My experience with Schneider

I am posting this thread in the hopes that it will be helpful to new drivers who may be considering a career with Schneider. I will provide updates regularly, so if you're interested, stay tuned.



I started with Schneider National Bulk Carriers on July 26. The first day isn't very exciting, which is typical no matter what job you have. The biggest thing you have to do on the first day is the Pre Work Screening (PWS). It's a physical fitness test that consists of several exercises to check your strength and balance, all while monitoring your heart rate (your recruiter will email you a page with pictures of everything you have to do). The test isn't tough if you are reasonably healthy and fit, but we did lose eight guys the first day. Day two they'll issue you your PPE and you'll spend half the day in the classroom and the other half with the trucks. The last five days I've spent half the day in the classroom and half in the trucks. Schneider provides lunch for you everyday; you have your choice of several different kinds of subs or a salad from a local pizza shop. All the instructors I've had have been great so far. They're friendly and respectful and they coach you rather than criticize you when they take you on the road. You will be staying in an Extended Stay Deluxe through the duration of your training. This hotel is very nice, definitely not some cheap fleabag hotel. It's in a pretty nice commercial area with all kinds of stores and restaurants nearby including Wal-Mart and Target. You may have a roommate, or you may not. It's up to the luck of the draw. One of the things I'm most impressed with so far is how well Schneider took care of an issue I was having. I was getting no sleep at night because my roommate had sleep apnea and didn't bring his CPAP machine. They could have just moved me into a room with one of my classmates, several of which are by themselves, but instead Schneider got me a room all by myself. They took care of my problem and went above and beyond what I expected. So far, my opinion of this company is pretty high, and I would recommend giving them some serious consideration if you're looking for a company to go with. As I said, I'll provide updates as necessary. Good luck with your searches and welcome to the industry!

 

Oops, I meant June 26. And I'm in Coraopolis, PA.

 

*UPDATE*

The rest of the week consisted of half of the day driving, half in the classroom. Friday was the final road test. The five of us that were left all passed (we started orientation with 18 people). Saturday and Sunday consisted of learning how to unload. This is easily the most demanding part of training, as you are outside working hard in the hot sun all day. After you finish the unloading exercises, they'll teach you how to clean your pump and hook up the HIT lines, both of which are very easy. We finished up today, and I'm currently sitting at home, as I don't leave with my trainer until the July 14. Schneider is paying me for the week I have to wait. I'll try to find time to provide another update while I'm on the road.