Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha......................

Boy, you've got a lot to learn yet. Coming here and insulting long term drivers like that....is just plain stupid.

I'll just say this, about a month ago I was going across 24 in Ohio, now b4 I got on it in FT. Wayne, I was hoping that I won't get stuck behind someone going 55 mph ( which is legal limit ) all the way to Defince, that's where 24 runs 4 lane for a mile or two and where you can pass slower moving vehicles.
I guess I didn't pray hard enough, because I got stuck behind one of Schneider's trucks that was doing 50 for most of the time, except at every curve he'd slow down to 40=45. I tried to call him on CB, but he didn't answer. So, I got stuck behind his scared ********* all the way to Definace. I guess I dont need to say that he formed a pretty long convoy of about 10=12 trucks behind him. Now you can imagine that everybody was trying to talk to him on CB.

What am I trying to say? While that Schneider driver was real SOB, that doesn't mean that every Schneider's driver is the same way. So, you can't generalize...and try not to do that. I drive for JB, as few may already know and my general experience with Schneider drivers is mostly positive. Since we deliver freight to pretty much same customers, whenever I needed help sliding my tandems Schneider driver will gladly help. I help them, they help me...
And, don't take everything those instructors tell you as the only truth out there.

Good luck trucking............

I'm not trying to insult anyone. I'm in no way saying that they train the best drivers on the road. What I meant is watching some of the other drivers at loading docks trying to back, watching drivers not paying attention to anything, changing lanes with no signals, tailgating, and many other unsafe practices. As far as the 63 MPH gov... I do the best I can to stay out of the other guy's way...


far as the CB goes, i think most of the schneider guys leave it off for that very reason.

I would like to think that if i were in that position, i'd step it up the best i could, or find a place to stop and let the convoy pass...

the thing is, if you default on your obligation to work for them for a year, the cost of the schooling is 3500 bucks... thats less than my local community college and is right on track with every training school i checked into, which was quite a few. Plus Schneider puts you in a hotel free of cost for 2 weeks and buys your lunch every day even. Plus, your GUARENTEED a job.... may not be a GREAT one, but try finding a job saying that you know how to drive thier truck but dont have any experience..... it aint happenin.. Most places insurance companies wont let them touch you with under a year and 30,000 miles minimum experience... or thats what i've been told every time i've applied.

as far as how long it takes to go through the school, my first day was july 15'th. I will be assined my truck approximatly one month after my first day. I dont think thats too bad, personally.



oh and i almost forgot. Thier paperwork says 100 miles, but they tell me that if you live more than 50 miles away from thier nearest operating center they allow you to take it home with you on your days off.

Your post is interesting.

What if a person already has a cdl? What would take place?

Tip -- thanks for the advice. I've checked the community colleges and they are all over $3500 with no guarantee of a job. The local 'CDL Mill' will help you get a job -- with Swift or Werner but you have to pay $4,250 up front and then work forever to be 'reimbursed' from your company. I would hock my car, but I don't think the $500 I'd get for a vehicle with 249,000 miles, one door that won't close, one door that won't open and a laundry list of other problems would really help LOL! My credit isn't great (divorce will do that) so a loan would be really costly. So, I've determined that my best bet is to try and find the best training company I can and jump through the hoops. I have a good friend who has been driving OTR for a long time and have done several ride alongs. He has shown me how to keep my nose clean and walk that fine line between doing everything the dispatchers want (which they will try and get you to do alot) and staying within the legal rules. He is a font of common sense and hard earned experience and I know he will always have my back if I need him.

I appreciate everyone's willingness to offer solid advice and suggest alternative solutions on this board. It is a very valuable tool to use when trying to make decisions and I thank all of you for the respect and honesty that you show to us newbies and wannabes. Thanks

Kee, it looks like the best way for you is the Schneider route. I hate to advise people to become indentured servants, but it really looks like you may have to become one of those for a year if you want to break into trucking.

Good luck on whatever you do, and be ultra-careful when driving. ALWAYS get help on backing during the servitude phase. Lots of drivers have backing wrecks when starting out--wrecks that can be avoided if they'd get help. If you have a backing accident, it'll count against you in a big way, as it'll hurt your ability to get a job at a better outfit after the servitude period is over. This is, of course, thanks to that ever-pervasive invasion of privacy known as DAC.

__________________
--Paved Dudley--

Yeah I drive a Swift truck
And that means one thing
It means she's slow
It's a typical company truck
It's just all show and no go

I'm gettin' passed by Yella
And even Overnite
I'm gettin' passed by ever' body in sight
46 days on the road
And I'm not gettin' home tonight

No, my hometown's nowhere in sight
And if you think I'm pissed off
You're right
46 days on the road
And I'm not gettin' home tonight


Love pissing off those trucking company insiders.

if you already have a cdl WITH.... very important WITH 30,000 documented miles driving experience in recent time AND can pass the driving test, you go through a 4 day orientation. Thats for ANYONE that wants to work for schneider, even owner operators/fleet owners.

Kee, your situation sounds very similar to mine. I was originally interested in Swift (23 days training, 6 weeks with a trainer) but now I see it's just slave labor. I'll check out the Pumpkin. I also heard Ruehl was good too, not sure though if they have a training program.

I checked out Schneider's website and was impressed. I love that they embrace inexperienced drivers (which is the category I fall in). Your good experience in training gives me further encouragement.

And what do you think Schneider is? It's slave labor and completely different than most companies.