Complaint Review: Schneider National

If you quit and go back, you don't need anything in writing, you've fulfilled your agreement by being employed by the company for a period of 365 days unless specific language is in your contract stating otherwise?

If such specific language is in the contract, should a community question why?

A standard employment agreement involving time is determined by revolutions around the sun, not what you put in your log book?

Again I see a post by supposed million miler Steve. tell me where in the FMSCR does it state an air conditioner is mandatory?

I've finished my training, and begun my new career as a truck driver for Schneider National. I think that this line of work is definately not for everyone - its not easy, and there are many rules to abide by if you want to get paid well.

I researched many truck driving schools before choosing Schneider, and spoke with many experienced drivers as well. I went in with no illusions. Many trucking companies offer paid training, but seem to present a rosier picture than what they will actually provide. I chose Schneider because they DIDN'T offer what they couldn't deliver. The pay scales they offered me were in fact less than what many others were trying to sell, but that told me that they likely were being more realistic, and never promised anything more than what I've found to be true.

I found that Schneider gave it to me honestly and in a straightforeward way; no one ever told me this would be easy, in fact they all stressed how difficult it would be, and that was no lie. But I feel Schneider lived up to it's end of the bargian thus far; they gave me enough training to pass my NC CDL test, and then put me on the road with a trainer who showed me the 'real world' of life as a trucker. I've been from Atlanta to New York to Chicago and back again, while surviving the many challenges placed before an individual choosing this career. But Schneider always gave me the straight scoop, I don't feel anyone there, from my recruiter through the many instructors, to my on the road trainer ever gave me any false impressions - they never said this would be easy, and believe me, it hasn't been. But I'm through the program, and running on my own now and feel that, although I am in no way an experienced driver at this point, I'm well prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

I may not be a great driver yet, but I'm at least a safe one, and I'd have to credit Schneider with that. I'm pleased with this company, and my experience with them to this point. The pay is reasonable, the benefits are good, and the people I've been working with seem genuinely concerned for my well being as well as that of my family. But this job is definately not for everyone. Many of the people who started training with the class I finished didn't make it. I had no great expectations beforehand, and I think that gave me some small advantage; I wasn't sure I could handle it, and yes it did seem somewhat like being in 'boot camp' at times, but the company has enormous liabilty and responsibilty in putting drivers on the road who can not only get the job done but get it done safely - no point was stressed more than safety. 'Safe and Legal!' 'Safety First and Always!' I hear these statements often, and its good, sound advice.

With regards to fuel charges and toll booths; Schneider made it clear to me that there are certain toll roads that are not equiped with the 'speedpass' that all the Schneider trucks I have driven are set up for, and the company will not reimburse drivers for tolls paid when using these roads without prior approval (they specifically noted Interstate 80/90 through Ohio and Indiana, among others). Schneider gave me a company card for use at designated fueling locations all across the country, and a map showing their locations. (Yes, many of them are indeed Pilot truck stops) Again with explicit instructions to not refuel elsewhere without prior approval from my team leader (dispatcher) as these unapproved expenses would not be reimbursed. They also gave me instruction on trip planning so that I'd be sure to have enough fuel to get to one of these locations before my fuel level gets too low to do so. Also, I was introduced to the company safety advisor at my home operating center with explicit instructions on how to handle safety concerns and other maintainence issues, and how to deal with any safety concerns I might have, up to an including the use of the inspectors that are usually present when passing through weigh stations. My companies instructors actually showed me how to go over the heads of even its own executives as regards serious safety concerns! WOW I thought; I've never seen a company do THAT before! It made me believe that safety TRUELY is Schneiders #1 concern.
Perhaps these points weren't stressed enough to the fellow who started this thread, but I can personally attest, from my own experience, to the fact that they are thoroughly explained now during training.

My advice to anyone looking to be a trucker in any company paid training program such as Schneiders, would be to pay attention, follow the rules, and keep the commitment to safety at the forefront - shortcuts WILL get you in trouble.

I've finished my training, and begun my new career as a truck driver for Schneider National. I think that this line of work is definately not for everyone - its not easy, and there are many rules to abide by if you want to get paid well.

