planning skills, and ability to stay cool under pressure. Provide examples of delivering urgent freight reliably despite challenges.

Sample Answer: In my past roles, I’ve consistently demonstrated an ability to handle time-sensitive loads, even when faced with unexpected delays or issues. For example, when a major accident shut down my planned route, I immediately contacted dispatch to map out an efficient alternate route utilizing backroads to avoid traffic congestion. We were able to minimize the delay and I still delivered the refrigerated medicine shipment well within the client’s requested window. My planning, time management, and rapid problem-solving enable me to keep high-priority loads on schedule.

3. How would you inspect a refrigerated trailer to ensure it’s road-ready?

Walk through your systematic inspection process. Demonstrate your knowledge of refrigeration system components and temperature compliance regulations.

Sample Answer: Before departing with a refrigerated trailer, I would conduct a thorough 40-point inspection following Stevens Transport’s procedures. Starting on the outside, I would check the electrical cord connection, inspect the condenser coils for debris or damage, and ensure the doors have a proper seal and latch securely. Inside, I would power on the unit and confirm it’s reaching and sustaining the required temperature for that particular cargo, checking the thermometer readout and temperature logs from previous trips. I would also verify the refrigerant levels, compressor oil, and that the fans are operating properly without abnormal noise or vibration. Additionally, I would perform a pre-trip inspection of the entire tractor trailer following DOT regulations to identify any other potential issues before hitting the road.

4. How do you make sure you are staying alert during long hauls?

Highlight your self-care routines, avoidance of distracted driving, and use of techniques to stay sharp. Convey your discipline, focus and commitment to driving safely.

Sample Answer: To stay alert on long hauls, I make sure I’m well-rested before starting a trip and I plan my schedule to take regular breaks every few hours. During breaks, I get out and walk around, do some stretching or have a healthy snack to re-energize. I avoid heavy meals or sugary foods that can cause fatigue. I also use audio books and podcasts to keep my mind engaged but avoid noisy music or phone calls that could distract me. Staying hydrated with water and avoiding alcohol or medications that cause drowsiness also helps me stay focused for the long run. Most importantly, I recognize when I’m starting to feel tired and need to take a break or stop driving. Safety is always my top priority.

5. How do you secure cargo in a trailer to prevent load shifting?

Show your expertise in proper load securement methods, equipment, and regulations. Demonstrate your attention to detail in this crucial task.

Sample Answer: I take load securement very seriously to ensure safe transit and prevent load shifting. For palletized freight, I utilize quality tie-down straps and heavy-duty corner protectors to anchor the cargo without damaging it. I follow the recommended securement points, applying appropriate pre-tensioning and using edge protection where required. For non-pallet loads, I safely block and brace items and fill any voids that may allow movement. I always verify final trailer weight distribution and that end gates and doors are tightly closed. Throughout the trip, I check my mirrors frequently for signs of shifting. I stay up-to-date on FMCSA regulations and Stevens Transport policies to ensure I am always complying with the most current cargo securement standards for safe transportation.

6. How would you handle a major truck breakdown while under load?

Show you can remain calm, take initiative and make smart decisions with the company’s interests in mind.

Sample Answer: If I encountered a major truck breakdown while under load, my first priority would be to safely pull off the road and turn on my hazard lights immediately. I would notify Stevens Transport dispatch right away to report the issue and my exact location. Following any guidance from dispatch, I would assess if it’s a problem I can quickly repair myself with the onboard tools and training provided. If not, I would wait for the roadside assistance dispatched by Stevens Transport for both the truck and trailer. Perishable cargo could be at risk, so I would ensure the refrigeration unit is continually powered. If delays looked likely, I would request a second tractor trailer be sent for transfer of the temperature-sensitive products so the shipment could quickly get back en route. Throughout the process, I would communicate proactively with dispatch to provide updates and expedite resolving the issue.

7. Tell me about a time you had to drive through difficult weather conditions. How did you adjust?

Share a specific example that highlights your safe practices, judgement and adaptability.

Sample Answer: Last winter, I was driving through Iowa when a major snowstorm hit bringing heavy snow and high winds. Visibility quickly dropped to near zero and conditions became hazardous. I slowed my speed considerably and turned on my flashers, keeping distance from other vehicles. When I couldn’t see more than 10 feet ahead, I knew it was no longer safe to keep driving and pulled off at the next exit. I notified dispatch and found a safe area to park until the storm passed. I continued monitoring the weather reports and road conditions. Once the snow stopped and plows cleared the highways, I updated dispatch and adjusted my schedule to make up for lost time. Although the delay was unavoidable, I maintained safety and open communication throughout the ordeal.

8. How do you make sure you comply with Hours of Service regulations?

Demonstrate your record keeping practices and use of technology to comply with HOS rules. Stress safety as your motivator.

Sample Answer: I take compliance with Hours of Service regulations very seriously to promote safety on the roads. I use the electronic logging device provided by Stevens Transport to track my driving time, on-duty hours, and required breaks. I make sure the logs are accurate through oversight of the system and manual verification. I never exceed driving limits or cut mandatory breaks short. I understand the importance of logging rest periods and off-duty time correctly for compliance. If I noticed any discrepancies in the logs, I would alert dispatch immediately to prevent violations. Safety is always my top motivation for closely following all HOS regulations.

9. What customer service skills do you feel are important as a driver?

Share specific ways you