I'm a potential new guy, interested in Schneider...

You're gonna get the micromanagement anywhere you go. If not the box planners in van, it'll be every chemical plant you pull into in bulk. Flip the spectrum on drop and hook too. Almost everything you do in bulk is live. Plus every load ends and begins at a tank wash, which like to pretend they can micromanage to a certain extent.

 

Exactly. There is no aspect of this industry that is cut and dry.

 

That's pretty much what I'm gathering after all my reading and research on all the different companies, divisions, etc. etc.

 

If you're not sure about something, the only advice I can give you is try it. Leave yourself an out just in case you don't like it. I started in van just like almost everyone else. I've pulled flatbed, reefer and tanks and now back to dry van. I tried everything just to see what I would like better. Flatbed wasn't bad, was in much better shape back then lol. But as far as ease on myself and my equipment, dry van was the way to go for me. It may not be the most glamorous division of any company, it may not be the best paying division anywhere. I've found that dry van choice works best for me and suits my needs and that's really all I care about. Me. You gotta find what works for you, based on you. Trial and error is part of life, this is no different. It seems like you want to dabble in tanks, I say go for it. You may love it. I didn't, but I sure as hell didn't go broke trying lol.

 

Double post. Crap service

 

you're going to need some mechanical skills in bulk. the valves don't always work properly. they freeze shut in the winter. they also leak, can't always trust the guy who dropped that clean MT to get loaded actually bothered to check them. you will be expected to attempt some sort of repair before heading to the nearest OC or tank wash to get it fixed.

 

@PitchforkedPineapple I know what you mean about not conforming and tankers being a different breed. I have a mechanical past and was looking forward to the new challenges that Bulk would provide. With the recent changes in SNI Bulk's experience requirements, I decided to jump onto the Dedicated International Paper account. It was that or OTR. This account (seems) a better fit for me and my family right now as I try to ease into trucking. I know I won't be bringing home much bacon but I wasn't expecting much in my first year anyway and we are planning accordingly.

The Lightweight Solutions position wasn't as appealing to me. I definitely want to get into Bulk at the soonest opportunity but right now I think getting the experience behind the wheel is more important than what type of trailer I'm pulling. SNI says I can transfer into Bulk after 6 months. Not sure how easy that's going to be to get them to let me switch since I'd have to train all over again and that costs money but from what I have read, it isn't impossible. If not, I'll just ride it out with the dry van until I get some time under my belt to be more marketable to local or better companies.

My test date is Dec. 11th and I might be starting orientation on the 15th but most likely on the 29th. Gotta pass the test first though. I'm confident but a lot of guys from my school are failing NJ's new test for stupid reasons. I just gotta make sure that I'm not one of them.