I researched many truck driving schools before choosing Schneider, and spoke with many experienced drivers as well. I went in with no illusions. Many trucking companies offer paid training, but seem to present a rosier picture than what they will actually provide. I chose Schneider because they DIDN'T offer what they couldn't deliver. The pay scales they offered me were in fact less than what many others were trying to sell, but that told me that they likely were being more realistic, and never promised anything more than what I've found to be true.

I found that Schneider gave it to me honestly and in a straightforeward way; no one ever told me this would be easy, in fact they all stressed how difficult it would be, and that was no lie. But I feel Schneider lived up to it's end of the bargian thus far; they gave me enough training to pass my NC CDL test, and then put me on the road with a trainer who showed me the 'real world' of life as a trucker. I've been from Atlanta to New York to Chicago and back again, while surviving the many challenges placed before an individual choosing this career. But Schneider always gave me the straight scoop, I don't feel anyone there, from my recruiter through the many instructors, to my on the road trainer ever gave me any false impressions - they never said this would be easy, and believe me, it hasn't been. But I'm through the program, and running on my own now and feel that, although I am in no way an experienced driver at this point, I'm well prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

I may not be a great driver yet, but I'm at least a safe one, and I'd have to credit Schneider with that. I'm pleased with this company, and my experience with them to this point. The pay is reasonable, the benefits are good, and the people I've been working with seem genuinely concerned for my well being as well as that of my family. But this job is definately not for everyone. Many of the people who started training with the class I finished didn't make it. I had no great expectations beforehand, and I think that gave me some small advantage; I wasn't sure I could handle it, and yes it did seem somewhat like being in 'boot camp' at times, but the company has enormous liabilty and responsibilty in putting drivers on the road who can not only get the job done but get it done safely - no point was stressed more than safety. 'Safe and Legal!' 'Safety First and Always!' I hear these statements often, and its good, sound advice.

With regards to fuel charges and toll booths; Schneider made it clear to me that there are certain toll roads that are not equiped with the 'speedpass' that all the Schneider trucks I have driven are set up for, and the company will not reimburse drivers for tolls paid when using these roads without prior approval (they specifically noted Interstate 80/90 through Ohio and Indiana, among others). Schneider gave me a company card for use at designated fueling locations all across the country, and a map showing their locations. (Yes, many of them are indeed Pilot truck stops) Again with explicit instructions to not refuel elsewhere without prior approval from my team leader (dispatcher) as these unapproved expenses would not be reimbursed. They also gave me instruction on trip planning so that I'd be sure to have enough fuel to get to one of these locations before my fuel level gets too low to do so. Also, I was introduced to the company safety advisor at my home operating center with explicit instructions on how to handle safety concerns and other maintainence issues, and how to deal with any safety concerns I might have, up to an including the use of the inspectors that are usually present when passing through weigh stations. My companies instructors actually showed me how to go over the heads of even its own executives as regards serious safety concerns! WOW I thought; I've never seen a company do THAT before! It made me believe that safety TRUELY is Schneiders #1 concern.
Perhaps these points weren't stressed enough to the fellow who started this thread, but I can personally attest, from my own experience, to the fact that they are thoroughly explained now during training.

My advice to anyone looking to be a trucker in any company paid training program such as Schneiders, would be to pay attention, follow the rules, and keep the commitment to safety at the forefront - shortcuts WILL get you in trouble.

I've finished my training, and begun my new career as a truck driver for Schneider National. I think that this line of work is definately not for everyone - its not easy, and there are many rules to abide by if you want to get paid well.

I researched many truck driving schools before choosing Schneider, and spoke with many experienced drivers as well. I went in with no illusions. Many trucking companies offer paid training, but seem to present a rosier picture than what they will actually provide. I chose Schneider because they DIDN'T offer what they couldn't deliver. The pay scales they offered me were in fact less than what many others were trying to sell, but that told me that they likely were being more realistic, and never promised anything more than what I've found to be true.

