What to expect at Schneider Orientation? Do's/Dont's?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Cyb3rst0rm, Jun 25, 2025.

  1. Cyb3rst0rm

    Cyb3rst0rm Bobtail Member

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    Hey there, so a couple of months ago I made a thread saying I had decided to start my new career in trucking with Schneider. Well I had a relative end up in the hospital for the last 2 months which delayed that, but now I'm finally scheduled to actually start here soon.

    I've seen various people say the orientation is basically an extended job interview. What are they looking for exactly? I already have my CDL-A but from what I gather inexperienced drivers basically go through the same course at Schneider as people coming in with no CDL at all. Is it one of those stupid personality test type interviews where they want to see if your "a good fit for the company"? are they mostly just looking for skills? A bit of both?

    I'm a fairly anti-social person, but when I'm interfacing with employers I'm what I'd describe as "business sociable". Yes sir, no sir, I'll take care of that right away sir, etc. I try to give off a vibe that I just want to focus on my work, accomplish whatever task I have been assigned to get done, and get on with the day. I'd think that would be what most companies in this industry are looking for?

    I'm way more worried about backing, and city driving. All my school driving was in rural areas, and I don't have a lot of driving experience in cities at all and if I'm being honest they've always freaked me out (though things got a lot better once I learned to follow whats written on the pavement, not the overhead signs). And then about a month ago I had an interview for a local CDL job and made a complete fool of myself, I don't know what I thought I learned in school but they had me do a little skills test on the lot and I don't think I could have done much worse. They wanted me to back the truck up to the middle of 5 docks, and I had a trucks length on either side of me and a truck length ahead to use and it still probably took me 10 pull forwards to get it straight infront of that dock. They had me do it again and I forgot to double check to pressurize my trailer brakes and drug the trailer forward about 20ft (on gravel, amazing how little difference you feel between the wheels rolling and them dragging while driving such a powerful machine) and they pulled me out of the truck and ended the interview right there, and I don't exactly blame them. This also made me realize I am woefully unprepared to actually drive a semi truck out in the wild, and that CDL school was basically a scam that just wasted tax payer dollars to teach me how to pass a test without really teaching me how to drive the truck. Other than how to handle odd intersections in the city I feel pretty confident driving the truck forwards, though I gather that's the easy part and doesn't actually mean much. Not going to lie, I'm going into this scared of the truck in some ways just because now I've been out of the seat for effectively 4 months, and those "skills" especially the muscle memory for getting the trailer to do what you want evaporate fast when your new, and I was specifically warned when I was in school that when your scared of the truck thats when you start making the really extra stupid mistakes.

    So I guess my main question is, what are they actually looking for in trainees? Do they expect me to already know how to back perfectly and everything? is it just going to be a refresher of CDL school? Because I feel like what I really need is a more intermediate course on the finer points of backing and driving and such (which is what I assumed Schneiders inexperienced orientation would be).

    Anything I should specifically avoid doing? I've already heard Schneider is super strict on things like cell phone usage but I never had a problem with texting and driving or anything like that when I was driving a cargo van so I'm not worried about that. I also heard a bunch of things are instant termination like dropping a trailer.

    Also is a 36 inch duffel bag too much for luggage? Its of the type that can be stood up vertically like a suitcase. I don't know how much space is available for the week I'd be out on the road with a training engineer, but I don't want to make the truck anymore cramped that it need be. The schneider checklist said "don't bring more than 2 pieces of luggage" but I figure 1 larger container will be more efficient.

    Aside from that I guess I'm just looking for advice generally on how to rapidly improve on backing, and not make a complete and total fool of myself at orientation. I really cannot afford to get sent home, I need this job and the last thing I want to have happen is go there, completely #### up, and end up terminated with safety violation (which I assume would be what anyone who fails training would be listed as) as the reason making myself unemployable.
     
    joshuapowell61 Thanks this.
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  3. Iamoverit

    Iamoverit Road Train Member

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    I suggest keeping your politics to yourself when you start. That's the fastest way to create strife in the workplace. Also, pack as light as possible. Truck cabs are tiny and most truckers are fat making that small space feel even smaller.
     
  4. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    Ah you’ll probably go to talking to another recruit.
    Just talk, but you’re there ‘on duty’
    They don’t want you drinking even when at motel.
    They used to do random alcohol tests to be sure of it.
    I went to tanker as experienced and only road with a local guy 3 days around New Orleans.
    You’re not allowed to talk and drive, even with bluetooth.
    And yes, you highhook/lose a trailer they’ll fire you, but if you do it the right way, it won’t happen.
    They’ll show you their way. Bring a flashlight.. small one that’ll go on belt or something. When you hook they want engine off, duck under and shine flashlight and check jaws to make sure the shank is locked.
     
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2025
  5. A Bug

    A Bug Heavy Load Member

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    I have never been with Schneider but I am certain they will give you a good foundation for you to learn how to back up the trailer. It is their equipment that you will be trusted with so it is in their best interest to teach you everything they can to get you started, as opposed to the former cdl school where the only motivation is to get paid.
     
  6. Eddiec

    Eddiec Road Train Member

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    Don't over think this. Just be professional and don't hit anything.
     
  7. Walk Among Us

    Walk Among Us Medium Load Member

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  8. austinmike

    austinmike Road Train Member

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    Try not to over think the whole thing. Just show up and follow instruction's. Best of Luck.
     
    TripleSix and broke down plumber Thank this.
  9. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    Start here
    Starting at Schneider

    My posts about orientation and the first few weeks start here
    Starting at Schneider

    Show up on time, ready to go. When the instructors talk, listen because they're not talking because they want to. Watch the other trainees and learn from their screwups and successes. Get rest, stay hydrated.

    Good luck, let me know if you run into issues.
     
  10. Opus

    Opus Road Train Member

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    Cherokee65 and broke down plumber Thank this.
  11. Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Road Train Member

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    Be respectful and make sure they know you WANT to drive. I personally witnessed 2 of 3 people fail out on the driving test portion. Make sure you drive slowly. They’re going to take you on a kind of funky route with poor signage intentionally to see how you react. Do not run a red a light. Otherwise orientation is easy. Trip planning and computer stuff for a week easy peezy. Just be extra safe on the driving test.
     
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