Orientation physical tomorrow!

Not sure about Schneider but I imagine the same rule applies to almost all truck companies when it comes to what to have with you. Bring all of the necessities, and if there is something you forgot you can always buy it at Walmart. When I was out with my trainer I forgot that I needed a pillow since I figured my bunk would come with one, so I got one on route.

 

Take an oversize sleeping bag; not sheets. When you're driving the trainer is in the bunk, so you need to roll up the sleeping bag and stow it out of his way.

 

PACKING CHECKLIST
SCHNEIDER ORIENTATION
FORMS AND DOCUMENTATION
o CDL
o DOT Med Card
o Documents for I-9 Form
o TWIC Card (if applicable)
o Documents to set up direct deposit
Voided blank check for checking
account - or - MICR sheet with
routing number for savings account
CLOTHING
o Shirts with sleeves
No tank tops. All shirts must have appropriate writing.
Bulk drivers: Please pack long-sleeved shirts
o Jeans, cargo pants or work pants
No shorts, jogging pants or sweatpants
o Boots or shoes
Must have non-skid soles and leather uppers
o All weather gear
Check the forecast for the area you’ll be driving in.
Consider packing the following:
o Heavy coat
o Rain jacket
o Winter hat and gloves
OTHER
o Money for meals and incidentals
Hotels have continental or ‘grab & go’ breakfast
Lunch is provided during first and third weeks
No company-provided meals are available while
over the road with a TE
TE’s do have refrigerators, or coolers, in the truck so
you can bring some food along – items should be
purchased during the first week at the academy
o Classroom materials
o Pen and pencil
o Calculator
o Highlighter
o Laptop (if you have one)
o Flashlight
o Gloves
o Any prescription medications
o CPAP machine (if applicable)
o Cellphone
HELPFUL TIPS
Recent driving school graduates
• Orientation lasts three weeks. Please pack accordingly.
• You are limited to one piece of luggage.
• During your second week, you’ll be staying at truck stops
and/or Schneider company facilities. The laundry facilities
at Schneider company facilities are free to use. Don’t
forget bedding (sleeping bag, sheets and blankets),
pillow, sleepwear and shower shoes
Experienced drivers and owner-operators
• Orientation ranges from 3 days to about two weeks.
Please pack accordingly.
• You are limited to one piece of luggage.
• Please bring your last 7 days of logs with you.
• Be sure to have a 34-hour restart before orientation.


Don't expect your TE to sleep while you drive or stop telling terrible jokes, I mean really really bad ones.

 

Schneiders trainers are not allowed to be in the bunk when the student is driving. Bring enough clothes for a week, pillow, sleeping bag, toiletries and any food you want to bring. When I was out with my Schneider trainer he stopped at every subway we came across. Dude was eating his pay. He taught me the importance of not taking a cash advance. Dude was always broke.

 

Good luck in training hope you learn a lot. I'm pretty sure when your driving the trainer will be in the jump seat and when you guys stop for the day/night and your trainer is in the bunk you will be in there with him.

 

These company lists for what to bring to orientation always leave off the most important item.

Large jar of Vasaline

 

If you get the trainer I had at Schneider you're going to want to get one of those white dust masks and line it with a fabric softener. My trainer had some foul gas at night. I was on the top bunk and we all know that hot air rises....