The Open Road Is Calling!

[Midnight Flyer]

Went into our local Wally World this afternoon and noticed a pumpkin truck parked in the lot. While inside there was the driver with the words "Schneider National" proudly emblazoned on his cap. Got to talking to him and he said his company is begging for drivers and said with a little refresher training (it's been three years since I've driven but still have my Class A with Hazmat) I could be out there amongst them.

Guys, I've got a new job operating a CNC machine and making $10/hr. I know it ain't much but I'm making $160/month payments on a student loan that put me through trucking driving school and that schooling is wasted. Plus I've got a girlfriend who's wanting to get serious NOW (as in the M word; "I don't care if we got married in a truck stop," she said the other night). Plus I could better take care of my family as my dad, who has cancer, is in a nursing home and my mom has our church family and neighbors to help watch after he and she.

The short time I drove for Werner was one of the most enjoyable periods of my life. I loved to shift those gears without grinding 'em, to hear that Qualcomm squeak and beep, to back that rig (sometimes) seamlessly into that spot at the truck stop, to smell those diesel fumes and hear that 500 HP Detroit whine. Yeah, I know it ain't an easy life but just when I was getting used to it and having fun it got yanked out from under me (medical problems and daughter and now ex-son-in-law constantly fighting) and now I'm in a better position to put it to use.

So Yoop, Gman, Scoe, Uglymutt, Rev. Vassago, and all my other brothers and sisters here on CAD, do you guys think I'm nuts for wanting to get back on the road? Do y'all think Schneider is a good company? I know it might take some time to get used to driving a 73' long vehicle that bends in the middle again but I could do it just like I got used to it when I was in trucking school. I value everyone's opinion a great deal. 8)

[Roadhog]

I like running down the road.

Good to hear your family is well loved and supported, and also sounds like you have a fantastic mate. If this job will make you happy...by all means.
It also will be a pleasure hearing of your road experiences, and when I see an Orange Truck...I'll think of you.

[yoopr]

The Open Road Is Calling!

Tell it nobody by that name lives at your home :P
Seriously though--Follow your heart and dreams-If you don't you'll end up thinking "What If"

[shyykatt]

While its highly unlikely I'll ever drive truck, my heart races every time I see even a glipmse of a big rig; you obviously have a passion for it- and in my humble opinion, I think folks should rise above 'the rest of life', and do what they love the most- no matter how uncertain it may seem.

[El Segundo]

Go For It 8)

[yoopr]

Git R Done :P

[Jackrabbit379]

Hey Midnight Flyer, glad to hear that you are wanting to hit the road. I would. If you want to, go for it. Keep us updated. 8)

[ssoutlaw]

Went into our local Wally World this afternoon and noticed a pumpkin truck parked in the lot. While inside there was the driver with the words "Schneider National" proudly emblazoned on his cap. Got to talking to him and he said his company is begging for drivers and said with a little refresher training (it's been three years since I've driven but still have my Class A with Hazmat) I could be out there amongst them.

Guys, I've got a new job operating a CNC machine and making $10/hr. I know it ain't much but I'm making $160/month payments on a student loan that put me through trucking driving school and that schooling is wasted. Plus I've got a girlfriend who's wanting to get serious NOW (as in the M word; "I don't care if we got married in a truck stop," she said the other night). Plus I could better take care of my family as my dad, who has cancer, is in a nursing home and my mom has our church family and neighbors to help watch after he and she.

The short time I drove for Werner was one of the most enjoyable periods of my life. I loved to shift those gears without grinding 'em, to hear that Qualcomm squeak and beep, to back that rig (sometimes) seamlessly into that spot at the truck stop, to smell those diesel fumes and hear that 500 HP Detroit whine. Yeah, I know it ain't an easy life but just when I was getting used to it and having fun it got yanked out from under me (medical problems and daughter and now ex-son-in-law constantly fighting) and now I'm in a better position to put it to use.

