Thinking of joining Schneider

Discussion in 'Schneider' started by zaroba, Aug 28, 2012.

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  1. Aug 28, 2012 #1
    zaroba

    zaroba Heavy Load Member

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    I have always liked big trucks and always respected them on the roads.
    I have always thought about becoming a trucker, but never really acted or researched it.

    I have spent most of my working life on loading docks, warehouses, and distribution centers. 10 years of constantly over exerting myself has ruined my body and I can no longer handle being on my feet for long periods, and I'm still young, turning 32 in Jan. I am thinking of leaving the body-building-like warehouse environment and getting into trucking. I had been thinking Werner, as they have a terminal in Allentown which is only half an hour away. Schneider's closest terminal is in Harrisburg, about an hour and a half away, but they have terminals in many more cities across the nation then Werner does. I want to do OTR and have no issues with being away from home for weeks at a time (single and no kids), so Schneider seems like the better choice.

    But I have no experience driving trucks at all, never even driven a stick shift. Biggest/Heaviest things I've driven are my Dodge Ram 1500 and propane forklifts. There is a trucking school about a half hour away in Schnecksville. Was thinking of going there to learn and get my CDL. Just need to save up the money for tuition since I'm pretty sure my credit rating is too low to get a loan. Maybe come Jan I will have enough money to go. Heh, I'll end up learning how to drive a truck in the snow. Learned to drive a car in the snow too and I think it turned out great.
     
    zaroba, Aug 28, 2012
    zaroba, Aug 28, 2012
    #1
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  3. Aug 28, 2012 #2
    ghettochild

    ghettochild Medium Load Member

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    If you decide to wrk for the pumpkin,you will be surprised as how big they are. they have plenty of driver options as far as otr,dedicated,bulk,intermodal,regional and local work..keep a clean record and you will be able move around with in the company within 6mos..goodluck
     
    ghettochild, Aug 28, 2012
    ghettochild, Aug 28, 2012
    #2
  4. Aug 28, 2012 #3
    dirtynecker

    dirtynecker Bobtail Member

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    Good morning Zaroba. I too am about to embark on a new career in trucking. I will be graduating cdl school in mid Dec. I have been looking into a lot of companies, trying to decide on the best match for me. There are a lot of helpful drivers on this site and they have good info for us trying to start in trucking.
     
    dirtynecker, Aug 28, 2012
    dirtynecker, Aug 28, 2012
    #3
  5. Sep 10, 2012 #4
    Eddie Copeland

    Eddie Copeland Bobtail Member

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    Schneider has their own schools and will pay you to go. No money out of your pocket. You will just be committed to them for a year or will have to pay for their training. I came over to Schneider about five years ago as an owner operator...great company. I picked on them for fifteen years and when I came to them I was really surprised. Their operating centers have cafes,gyms,game rooms,use of company cars for errands and FREE LAUNDRY and showers. Always plenty of parking when the truck stops are packed out. (kinda like private truck stops). And if there is not a terminal, there's always a drop yard nearby. Sure I could make more per mile with some other companies, but with Schneider I never have to wait for a load. There is not a place you can go and Schneider is not there already. No issues with maintenance on their equipment. Don't think I'll be going anywhere else...they have been good to me.
     
    Eddie Copeland, Sep 10, 2012
    Eddie Copeland, Sep 10, 2012
    #4
    bubba_dawg Thanks this.
  7. Sep 10, 2012 #5
    zaroba

    zaroba Heavy Load Member

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    According to their website, they have no schools that teach new drivers how to drive a truck before getting a CDL. You choose a school, fill out a form to give Schneider your info, then attend the school. Closest thing to stating they will pay for the schooling is that you can receive tuition reimbursement if hired by Schneider within 60 days of graduating. http://www.schneiderjobs.com/company-drivers/driving-school-programs

    Sure you don't mean their company training and orientation where they teach you their policies and how to drive the way they want you to drive?
     
    zaroba, Sep 10, 2012
    zaroba, Sep 10, 2012
    #5
  8. Sep 10, 2012 #6
    Zen Trucker

    Zen Trucker Road Train Member

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    Doing the research myself, Schneider would be the much better choice.

    Make sure the school you pick is one that Schneider hires from.
     
    Zen Trucker, Sep 10, 2012
    Zen Trucker, Sep 10, 2012
    #6
  9. Sep 12, 2012 #7
    Eddie Copeland

    Eddie Copeland Bobtail Member

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    You are right...at the moment. They have driver training facilities but have stopped training new recruits. I had friends who were hired and trained by them, but they have suspended that program for now. They make changes as their needs change. For awhile, they only hired experienced drivers and now back to school grads. And no, I did not get it mixed up with orientation. That's only a few days long. The class for driver training was like eight weeks long. But I still do recommend them as a company to work for. There are a few niches I don't like, but isn't that the case everywhere? All in all Schneider is good people...always helpful and smiling.
     
    Eddie Copeland, Sep 12, 2012
    Eddie Copeland, Sep 12, 2012
    #7
  10. Sep 13, 2012 #8
    Snail

    Snail Bobtail Member

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    Today is my last day of the three week new hire orientation. I can say that i think i have made the right choice. They have alot of rules specific to schneider, but they make sense and should be followed anyway. Everyone has been nice, and helpful throughout the entire process. You do have to learn ALOT of stuff in the three weeks, but if you pay attention and always have an open mind it will be just fine.
     
    Snail, Sep 13, 2012
    Snail, Sep 13, 2012
    #8
    OldRoadie and saxologist Thank this.
  11. Sep 19, 2012 #9
    cuzzin it

    cuzzin it Road Train Member

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    If you already know that's where you want to start, then talk to recruiter and start the process, they will direct yo to a school that fits their criteria
     
    cuzzin it, Sep 19, 2012
    cuzzin it, Sep 19, 2012
    #9
  12. Sep 19, 2012 #10
    Zen Trucker

    Zen Trucker Road Train Member

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    I'm not going to Schneider, the Op was considering it.
     
    Zen Trucker, Sep 19, 2012
    Zen Trucker, Sep 19, 2012
    #10
    manskewl Thanks this.
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