Profile For Matthew N.

Week 2, Day 1. We have 5 total left in our class. some people did not return from the weekend. The new group of 1st week students arrived today. I did end up getting a roommate, but he's pretty chill. I bought pizza last night to welcome all the new comers. And to give them a run down of what to expect the first week. Today my group did our road qualifications test. We all passed. Instructors told us that some people still need help with backing, and coupling/uncoupling, which will take up the next couple days. I was able to find out that I have a Training Engineer in my hometown, So I wont have to travel after I get back home for the reset. I believe tomorrow we will have a detailed instructional class on using our tablets to accept, create, and edit loads. Setting up fuel cards. and more items that involve the tablet. I also learned that Schneider no longer provides Tuition Reimbursement for Dedicated Drivers. This effects me, but its not too much of an issue. I was able to cover my own CDL Tuition when i went to Sage.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were all the same. We spent time in the yard, working on our backing, pretrip, post trip, using the tablets for simulated dispatches. I found out that the tablets that are issued to you, stay with you. While your employed with Schneider. Basically your driving life will revolve around your tablet. We spent time on the road, both city and highway driving. One thing that is emphasized over and over, is Safety. If an instructor thinks your a safety risk, you will be sent home. We also spent some time on the Driving simulator. they teach you how to correct a skid, recover from a steer blowout, stab braking, and winter driving. Friday a winter storm rolled in, so we didint do much driving. Safety pulled us off the lot after lunch. It is now Sunday. Its been nice not having a roommate, I was actually able to get some sleep, and wake up on time. Im not sure how many students are supposed to arrive at the hotel today. I will find out if I have to share the room or not hopefully in a couple hours. the week 2 students all left yesterday to go home for Reset, before meeting up with their Training Engineers. All in all, Week 1 was fairly easy, but fast paced. If you dont have the will power, you wont make it. Trucking, and being thousands of miles away from family for weeks at a time isn't for everyone. Nice things about the Indianapolis Operations Center, they're open 24/7. they have free laundry services, showers, Cafeteria is open from breakfast to dinner. They have company vehicles that driver and students can use, Only for an hour at a time though. Lets see what week 2 brings.

Day 2 done. Morning we spent working on the tablet, completing videos and modules. DOT Drug testing was done. pretty boring morning. After lunch we spent some time in the yard learning coupling and de coupling. How to safely get in and out of the trailers. Yard was still pretty messed up with snow, so we were not outside for long. We worked more on the tablets, and were done by 16:00.

My hotel roommate, who was a 2nd weeker, was let go today. So I have the room to myself until next Monday when we get new trainees. Another 2nd weeker smacked a building with a trailer, ripping off the steps. Needless to say hes not here anymore either. Tomorrow we will be paired up with road trainers, and spend some time out on the streets.

Good Day Everyone. 2 weeks ago I signed up for Schneider. I had previously completed my CDL A through SAGE in Rome, NY. I saw Schneider is hiring for a dedicated account near where I live. Recruiter got me set up with Orientation in Indianapolis. Today was day 1. I will try to update daily on how this is going, and answer anyone's questions. Apparently they have changed a few things for new classes going forward.

Pre Orientation: Schneider works with a company called Fox World Travel for getting people to and from Orientations. My recruiter went into every detail on what to bring, what to expect, and what Schneider expects from me. Fox Travel sent me an email with my Itinerary, 2 flights, and a small lay over. Great, all set.

Sunday (yesterday) was my travel day. leaving for Syracuse airport at 2AM sucked. Flight was supposed to leave at 06:25. we didn't start Taxiing until 9ish due to snow. thats fine. Still made Chicago in time for the connecting flight. Now I have never flown before. The turbulence from SYR to Chicago was enough for me. So I decided to make other arrangements, to get to Indy. I had one checked bag (mostly clothing) that they said they couldn't get off at Chicago. I said thats fine, Ill pick it up in Indy. When I got to Indy, the flight was supposed to have landed. That wasn't the case. In the 3 hour travel time for me, the plane left Chicago, but returned 30 minutes later. I didn't know Indy was getting hammered with a massive snow storm. So the flight was canceled. I figured great, at least i didn't waste the time with a rental car. But the more I thought, I remembered crap. My checked bag wont arrive today. Fox Travel was supposed to have a taxi pick me up from the Indy Airport. Called the taxi company, and of course they said no drivers available. I should have mentioned I tried calling Fox Travel (supposedly has a 24/7 on call) several times throughout the day. no one ever answered. So Uber it is. Finally get to the Hotel around 18:00. My group is staying at the Comfort Inn. Not a bad hotel. Free breakfast, but its pretty limited. Schneider rooms are double bunked. But obviously not co-ed. I roomed with a guy who was just starting his second week. After a crappy day I was too tired and just passed out.

Monday, Day 1: woke up at 04:45, Breakfast starts at 05:15. Shuttle bus is supposed to pick up at 06:00. while eating breakfast, we all got an email saying that the bus wont be there until 9, because of the snow. thats fine, I ate and went back to sleep. took the bus at 9, and we got to the Operations Center that is about 1,000 yards away. There are 2 instructors. one for first week people, and another for 2nd week people. First day we did alot of videos. Learning the tablets. Meeting the staff. Receiving your Hazmat training and certification. Also first day you will fill out a paper log. second day onward you will fill out logbook on tablet. Lunch is served at the cafeteria at the OC. And its Free. Theres alot of food choices to choose from. We went back into the classroom, worked on more safety videos. We all got our boot check (Must be non slip foot ware, if you dont have it, they will sell you boots/shoes at $35). We were given safety vests and winter straps for foot ware. Vests and all safety equipment must be worn on the site, every day. We left the OC for our hotel at 15:30. At least the hotel has a gym and a pool. Also side note, the front desk of the hotel will rat on you to Schneider. No Alcohol, No Visitors. On day 1, we had one person who was cut from the class (dont know why).

I will keep you all informed tomorrow .