Schneider- 18 mo commit??
 

I just got off the phone with a young lady at schneider. She said my app looked good, etc. Everything was going fine until she got to the part about an 18 month commitment. I even asked her to repeat the commit, she said 18 months.
Does anyone know about or heard of this. EVERYTHING I have seen or heard was a 12 month commit. Even on their site it states a 12 month commit. Is this a ploy? What gives? I was ready to commit ( financing fell thru on the local school), but 18 months changes things. Any suggestions!!




"ALL THE WAY" 8)

Schneider seems to be a good training company. But raising it to 18 months is lame. That's how they get a lot of their money. They know a lot of people will quit before 18 months and have to pay back $4k. That's what I hate about these companies that train you to get your CDL.

But yeah, I've heard they changed it from 12 months to 18 months now; that's unfortunate.

Boy, that is a tough one. If you really want to become a driver, they aren't the worst company to work for. I put in 7 years with them and, up until toward the end with a new STL (boss), they always treated me fairly. Like my employer, they have a huge freight base so miles aren't a problem. But I have to warn you, despite what they tell you, getting home isn't a top priority. That is the reason I finally walked...

My wife decided she wanted to ride with me. Soon she wanted to become a driver so SNC trained her in Montebello CA. So we started teaming and after about 6 months we fell victim to one of the hazards they don't warn you about when your spouse is with you full time: she became pregnant. She quit a few months later but SNC never came after us for teh money. I stayed on a few more years but, as mentioned before, they would not get me home on time and it became a problem with having a baby so I walked.

Anyway, I don't want this to be about me. Thought I'd share. SNC isn't that bad of a company. I liked them until getting home became a major issue.

18 month
 

I beileve that only applys to people in tx I dont know the reason for this but I have seen this brought up before. I think that is strange as well.

I went to Sage and paid a little over 4000. So what if you end up quitting. Get another job and pay it back. At least you will get your schooling.

Forget the company-sponsored grist mills. Check out your local community college or state-funded vo-tech program. You'll get a much better bang for your buck and you won't owe your soul to the company store afterwards. Better yet, no slaving away for a year under the thumb of some Captain Ahab/Stapler Guy dispatcher.

You'll be free to chart your own destiny along the Highpay Highway. That in itself is it's own reward!

schneider
 

I was accepted at schneider also and thought it was a good idea until I researched a little more... Willis shaw express offered to send me to school for 2500/one year contract would be forgiven. I decided on Maverick Transport instead I want to give flat bedding a try...also crst malone ,and several others have same plan...just keep looking and keep your eyes open its your money and time not theirs you dont have to give it away if you dont want to....wonderman

That is Not how they get "Alot" of their Money.
so what would you like-Free training and then Skip out?

Why else would they raise it to 18 months? They know people quit before 12 months. Therefore people will have to pay back $4k plus interest. I assume Schneider is making a lot of money off of those training contracts. I rememebr reading about it several months ago on pumpkindriver.com - But if I was going to commit to something, then i'd try my best to stick with it; and no I wouldn't expect free training. But it cost about $2k or so to train one person to get their CDL. Yet they ask them to pay back over $4-5k. So for every person who washes out, they make around $2k. And I bet a lot wash out. I would love to see their statistics

I drove for Schneider when the Old Man was still there and Schneider has more than enough freight to haul and enough trucks to haul it and "Making money" from training people is the furthest thing in their minds.
By the way, training is free is you actually fullfill your committment to them. If somebody quits it's their own tough luck.

Yes, tough luck indeed. I'm not knocking Schneider. But if that is the reason they are making it 18 months instead of 12, then people better think real hard about joining them and accepting their free training.

