Schneider vs Knight

Here's my opinion: start with Schneider. The drivers are happier all around at Schneider, and they have a decent safety rating.

 

I am a SNI driver, and it is the only company I have ever been with. I have been happy with everything that most posters here complain about. The great draw to SNI originally for me, was I knew they had a couple hundred local jobs within about 40 miles of my house, so I figured if I grinded it out OTR , I could have a fast track to one of those local gigs without starting with a new company. When I first got hired by SNI i told everyone from the recruiter to my first DBL i was hoping to get in on a local gig. Less than 4 months after graduating trucking school, and less than 3 months from going to SNI orientation, I was given a local job. I work 4 days on, 3 days off, and am home everyday. You can send me a private message or search my other posts if you want to read or learn more of my experiences with SNI.

Either way, Good Luck.

Raid3r

 

I've talked with many drivers at Schneider, and I've talked with many drivers at Knight. The Schneider drivers were all around satisfied with the company. I used to drive for Knight, but turned in my keys after "completing" a two week notice that I submitted over the qualcomm. I gave those guys 13 months of my time, and I was not happy over there. Truck drivers have to deal with b/s no matter what company they work for, but the b/s was always abundant at Knight. Now I hear that Keith Knight is not even running the company anymore, so it will be interesting to see how things for the drivers will turn out.

Just don't have your hopes set too high for home-time. Expect to not get home on time, or not at all at times. Keep in constant communication with your dispatcher when you do submit a home time request. The common standard that I've seen is that 1 day of home time is earned for every 7 days of driving that you work. Some places it's 6. Then some places count your 34 hour reset as home time (which is complete crap). Some companies only let you take a certain amount of time off, and will slip-seat the truck if you're gone for more than a certain amount of time. When I worked at Knight, you would have to clean your truck out if you were going to take more than four days off. Each company is different, so make sure that you ask the right questions to the recruiters, or just talk to the drivers that work at some of these companies. Also, be sure to get opinions to gauge the overall job satisfaction. Naturally, a red flag will be raised if you hear too much complaining from some of these drivers over common issues.

Hey now, I'm one of those "hoppers" that has finally found a decent company that I'm satisfied with. ZERO issues whatsoever.

I "found" the owl off of the internet. It would be great to find the creator of the pic and ask for full rights for it! I have a habit of staying up all night, and I usually have no problems staying up and working throughout the entire night. When I have driven as a team, I was the one who would work the nights, so that never bothered me.

Lastly, don't limit yourself to two companies. Each has their ups and downs. The complaints will always outweigh the praise. I guess that people that are happier with their jobs complain less, spend more time being productive, and really don't complain that much online.

Hopefully you'll find what you're looking for. I will not tell you to "work here", or "don't work there" as the final decision is up to you. Do tell us how things have worked out for you though! Don't be afraid to ask questions to other drivers, and ask the "correct" questions to recruiters. Most of the time, they will tell you what you want to hear, so if something seems suspicious or "too good to be true", then make sure that you get everything in writing. Otherwise you will only set yourself up for disappointment if things turn south, or don't work out as planned.

 

For what its worth, I am also with SNI, no complaints. I have to say that at times it doesn't seem like I am getting the miles but at the end of the week they seem to be there. There were 8 of us that hired on at the same time, 4 are now local, 2 of us (me included) are home run and the other two are still OTR but that is where they want to be.
I can't say if its better than Knight but I wouldn't switch to find out.

 

Having worked for Knight for almost 1 year and Schneider for 14 months, I feel uniquely qualified to answer this question.

Without a doubt, my experience at Schneider was far and away alot better!!!
They have the freight to keep you earning and an excellent support network to assist you in case you have problems on the road.

Knight, however, has neither!!!

The only bad thing I can say about Schneider is that you are just a number but it is worse at Knight!

SNI has multiple terminals (they call them Operating Centers) often with showers, laundry facilities, and some have cafeterias where you can get decent food fairly cheap.

Knight's terminals suck!!!

SNI will actually fix your truck usually very quickly, Knight may take 1-1 1/2 days for an "A" service.

Any more questions, feel free to PM me.