Dead end job, commission structure changes and no training. - Sales Representative Cowan Systems Employee Review

1.0
Nov 23, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Decent base salary. The office is clean. Several shops and restaurants nearby. They buy you lunch once a year.

Cons

My commission structure changed regularly and often mid month. I left after the last change out nearly $3500 in "stolen" pay. New hires are promised 6 weeks of training, but begin making 80-100 cold calls per day after 1 week. 85% of the office revenue is earned by 2 large customers, meaning a few people make decent money, the rest work long hours and make minimal commissions. Also, the operations team is built to service these 2 customers leaving no help to maintain or grow your business. Turnover is near 70% with 15 employees either quitting or being fired in the past 4 months. The entire office is monitored by a mounted camera and watched regularly by management in Baltimore, MD. You get criticized for using your 30 minute lunch break or leaving your desk. The brokerage structure is years behind its competition, offering no support covering loads, developing sales skills, service offerings and name recognition. Don't board a sinking ship because of empty promises.

Explore other reviews about Cowan Systems

5.0
Apr 11, 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Collaborative atmosphere with supportive managers

Cons

Collections can be tedious after time.

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Cowan Systems Response
1y
Thank you for the five-star review! We really appreciate you taking the time to share your Cowan experience.
2.0
Mar 17, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Home Time Is Reliable ,Easy Work (No-Touch Freight).

Cons

There is no overtime pay, and the benefits package is limited. Drivers are often required to work 60–70 hours per week at straight time. Routes are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so there is little predictability—you typically don’t know your route until the start of your shift. The equipment is equipped with radar-based safety systems, including speed control and automatic emergency braking, which can be restrictive and take time to adjust to, contributing to a more stressful driving experience.

avatar
Cowan Systems Response
3mo
Thank you for sharing your experience. Comments like yours enable us to continue to improve, so we appreciate your honest feedback. Please reach out to HR@cowansystems.com if there is anything we could do to assist.
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