Schneider Or Millis, which is better for a new driver?

Schneider has the best company training program you can get from what I have been told. There equipment though is usually older so if you want some nice new truck that probably won't happen.

 

From intensive research vs experience since I have none, Schneider is top choice for beginners as you will get lots of support and help. However, they do not have a company sponsered cdl training school program like Millis does. You will have to go to school and get you CDL first. (Make sure it is an acceptable school for Schneider)

Millis Transfer has their own training school for $2500.00, $500.00 out of pocket. You can either pay $2500.00 up front or have them take it out of your paycheck. The contract is 1 year. If you break it for any reason, you owe them $5,000.00.

Yes, Millis has nicer trucks, if that's important to you.

Huum, between Schneider and Millis is a tough one. I believe you can't go wrong w/ either of them. However, if I personally had the choice between the 2, I'd probably go w/ Schneider ONLY because I plan to move up to Canada in the near future and they have headquarters up there. Millis is strictly US 48 states. Unfortunately, Schneider does not offer jobs for students in my area.

 

I forgot to add that if you already are in school getting your CDL, forget Millis as they do not hire students who graduated from any other program than their own school. I.E., You need to either have no CDL and go to their training school OR have your CDL + 1 year min. experience in order to apply to Millis.

Before making any decision, keep in mind that:

1- Schneider does seem to offer lots of regional and dedicated routes (after you have some exp)
2- Millis Transfer is mostly all OTR, but most runs are east of the Mississipi.
3- W/ Schneider, you will most likely need to get your hazmat (at some point), fast card, passport for Canada entries, etc..
4- W/ Millis, no hazmat required, no fast card/passports as they are US only.
5- Both have excellent reputations and are sound companies.
6- Millis offers new hires a week vacation after only 6 months, and another week after 1 year. Kind of unheard of in this industry.
7- Mills does offer good home time.
8- Schneider's regional and dedicated routes are higher pay and better home time than any OTR jobs.

 

Please keep in mind this response is completely bias since I work for a school that provides some of our students to Schneider. But I will say that, of our students that go to Schneider, here are some of the reasons they give:

1. Schneider has a shorter training cycle. It is 18 days. The new driver gets out in their own truck faster and begins to get tuition reimbursement faster. Part of the reason for the shorter cycle is that they are a little hard on the schools in order to supply students to them.

2. Schneider has a wider variety of operations. Yes you need to work for them for at least 6 months before you can look to change.

3. In addition to the varety of equipment, you can make these changes without losing existing benefits. You don't have to "start over" with medical insurance, vacations, 401(k) timing ect, if you want to change types of equipment.


Just some thoughts to add to the conversation.

 

When it comes to pay, keep in mind, a company can pay .40 a mile, but you HAVE to get the miles. I learned that the hard way. I started with a higher paying company, but was not getting miles, a friend worked for Swift at a lower rate but was getting miles, guess who had the bigger check at the end of the week.

 

my opinion, go Schneider, I tried Millis and got turned down, said they were not looking for female drivers in my area, which made me mad, I live in Cartersville, terminal just a couple miles away, i applied because that is where my husband started and gave them 4 very dedicated years. but if you do choose Millis, my husband says they treat you like family and pay you fine. best of luck you to you.

 

I'm running with Schneider right now... It's my 3rd week out in.my own and I'll say I'm.glad I went with them.. yes the training cycle is quick but if you can't drive or back you won't make.it. we lost 6 people from our group.. I get good miles.and have had good checks. But as for your older equipment statement not true...I am in a 2012 Cascadia, maybe I got lucky... I do know they are replacing all the century's...

 

I was in the same position as you was, chose the Millis route and attended MTI in Cartersville, GA. I still have no issues with Millis. As far as Miles, in Spring, Summer, Fall its not hard at all to get atleast 2500 on any given week. Winter time is up and down depending on the state your in and how freight looks there. Equipment wise most the fleet is now the new T700's, still have some 2010 660's out there, and Millis keeps the equipment up to par. I was OTR with them and had no issues at all with getting home for hometime, usually did 20 or so days out then 3 days home. They like for you to stay out I believe atleast 2 weeks. Im now regional with them out of NC, and am still happy. There the only company Ive worked for, so I really cant compare with others, but ive never really heard anything bad about Schneider. Usually the one thing you will hear is there governed I believe at 62 or maybe 64, Millis is no different there. Governed at 62 first year, then bumped up to 66. Hope this helps, and good luck on your new career

 

I went through Millis Training in Cartersville, Ga last year around this time. They keep classes small and really care about teaching you how to drive the truck. I"m about to have in 1 full year next month. My average pay is .38 per mile.(ld or mt)and will be going up .02 next month. I started driving OTR but after 3 months or so I started driving regional out of Cartersville. I drive between 2500 and 3400 miles each week. But besides the great pay they treat you great. Its a small company and they get to know you and how you like to run. Some guys like to run nights and some like me like running early in the morning. Every time I have had home_time I have been home and on time!!!!( We don't run 48 states, just east coast) I hope this helps and good luck.