Schneider choice program orientation and getting truck Schneider finance

Hi all. I am starting this thread as I embark on my new adventure with SNI as a lease operator on the choice program out of California. I also am purchasing a used truck through SNI finance so I will do my best to keep this thread updated daily with my experiences with both SNI and SNI Finance in hopes that it will answer the many questions that a prospective driver may have about both processes.

i will also keep everyone updated on the first couple of months of driving as well as loads I take and how much they pay as well as Weekly gross and net incomes so that whomever decides to begin, will have a pretty clear idea on what to expect.


about me.. I live in the Los Angeles suburbs, 35 years old married with 5 kids. . I drove for SNI as a company driver from 04 to 06. Drove for CFI prior to them being bought by Conway in 06. Then went to automotive repair school for a year and worked as a tech for 3 years and a service manager for 2.

I then came back to trucking in 2011 as a team driver for small fleet 3 months then solo op for a medium fleet of 175 trucks out of the Midwest running paper logs and miles upon miles for a year until I realized everything has its toll and when SNI opened choice in west coast I decided to jump aboard.

 

I drove out to Green Bay with finance paying for a one way car rental from wherever you want and you cover the gas. I had looked over several used and new trucks over 3 months and settled on an 09 t660 75 inch sleeper with a studio sleeper interior and 379k miles.

I decided to come in on Friday so I could look the truck over without pressure and I paid for Fridays hotel on my own while Schneider said they would cover from Saturday forward. I got the SNI corporate rate 32 plus tax.

I went to the OC and visited Amy, my SNI finance rep as well as Andrea my owner op recruiter. Both very nice and helpful.

I asked to see the truck so I drove around from one shop to the detail shop and finally tracked it down. They had new steers as well as 4 new in the rear and 4 near new tires as well. It had a factory navigation system and many other minor repairs done here and there.

I was really happy with how it looked but remember guys to always check the engine, tranny and other components as well and if you're not into mechanics then ask to take it to a shop but I honestly suggest you be at least somewhat knowledgeable about engines and truck components before taking the O/O leap.

i checked the fluids and all looked good except I noticed the coolant was overfilled. Hmm. I checked the engine oil dip stick 3 times and 3rd time saw some white stuff on the tip. I checked a couple more times and again saw it and so at this point I realized the truck has either a blown head gasket or bad cylinder head.

I called Amy and she called the fleet shop. They contacted me right away and said they had done an engine oil analysis recently and saw no issues but they would send a mech to check it out.
An hour later I get a call stating that they did see the white substance in the oil and are sending truck to the Kenworth shop to be checked Monday.
The SNI. Mech started that some cylinder head work had been done under warranty 6 months ago and it may be either the cylinder head bad or bad liner. So at the least I will get a 7, 000 dollar head engine job replaced under warranty and if a bad liner then replace engine. Not a dime out of my pocket.

Guys, always always always check used trucks out thoroughly or you have no one else to blame but yourself. Will keep y'all updated Monday. Till then ill just relax in my room as there is not much to do in this small town/city.

 

Thanks man Ill always appreciate your great advice!

 

Lol yea started at 20 years old a year after getting married. They keep you working hard and always wanting to advance. Guys I know with no kids just settle for the status quo.

Your kid sees you as dad because a dad isn't someone that gives birth but one that loves , cares, guides and provides for them.

 

I hear.you on the support shift. As a company driver I once called them and was put on hold. I went into Fontana, had dinner, took a shower and fueled with the phone on and finally someone answered after one hour 17 minutes. Sad such huge company so little support. This was 2005.