Schneider, Transport America for newbies?

I am new to trucking as well and only have 3 months exp but got those with Schneider. I quit but in Aug because of the pay, I wasn't making any. As a new driver get ready to stuggle for a while. I finally sold off some stuff and got my finances in order now I am going back out but Schneider wont rehire me, long story. Anyway as far as they go Schneider is a good company. I went to 2 other trucking companies orientations lately. Both were pumped up on this and other boards as great and both lied and basically sucked, another long story. To me Schneider was 100% better than both. Some examples were:

1. They have O.C.'s (operating centers) all over. You can find anything you need there as well as a free shower and a hot meal.

2. I saw the quallcomm systems and messages at the other 2 companies and Schneiders was 100% easier to use. There directions were better, example was at one company they gave you the route (I-10 west, US456 east) but how far, at Schneider you get the same directions but with milage (I10 west 40.7 miles US456 12 miles) alot easier for a new guy.

3. I put 50 gal. of fuel in my truck everyday at a pilot where ever I was so I could get the points and again a FREE shower, they didn't care. At the other 2 I was told to pay for my shower and if I got any fuel at anything other than my preplaned fuel stop I would be in trouble. As you can see showers are important to me.

4. My supervisor was friendly and helped me in anyway he could. I couldn't have asked for a nicer guy.

5. My truck brokedown in Tunkahonnock, Pa. on a friday evening and they put me up in a motel all weekend. The weekend crew couldn't find me a truck there at the drop yard but my supervisor found one there on mon., a 2007 Freightliner with 21000 miles. My old truck was a 04 with 470000. All that was wrong with the new truck was it was an automatic. To hell with what everyone says I loved it. It pulled as good as any 10 sp and in rush hour traffic what a big differance.

I could go on and on but in my short exp. Schneider is a great company. No I'm not a recruiter and don't work for them now so I have nothing to gain. I have to wait 1 yearb to reapply but I'll be back then. Hope this helps.

 

Why don't you tell us what the other two bad companies are, and elaborate on them a bit so we can be aware?

 

I have been with SNI since October. Just finished my training. I already had my CDL and actually came from another company. I left there due to low miles. I lucked out with SNI and am starting on a dedicated WalMart account.

Depending on where in Ohio you are from, you may end up training in Carlisle, PA. I can tell you that the instructors are great there. Very knowledgable and they want you to succeed. On average they have about 30 students per class but they take their time and do a little "one-on-one" with you if you need it.

Now just because you have your CDL (or will have), dont think you will only be there a couple of days. Most likely, you will still go through the 14 day course with people who do not have their CDL. The only benifit is that you will start getting training pay ($350 a week) right off and no bound to a contract. All in all, training lasts about a month; two weeks in class and two weeks with a Training Engineer (TE). Once your done with that, you will take your final "Skills Qualification Test" (SQT).

Training is intense and you will have some long days, but its worth it.

I too likes TA but they didnt call until the day before I was leaving for SNI. God willing, everything works out for me at SNI but if not, TA would be my next choice,........ well actually hitting the lottery is my next choice....... or my first choice......... you get the picture

 

I have over 7 years total experience. I have not been in a truck in few yrs. But I have heard there are some good companies out there. YOU BOTH have to remember, you will hear good and bad in every company out there If you are ever at a cross roads, stop by the local truck stop and ask a handful of guys about what companies they would prefer most of them out there will tell you who they think are good and bad, they may not want to have yu experience the same BS they did at some companies I am going back on the road myself soon...my home time and etcis not of importance and as long as i make over 550 a week i am fine as long as i am driving, but the most part that i do need is a immediate rider program. that is what is holding me back right now.

bubba trucker

 

So I called Schnieder's recruiter and told them I'd have my CDL next week from a private school and she told me I'd probably have to do a 14 day orientation, unless I pass this test, where I'd do 4 days.

You're telling me that the 14 day orientation will include brand new students who don't have a CDL? Have they taken the written test or ever driven a truck? Woww......what an inefficient waste of time. And then they'll probably give me s hit for idling.

I want to know more about them, the pros and cons. Do they really start charging you for over idling? Can you really expect the bonus?

 

I am a 60 year old, healthy man and am looking for my last career.
From looking around here, I had my heart set on Schneider for my
first choice of companies.
BUT... today I did the online application and got back a brief email stating
"[FONT=&quot] At this time, we will not be considering you for a driving position." OUCH!

I just got a class B CDL w/ passenger and school bus endorsements. I can pass a DOT physical.

I am thinking my age knocked me out, but they, of course won't admit to that.

Q: What other good companies would be willing to take a chance on me?
[/FONT]

 

Well, first you need Class A for most of these companies.

 

Class B? Could be the problem right there?

 

Other than the lack of having a class a i don't see a problem. I guess Scheider dosen't run any expedited straight trucks.