Multiple Mention Thread

I agree with you on that point. Maverick tells you that you will average 2400-2600 miles per week. I haven't seen less than 2800 in the time that I've been here, though!

 

Stinger, how do you like Maverick, they are one on my list if I go OTR.. You get home weekly....

 

Hey i didn't see USX up there i can say from my own personal experience this would not be a bad place for a Trainee, But since it wasn't an option i chose to go with Pumpkin, because i just don't hear about that company having many accidents and mess ups

 

USX maybe ok for beginners. They usually will use the new hires the newbies and what ever better than those who have more time just because it is cheaper..first two years can be average.. That is just my 2 cents
:smt081

 

I've been pre-hired by Werner. But, I also have an application pending with Schneider. Schneider's training program (ADTC) from what I've been told is 2 weeks(depending on my progress) with the trainer with paid hotel and food. The pay during the training period is about the same $325-350. Werner is 6-8 weeks OTR training hitting all 48 states. Then i get my own truck after the training period. I then will be dispatched from home.

Werner uses paperless logs. Schneider does not. Werner's truck's are practically brand new less than one year, not sure about Schnieder.Werner claims first yr driver's earn 37-39k while Schneider is somewhere in the low 30's. However, Schneider seems to make safety a top priorty which is a major plus. I like the look of the Schneider truck (which is meaningless I know ) but, Werner seems to pay more an paperless logs maybe more efficent, but I'm not sure.

Schneider seems more conveinent because it's not as long a training period and I like the free hotel and food. Along with how much attention they seem to pay on Safety. However, Werner pays slightly more to start and they seem to have more driving options. I know you can't tell me what to do but, some guidance from experience drivers would be appreicated. Thanks in advance.

 

I have just completed about 5 months with Werner and posted in another forum my options. Here's what I can tell you:

True.

Not necessarily. It's doubtful you'll do the Western 11 state region and little of the NorthEast. Mostly Central, Southern and SouthEastern with a bit of the Eastern Seaboard perhaps.

You'll be assigned a truck at whatever terminal you complete your training at. The truck you get will be solely at the discretion of the terminal staff and will depend heavily upon what trucks they have available at that location.

No. You will dispatched from where ever you deliver a previous load. The only time you'll be dispatched from home is if you are AT home on home time.

True. But you need to learn how to "babysit" the Qualcomm so that their paperless system doesn't eat up your 70hr clock and impact your ability to drive and make $$$.

Not true. Werner has plenty of '04's running around.

Perhaps if you are able to maximize your driving time and use every available minute to drive, which you won't due to a number of reasons. Another factor is how much you spend "on the road". If you eat three meals a day at truck stops, you'll be broke a lot. Read my post here: http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...coop/14787-what-is-the-scoop-with-werner.html

Werner is also a very safety-oriented company.

Some aspects of the paperless system can be more efficient, but again, you've got to know HOW to use the system and that will take some experience.

Werner has 48 state, dedicated and regional options like most carriers. Nothing too positive there.

 

Thanks IdahoGhost. Tell me, when are you home? Is it possible for me to be home every weekend at least? Maybe a dedicated run or short-haul regional run?

And are you saying I shouldn't expect 37-39k in my first year? What's more realistic? I'm only going by what my recruiter told me.
And finally, do you frequently find yourself waiting a long time for loads. Should i expect long and frequent layovers.

Thanks again you've been a big help. Still not sure which way to go. Schneider and Werner seem about the same give or take here or there.
I live in NYC if that makes any difference

 

Anybody else with detail information about Schneider? Training period and pay, home time, truck quality, anything that will be of help.

Thanks again I could use all the help i can get.

 

you'll be happier with schneider. they are a better fit for a new driver. they have top notch training especially in charlotte, nc. pay is lower but they are a good stepping stone for the future. and they are not known to mess with a dac as quick as some companies are.

 

Ive posted a couple of message about Schneider. Here's what I know.
Basic training is 2 weeks.
ADTC and EXP1 training is usually 3 to 4 days. (so they say)
If you are in Bulk, there's another 2 days training in Houston.
OTR training is 1 to 3 weeks. Depends on your skill here.

Pay:
If you are in Basic, you will not be paid for your 2 weeks until the first friday the week after you graduate. I was not in basic but I think they will pay you $480 then $350 each friday that you are in truck training.

For ADTC, you are paid $350 the first friday after your hire date (which is the first day). Then $480 when you graduate. Then $350 per week that you are in truck training.

