Another Interested Party.....Or Newbie

I agree with Turbo and Quasi, on all they said, I just wanted to add, is with Schneider it don't matter where you live, they can work around that (taking the truck home and all) you might end up beinging based out of Fontana, CA and only see that once or twice a month. I wanna move to AZ, so I've looked. But Schneiders is are a good place to start, just keep in mind they have INC. in the title and have 18000 drivers, plus all the in house workers. And with that can be it's own set of dangers. I worked for a few corp's and their all the same only one was trucking and another was the 3rd largest airline. You will be a #, ya some will know your name most will never even wave. Also SNI is big on few things, pushhhing and rubbbing into you, untill you bleed from the eyes and ears, the top 2 R, SAFTEY SAFETY SAFTEY if it is'ent safe DON'T do it. and SAVE FUEL. You will relearn how to drive to conserve gas. And if you can drive good and be ontime and safe and abide by the law, you'll have a job. choose wisely and take your time, don't rush into anything. Besides if you like the smell of fuel and like being away from home you can always try an airline. Besides, SNI is only a yr not long at all, have fun with it no regreats.

 

Have you considered Gordon Trucking? They have a terminal in AZ and offer tuition reimbursement.
I work for Gordon Trucking and I have been impressed with their operation. No company is perfect and there are always people that I call the 10%'s, jerks no matter what. They exist everywhere. I do not drive but the one thing that impressed me was that Gordon requires non-driving positions to do ride alongs with one of their drivers. I can't tell you what a great experience that was for me and the others that have had that experience. I have gained a whole new respect for the men and women who have chosen trucking as a career. I'm sure there are other trucking companies out there that are great too, I just have been so impressed with the culture at Gordon, people are their #1 asset. Just a thought for you to consider. I wish you great success where ever you go.
Sincerly, PICKY1

 

This alone, lets us ALL know you've got it BAD!

Weather or not you make the choice its up to you... But we all know from THAT comment you are a good candidate for a driver, O/O, Fleet owner or What ever your heart desires......

When I was 14 told my uncle I love that smell.... too... And...
You can see what happened to me...

All the best Driver wish you well,
Matt

 

I can answer a lot of your questions about SNI right here, minus the recruitment lines.

Read my post about my first year so far, I just posted it before reading this one. http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...s/20352-real-first-year-schneider-why-so.html

You'll have the savings to avoid the biggest issue I am facing right now.

You'll be sent to the Terminal in French Camp, CA. It's just outside LA. That's the closest terminal to you. However, you may end up being based out of Dallas due to the restructuring they are doing, which depends on where you go. Teaming is something they'd love to hook you with, but you'll have to live with someone else out here, and your family could never ride with.

Your son can't go along with you since he is not yet 10. Your wife would be able to after 6 months of safe driving. Good luck convincing anyone to go with anyway, I have tried and failed a few times now.

Their training is top-notch, and if you manage to make it through the contract period (I think they increased it to 18months) then you owe nothing.

If you have a certain standard of living you need to maintain, do not expect miracles out here. You can expect about $600/week the first six months, and probably less for the remainder of the contract. It'll probably average $400/week.

I can tell you that Swift will NOT do any better. My sister is getting married to a guy who worked for them right out of school, and they gave him more crap in a week than I have gotten here at schneider the whole time.

My biggest peice of advice is this: Be wary of recruiters, if it sounds to good to be true, not only is it probably not... It's most likely not true. Talk with other drivers for those companies and see what they say, though that's not a perfect source either. I know plenty of SNI drivers who love it, but I can't stand it. It's all a matter of perspective. Guage a company by both the offerings, AND what the drivers say. No company is perfect, so just find the one that is least imperfect for you.

 

Good Advice!!!!