New Guy Here... Questions About Schneider

Hello Everyone!

I am going to be getting my Class A CDL (Minnesota) with any and every endorsement I can (thank you Dept. of VA voc. rehab) , and I am seriously thinking about Schneider as my first company. I would definitely like to go OTR with as much time as work as possible (I'm 40 have no family and I am hoping to retire overseas) and the company seems to have many employment opportunities. I have a valid TWIC and US Passport.

Any input on how well a rookie might do with the company?

You'll do great with Schneider; they give their drivers outstanding support. On the convenience side, their terminals are located along most of the major trucking lanes, so you're never too far from getting laundry done, their trucks are well-maintained and training is good; i rarely have to pull into a weigh station or DOT scale because I always get the in-cab message to "bypass." More importantly, you'll be given all the tools you need to become a successful driver, it's up to you to make use of them to develop into a good, better, or best driver. While i do drive for Schneider (bulk), I will admit most everything I wrote, could be said of most of the 'starter' companies. They all want you to succeed and will do everything they can to put you in that position. Good luck!

You'll do great with Schneider; they give their drivers outstanding support. On the convenience side, their terminals are located along most of the major trucking lanes, so you're never too far from getting laundry done, their trucks are well-maintained and training is good; i rarely have to pull into a weigh station or DOT scale because I always get the in-cab message to "bypass." More importantly, you'll be given all the tools you need to become a successful driver, it's up to you to make use of them to develop into a good, better, or best driver. While i do drive for Schneider (bulk), I will admit most everything I wrote, could be said of most of the 'starter' companies. They all want you to succeed and will do everything they can to put you in that position. Good luck!

Heres the basics on what you are trying to do. Brett and the other Moderators have said it well before: it doesn't matter whose name is on the side of that truck. Whoever you go with make sure you stick with it for that ever important first year. Then the opportunities will open up big time for you, especially if you stay SAFE and accident FREE. There are drivers on here that currently drive for Schneider and I am sure that they will give you their honest opinion on their experiences whenever they can find the time. The basics you should be looking for in a company are:

What type of freight you want to haul.

How often do you want to be home?

Types of equipment they use and have.

Whether you want to team or run solo once done with training.

Pet or passenger policy if this applies to you.

Most importantly of all imo anyway: What opportunities are available WITHIN your company.

Brett or Moderators, if I have left something out feel free to reply and let me know so he will know.

Anyway if you want to change divisions or do another type of trucking make sure your first company has those opportunities. From my experience the larger the carrier the more opportunities available for what you may be lookin for. What are you lookin for? Whats important to you? I would look into that before committing to a company.

These links will help you get started:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road Training Program

Read Brett's book there before doin anything else. It will help you determine what to look for or what to expect out here.

Also these may help out also:

Paid CDL Training Programs

Apply For Company-Sponsored Training

Or if you want the private school route:

Truck Driving School Listings

• Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing A Truck Driving School
• Article Category: Choosing A Truck Driving School
• Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Truck Driving School"

Anyway welcome to Trucking Truth. We are glad to have ya here and are also glad to answer any questions you may have.

Thanks Pete B.!

Mind asking a few quick questions? I learn new things by the day, and since you're with them, maybe you might have an answer before I start bugging some poor recruiter over the phone.

1. Though I will have my schooling paid for by the Veterans Dept., will Schneider still compensate me the $200.00/wk for the "cost" of my CDL?

2. My current geographic location is a means to an end, and to be honest, I am kind of a reformed drifter. Would Schneider allow for me to, during my "home" time, allow for me to take said time in another state? Or, do I have to report to the location I got hired from?

Example... I live in Indiana. I have my CLass D and A CDL from Indiana and was hired in Indiana, but my woman lives in Georgia. Can I get my "home" time in Georgia?

3. With so many options for truckers such as OTR , regional , intermodal , etc... is it possible to switch between say OTR to intermodal in my first year if need be?

Thank you

Hello Dennis,

Regarding your first question, I too, am receiving VocRehab benefits from the VA and am currently in CDL school. We had a recruiter from Schneider come and visit us a few weeks back...I asked him the same question, "Would I still qualify for tuition reimbursement even if it was paid for via VA's VocRehab program?". He stood there and said regardless of how it was paid you would still be eligible for the $200 reimbursement.

Not sure how much weight his statement holds, but we may find out as I have them on my short list. Good luck!

I started with Schneider and averaged 10,000 miles per month the first year. That was with five days per month hometime.

Also, I live in Florida, but visited multiple times in Columbus, OH near my best friend and Carlisle, PA near family and attended my Son's wedding (SNI gave me time off for that).

Also, I went as far north as Minnesota and Maine, south to Laredo (many times and without being stuck there, like other companies), west to Los Angeles and...well, all over.

Bottom line; it was a great company for me to start with and enough opportunities you can stay for a whole career.

Good luck! And thanks for your service!

Dennis, to answer your questions, starting with (1) tuition reimbursement: sorry, but can't answer your specific scenario. I paid out of-pocket, so I'm getting reimbursed. As another party is writing your checks, not sure if you're still entitled. But I will say that if you get it in writing (email) from your recruiter, it will happen, you will get reimbursed. My recruiter handled my tuition reimbursement and sign-on bonus. So get it in writing. (2) yes you will be able to take advantage of parking at a Schneider OC or approved park location other than where you have been assigned, when taking time off. That is something you will coordinate with your 'driver business leader.' (3) sorry, again cannot answer this specific question; if a position is available and you meet the minimum requirements, i don't see why not. Definitely ask/bug the recruiter about this, it's what they get paid to do. Make him/her earn their dollar!

I hope this helps; keep us abreast of your progress, and don't be afraid to ask questions, of us or the recruiters.

Again, Pete B., thank you so much for your input. Question two was the big one as far as what I was dying to get answered!

I will have $2000 in out of pocket tuition expenses after my GI Bill coverage (not as much remaining as I thought, but $3000 paid is $3000 paid). My trucking school allows for financing at $200/month and Schndr pays out such (seems like an industry-wide standard billing/reimbursement plan)... so that is a zero-sum game.

As far as question number three... man, once I park that truck in Florida... Florida is my new home.

Ok Dennis, hopefully some day we'll bump into each other, whether you're with Schneider or someone else.