Here's where things may differ. In Bulk you are paid $500 a week minimum when you finish SQT. I forget for how long you are guaranteed that amount. If you make more you are paid more. Van might be the same way.

Contracts: If you are in ADTC or EXP you do not have to sign a contract. For basic or those without a CDL, you have to sign an 18 month contract. I believe if you live in some states you only have a 12 month contract.

Home time. Differs depending on what you are doing. Locals are home every night. Regional I have no idea. Bulk OTR gets 6 days a month. You pick which 6 you want. You might get more if you live in a freight lane. I think van OTR has 5 days a month.

Schneider will keep trucks for only 3 years. I was assigned a 2006 freightliner that has 100k miles on it. It needs some work but its all minor stuff. Well, accept for a few chunks missing from a steer tire. I'm getting that replaced tomorrow. Oh and the last driver didn't get his pump cleaned. It's still full of junk from his last delivery. Nice of him... Tank wash will take care of that.

Schneider will pay for a greyhound bus ticket to get you to the Schneider Training Academy (STA). If you need it.

During your training, you'll get a hotel room with another student. The hotel has free breakfast. You'll get coupons to use at the Operating Center (OC) cafeteria for lunch and dinner. The food is OK. Hey its free right? They'll shuttle you back/forth from the hotel to the STA.
You'll learn shifting, backing, turns, logging, HOS, Schneider policy. They have simulators for slow-course maneuvers, snub braking a mountain grade, lane changes etc oh and how to hit a deer. Schneider policy is no swerving, kill bambi.

I've heard different things about what happens after STA. Depending on where you live. You either go out on the road with a Training Engineer (TE) or you are prepped for your CDL. If you already have a CDL you just go OTR with a TE. Unless you are in Bulk. Then you go to Houston for 2 days on the bulk module then go OTR.

When you are done with OTR training, you get prepped for CDL if you need it and haven't been prepped already or you'll just go and take your SQT. Skills Qualification Test which is everything you have learned at the STA and OTR.
For Bulk, they have you do an air unload and a pump unload as well as test you on your knowledge of the different trailers. Like the 307/407, rubber-lined, insulated, non-insulated, aluminum etc.

If you are in basic and don't live close to an STA, you may not get home for 5 to 6 weeks. You really don't get any breaks when you are in the STA. You may or may not get a day off before you go OTR. You may not get any breaks at all.

After passing your SQT, you will either be assigned a truck that day or next or you will get some time off to go home. Once youre assigned a truck you will be passed to your Service Team Leader (STL) and will start getting loads.

Additional info for Bulk:
Loading/Unloading/Detention Pay:
$25 per live load/unload, then $10/hour after 3 hours.

Tank Wash Pay:
$20

Short-Haul Pay (in addition to mileage and accessory pay):
0-100 miles: $40
101-200 miles: $20
201-300 miles: $10

Breakdown Pay (after 24 hours):
$70-90 (depending on experience), then after eight hours $40 allowance for hotel.

Layover Pay (after 24 hours):
$70-90 (depending on experience), then after twenty-four hours $40 motel allowance.

Canada Border Crossing Delay Pay (after 2 hours):
$20, then $10 each additional hour.

Holiday Pay:
$40/day for six major holidays.

Funeral Pay:
$40/day for three days for funeral of family member.

Quarterly Safety Bonus:
0-1 year: $300
1+ years: $600

Vacation Pay:
Paid average weekly earnings.
1 Week at 1 year.
2 weeks at 2 years.
3 weeks at 7 years.
4 weeks at 15 years.

Insurance :
Health (after 90 days for inexperienced drivers, immediately for experienced drivers):
Option 1: Single plan $20.33/week, Family plan (1 dependent) $61.81, Family plan (2+ dependents) $75.21.
Option 2: .................$13.97.................................................$45.40............................................$53.08.
Option 3: .................$35.80.................................................$81.06............................................$98.38.

Dental (after nine months for inexperienced drivers, immediately for experienced drivers):
Single Plan: $1.65/week.
Driver and Child: $4.24.
Driver and Spouse: $4.46.
Family: $4.70.

Vision and Life Insurance (after 90 days for inexperienced drivers, immediately for experienced drivers):
Company paid.

Additional insurance offered (Disability (Aflac), Supplemental life, etc.)

401k Plan (after 90 days):
Company matches 50% of the first 4%, then 100% match on 5th% and 6th%. Company match maxes at $2,500 annually.

I think I covered most of what I know. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.