So Yoop, Gman, Scoe, Uglymutt, Rev. Vassago, and all my other brothers and sisters here on CAD, do you guys think I'm nuts for wanting to get back on the road? Do y'all think Schneider is a good company? I know it might take some time to get used to driving a 73' long vehicle that bends in the middle again but I could do it just like I got used to it when I was in trucking school. I value everyone's opinion a great deal. 8)

73' truck and trailer with Pumpkin, they lied to you....lol

[vavega]

is there any possibility you could wait until everything is settled with your dad? i'd hate to see you out in 5thandjapip and not being able to get home quick enough. other than that, i'll stare at every schneider i pass :shock: wondering if it's you. :wink:

[GMAN]

I think life is too short to do something you don't enjoy. If you really want to get back into a truck, I say go for it. I would not want to lease a truck to Schneider, I think that they would probably be a good company for which to drive. I have known a few who have driven for them and most seem to be happy with their choice. They can't be all bad. They have Tennessee colors. :wink:

[Aligator]

I'm not optimistic.
Girlfriend? After you're married, it'll drive you nuts. You're going to marry her and then leave for 12 out of 14 days? And what are you going to do when you have kids?

Your dad will pass away while you're gone.

I think you should wait until some other day. I waited nearly 30 years, but my day came. Yours will, too.

BOL

[Scoe]

I think SNI is one of the finest of the larger OTR carriers out there. I worked for them from '97 to '99 as a dispatcher (transportation planner) and a recruiter. Now this was before they started offering training in lieu of a one year commitment, so things may have change based on some of the negative reviews I've read on here.

When I was there they were very driver friendly and dispatching was easy as if the driver didn't like his dispatch he had an intermediary, an STL, who would check with me and see what else was available when possible.

[shyykatt]

I'm not optimistic.

Gee, had me fooled :?

[eastern ontario]

Went into our local Wally World this afternoon and noticed a pumpkin truck parked in the lot. While inside there was the driver with the words "Schneider National" proudly emblazoned on his cap. Got to talking to him and he said his company is begging for drivers and said with a little refresher training (it's been three years since I've driven but still have my Class A with Hazmat) I could be out there amongst them.

Guys, I've got a new job operating a CNC machine and making $10/hr. I know it ain't much but I'm making $160/month payments on a student loan that put me through trucking driving school and that schooling is wasted. Plus I've got a girlfriend who's wanting to get serious NOW (as in the M word; "I don't care if we got married in a truck stop," she said the other night). Plus I could better take care of my family as my dad, who has cancer, is in a nursing home and my mom has our church family and neighbors to help watch after he and she.

The short time I drove for Werner was one of the most enjoyable periods of my life. I loved to shift those gears without grinding 'em, to hear that Qualcomm squeak and beep, to back that rig (sometimes) seamlessly into that spot at the truck stop, to smell those diesel fumes and hear that 500 HP Detroit whine. Yeah, I know it ain't an easy life but just when I was getting used to it and having fun it got yanked out from under me (medical problems and daughter and now ex-son-in-law constantly fighting) and now I'm in a better position to put it to use.

So Yoop, Gman, Scoe, Uglymutt, Rev. Vassago, and all my other brothers and sisters here on CAD, do you guys think I'm nuts for wanting to get back on the road? Do y'all think Schneider is a good company? I know it might take some time to get used to driving a 73' long vehicle that bends in the middle again but I could do it just like I got used to it when I was in trucking school. I value everyone's opinion a great deal. 8)

FILL YOUR BOOTS as we say up here.

I'd do it tomorrow, first thing! You must have diesel running through your veins Reviews of Schneider in Canada are also good. They would be my choice.

Best to you Midnight Flyer. Keep us posted.

[trux]

do you guys think I'm nuts for wanting to get back on the road? 8)

Yes.

Life is WAyyyyyyyyyy shorter than you might think. Don't wait, you could have a heart attack next week.

Go do it now.

[wot i life]

Good luck to you mate. You deserve a break

[futuredude]

Now this was before they started offering training in lieu of a one year commitment, so things may have change based on some of the negative reviews I've read on here.

I start training with Schneider Bulk Haul on May 26. They now require an 18 month contract committment. But, I reckon its well worth it.

SNI has a reputation for offering top notch training. They also provide among the highest newbie compensation in the biz and excellent advancement opportunity. Everyone I've talked to about Schneider had great things to say.

In the end, like anything in life, its all what you make of it.

IMHO, SNI is the best choice for me. I will happily follow up with my experience as the training and OJT progresses.