Thank you for the No BS version of life with Schneider. I am still going down to NC to train with them, and I'll give 'em the year, but if they remain adamant against APUs and pets in the tractor, the year is all they'll get. I have to train and learn with someone, and Schneider seems to be the best bet to get started. Thanks for the clear-eyed view!

I forgot to mention that a couple of years ago, when I first thought of going on the road and leaving cab driving behind (14 hour days, no bennies, no days off) I checked out a local "Truck Driving School" here in Virginia Beach called ATI. On the very first day of classes, the "Instructor" started to teach us how to fudge the logs to be able to work more hours than Federal law allows. I got up and left.
Turned me off to the Truckers' life until I read this Spring in the AARP magazine about Schneider. I did a lot of research, including talking with folks who work for the company (when you're a cabbie, you learn where all the truck stops are), and the positive vibes made my mind up for me. The overall word I got from the drivers was that Schneider is a decent company. Maybe not the best, but fair and definitely a good place to start.
Again, thanks for the No BS view of Schneider.

Thank you for the No BS version of life with Schneider. I am still going down to NC to train with them, and I'll give 'em the year, but if they remain adamant against APUs and pets in the tractor, the year is all they'll get. I have to train and learn with someone, and Schneider seems to be the best bet to get started. Thanks for the clear-eyed view!
Hey...LP45CDwoman

I thought Schnieder wanted an 18 month commitment ?...

Harley

I'd like to know who you are working for, if it's okay. I like the idea of making the $$ and being home for the wifey.

I'm not a driver yet, I'm doing the research and following the posts, asking questions, etc.
A guy who started with SNI is now with Prime and doing quite well, he's in a walk away lease. He didn't bad mouth SNI, he needed a solo run and they had none available, Prime had what he needed. Many have high praise for the SNI training, Prime trains too.

As far as being home and still make the $$, not sure trucking can provide that lifestyle. I'm in my job 31 yrs, I can retire with a decent pension and life ins and hlth bene's. I drive 6 miles to work and I'm bored out of my mind. I'm widowed, the kids are out on their own, so being home is not an issue. I make good money, but need a change.

BOL

I,ve been with Fedex 21 yrs and am retiring in 4 yrs. Been driving 53 footers for the last 2 1/2 yrs. No OTR, just from ramp to sta and thats it. I do a pu rt in Pasadena Tx, thats almost all refinery's and am looking for a change of pace. Being in one area for so long can really get to you..and I mean a small area. Im not married,kids grown,live alone so not being home dsnt mean alot to me if Im out seeing the U.S.A in my Chevrolet..You're old if you remember that line !!
I made a picke up at a local SNI terminal here in Houston and the head of personal asked me a couple questions and plopped a job application with a booklet of what bennies were offered and what type of runs were available if I was interested in joining up with them...right on the spot !! I sd thx but I've been here to long and I almost bleed purple for Fedex.
The couple Schneider drivers I've talked to seem very happy with their jobs, but they too were retired and had an extra income coming in. Thx for the no BS info on SNI and I'll keep on reading whatever info you put on the thread about the company..So for at least the next 4 yrs I'll be trucking for the Fed and building up my savings plan..

hey fedexguy1951,

do the 4 yrs, lock in the pension and any other bene's that you can get, then make the change.
I'm waiting on a retirement packet from my job, I've never driven or sat in a tractor, totally new experience.
I'm widowed, live alone, kids are in sunny Fl, been on the job for 31 almost 32 yrs. I'm still young enough to do this, and I'm in good physical condition. A lot of changes began 3 yrs ago on the job site, more micro-managing, anal BS stuff, so if the numbers are good, I might pull the plug in Jan, go to Schneider in Carlisle PA.

NO ADS TO OTHER SITES, PLEASE! -- WiseOne

BOL with the future game plan....

PS...I remember the "see the USA in your Chevtolet", and remember Dinah Shore singing it at the end of her TV show.

harley-bob

Hey Harley Bob, thx for writing..Im giving myself another 4 yrs just for the simple fact that it'll add an extra $500 a month from what I would if I retired now from Fed. Our old savings plan stops the end of this year and a new one starts on 2008, so in short, that will give me two checks a month from the Fed when I retire at 60 till SS kicks in. If figger if all goes well and Im in as good a health as I am now, I can scratch this itch called OVER THE ROAD and give myself a chance to have my own thoughts and beliefs in wither I like it or now..But never know, things may happen and If Fed by chance does make me an early retirement deal..Im asta la vista baby !!

I was told by the recruiter yesterday that when you arrive at orientation you ARE an employee, that is why it's on your DAC most likely. They do the background check, drug screen etc...before you ever arrive.

the acronym APU? sorry newbie