Regional part time, flex schedule Wisconsin

One additional question: How much lead time do you need to give them to set your schedule? You stated that you have a specific shift you like to run and you advise them when you are available. Do you give them a week's notice of your availability, a month's schedule at a time or ? I appreciate your willingness to share information as there isn't much out there about this option that I have been able to find.

 

I have a long professional history, airline pilot, RN, small business owner to name a few. I'm semi retired and got my CDL at age 49 just for something to do. I find it suits my personality well as it allows me a great deal of independence, freedom and solitude which I enjoy. Having lived many years in an RV as a traveling medical professional, the truck is just a $150k camper as far as I'm concerned. As I've gotten older, my tolerance and patience for working in close proximity to others and the drama/BS that comes with it has begun to fade and I'm happiest alone and making primarily my own decisions. I really like rolling down the window of that big truck on a cool morning and bouncing down the back roads just seeing what's there and get satisfaction out of completing the assigned task safely and on time. The job certainly has its frustrations at times and is grossly under paid in my opinion for the time and effort it requires, but obviously I'm not doing it just for the money.
I did work for averitt for just under a year but when I had to call my manager from the bedside of my mother who had just been told she was terminally ill and he subsequently gave me 30 minutes to get to an averitt terminal for "undisclosed " reasons, I subsequently gave them the middle finger. Schneider has been nothing but accommodating on many fronts, graciously affording me a multiple month LOA while I acted as the hospice care taker for my dying parent.
I've read zillions of posts. All the trucking companies seem to have their pros and cons. I have no issues of any consequence with this place.

 

Right now my business leader knows that I'm working basically one week a month, usually starting on a Monday. For instance, I got home yesterday and plan to return 9/17. I call her the Friday before to get my assigned truck. I usually show up on Sunday night to get the truck loaded and to have maintenance address any issues and get the paperwork onboard in order. This being said, if I wanted to work tomorrow, I have little doubt that I could call her this morning and she'd have me a truck lined up. It might be a loaner rag, not a nice 2018, but it would ultimately get the job done.

 

My desire is to fulfill a life-long dream...and my love of travel. I grew to despise all the travel as a corporate trainer, but I discovered that the reason I was so unhappy with travel, was because of the current situation with air travel in the US. Stranded in terminals and endless cancelations. When I started driving to my assignments and using my truck camper, I fell back in love with travel...over-the-road.
I'm getting my CDL in November through a private school. I had a similar dream to get my pilot's license and I achieved that in 2009. I was a part-owner in a Cessna Cardinal which was a beautiful airplane. I have spent lots of time in CRJs and Dash-8s as a passenger. Being Canadian, it's always nice to ride on something from the homeland.
I have spoken with SNI and they have been very supportive and encouraging. They have PT options within about an hour of my location. They also have a dedicated opportunity originating about 25 miles from my location in Big Island, VA. I was wondering about taking that out of orientation for 6-months of experience before I try to transition to PT next Summer. My business is very busy but could still accommodate at least 7-days a month. It is also very encouraging to hear that SNI approved your LOA. Thanks again for the great info. Can you advise what terminal you work out of?

 

I agree 100% with your description of US air travel. Schneider has a "jet set" program where the glamour of air travel can be peppered into ones driving experience. NO THANKS. Perhaps exciting for those who've never flown but I'd give it maybe 6 months before the realities of being sandwiched into a tube next to someone with dorito breath and after being accosted repeatedly by TSA sets in. Then again, I'm getting old and cynical.
Personally, I think working full time (ish) would be a plausible and good idea for 6 months or so initially. It will go a long way in building your confidence. If you're new and have a multi week gap from the truck right out of school, I'm guessing your paranoia about being able to back it up safely will be exacerbated. Even with 2 years here it takes me a sec to get my wits about me after being away.
I had a beautiful brand new lance 1130 truck camper color coordinated to my brand new Ford F-350 powerstroke diesel dually back in the day. Solar panel, generator, winter package, the works. Loved it. I was also captain on the CRJ for many years. Y'all build a nice plane.
I'd be happy to engage you privately about the specifics of my Schneider position.

 

Keep in mind that a dedicated position could possibly entail seeing the same places over and over again which might not dovetail well with your desire to see new places and OTR travel. Depends on the position I'd imagine.

 

Can you advise how to private message on here? I see I can post on your profile, but I'm not sure that's what I'm looking for..

 

I'll look into it. I'm an infrequent visitor myself.

 

I think if you tap that "mail envelope" at the top of the page it allows you to start a private convo.

 

click on his user name.. brings up a little info box. theres a start a concersation linknin the pop up. or you can do as he suggested click the envelope and type in his name.

first way is easier imo.