After reading these posts about alcohol during training I don't know if I should be telling you guys this but during our training we had an issue with beer. It was brought to the training instructors that a few guys in our class had been drinking at the hotel. Not really an interesting story but the final decision handed down to us was that having one or 2 beers with dinner or immediately there after while watching the hockey game and studying would be ok provided there was such a time 8 - 10 hours before coming back in the morning.

As for being strict I believe like previous members have said, Schneider has a lot of money invested in their training programs, equipment, etc... and they need to protect these things.

When we were in our first week of training the guys in the second week were a bunch of jerks. They used to go back to SNI in the morning and report to the instructors everytime us first week students sneezed, farted, or coughed. It was pathetic.

Those 2nd week students I talked about, none of them are with SNI anymore (11 months later) In my class 15 of us started and now I am the only one left. 4 didn't make it past the first 2 weeks and about 6 guys failed their SQT (Skills Qualification Test) after being out with their TE. Now when I started with SNI, we needed to have our CDL before being hired because in Canada SNI did not have the program to help you get your CDL at the time but I believe that has changed now. Because of the fact that we had our CDL's before coming to Schneider we did not have to sign that 18 month contract or whatever it is and we're free to leave at any time with no penalties.

To sum it all up, anybody who is new to the industry Schneider is a great option. They are very to the T with their policies and their hiring criteria but if you have a solid work history, no criminal record, and a good driving record I suggest you check them out. Just take the training seriously and do what you are asked and you will do fine.

I've been with Schneider for over 6 months now. I don't have hardly anything to complain about. When I was driving OTR, I followed their MAC18 program and I almost never had to wait for a load even in the soft freight environment. There were many times where my next load was on me before I had delivered the previous. It was a dream come true. When I had to call the trip planner about time issues with the loads, he was very eager to work with me. Now, Im on a dedicated account and its so reliable and predictable. I can't be happier.

What exactly is Mac18? I did a quick Google and forum search, but didn't find much of anything.

hey ohio, a mac18 is how you tell your trip planner when you plan to arrive at a destination and how many hours you'll have left on your 11 driving hrs and 14 on duty hours after your delivery. As long as you are relatively accurate and communicate well, I found that you won't have problems with getting loads.

Ahhh. Gotcha. Thank you, StarDriver.

Now...lol since I work for the great pumpkin myself on a ded account. I dont play with the QC that much. Technically if you send in a Mac18...arent you basically telling a computer some information which then helps plan the next load? I figure with 19000 some odd trucks on the road, theyd use a computer to sort out all the load planning.

Could be wrong tho.

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associate production coordinating directorial associate managing deparmental divisional office supervisor of the international network amalgamation distributors corporation management organizational association of men who drive trucks.

I too drive a pumpkin truck on a dedicated account. But I don't have a dedicated route. The account spans the country so though I mostly run the midwest and east, I have made the west coast and south.
The mac 18 lets the scheduler know when you will arrive at the consignee, how many hours you will have on your 14, 11 and 70. This gives them better idea of what you're capable of handling when they assign you you're next load. Used properly, it helps both the driver and the company.
I seldom sit waiting on loads, and when I have, I have always gotten layover pay for it, no questions asked and no flak. In fact, it's usually my DBL telling me I getting it rather than me asking for it.

I start to train with Schneider on Saturday. I'm nervous and excited at the same time!! I plan on starting a thread/blog and take pics as I go along. Can't wait!! WooHooo!!!

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Patience is a virtue!!

You GO girl!
Congratulations!
And Welcome to the forums.

Looking forward to your thread/blog postings. Just be sure to not let that interfere with your studies. That's the TOP priority.
And remember, we're here to help assist you if the need arises.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Where will you be doing your orientation/training?

Good luck and best of success!

Thank you AfterShock.

They will have my full attention. No worries there.

I'll be heading up to Green Bay, WI tomorrow. They want us there a day early. My recruiter has been so helpful and nice. Almost have everything packed. Just need to go out and get some sunglasses. lol

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Patience is a virtue!!