Schneider Lease Drivers please comment

Discussion in 'Lease Purchase Trucking Forum' started by wc5b, Nov 7, 2007.

  1. wc5b

    wc5b Medium Load Member

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    Nov 5, 2007
    Flint, MI
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    I have heard the war drums and understand the dangers of lease contracts with a company that books the loads. I understand whole heartedly. HOWEVER, I continue to have short conversations with drivers that have leased onto Schneider that almost unanimously tell me that they are loving there lease deals with SNI. They seemed to appreciate this deal while others just seem to be cons. Well, I never really cared the specifics or clarification until now. Is this true? Is this one of those "well some lease deals are good" kinda companies? (If not, what are they?).

    Here is why I am considering it at all. It may be my only option to get into my own truck at all. I have heard from inside SNI and from drivers themselves that this program can actually turn your credit around. Mine is destroyed from my divorce. I mean its TANKED! I have heard stories of coming to SNI as 480ish and coming out after a couple years at a 700+. If this is the case, a lease deal could actually turn my whole life around, not just my career.

    As I understand it, a person in my spot has the option of doing the following:

    1. I have experience, but because I have been off the road for more then 3 months, I still need to rack up another 12 consecutive months with (OTR) experience. I don't have a problem with this really. Whats one more year company driving. I don't mind doing it with Schneider, I just frinkin hate orange on a truck. LOL

    2. At 12 months consecutive months OTR (Without a break longer then 3 months) I can go into a "SMART" lease program. This program is set up for people like me with AWFUL credit and most likely, nothing down. It would put me in a decent ex-company truck. Ya, not the greatest thing on earth, but its a start. Then they "watch you like a hawk" and this program does not stop at the lease. Its all about building credit. This is where apparently, from multiple sources, I have heard credit reports not only rebound, but skyrocket!

    2.5 If my credit actually is Bad to OK at the time, I might qualify for what they call ON-trac program. The only difference is that I would qualify for something else other then an Ex-company truck. Still used, but I am guessing like a Volvo 670, KW 600/660, 379, or 9400i with 300-600k on them. You know, budget large cars.

    3. Both of these options would put me in a truck without the HUGE payment, but would in fact put me on the per mile Lease Program for the NEXT 12 months. This has the feel of other lease programs, but I have yet to hear someone say, I actually drove lease for SNI and it was bad yet. I hear just the opposite. I hear that they actually do partner well with the driver and make the truck profitable. Sure, I wont make much, if any, more then the company drivers, but the whole time I would be rebuilding my credit!

    4. Unfortunately, I will have to do that for another 12 months before I can take advantage of what I really like about SNI. They have a revenue based program now. I know its not exactly Landstar or O/O, but it sure seems like a fit for me. "I" can see the loads available. "I" can see what it pays to the truck! "I" can see what it equates to per mile to the truck! "I" Get to pick and book the loads! It seems to me its just enough self control, and just enough company backing. Well for me anyways. Apparently its 65% of load revenue and all the extras. The site says:
    <LI id=li_7>65% of line-haul revenue, 100% fuel surcharge, 100% accessorial paid to owner-operator <LI id=li_8>Owner-operators average $1.30-$1.35 per mile while selecting their own loads and average over $165,000 per year <LI id=li_9>Over 99% of the loads Schneider owner-operators select are no-touch <LI id=li_10>No trailer rental fees <LI id=li_11>Take advantage of Schneider's Purchuse Power Program and receive big savings on fuel, tires, maintenance and other business costs <LI id=li_12>Schneider pays select tolls <LI id=li_13>Schneider offers delay compensation (stated in lease contract) <LI id=li_14>No fee or usage charge for use of Qualcomm <LI id=li_15>Paid orientation in Charlotte, North Carolina <LI id=li_16>No hidden deductions
    -----
    This just seems right up my ally. But I would like to hear from SNI Lease drivers for the real scoop and advice. I am not looking for, "stay away from ALL lease deals!" I understand that argument and agree. But is it not possible for there to be a decent program out there? I would love to hear from the horses mouth. And take into account, I don't have the credit or surplus to just go out and buy a Rig and trailer with its own authority. BUT MAN, would I love to have some control over my truck. I go out for long periods of time when I am driving. With that, I get comfortable. I like to take not just a TV, but Sat TV box, XBOX, Computer. NOBODY lets you install an inverter anymore. So we get our clothes, some stupid old tapes, and a TV that receives nothing in most areas (if you pay extra for a TV that plugs into the CIG!). Let alone the ugly colors and crap. I mean, lets face it, there are perks to going L/O.

