Headed for Indianapolis for Orientation August 7th...

How long is Orientation at Schneider?
For dry van the Orientation is 1 week for new drivers, and about 3-4 days for experienced drivers.
Do You get paid for It?
New drivers that make it all the way through orientation are paid $300. If you do not make it, you will get a bus ticket home.
How are the accommodations during the Orientation, can You upgrade them?
The accommodations I had in INDY were better than I had in school, and comparable to what I would have garnered on my own with my own money. The rooms were large, clean, and had all the things I would expect. I was lucky enough to have a single, because the hotel was sold out of doubles, so Schneider Students were all alone in the singles that were left.
What does the Yard skills test or practical test with the truck consist of?
The road test was more of a compilation of the weeks work. I was told I was graded on the "body of work" from the whole week, instead of a specific ten or twenty minute road test. On the day we were supposed to be testing, we had already been scheduled with a Training Engineer.
How much time does Schneider require that You spend with a Trainer on the road?
I do not know that there is a required amount of time. It is typically two full weeks with a TE. Anything more than that, it is assumed what can not be learned in two weeks (even after schooling and orientation) can not be learned. I actually was with my TE for one week, and he felt that I was safe and would not learn significantly more by driving with him for an additional week that I could not learn on my own. I am quite sure this is the exception.
How much are You paid in Training?
For Orientation and anytime until you are in your own truck , you will be paid $300. In one week, I only went for one day and tested to get my own truck and still was paid $300 for that week.

Raid3r

 

This thread has gotten a little off topic, so I will try to reel it in a little bit.

A few things to update. However, I will admit that I will tend to temper some of the specifics about my posts. Obviously anyone from SNI could easily identify who I am by my posts, and I am not so terribly concerned about my words coming back to me, however I would also like to protect others who do not necessarily know that I am writing about them, if that makes sense.

So the first thing to talk about is my DBL. I had what to me was a mjor conflict with HR about a technicality with my benefits. I was so upset I seriously contemplated not picking up my next load. IT seems extreme, and I am not a pain in the ### that stmps around threatening and crying and taking my ball home. However, this matter became a question of doing what is right and what was promised, combined with a lack of communication and training on SNI's part. All I can tell you is that I called my DBL on his personal cell phone (which I acquired by some accidental set of events, and am one of about 5% of his drivers to have) on a Saturday morning and calmly voiced my displeasure and concern. HE told me he would take care of it, and if the facts I gave him were true, he would fix my problem. By noon on Monday , I had TWO phone calls from HR to fix the problem. The point is , that once again SNI didnt treat me as a number, did what they promised, and I have a DBL who would interrupt his weekend to resolve MY problem.

This week I drove over 3,000 actual miles , over 2900 paid miles in 6 days. I went to Birmingham, AL and to Augusta, ME. I took a load that went 900 miles away and followed another SNI driver who delivered about 30 miles north. That was a very pleasant, informative, and helpful trip. I really enjoyed that long haul and the company more than anything. Admittedly , and those who are coming to know my personality would agree, I was originally very oppositional and upset with this. I had to wait a couple of hours for my "partner" to reset his clock. I felt like I was being punished or they felt i needed my hand held. I actually enjoyed it so much I called to apologize to my DBL and dispatcher for my original resistance, and let them know how much I gained and enjoyed from the trip, and that I think every new driver should experience that a couple of times.

Lastly, I was asked by another driver if I would be interested in trying a homerun 14 on /7 off program with him and another driver. After some initial research I am going to agree to be part of this "team" . The other guys are much more experienced and valuable to SNI, so I will let them get the blood on their hands, and gain the benefit if they can get it done. I will keep this up to date as this unfolds.

So , again I am still very happy with Schneider. I am working my butt off, but missing my family still. I hate being gone but make the most of every minute I am gone. This week I never had more than 1 hour left on my 11 on anyday I worked, I was efficient and made the most of my time I was away. I am always looking for some opportunity that allows me to either be home on a regular set of days, or even better every day. I truly hope I could do that WITH Schneider, but would consider very much any offer from elsewhere.

Anyways, Good Luck to all the students and people looking at SNI as a company. For all others, stay safe and have a good week.

Raid3r