Going to Start with Schneider.......new to industry...

GOD Bless you and I'll keep you in my prayers. I hope you have experience because I won't even read the new drivers blog on the Schneider website because It's too depressing. Some people luck out and like it here but many others it can be a nightmare. I love my job here but unfortunately I'm involved in a nightmare situation right now that I don't see a good end too.
Dave

 

I started my trucking career with Schneider back in the early 90's. Eventually leased my first truck with Schneider. They are not the best paying company by far. But support is good and I found that you hit and miss on fleet managers.
I had a couple that got me home like clock work and I never missed a special occasion or appt. Then I had others who were just not meant to be a fleet manager. They could not keep track of anyone. I also found many times when I joined Schneider lease program I very often was not reconized as a owner operator but rather a company driver who HAD to do a load. Eventually I left and went to JB Hunt for a few years working rail yards. Actually it was some of the best pay I ever made in trucking. But you work hard for it. Whatever you do I would recommend not jumping around to much at first. Try and work to fit what they want with what you want. Jumpers tend to get little attention and eventually they may try you out but their expectations become less and less as those former jobs add up. Companies don't like jumpers anymore then drivers don't like being lied too. I have been a owner operator for many years now and I know companies have changed from the drivers I have talked to. I think unfortunately that companies at times are looking to fill seats and that's why you get hired. If you tow the line and show a commitment to the cause. I think you can eventually see better opportunities in terms of dedicated, or more typical home time. I just see a lot of drivers who seem to expect to be treated as a veteran right from the start and that just does not happen in trucking. I got a lot further with companies trying to work out issues then I did saying four letter words to everyone I talked to. If they responded in kind we got along. If they treated me with no respect. Then I planned my departure. I still never left them a opportunity to black ball me.

 

I worked for Schneider for a month this year...one word of advice...DO NOT complain...about anything...and DO NOT get an attitude, if there are times where you want to jump someones ### about the Qualcomm, Navigo, short-haul loads, unworthy trailers, DON'T...and if you are OTR, make sure you get things squared away at home...they'll get you home but they expect you to be out 14 days at a time...I was out for 14, came home for two, dental appointment, and went back out for 5 more...requested to get a load home from Pennsylvania and they wanted me to run a load into New Jersey...Been through New Jersy before so that wasn't the problem...they just didn't want to work with me...cuz I jumped their ###...just my personality I guess, former Marine...they are a good company...good miles, good pay...In about 27 days I drove over 7000 miles and made around 2700...not bad but ya gotta move...and try and get a truckers GPS or truck stop book so you don't have to worry about finding a place to park at night...their terminals are pretty nice...Charlotee has the best food...expect to run South, southeast, midwest, northeast, east coast, probably won't go past the Mississipi if you live on the east side of it...well good luck...any questions let me know...I'm gonna start with Gordon or USA soon...

 

Am starting at Schneider the first week of November and am new out of school. I heard from my instructor that they run a difficult orientation (75% wash out rate) with a lot of testing. Is this true? Also, IF I make it to "solo" status, will I have a choice of Tractors? From how many, and what kind? From the reading I've been doing, it seems the hiring process is quite daunting, so I'm looking for something positive to chew on here...anyone?

 

The first week is a bunch of paper work...videos...pre-trip inspections...a little driving, backing and slow manuevers, log book-paper...second week you go out with your trainer...and you are supposed to driver 75% of the time...so make sure you do!!! Your trainer might want to run hard to get miles since you are new and don't know the ends and outs of how to get miles so to speak...you would just be more cautious than him, or her...but ask questions!!! especially about the Qualcomm and trip planning...trip planning is very important...after 5 to 7 days you'll get back to the OC, Operating Center you're out of for Qualcomm work, trip planning, which is insane...they ,make it hard and make it seem like you have to pass the final part of it but don't sweat it...all the guys in my class were having problems...it's how you figure out how many miles, how many hours, how long it willl take you to get and deliver your load...then you'll take a road test at the end which was a joke...in Indianapolis anyway...you'll do just fine...Schneider will put anyone through...but be the best and do the best you can...make it a good company...it can be...but don't let anyone push you around...you will have one or two dicks...any more questions let me know...

 

Yes, thank you for the info...I greatly appreciate it. Am set for 5 Nov orientation, and can't wait!

 

nice! I'm from L.A. and I recently enrolled in school and hope to drive for them soon!