I cannot qualify for ANY tuition assistance around here. Believe me, I have been trying for over a month. My options are limited here. No matter what the "reason", I keep getting turned down. I would LOVE to go to my local community college training, but it doesn't matter if its $5 or $5000.00. If you don't have it, you don't have it!!!! All that government money you think is out there to help you in rough times is just a scam. So far all I've seen is a bunch of pencil pushers who have no intention of getting you any help.
Unfortunatley, I'm a healthy, non-drug addicted, non-alchoholic. I don't have 4 kids out of wedlock by 4 different fathers/mothers. I have NO service related disabilities. I can actually read and write. Should I go on. I"m just one of the dummies who's worked hard, paid taxes, and kept my nose clean. THAT my freinds, qualifies you for "diddly-squat" in the modern world.
SSOOO, The ONLY option left is carrier sponsored. I actually was prepared to sign with Schneider, ( I don't mind the commit, I don't mind paying my dues to get into the industry) BUT, 18 months seems excessive to me.
In my world, if you are a company that is even close to what your recruitment literature say's, you wouldn't NEED to have a 18 month commit. To me thats a BIG red flag. MOST drivers will stay with you if you treat them like you SAY you will. I know that MOST Drivers just want to be treated FAIRLY. If anyone is actually paying attention, you can pretty much figure out the decent companies on these boards. I'm not a driver yet, but even I can figure out who the best companies to work for are!!!
Any suggestions for carrier sponsored traing for someone in central texas?



"ALL THE WAY" 8)

are you a Vet? If so contact a VA Rep.

I have talked to 5 different vet reps in different agencies. SUPPOSEDLY there is NO vet funding in this area unless I am 20% service related disabled. Then on top of that the vet funding at the school is SUPPOSEDLY only for people who entered the service FROM texas. I entered from California (but don't tell anybody). ACCORDING TO THE SCHOOL, thats the only way I can get Vet funding here.
If I could get vet funding at another school I would be more than happy to do it, but I haven't located them yet. I have lived in Texas since '93





"ALL THE WAY" 8)

If you resided in California you wouldn't have to pay a single cent for training, and no contract, at Schneider. By Calirfornia law, Schneider can't charge you or make you sign a contract. So if you have family there or something, maybe that is an option for you. Other than that, If I had to choose another company that sponsors training, it'd be Millis or Maverick. Maverick is strictly flatbed though.

18 Month Commitment
 

Did you ask about the 18 months at pumpkindriver.com? Don't get state and federal (VA) veterans education benefits confused. Tuition reimbursement is paid by the first company you go with after school. BOL

As I said before This was the first I had heard of the 18 months. I did not see anywhere on their site that said anything BUT 12 months. I even made her repeat it.
AGAIN, IN MY AREA, there are ONLY 2 options for vets to cover financing. I was told by one vet rep that federal funding was un-available due to "lack of funding" for the program and that they pulled out of this area. I can only relay what they have told me, several times.





"ALL THE WAY" 8)

whoever told you that VA funding for that particular school in Texas and them telling you funding is only available IF you entered the Military FROM Texas is full of (*)_
If you're close to a VA Hospital each hospital has a VA Rep and Service Officers from American Legion, VFW, VVA, etc etc.
Talk to one of these guys or call them.

Many states offer specific benefits for veterans that are natives of that state. In order to qualify the home of record on your DD-214 must have an in-state address. In this case, the Texas program Takaratay probably referred to is the Hazlewood program. This program helps Texas veterans who have run out of regular V.A. benefits. It may be used in other ways as well for all I know.
Takaratay, I start my CDL training on Monday at the Weatherford College Driving Academy located in Mineral Wells, Tx. from what I'm told, the school allows one student per class to enroll under the Hazlewood program, and no, I'm not a Texas native (Thank GOD!) so I don't qualify for it either. I have the cash but I'm still looking at applying for regular V.A. educational benefits since I have some of it left.
Takaratay, since I don't know exactly where you live or what your requirements are for a job It's hard to recommend alternatives to Schneider. I can say that a few companies use Weatherford College to train their drivers here in the DFW area. The commitment with these companies is probably 12 months. Drop me a P.M. if you would like info on what companies will pay for your training here.

Yoopr! By the way, I'm a proud native of the great State of Michigan...a proud Michigander! Even though I am an apple knocker/Troll :wink:

Dana

I know they're probably full of s***. But I could not even get the application from the school, because as I said. I was told at the SCHOOL FUNDING OFFICE that I don't qualify for vet funding because I did not enter the military FROM Texas. They wouldn't even give me the application. I HAVE BEEN seeking other vet avenues, but with no success.
I have been in contact with other LOCAL vet services. GOD FORBID they should all be from one place/agency. The closest vet hospital is in temple, about 90 miles from here

Theres something hidden here.

