Inexperienced Driver Questions
Equipment | Driver Training | Pay | Miscellaneous Driver Questions
Equipment
Q. What type of engines do Schneider National trucks have?
A. Most engines are the Detroit Diesel 60 series.
Q. How many speeds are the transmissions?
A. The transmissions are mainly 10 speeds. We are also adding hundreds of automatic shift transmissions.
Q. Do Schneider National trucks have air conditioning?
A. Yes.
Q. Do Schneider National trucks have cruise control?
A. Yes.
Q. Does Schneider National slip seat (switch the tractor from driver to driver)?
A. We do not make a policy of slip seating, but there may be times when it is necessary (vacations, extended periods of time off and some Dedicated Accounts). In most cases you will be notified in advance.
Q. Do Schneider National trucks have Jake brakes?
A. Some trucks have Jake brakes.
Q. Who pays for fuel?
A. We pay the fuel costs for company drivers. Owner-operators pay for their own fuel. You are provided with a directory of Schneider National fuel stops and a fuel card to be used at those designated fuel stops.
Q. What size are the sleepers?
A. The sleepers are full-size; most are condos (high roof).
Q. How long are Schneider National trailers?
A. Van trailers are 48' or 53' long: tankers are 45'.
Q. Are radar detectors allowed?
A. No.
Q. Do Schneider National trucks have satellite communications?
A. Yes. Work assignments and directions are sent to the truck through the satellite. You can also use the satellite to communicate via e-mail with family and friends (see our touchHOME program).
Q. Are Schneider National trucks governed?
A. Our cruising speed 60 miles per hour.
Q. Does Schneider National pull doubles?
A. No (the only exceptions may be for a Dedicated Account).
Q. Does Schneider National have trip master?
A. Yes, the computer system on the truck keeps track of mileage.
Driver Training
Q. What is the cost for an inexperienced driver to attend driving school?
A. The Schneider Training Academy offers training at almost no cost to you if you remain employed with Schneider National for at least 18 months following training.
Q. Do I have to pay for room and board while in training?
A. Schneider National pays for your motel room and two meals per day. You pay for any other personal expenses you may have.
Q. Can I get my own room during training?
A. You will share a room with another student. If you want a single room you have to pay for it yourself; however, you will receive Schneider National’s discount.
Q. How do I get to the truck driving school?
A. We provide transportation from the Schneider National Operating Center nearest you. There are also some additional pick-up sites that may be near your area. It is your responsibility to get to an Operating Center or pick-up site.
Q. As an inexperienced student, do I get paid while I’m in training?
A. Students will not receive pay during their training program. A week following graduation, students will receive $300 per week up to four weeks.
Pay
Q. Does Schneider National provide layover pay?
A. After 24 hours away from home waiting for a load, layover pay is earned. Drivers receive $80–$100 (depending on experience) for each 24-hour period. If the company requires the driver to layover for more than 24 hours, motels will also be reimbursed up to $35 for solo drivers or $40 for teams.
Q. Does Schneider National pay for stop-offs?
A. Stop-offs refer to extra pickups and/or drops after the first customer location. Solo drivers are paid $15 for each stop-off and each team driver is paid $10 for each additional stop-off.
Q. Do I get paid to hand-load or unload the trailer?
A. Drivers are paid $100 when hand-load or unload is required. Team members split this amount. Typically, fewer than 10% of Schneider’s loads require hand-loading or unloading. A partial hand-load or unload is paid at $50.
Q. Does Schneider National pay hub miles or book miles?
A. We pay book miles by Household Movers Guide.
Miscellaneous Driver Questions
Q. What type of driving positions does Schneider National offer?
A. Van and tanker driving opportunities are available and offer regional, national and local positions in most areas.
Q. Does Schneider National have forced dispatch?
A. Our drivers have utilization dispatch. All loads are pre-assigned to maximize utilization.
Q. Does Schneider National have toll cards?
A. We have toll cards for the Pennsylvania Turnpike and New York Thruway. We reimburse for most tolls and all bridges. All authorized tolls are listed in the driver’s manual. All trucks are also equipped with EZ-Pass to eliminate potential delays at tolls.
Q. Does Schneider National have forced routing?
A. No, though we do offer a trip-planning guide for drivers and owner-operators to follow. We also have fuel/route optimization software that offers a suggested route for drivers.
Q. Do I have to take a Department of Transportation physical?
A. If you have a copy of your current DOT Long Form Physical and Medical Card, you do not need to take a new physical for Schneider National. If you do not, we will schedule the physical for you before you come to training or orientation. It will be scheduled at a clinic approved by Schneider National, and we pay for the cost of the physical.