I found that Schneider gave it to me honestly and in a straightforeward way; no one ever told me this would be easy, in fact they all stressed how difficult it would be, and that was no lie. But I feel Schneider lived up to it's end of the bargian thus far; they gave me enough training to pass my NC CDL test, and then put me on the road with a trainer who showed me the 'real world' of life as a trucker. I've been from Atlanta to New York to Chicago and back again, while surviving the many challenges placed before an individual choosing this career. But Schneider always gave me the straight scoop, I don't feel anyone there, from my recruiter through the many instructors, to my on the road trainer ever gave me any false impressions - they never said this would be easy, and believe me, it hasn't been. But I'm through the program, and running on my own now and feel that, although I am in no way an experienced driver at this point, I'm well prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

I may not be a great driver yet, but I'm at least a safe one, and I'd have to credit Schneider with that. I'm pleased with this company, and my experience with them to this point. The pay is reasonable, the benefits are good, and the people I've been working with seem genuinely concerned for my well being as well as that of my family. But this job is definately not for everyone. Many of the people who started training with the class I finished didn't make it. I had no great expectations beforehand, and I think that gave me some small advantage; I wasn't sure I could handle it, and yes it did seem somewhat like being in 'boot camp' at times, but the company has enormous liabilty and responsibilty in putting drivers on the road who can not only get the job done but get it done safely - no point was stressed more than safety. 'Safe and Legal!' 'Safety First and Always!' I hear these statements often, and its good, sound advice.

With regards to fuel charges and toll booths; Schneider made it clear to me that there are certain toll roads that are not equiped with the 'speedpass' that all the Schneider trucks I have driven are set up for, and the company will not reimburse drivers for tolls paid when using these roads without prior approval (they specifically noted Interstate 80/90 through Ohio and Indiana, among others). Schneider gave me a company card for use at designated fueling locations all across the country, and a map showing their locations. (Yes, many of them are indeed Pilot truck stops) Again with explicit instructions to not refuel elsewhere without prior approval from my team leader (dispatcher) as these unapproved expenses would not be reimbursed. They also gave me instruction on trip planning so that I'd be sure to have enough fuel to get to one of these locations before my fuel level gets too low to do so. Also, I was introduced to the company safety advisor at my home operating center with explicit instructions on how to handle safety concerns and other maintainence issues, and how to deal with any safety concerns I might have, up to an including the use of the inspectors that are usually present when passing through weigh stations. My companies instructors actually showed me how to go over the heads of even its own executives as regards serious safety concerns! WOW I thought; I've never seen a company do THAT before! It made me believe that safety TRUELY is Schneiders #1 concern.
Perhaps these points weren't stressed enough to the fellow who started this thread, but I can personally attest, from my own experience, to the fact that they are thoroughly explained now during training.

My advice to anyone looking to be a trucker in any company paid training program such as Schneiders, would be to pay attention, follow the rules, and keep the commitment to safety at the forefront - shortcuts WILL get you in trouble.

To, thomas don't listen to steve from flordia he thinks he has the authoritie to judge people he gives good advice on collection agencie problems but he does not give good advice about everything, & half the time it judges & insults people who has a different opinion then him.

Thomas,

I don't know where to start, but here goes. First, let me tell you that I have well over 1 million miles of commercial driving OTR. Been there, done that. I have quit more jobs in that industry than one can count for many of the same reasons. I have taken legal actions against some, and won, as well as state level and federal DOT complaints.

As far as driving a commercial vehicle without A/C, that was YOUR choice. The FMCSA regs clearly state that your truck "must have an adequate supply of heat and air conditioning". Therefore, it was your legal right to park that truck and take it out of service until it was fixed.

Here's a hint. next time you are operating a company truck that they refuse to fix, just get yourself stopped at a weigh station so they give you a level 1 inspection, or just pull in and talk to an inspector.

As far as the DAC/USIS report goes, you have the right to get a copy of it, dispute items, and add your 100 word or less statement just like a credit report. They are regulated under the fair credit reporting act and must be able to prove anything they put on that report. If they fail to do so, you sue them.

As far as the pay issues, I know for a fact that training and orientation pay is discussed completely at Schnieder as I have been through it. I didn't like what I heard and I got up and walked out.

After reading your post, I think communications is a problem for you. This is not an insult, but just fact based on the grammar and spelling issues in your post. This may have an impact on you understanding things. I think you should go back to school. The smarter you appear to be, makes you less likely to be the target of being taken advantage of.