If you want to go to school for something there is always a way to do it! Dont sell your soul to any company!

If you are married and have kids you should get a Pell Grant, and finance the rest. its that easy. have you actually gone to a CDL school and sit down and try to figure something out?

I heard the word pencil pusher, but you need to talk to a Financial aid person. THEY WILL HELP YOU!

If that fails then save some $$ and go down to Joe and Franks Truck driving school down under the bridge somewhere. get your CDL, and learn the rest from the wonderfull drivers out there on the road.

Its cool how a good attitude on the CB will get you a lot of information.
If I hear someone honestly and properly asking for help on the CB. I always am honest and try to help them the best I can...... TRY TRY TRY If you really want to drive? DO IT!

just call service officer from vfw-legion-vva-dav-they give you services at no cost to you.

I wouldnt worry much about Schneider. I dont know anything about trucking as I am a newb as well. But Schneider was one of the companies on my list to call.

When I applied, they offered me a dedicated walmart run out of Louisville,Ky. Guaranteed 2700 miles a week and home every weekend. Paid training, with a 12 month contract. Schneider doesnt seem to have a track record of lying to recruits and this is by far the sweetest deal I have heard from any company. Probably where I will end up.

18months seems like a while, But reading around here and doing my research. I have not found many people who have had alot of trouble filling that commit with Schneider.

BOL

Thanks!!!! Yoopr

Also Thanks to Drakmare. Yes, IF you get a good run/ runs, that would be a sweet deal. BUT IF NOT, 18 months would be a nightmare.



" ALL THE WAY" 8)

Get with a school that is VA approved. Then go to the VA website and look under education benefits for the GI bill. You can apply online for your GI Bill benefits. That is of course if you paid your $1200 the first year in the service and you have not been out for more than 10 years or have not used all of it already. Central Texas College in Killeen has a driver training program. There are a few more schools around Texas. You have Tri-State in Prairie Hill, Cowtown in Ft Worth. If you are looking for a company sponsored program, Willis Shaw has a very good program. The will send you to Drumwright, OK for training and put you with a trainer for 10000 miles at (used to be) $350 per week. They are a good driver friendly company. I drove for them before I came back into the service, and I got good miles.

As to the 18 month deal, I spoke with Schneider a couple of weeks ago and was told the 18 month obligation was for their bulk division training in Dallas. If I wanted the dry van training (in Charlotte), it was only a 12 month hitch.

Danger Will Robinson! Danger! BS Levels rising. Its either a difficult account that no experienced driver wants or it is classic bait-n-switch.

It could be OK thought, my experience delivering locally to Wally World here in Reno has been good; but I'm LTL.

Read the fine print on the contract, Caveat Emptor. I know Swift has some Dollar Tree or Dollar General Accounts that involve hand unloading entire trailers and difficult backing into busy parking lots.

Try your local employment office for school funding. Here in Florida they will send you to truckdriving school(or any other tech school) if you are unemployed.
There is also another agency in Orlando, Fl that I used to go to school called Lifestrides. They assist people who have stayed in shelters such as the Salvation Army. They paid for me to go to a state school($18,00), the only thing I had to pay was the books and license.
In Florida there is also an agency called Voc Rehab. You have to have a disability in order to use them.(you can tell them you're a druggy or alcoholic). They take a long time to approve you but they pay for everything.
In Florida I guess they help you more than they do in the state of Texas. MOVE.

I looked into Schneider and when they said 18 months I changed my mind.

Roel has a paid school and training. They are out of WI, and are hiring out of Texas. I called them but the guy I talked to was a bit of an ass. He was not the guy who handles the training part though...I think I have heard good comments about him on the board.

I have also been looking for funding ...it's not easy. Looks like I'm gonna have to get the high rate financing for Roadmaster and then get a job and refinance it at a lower rate.

Good luck.

Central Ref
 

Have you looked at Central Refrigerated? I'm in their school now. The school is in Dallas. You start on Monday of week one and end on Saturday of week two. Then you go to orientation on Monday of week three for three days. Then you will go out with a trainer for 28 days. They will then assign you a truck and send you home for 4-5 days before your first dispatch.

