Offer from Schneider Tanker

Hello All and Happy Holidays,

I received a conditional offer to drive for Schneider Bulk Chemical Division OTR. Starting pay is 38cpm with a possible increase to 42cpm after 6 months for performance. I have no experience and Schneider is paying for the school, licensing, and endorsements. A one year work contract commitment is required upfront, since they are covering all costs. Seems like an excellent deal. Of course, if I resign in less than one year, I have to pay everything back.

I currently already have a job (which I hate). Been employed for 7 years. Wasn't supposed to be there this long. Starting beginning of 2007, planned on being there for maybe a year. Then economy tanked and I was afraid to leave because so many people nationwide were being laid off. 08, 09 were slow, only 40-45k/yr. 2011 and 2012 were much better. I made 60k gross, but this year is looking like 54-55k, as my OT was reduced. It's outdoor, heavy manual labor work, all types of weather, all year round. Pay is 26.60/hr., full benefits (medical and 401k). I am not guaranteed 40 hours. I can work 40+ depending on needs of the organization, but can work as little as 15-20 in a week ( fairly rare), but it does happen.

I'm 32, single, no kids and financially secure with absolutely no debt. Apartment renter.

I value the opinions here and was wondering if I could get a few regarding my situation. I know Schneider is a great company and I love to drive and travel. I know the ultimate decision is mine, but its always nice to get multiple viewpoints. I know that a tanker position as a rookie is outstanding. I'm a hustler and like to work more to make more money. Is this a good opportunity to start again fresh? If anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate. Thanks.

 

To the Reader who just PM'd me: I cannot PM back because my post count is too low, but to answer your question:

I'm out of the Northeast. MY MVR and criminal history are both 100% clean. Been driving since I was 17. Got my license in 1998 and never had a moving violation or accident. Also the job I currently work requires use of a company vehicle, so I do a fair amount of driving daily.

Don't know too much about Roehl, however I've heard they are a better company to deal with than most.

Only other company I considered was Prime. However, I really don't like how their training is set-up, having to run team with a trainer for 40k miles. Also I've heard their tanker division is fairly small and mileage could be an issue.

 

Thanks Chinatown for the input. I'll give it all a lot of thought this week.

 

Yes you're right. As a condition of employment, you have to live within 50 miles of a Bulk Terminal, which I do. I'm about 20 miles away. To the best of my knowledge, you cannot drive truck home. You have to leave personal vehicle at the terminal or get dropped off. They do OTR, Regional, and possibly some local tanker work, but it's all according to the openings in your area. I have absolutely no clue what they haul, other than a variety of Hazmat. You supposedly get to select 6 days off per month, but that's not necessarily guaranteed. However, it still seems like a very good deal overall.

 

Yeah I got the same info Mniesen. As long as your hometime is a week or less, you shouldn't have to clean out the truck.