Questions

I recently graduated from CDL school with a Class A license. I also obtained a Hazmat endorsement and my passport. Recruiters are telling me to wait until I get with a company to apply for a TWIC card. I am currently considering multiple companies and would like some advice about Schneider. I have researched Schneider as well as other trucking companies and there is a lot I like about Schneider. I have recently filled out an application for Schneider and am waiting for a recruiter to call me. I am applying for OTR. I have been on their website and have read up on orientation , training pay and so on. I have a list of questions ready for the recruiter who calls me. I have read both the good and bad about Schneider on this site. I am interested in the starting pay for a new driver and when increases are due. I am not looking to start at the top and I know you have to prove yourself. I would also like to know if they have a performance for pay plan and what impacts it. One of my most important questions is how many miles do OTR drivers average weekly. Also is it normal to have the next load preplanned once you drop. I live in Virginia so I would like to know what lanes they run from this area. I recently went to visit family in Maine and I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the number of Schneider trucks I saw up in Maine. These are some of the questions that I will be asking the recruiter along with plenty more but I would like to hear from Schneider drivers first hand. Benefits are extremely important to me as I am 54 years old and want to build a nice nest egg for retirement. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Schneider matches dollar for dollar 401 K money when you put in 5 / 6%. I have never heard of any other company that does that. Very Impressive !

 

They did offer me a Walmart dedicated account but I am not really interested in that. I much prefer to go OTR. after reading other posts I would consider moving to the tanker division as that seems to be some of the top pay at Schneider. First I would want to get a minimum of 6 months experience before driving tankers.

 

Thanks for the responses. I understand that in order to get the company match 401 money I need to be fully vested which is 5 years. I spent the last 19 years driving a class B truck at my last job. Before that I spent 15 years driving a delivery step van. This will be my third job in my 54 years. That is why I have spent so much time researching different trucking companies. I want to make sure the next job takes me to retirement. By maintaining a stable work history and allowing my 401 K contributions to grow year after year I have a healthy sum in my account. Like most people I spent my early years taking care of my family. Well my kids are grown and out of the house in different parts of the country. I may get a chance to see them more by travelling to different parts of the country. I love my wife but after 31 years of marriage we don't need to see each other every day. There are pros and cons to every company. I like the idea of a big company because there are more resources available. Schneider has many terminals located across the country and I like the idea of being able to use the facilities wherever you happen to be. I also like the idea of being able to transfer to another part of the company rather than look for a new job for driving opportunities. Also if I decide to move so my wife will be closer to family while I am away , Schneider hires from most states across the country so I would not have to leave. I have written down more questions for the recruiter based on the feedback you provided. I will be making my decision soon as I want to be on with a company right after the New Year. By the way do you know where I would go for Schneider orientation living in Virginia.