Central will pay for 1800 of 3000 for school and will payroll deduct $100 a month for 12 months. They pay $150 a month for 12 months. If you leave before the 12 month mark whatever has been paid by you and the company goes towards your balance. They are not like Schneider or others that hold you for the full amount should you leave 1 day short of your contract end date.

The classes are also smaller. I saw the Schneider class at the DPS office when we took our CDL written. They had about 30+ students compared to our 11.

Apparently Schneider is having a problem with Drivers quiting after 12 months. This must be their way to improve driver retention...Pretty Sad.
I have been with Schneider for 6 mos and my contract is for 12 months.
I found this site because I am considering a move after 12 months. They have great freight if you team but are unable to get you home.

I drive for schneider. Truck 59774. I teamed the first month and had a terrible partner so i went solo. I founda dedicated account that i liked. I run procter and gamble dedicated. I get between 2700-3300 miles a week and i get home every otherweekend. I have had no problems getting home. It really depends on your stl. My TE had the same stl i have and she has been with them 6 years. But whatever you do make sure you get on a dedicated account. Do not accept system. System pays higher but miles are screwy. As low as 1300 a week. But there are so many dedicated it isnt funny. Some buddies run dedicated JC penny out of atlanta. They are home every day and weekends. They are paid salary since its all short hauls. They make 750 a week before taxes. Thats not bad for a job you get home that much on. Only downside is its night runs.
I started with schneider in march and it was only 12 month contract then i have heard nothing about 18 month so i dont know. But like i said it all depends on The STL dif ones pay you slightly diff since they handle the pay. Like my old team stl did not pay layover for 34 hour resets. Brandi does. I am 1 who doesnt like to stop when i star driving so i normally runout of hours in 5 days get a layoverday paid and still get to run another day on that weeks check. then i am running out of hours again right as i go home. Hometime again depends on the stl i run 12 days take 3 off some stls only give 1 day per week your out some give 6 days a month.

For a starter company there are much much worse choices out there. As far as equipment. Thats only sore spot i have. A month after i started they switched to automatics for new drivers. I have a 02 truck with 600k runs great just beat a bit from prior drivers. But they are giving brandnew automatics to students and replacing their older company rucks at amuch slower rate. Even so am due anew tractor in febuary so long as nothing happens to this 1.

As far as oc's go I have only seen 1 other companies oc's and Schneider has those beat by far. Most of our oc's are nicerthan the average truckstop by far. Complete with small weight rooms. The bulk oc's (tanker div) theirs are alittle less impressive but they areallowed to use van oc's so is no big deal.

Ok complaints now so i give both sides of the story.
Like i said my tractor is a bit old andhad some problems. Mainence did not want to fix those becuase of it being close to trade in i had to talk to a safety rep to get maintence to do anything. But once safety rep told them to do it they fixed every issue i had with it. Mainence also depends on what oc you go to. Like atlana is worthless as is saint louis. Evergreen is freakin awesome. They are like mcguiver or someshit. I have never had them complain or make me wait for parts.

Directions+ they use maptoit and needless to say they are severely lacking. But they also have whats called old scn directions which were wroe by drivers and you can send in requests to have them changed if somehing changes. Old sni dirctionsare local only so u gotta get to the city first. Between the 2 sets of directions and a atlas have very few probs.

Pay is somewhat less than other companies. I started at 27c i just got my first raise at 6 months to 29c and in march i get anoher 2 c rais to 31c There is also rumors of a 2c raice across the Board i hope so. System does pay 2c amile more but i hate liveloads. The account i run i 90% drop hook. (This is from experince over last 5 months) So i consider the 2 cent cu worth it.

2cd and 3rd Shift are worthless. If you want something done make sure its done on first shift or call 2-3 and tell them step by step what needs to happen.

The free wireless internet in oc's isnt in all the oc;s yet only greenbay and3 others i not sure which.( i use a broadband cingularcard)

We dont get to keep our fuelcard points from pilots and ta's and petro like other drivers.

Hmm thats all i can think of for now if i rember anything esle i will edit. But i should go to bed. Hope this helps .

Schneider is having a job fair soon. I plan on attending. See whats goin on.

Its still only 1 year. I think thats the way it should be anyway.