    Take into account that this if true could repair my credit! This just does not seem to be a drive for 3 months and now pay US to drive kinda deals. So tell me SNI drivers, what has YOUR experience been? Is this one of those rare "decent" programs. I am not looking for perfect, just fair.
     
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  3. wc5b

    wc5b Medium Load Member

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    Nov 5, 2007
    Flint, MI
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    Should I take the lack of response as a good thing or bad. Maybe they all out making money! HAHA
     
  4. jlkklj777

    jlkklj777 20 Year Truckload Veteran

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    Oct 1, 2007
    Duncannon, Pa
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    Actually I beleive the program you are referring to is fairly new at Schneider. I have heard the Pres of Schneider pitching it on Sirius every day claiming the o/o's in the program "love it." I have no first hand knowledge though of this program just the hype on the radio.
     
  5. wc5b

    wc5b Medium Load Member

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    Nov 5, 2007
    Flint, MI
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    Well it really sounds interesting, but I guess the biggest factor is I want to see if the old lease program is working for them. I have to do a year of that before I can do the percentage I guess.
     
  6. badsey

    badsey Medium Load Member

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    Oct 9, 2007
    Green Bay, WI
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    goto Green Bay and see what trucks are available for sale on their lot (they have an Internet site also). Do not buy one of these new 2008 trucks with the particulate filter and all the new plumbing = you want an older truck that will get 7mpg+ (easy to do on the flats) I say a Detroit Diesel with a 13sp. If you really like the mountains get the big Cat. Green Bay also has a few big truck sellers for comparison and also hit Chicago/Gary for a comparison. Schneider finance may be you best bet.

    Do the 65% brokerage thing and run the Midwest (the flats). Easy to get loads and easy on fuel and equipment. I would not try the flease first since this is where most of those used trucks on the Schneider lot came from.
     
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  7. badsey

    badsey Medium Load Member

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    Oct 9, 2007
    Green Bay, WI
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    Schneider drivers get a $2000 bonus to bring O/Os on.
     
  8. johnn5272000

    johnn5272000 Light Load Member

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    Mar 13, 2008
    Bloomington in
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    Ok first of all I was a manager with schneider early 2000. I came back to work for them on the % of revenue plan as an owner operator. I have many years of experience driving and managing I DO NOT work for schneider now, but I would recommend them as a company top to bottom. I believe IMHO your plan is a good one for the situation you described. Be prepared to work hard and you will do well, Its all about getting a driver manager you can work with, they are pretty selective about who they hire.
     
    Civilservant and SHC Thank this.
  9. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

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    Woodville, TX
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    I think the original poster is asking about the lease purchase not the owner operator percentage or mileage leases.
    By the way. schneider suspended hiring into the percentage lease. they only take trucks out of the mileage lease so you have to start there and it's not near as good a deal
     
  10. johnn5272000

    johnn5272000 Light Load Member

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    Bloomington in
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    Hey MM I wondered if they had quit hiring into that % fleet. they were close when I hired into it. It wasn't get rich money but it wasn't bad I averaged 1.34 all miles all in. It was a nice system to work with
     
  11. onekajun

    onekajun Bobtail Member

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    Aug 29, 2010
    St. Louis, MO
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    i realize this is an old thread but wanted to update some info here. Schneiders percentage plan is still active. However, to qualify for it you have to have 1 yr experience as an O/O or lease driver.
     
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