Looks like Schneider is the one

Well, after 3 weeks of this and that I have made it to Fontana and through the first day of Orientation with Schneider.

Tomorrow I will officially be signed on as a Schneider driver. The first day consisted of the following:

1) Introduction
2) Pre-medical screen - Took blood pressure, did some different physical tests to check heart rate
3) Completed the induction packet.

Tomorrow we will meet our instructors and begin the Yard training - Coupling, backing etc. I am so excited to finally be past the "getting here" phase and ready to get at it. So far everyone here is pleasant, and very helpful. It is clear that they are here to see that we succeed.

I will keep you all updated as I continue

Stay safe

Tank

 

Day 2:
1) More paperwork
2) Simulators - Shifting, double clutch, double down
3) Backing - love that they only require a 45 degree
4) Pre-trip, in-cab, and coupling
All going great, loving it!

 

Day 3:

1) Simulators - Driving through Steer Tire blow-out and Icy conditions
2) Couple/Uncouple, backing, and a short drive

Tomorrow is all day driving to prepare us for the week with our Training Engineer. Hauling live loads.

Day 4:

1) Backing
2) Day of driving
3) Introduced to my TE - Will be riding with him for 3-5 days next week to get experiance in the "Schneider" way. Found out he was on a dedicated route and I am going to be returning to the Hotel each day.

 

Yes, that is it. There is no 6-8 weeks riding around with a "Trainer". Letting him get bonus pay while you collect less than minimum wage. 3-5 Days out with a Training Engineer. Schneider figures that you earned your CDL, you should be able to drive safetly and legally, they give you 3-4 days to prove that the first week. If they feel you cannot meet thier requirements. You are sent home. You meet thier requirements, your sent out for OTR experience, then return and finish up with training on thier Comm's, rules, etc.. Then take a final Backing/Road test, written test. If you complete that, you finish and begin as a Driver.

Basically, if you meet thier requirements, you have your truck in 18 days plus 2-3 depending where your OC is going to be.

 

31 OCT - Time for testing, began with trip planning, then enter data in the qualcomm, then out to drive.

Trip Planning - 95 out of 97 (switched my PU SSD with my Drop SSD, which messed up my NAT)
Qualcomm - 41-41
Driving/backing - 100%
Bonus Points for logbook - 4-4

For a total score of - 101

From there My team partner and I were introduced to our DBA. Found out our truck was sitting in the West Memphis OC waiting for us. So 1300 miles later, I am sitting here in Clarksville, Arkansas updating this thread. Tomorrow we shall be introduced to what we are told is a 2013 Cascadia. WOOO HOOOO!!!

For those of you that are thinking of applying to SNI, I would highly recommend it. I am impressed with the professionalism that the trainers have, the desire to see that you succeed, and the safety conciousness that the company as a whole gives off. I am sure there will be bad that goes along with the good, but that goes with any company you work with. I am not certain how often I can get on until I invest in a mobile hotspot, but I will try and update more as I go along. If anyone has any questions please feel free to PM me. I will answer them as soon as I can.

Safe Driving

Tank

 

I came to SNI with a team partner already, from what I understand they will partner you with someone after graduation from thier training. Home time for us is once a month as my team partner is still in the National Guard and MUST be home for his training. It would vary for you, the rule is - 1 day plus 1 for every 7 days.

Example - Your out 2 weeks, you get 3 days home. 4 weeks, 5 days home

Most important is to give your Dispatcher ample warning when you want to take time home.