So, For a guy like me, who doesnt have alot of money, but wants to get into the solo seat. A place like Schneider would be a really good bet right? Im just trying to sort out all the opinions to make the best educated guess. Schneider has a training facility near to where I live (Charlotte, NC) and from what Ive read, they would give the best training and allow me to be OTR for the best beginners pay, am I correct in assuming this?

 

Here is the problem as I see it.

Alot of people start driving a truck, but few become truck drivers. This is because most can't handle being a truck driver....lack of miles, alone on the road, low pay to start, time away from your family, along with any number of thing that can and will go wrong while your in the middle of nowhere, and it's -10 degrees outside. And this is just the tip of the iceburg.

My advice to you is NOT to commit to a long term contract just to get your CDL if your not sure you are going to like driving 3 months later. Try to find a local job to start, and see if your going to like it first. If you need a CDL, go to the school....you might try to see if your state has a program where they will train you at no cost....

I started with a class B, and after 3 years, upgraded to class A.

Just my .02

 

Thats the way to go right there because he's right on the money . :lol:

 

That's a good way to go , or have the state pay for your schooling if your qualified . 5 out of the 12 in my class got there schooling 100% paid .

 

My husband and I are about to start with Schneider at their Dallas Academy on February 21st. I am thinking along the lines you are. Although we are going to team and not going solo, they looked like the best company for us to start with. Their beginning pay is decent for no experience and from what I can tell their training is top notch. Also, for the past two years we have worked a part time job escorting semi's with high value loads. Most all of the trucks we escorted were Schneider. I would venture to say that in the two years that we have been doing this, I have only ran across maybe 2-3 drivers that were disgruntled. All the others pretty much stated that they were all getting all the miles that they wanted and they were keeping busy. If you can get used to the lifestyle change and make this a career, then there is definitely money to be made and it looks like they will keep us running. I look forward to my career with Schneider. Only time will tell though.

 

You're right, Splitter. I just had a phone interview with Scheider today, and the recruiter told me that there would not be a contract if I attended their training in Fontana, CA. When I posted a question on another thread as to why there would be no contract, I received the following response from Scoe, the moderator: