I don't know what to do....

If I had an uncle and grandfather in the business, wouldn't bother to ask strangers on a message board. Would think they would be your best source of advise.

 

Go to the community college. The cost alone is well worth it. 2 months of training should give you plenty of time to get a feel for the job and how an 18 wheeler maneuvers, handles, and backs.

If your Uncle has a dedicated route then specifically ask Schneider if he can train you. If he has a good reputation within the company they should say yes.

Be up front with the Schneider recruiter about your intentions and ask them to be straight with you in regard to being assigned to this dedicated route. If there is a need for an additional driver on that account they may offer it to you.

 

I second the community college proposal. If you go with any trucking company sponsored training program, they lock you into a 1-year commitment. If you're terminated, the contract says you owe then $$$$$ for training cost. To the best of my knowledge, you have to go out with a trainer, and there's no way around it. Trucking schools generally cover how to pass the written and driving test, but don't cover the specifics of how to do the job as certain specific situations arise. Situations like what to do when you realize the shipper overloaded you, then you go back to find out the shipper had locked up and gone home for the weekend (it's Friday), and the load is scheduled for a Monday early morning delivery, 600 miles (or more) away. There are plenty of situations that can arise, and only a trainer can cover each particular situation, and how to handle them properly. Trucking schools are forbidden from discussing these topics for fear they may discourage newbie drivers from getting their CDL.

 

Agreed. And on a personal note, I have to say it sickens me to hear about, " Oh my daddy can get me in..." Isn't nepotism in publicly held companies actually illegal? I wouldn't except any favortism based on who i knew, or was related to. Good "luck".

 

I see nothing wrong with asking his uncle to train him. The uncle is a driver. He does not cut the paychecks nor decide who gets hired or fired. Many jobs are landed through word of mouth and a current driver vouching for the new prospective employee does help the hiring officer make a decision on who to hire. It is truly "who" you know rather than "what" you know in many cases.

I personally recruited my younger brother fresh out of truck driving school and was permitted to train him for 4 weeks. Later on I also put my wife through truck driving school and again trained her.

Based on your statement this was not fair? Just because you get a recommendation or referral from a family member DOES NOT mean you will get the job for 1 or keep the job if you do not perform for 2.

In my case the boss was pleased with my "recruits" and has invited me to bring in more family. They will accept anyone I refer based on my reputation and the first 2 sucesses. I have offered to do the same for my other siblings and close friends. It is up to them if they accept the opportunity handed to them. Ultimately success or failure will fall squarely on their shoulders not mine. The ONLY thing I gave them was a chance.

 

Maybe I'm not understanding. Here's what he said;

I have been thinking about goin to Schneider because my Uncle drives for them and he says he should be able to get me on his dedicated account. He was able to get my Grandfather on his account and he never had to go over the road; and he two had no experience.

Yes, exactly. I just have a problem with the whole "who you know, not what you know" thing. References, both professional or personal, are usually limited to non-family members to eliminate biases. I have had the misfortune of both being passed over for positions in lieu of those less qualified , and working along side people that had serious deficiencies, as a direct result of nepotism. Unbiased professional references can be a useful tool, but from what I've read it seems this goes beyond that. And please understand that I have nothing against this person. It's the act, not the actors.

 

Now I get it. Thanks for explaining!