A newbie has a question

Discussion in 'Schneider' started by eddytude, Oct 3, 2010.

  1. eddytude

    eddytude Bobtail Member

    41
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    Nov 6, 2009
    lansdale. pa
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    I start CDL school this month. I called a Schneider recruiter who said they would consider me even though my school is not on their list, so I am looking for information on how Schnieder trains new recruits. Specifically, how long do you go out with a trainer and what do they pay trainees. Also, is Schneider a good company to begin my career with? Thanks in advance.
     
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  3. Capt_Gruuvy

    Capt_Gruuvy Light Load Member

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    Jul 29, 2010
    Middle of the Desert
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    Once you get your CDL they will schedule you for Orientation.

    This last three weeks.

    Week 1 in classroom and they teach you the Schneider way. You will go on road tests with Driving Trainers but as long as you know what to do and show improvement you will be fine. They put you up in a hotel and pay for your lunch. The hotel has a Continental Breakfast and you are on your own for dinner. You are paid $300.

    Week 2 is out with a Training Engineer. This person will contradict most everything you learned in Week 1. You'll run some loads and if you show that you can learn, drive and bump a dock you pass this week. You are on your own for food. You are paid $300.

    Week 3 is more about waiting around for your SQT test. This test covers what you learned in Week 1 but more than that it covers what you SHOULD have learned in Week 1. Because you didn't learn everything you needed you are left scouring your book for answers. The test takes a day and half. It's harder than you thought it would be. You are paid $300.

    Next you get a truck and out you go.

    Schneider is a clumsy but good company that will eventually treat you fine.
     
  4. Lassokid

    Lassokid Bobtail Member

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    Jul 15, 2010
    CA
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    Does Schneider put you into a hotel if you live near their terminal?
     
  5. THD

    THD Light Load Member

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    May 2, 2010
    Granit Falls, NC
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    If you live within 1 hr of the class, typicly, no. But will ultimately depend on the higher ups ;)
     
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  6. Capt_Gruuvy

    Capt_Gruuvy Light Load Member

    264
    94
    Jul 29, 2010
    Middle of the Desert
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    Absolutely. It is encouraged that you stay at the hotel.

    At night we would grab a Meeting Room and go over the materials as a group. This was very helpful.
     
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  7. Lassokid

    Lassokid Bobtail Member

    11
    2
    Jul 15, 2010
    CA
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    Thanks guys. I've heard that trip planning is one of the more difficult parts. Why is it? Is it about making sure your plan aligns exactly like the answer's? Knowing bridge clearances? road weight limits and fuel...etc? I'm curious.
     
  8. eddytude

    eddytude Bobtail Member

    41
    3
    Nov 6, 2009
    lansdale. pa
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    Thanks for the feedback! A couple of follow-ups. How long before your medical benefits kick-in, and if you are in your own truck within three weeks what is the rookie pay rate?
     
  9. Capt_Gruuvy

    Capt_Gruuvy Light Load Member

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    Jul 29, 2010
    Middle of the Desert
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    OK.

    Trip Planning. It is not hard itself, you can read an Atlas right ? But what makes it hard at first is knowing what the electronic response is to each portion of the trip. How Trip Planning integrates with the electronic device on the dash.

    At first it is hard, almost a ##### really, but it will get easier with time and soon it all makes sense. That is when your underwear turns Orange and you are In.

    Trucks: Once you get past your training ($300 a week for 3 weeks) you get your truck. It's not typically pretty. Bring cleaning products. If you get a heap they will probably tell you it's temporary up front so you know not to get too comfy in there.

    Pay Rate: What did you apply for ? Each job is different. Before you come to Orientation you have had a Phone Interview and have been conditionally hired for your division. What you agreed to during this time is what you get paid.

    Benefits: These kick in at 90 days. You have 30 days to sign up, you no sign up, you no get benefits. Don't let this time go by. Open Enrollment is once a year. The benefits are good for you and maybe a little expensive for your spouse.

    I have not decided if I like it yet. Some days I do, some days I'm on the phone with another company looking for a spot. Isn't every place like that though ?
     
  10. landy77

    landy77 Light Load Member

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    Sep 18, 2010
    Biloxi, Mississippi
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    What is required to hire on with Schneider.