FYI...ANYTIME you need a TOW truck called to the scene of your big truck it counts against you. This is almost every company I have seen. And, ANYTIME you report an injury, no matter how minor, they park you. that is also standard.

It sounds like they were charging you for school cost due to you not completing your contract.

It sounds like a third party debt collector is involved. That is simple to deal with, just send them a CEASE COMMUNICATIONS request by certified mail, return reciept requested. Put the certified# on the letter itself and keep a copy for your records. This is very important as it proves exactly what you sent.

Then, just change your phone#, etc. Cut them off.

They CANNOT go after your assets without first suing you and winning. Then they have to find your assets and go after them. Many assets are exempt.

Let them sue! Then you will have your chance to be heard.

I, am glad schneider turned me down I would like to know why schneider does this to people, I was one of the lucky people who schneider turned down I applied with them 01/2004 I would not work for them if someone paid me to. What, is good firing people after training & hounding them to pay the money back knowing people cannot pay the money back, & there credit is ruined. Read, the many reports agaisnt schneider on this website they are similar to your story schneider also discrinmates agaisnt people also, I check out many trucking companies on this site before I make a decision. I, have not applied with schneider for 17 months I will not apply with them again because schneider is not going to have a chance doing me that way.

I am a victim of Schneider National, and due to its different entities in difrent states, I cannot find an atorney to help my resolve. I went through the academy and had a trainer scream at me while white knuckled in a 53 foot trailer on public streets, loaded, and finished in two weeks feeling the sores of boot camp as they are strictly military likeness. Then out with a trainer for week, then I was on my own. The first city I went to was Chicago, where I backed more miles than I drove forward.

Maps don't do real time or street level, so I thought I had died and went to hell in a truck. No air conditioner, and living in a box was new as well . after a few trips to phoenix az, having to try to sleep in 125 plus, I really needed a break and 17 cents a mile, loosing my family for being gone 3 to 4 weeks, and not making but 250 one week, the week back out after being home for two days, then climbing back up to gross of 635 after being out for three weeks and hold back on check for llumpers which 150.00 comes out of my check.

Toll booths, or fuel that was not at a pilot, came out of my pay and it took some cases 30 days to recouped. after I had lost my car due to reposition, lost my home, it was now six months and was terrified by having to stay with them 12 months to pay back a loan for training if I quit one day early. Still, it is July and they decided there was a mechanic that they just replaced some poor guy who of hundreds they go through had the qualifications to fix bad o ring, I WAS OFF 17.5 cents and I was feeling stress was now certainly compromising my safety to others on road. I had a job offer making really good money, so I gave notice and was threatened to sue if I did not complete 12 months.

Needles to say I could not even afford groceries. I started and within three week, Partners, another Schneider entity, started calling wanting 130.00 a week for 26 weeks which I was in so much debt. Here is the really big scare after they harassed me for three years, they threatened to come after my assets, I agreed to go back to work for them which I had 8 months prior, I would work 4 months and pay them off of bill by now, 6,800.00 had to go through 5 day training program again, and had to log it, and was not compensated, so 70 hours was almost up and Monday I would have to take a restart in a truck parking lot. after 6 months I called every person with a phone in Schneider to get something in writing that I had paid debt off and remove it from my credit and Schneider refused.

Mr. trucker, you will have to believe us, we don't give writing. I gave thirty day notice, and they paid me 50 dollars the next week for being out 4 weeks and over 4 thousand miles. the next week they paid me 150 dollars and claimed it was due to loads not being turned in. I got hurt and reported it and they wanted me to shut the truck down till I could have it checked to see if I was safe to drive. I pulled muscle in finger, big deal. I was further harassed as to being charged with a accident because I had to have a tow truck to move me two feet in flood back 3 months ago, in other words they were going to fire me, to ruin my work record, then told me I could not leave for I needed to work 18 months instead of 12, Mr. truck driver, there is 52 weeks in a year, that means you must log hrs driven equal to time of 52 weeks.

They are now suing me for 6,800 again, put on my dack multiple accidents, have ruined my credit, and is harassing my mail box and my cell phone please can some body help me.