Schneider Orientation Tips

Hello all! I'm posting this because I specifically looked for this information before orientation started and could not find it. This is for Schneider's Phoenix OC, where I am attending 3 weeks orientation.

1) PACK LIGHT. Pack clothes for 1 week, not 3. There is FREE LAUNDRY at the OC, Pods are better than laundry liquid, takes up less space and lighter weight. I flew in with too much clothes, had to downsize for week 2 OTR training, and my extra stuff ended up stowed in a trailer. Honestly I'd have been fine with 3-4 pairs pants, 5-6 shirts, and my usual excessive socks and skivvies. Both hotels have pools also. If thats your thing.

2) First week people are at the Comfort Inn. The free breakfast there will save you if you're broke like I am. When you get your breakfast, grab a little extra and stash it in your room. Comes in handy and even if you end up with extra, it'll cut your cost OTR. I opted for the instant oatmeal for stashing, then ate the hot stuff in the mornings. When you get to week 3 you're moved to the Holiday Inn. Their free breakfast and coffee is not served on weekends and typically consists of a piece of fruit or a muffin. Unless you purchase their breakfast. And it's not exactly cheap.

3) DO NOT FORGET YOUR COFFEE CUP. I forgot mine, theres free coffee at the Comfort inn. Never had time to drink enough before the shuttle arrived, ended up spending some precious food money on a new cup. Reason being, THERE IS NO FREE COFFEE AT OC. $1.25 a cup and they are not large enough to justify it. If you're not a coffee drinker, A large cup for that juice they serve at breakfast, the machine is only on at breakfast.

4) Bedding. I wish I hadn't brought any. Took up space in my luggage and turned out my TE had pillows and sheets/blanket for students. Even if your TE doesn't, theres a chance you'll be in hotels OTR and if not, buy the cheap walmart stuff (about $15 for a pillowcase, sheet, blanket, and pillow).

5) Lunch will be Subway EVERY DAY you have class at the OC. You have been warned. Oh except last day, you get no lunch.

Other things NOT to bring: Calculator, notebook, highlighters, pencil (no idea why that is on the packing list).

Other things helpful to bring: small hobby (there IS downtime, usually Sundays and when you're OTR loading times get boring, I kicked myself for leaving my crochet behind), travel size febreeze and disinfectant sprays, wet wipes, laundry bag, bandana(hold your hair up, cover your face for dust storms, whatever).

Side note, the trainers, instructors, and some other students do have cars and it's not terribly difficult to arrange a ride to the store. So don't think you will be held prisoner at the hotel. There's fast foods and convenience stores within walking distance.

SMOKERS FROM OUT OF STATE WHO JUST GOT THEIR CDL. Not every time, but a couple times when I go to purchase cigarettes, my punched driver's licence, punched commercial learner's permit, and temporary paper Class A CDL are "not acceptable" identification, even all together. I'm 33. Camels ranging $6.50-$7.60 a pack, I wish I had brought a carton with me *facepalm*

I hope this helps someone be better prepared than I was!! Much love to you future truckers!!