Hired! Hired! Hired!

Okay, not to throw a damper on this party, nor to toss any flammable liquids on anyone's currently unburned genitalia, but there are some things to consider here. There has long been a practice to promise a dedicated run doing a certain type of freight in a specific area, on a set schedule, and by the time you get there, go through the school, spend time on the roaad with the trainer, and are ready to head for the dedicated run, they announce that they no longer have the customer, or conditions have changed, or some other excuse why the good deal you thought you had lined up is no longer available.

And then, they hand you a truck and put you in the good old national fleet, running three weeks out and 2 days home if they can manage to schedule. It very common, and you will find numerous stories on various trucking forums that relate the same basic tale. The person promising you that run, and the person who will be assigning you a truck and work are gonna be two very different people. It is extremely rare for a new driver to get put on a dedicated run, since they tend to be more stable and desired accordingly. I'm not saying that it can't happen, but the odds and history do not favor it.

By the way, if you still get htis run, from the sound of it, in that part of the country, 100% touch auto parts, a liftgate, and a dedicated run seems to me to be a delivery route to various AutoZone stores or one of the other chains. That implies lousy spots to maneuver the truck into, busy streets and lots of potential obstructions, being dispatched at the mercy of the parts stores dispatchers, not Schneiders, and those are not as prime of a deal as they sound from the outside.

I hate to rain on the parade, but this sounds totally different to me than it does to you guys who are still new at this one. I do wish you well, but wanted to inject a little note of caution into the celebration.

Now that I have essentially pooped in the punchbowl, you may continue with the party but beware of the flavor of the punch.

 

I too have signed on to the Great Pumpkin. I will train in PA early December. I was straight up with the recruiter as I think he was with me. The only promise or guarantee if you will was the dollar per mile and 6 days off a month. He said since of my location and being a Tanker Yanker, there is a good chance of getting home a "bit more". Thats was it.... no other BS.

Having my CDL-A and wanting to get into hauling tankers, In my opinion after much research, Schneider offers one of the best training modules and having no experience it looked as if it was the right road for me at this time. I figure keeping my nose clean, doing my job and dealing with whatever come along, in a year I should have some good options on the table. The options will be many including staying with them.

BTW: For all those thinking about this as I did, having my CDL-A requires me to have NO contract. So "if" a offer comes along in 6-8 months the door is open. I will say I will give Schneider my best shot, 101%. After all they will give me the experience and training I need, and in return I plan on being dedicated to them unless something changes that!

It would be cool to have a dedicated thread for Schneider Newbies, since it looks like there are a few of us. We can share the experience for others who may be interested......

 

I did auto parts for Mazda up until July when I took a local job. I've seen some Schneider trucks at the dealers. Even though you touch all of the freight it is a fairly simple job if they do it anything like Mazda did. Congratulations, you are starting out better than most of us did years ago! The only thing I will caution you on is be very careful if you are delivering into dealers lots because the picture is constantly changing. You may get in real easy one week and the next there could be cars blocking where you need to be. Get the picture before you go into the lot and it may save you some trouble getting out and some embarrasment if you smash a brand new vehicle!! One of our drivers found out the hard way that they do use those cameras in the parking lot!!

 

I AM NO LONGER THIRSTY.

I THINK IN THAT SITUATION I WOULD LOOK THEM IN THE CORNEA, TELL THEM THEY JUST WAISTED THEIR TIME TRAINING ME, AND GO TO ANOTHER COMPANY.

THIS SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING THAT WOULD HAPPEN WITH A CONTRACTED STUDENT DRIVER. BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY GOT YOU.

ALSO THAT IS SOMETHING I CONSIDERED....EVEN WITH THE WALMART DEDICATED ACCOUNT WITH SNI.....I'M NOT SURE IF I'M GOING TO BE READY FOR ALL THAT TRAFFIC AROUND WALMARTS AROUND THE REGION.

I LIVE WITHIN 30 MILES OF 4 WALMARTS AND ATLEAST 2 OF THEM HAVE STOP AND GO TRAFFIC FOR A COUPLE OF MILES AROUND THEM.

ATLEAST REGIONAL OR NATIONAL RUNS...I'D BE DEALING WITH LESS TRAFFIC.....AND LESS BACKING INTO DOCKS....

#### ..I HATE THIS....THE HARDEST PART IS GOING TO BE DECIDING ON A JOB.:smt026

 

Both quotes are excellent. Pay careful attention to the words of DA APAPERBOY.........prehire.

Be very careful here Trick. Make sure all the little ducks are lined up in a row.

 

trick,
having your ducks in a row is a figure of speach that i bet come from the old days at carnivals when cowboys would shoot out the little duckies that went by in a row.

in english terms it means: have all your affairs, stuff, in order.

more or less i am getting all my ducks in a row by pre applying to multiple companies. and getting pre hired with them. having all the applications filled out. get all your affairs in order before you start your job so your ready. have multiple oppurtunities lined up so when it comes down to make your move...your ready to make the transition smoothly. and yes...make sure your resume is tweaked how you want it. make sure your references know they might receive a call. don't be caught off guard. keeping your ducks in a row can go even farther...all the way down to know what your going to need to take with you to training and over the road. tools, notebooks, pens, enough clothes, cash,
hygene products.

i'm just babbling now.

remember...even if the first job sucks....you will have more oppurtunities once you have paid your dues.....don't worry about who thinks what company sucks and who don't.....there's always going to be both sides of the fence.:smt023

 

You are learning fast my young friend you are alright....atitude,atitude atitude.....