My plans with Schneider National
 

I'm planning to drive for SNI in the next few weeks and here's why;

1) In-house training is quoted as being top notch---
If your going to do it, do it right and get it straight from the horses mouth.

2) Training is quick---
I cannot go more than a month without getting some dollars into the bank account, thus the outside school is out.

3) Pay Certainty Program---
First 6 months are guarenteed $500/ week. If I get stuck on I-5 going up the hill into Oregon during winter, I'm covered.

4) CDL training is free---
I don't need another bill.

5) Training is not half a country away---
A lousy excuse but 24 hours on a stinky Greyhound is not appealing.

Why I'm not going with the others?

Swift---
Very bad rap on the message boards.

Central Refer---
Their CDL program is paid back through payroll deduction. I'm not taking on another lifestyle to get another bill.

Prime---
Their CDL program has you with a trainer forever, something like 8 months. Too long for me having someone look over my shoulder.

CR England---
Almost as bad reputation as Swift. CDL school is paid through payroll deduction.

CRST---
All-team company. I have no teaming partner. I wouldn't sleep well in a moving truck. I don't play well with others so driving with someone 22 hours a day would be suicide for both of us.


MST---
Atleast 4 weeks until paychecks start to flow. Way too long.

Stevens---
This was my second choice but couldn't get any answers regarding their CDL school, timeline, locations, etc.

So if anyone can offer any other piece of information on Schneider or these other companies I'd greatly appreciate it.

Schneider
 

Have you posted this at pumpkindriver.com? BOL

How is the training at Pumpkin Free? It it the "free" if you stay around for a year variety?

I'm going the same route you are with Schneider, I applied yesterday. The guarantee of $500 is nice especially starting out. I do want to earn more than that, i made that when i was 17 years old :lol:

The last 6 months of your tuition term is the catch though, hopefully you'll still make around $500 a week or more.

I'm not to happy about the automatics I'll be training on in harrisburg though. Someone said I'll have a chance later on to train on a manual. IF thats the case I'll work sith SNI. Why would someone go through school and not train on a manual shift when %90 of the industry uses manuals? That would limit my job prospects in the future not knowing how to drive a manual.

Think it over, if you quit you have to pay back the tuition and you won't know how to drive a manual for your next job.

I'd be leery of learning on an automatic. Many states put an Auto only restriction on your CDL if you test in one.

$500 a week for being away from home and putting up with OTR is a joke. Even as a newbie you can do better than that. At most train and stick around for 3 months until some of the somewhat better outfits will look at you.

I live in PA they don't put a restricition on your CDL for only autos. I want to be away from home my family is messed up can only be around them very rarely and stay sane. I'm 28 single, no kids, about $5k in debt. Any money other than food and necessities would be saved. I would have no apartment or house to pay for and only need money for 3 days at a motel when I'm off a month.

Why?
 

Why don't you go work on a cruise ship if you don't want to be home. Work 9 months and take off 3 months. All food and accomodations are included. Why work for slave wages and sleep in a truck for barely minimum wages? Think seriously about what you are getting yourself into.

check em out
 

I think you need to check out CFI. Before even thinking of any other company. Ive been there three months and havent made less than 800$ a week.

that $500 dollars is the LEAST amount they will guarantee...in other words you wont make less than that

Re: Why?
 

You can also do seasonal oil & gas work in the more Remote parts of Alaska, Wyoming, etc if you want to get away and make some $.

I don't know if they hire in your area but I've heard good stuff about Gordon.

I would also say see if any of the LTLs in your area have a dock-to-driver deal but it sounds like you want to run OTR and get the heck out of dodge.