    **Schneider’s DOT medical appointment includes 2 drug tests: one urine and one hair follicle. The hair follicle drug test requires a 1” sample of hair and captures any drug use from the past 4 months. This test includes any prescription drug use even if you took a prescription written for someone else (i.e. wife’s pain medication, etc). Be sure to disclose this to the occupational health associate when doing your medical history questionnaire. If you have any additional prescription drugs to disclose, please contact me as soon as possible.
    ****Please call me with the Specimen ID #’s from the drug tests and expiration date from your medical card (if you’ve taken the physical)***


    ** Pre-work screen (PWS): This is a physical skills assessment that demonstrates you can safely perform the essential functions of the driving position. It includes bending, squatting, crouching, pushing, pulling, lifting & steps. I’ve attached a diagram with a visual of the tasks. In addition to what is pictured, you are also required to walk on a balance beam for a 12 ft distance (over and back) and walk then squat on the Cat-Walk.
    It is suggested you wear loose fitting clothing, do not eat a heavy meal within 2 hours prior, avoid vigorous activity for several hours prior. Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco for 1 hour prior. In order to maintain your normal heart rate during the screening, we suggest you avoid caffeinated products at least 2 hours prior (ex: coffee, tea, colas/sodas, chocolate, natural herbal stimulants and non-prescription diet aids). Also avoid cold or allergy medication for 24 hours prior. Your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored during the PWS. All the tips provided will help control heart rate and blood pressure.

    **Orientation: You will be going to Tanker training/orientation in Houston. This begins on Sunday and lasts for 7 days. You are paid $400 training pay for this time. You will then go out with a trainer for 5-7 days for your hands on training. During this time you will be paid $80 - $100 per day depending on your experience level. Breakfast will be provided at the hotel and lunch at the training center. You will be responsible for your evening meal. Hotel rooms are based on double occupancy, meaning you will share a room with another new hire.

    The following are a few company policies I wanted to make you aware of:

    Passenger: If you have 3 yrs Tractor Trailer driving experience with a clean MVR for the past 12 months, you may have a passenger ride with you after orientation. Any passenger must be 18 yrs of age. If you do not meet that requirement, you may have a passenger after completing 6 months of accident/ticket free driving with Schneider National.
    Pets/Weapons: None allowed in company vehicles
    Per Diem: All Schneider drivers are required to participate in the per diem pay for the first 90 days. This option is a benefit to drivers which allows more take home pay each week and reduce tax liabilities for drivers.
    Pay Day: Schneider National pays their drivers every Friday. We offer direct deposit. Be sure to bring along a voided check or deposit slip to orientation to get your direct deposit set up.
    Footwear Policy: Non-skid work boots with steel toes are required. They must be stamped “resistant” on the soles. If you don’t have the proper footwear, a new pair will be offered to you at orientation at a discounted price of $25.00. This payment is taken as a payroll deduction.
    Tanker Endorsement: is required on your CDL before beginning orientation.
    Hazmat: Drivers must have the Haz-mat endorsement within 60 days of hire. It is best to have this process started before beginning training/orientation. You will have more time to do it now then after you start working. Visit the website www.hazprints.com for the application and fingerprinting process.
    TWIC: Transportation Worker Identification Credentialing- this is a Government security measure to secure the ports and waterways. All Tanker drivers will need to have the TWIC card within 60 days after your hire. Please visit this website for additional information on the card and the process to obtain it http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/twic/index.shtm
    Passport or FAST card: You will need to apply for a passport, passport card or FAST card. We ask that drivers have one of these documents for entry into Canada within 60 days of hiring with Schneider.
    Glasses: If you wear contacts, you will need to have a pair of glasses to wear when working with the chemicals.
    Fear of heights: Must have the ability to walk the length of the trailer and a catwalk which is 13 feet in the air.
    Allergies: Some of the freight you will be hauling can contain latex. Please notify me if you have an allergy to latex
    Uniform: Tanker drivers are required to wear long sleeve shirts and long pants when working around the chemicals. The tanker division has a uniform shirt that the drivers purchase. They are at a low cost to you and will be ordered at orientation.
    Personal Protective gear: Safety is first and foremost with our company. You will be issued a rubber chemical suit and respirator during orientation. You will be trained on how to use this equipment properly. For the respirator to fit properly, you must be clean shaven. A short, thin mustache may be allowed if it doesn’t interfere with the operation of the respirator.
    Tractor Parking: Dallas or Houston Operating Center (whichever is closer to your home)
    Driver Referral Bonus: $1000 bonus for every experienced driver referral that is hired on ($500 DOH + $500 6 months later)
    King Pin Lock: Used to prevent load theft at Non-Schneider Operating Center locations. Drivers are required to purchase this for $55 (4 wkly installments of $13.75 (payroll deduction).
    I-9 form: You must bring along documents to orientation showing legal right to work in the US (i.e. Social Security card, CDL, certified birth certificate, US Passport, Unexpired Foreign Passport)
    Benefits: Medical, Vision & Dental insurance - Eligible to sign up 60 days after Date of Hire. See the attachment for more details.
     
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  11. landy77

    landy77 Light Load Member

    129
    27
    Sep 18, 2010
    Biloxi, Mississippi
    0
    Sorry, the hazmat is if you are driving tankers, it is not required.
     
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