Schneider's training process??

All the info you've gotten here is what I've gotten from Schneider as well. I have my CDL, but have been out of a truck for almost a decade. School I originally attended has a location where I now live, so I talked to them; they told me to make sure I had a company that would take a refresher rather than the full course before I signed up (requiring the full course over would have been a deal-breaker for me). Schneider said they'd start me as a new driver with a refresher no problem. I'm looking to start orientation in February. And truthfully, the refresher was helpful - the classroom portion was all review and easy for me, but I really needed the few sessions back in the truck to get comfortable and familiar again. Instructors made a point of treating me as an experienced driver (which I didn't expect!) and focused our time on the areas I needed to get back up to speed. Plus Schneider will reimburse me for the cost of the refresher. Another selling point for me is that Schneider seems to have a good orientation/training that doesn't involve a month or more of driving with a trainer at training pay - they seem to do a good job of getting you ready and out in a short amount of time (~18 days or so). Call the recruiter in your area and ask what they'll require for your situation/experience. I'll be interested to see what you decide & how it goes!

 

Yes. They pay up to 6k. But it needs to say so for the job you apply for.

Schneiderjobs.com. ads are accurate

 

Cityboy21, no problem. I went through Sage Truck School, and I don't think Schneider gave me an hours requirement on the refresher, though the recruiter regularly gives presentations at the school, so they're probably aware of what's involved. The cost was ~$3k for a 40-hour course (20 classroom/20 driving) - not cheap by any means, but the full 160 hour course is $6k, so I was okay with it. Sage may be more expensive than other places; I don't really know. But I had a great experience with them when I originally got my CDL (and parked my truck on their range once I was driving!), so I went back to them now. Schneider says they'll reimburse up to $6000 - so the $150/month continues until you're fully reimbursed. Again, I don't know about other schools, but Sage does one-on-one drive times, so the 20 hours driving was me and an instructor for the full 20 hours - not sharing time with other students. Not trying to sell them, and I'm sure there are other good options, but Sage has been good to me.

I'm looking at van side, likely dedicated with weekly home time (I'm in Pittsburgh). I could be interested in bulk - sounds similar to the dry bulk tank I pulled before, and the terminal is right here - but I didn't want to go through the extra training time for it right now. I really like that I can get started right away with van. The plan is to give it six months and then evaluate - whether to switch divisions or stay put. SNI seems to have a lot of good options.

Addition: @mickeyrat posted while I was typing - and that's a good point. I've been told reimbursement is available for the positions I'm looking at; make sure you confirm for any position you apply also.

 

I will respectfully disagree. I've had "experianced" guys come thru my truck that just need a little polishing and to learn company policy. Then I've had "experianced" guys who make 4 week cdl mill rejects look like million mile drivers.

One guy drove for a food service outfit - never had to back a truck up, never coupled, never pretripped, never post tripped, never fueled - the yard guys did it all.

We had a guy come in as an experienced hire who was given the option of joking the inexperienced class or going home. He came out on the road with me and I failed him for not being able to.clutch or shift. He said "real truckers float gears". I said "okay, show me how you float". He proceeded to mash the throttle to get it out of gear and the grrrrrrrooooounnnddddd in.

Not all experiences are the same. We assume you know nothing until proven otherwise.

 

And how does any company know one way or another?

Simple fact anything beyond 3 yrs raises a concern. Its not personal.

 

Speaking from personal experience, I have more than a 4 year hiatus from driving with 3 years experience prior to that. Schneider looked at my background, I maintained my Class A, all endorsements but no hazmat and recent DOT.

2 days from the time my resume was submitted to being extended a conditional offer for OTR. They are crediting me for having older experience making me eligible for sign-on bonus (payout over a year).

The Tanker division is not hiring out of my area and does require 6 mos. current. I have recent DOT Card but still have to take Schneider's DOT. I my case, they arrange for me to take DOT and drug screening locally prior to orientation which is scheduled for next week. They would like for every driver to have hazmat and passport (more CPM perks) which I am in process of obtaining. Starting base rate is top of .30 CPM.

This is not speculation nor hyper babble gents, but a real this week example. My expectations are low as to minimize any disappointment. But the real teat is after starting and getting behind the Schneider wheel - when the fat lady sings!