Comments By Chad B.

One of my thoughts is doing regional for a short time is a great way to get experience.

Thanks Old School.

I just passed my CDL today and Schneider, the company I will be working for offered me a no touch regional account with WalMart. It's 3 cents a mile more. With approximately 200 extra miles a week.

I know this may seem silly to some but I want to travel the country. I have friends and family from Florida-Washington state and Maine to So Cal.

I would love opinions and advice. I don't need to decide until Monday. My life circumstance allow me to be away from my home for months at a time.

My thoughts right now is it would be a nice gig (Walmart) for a year of experience and then reevaluate when my contract with Schneider is up.

I decided on the Schneider Tanker division. I sent in my acceptance letter on Wednesday. I was a little worried about finances as I gave my notice at work around labor day for August 1st. Not starting work until that 24th was going to make things a little tight financially.

Here's the amazing news, the organization threw me a going away party and they decided to give me 2 months severance for my service with them over the past 7 years. I was blown away!

I went to the Coraopolis training center and was able to meet with several of the instructors a couple of weeks ago and was impressed with there professionalism. I really look forward to my new career with Schneider and the trucking industry.

This website has been invaluable to me on the research of making my decision in not only the trucking business but also the company I chose to work for. My final decision was between, Celadon, Schneider and Con-Way.

Thanks for the information. I've actually gone through about half of the High Road Training Program and should be done in a couple of weeks. I continue on my current job until July 31st and don't start with my CDL school for Schneider until August 24. In the meantime I'll read your book. Thanks for posting it online for free. I've been doing inner city ministry for the past 7 years so anything to save me a few $$$ helps as inner city ministry isn't a high paying profession, at least in dollars and cents. I love this website btw, I've read a few of the postings on the blogs.

I just got back from visiting the Schneider school in Coraopolis and met a few of the instructors. It was nice to get a visual of what the training area looks like.

I've been accepted to start with Schneider Tanker Division. I will begin by getting my CDL in Butler, PA and then head to Coraopolis, PA (Pittsburgh suburb) to do my training. I'm 51 years old and looking forward to beginning a new career. I loaded trucks during my college years but my father always talked me out of driving plus I figured I'd be married with lots of kids. Life drew me a different hand. Any advice on starting this new adventure. I chose Schneider over Celadon and Con-Way. Due to the nature of my current/previous profession, I gave them a 2 month notice. This has allowed me to court different companies who are interested in hiring someone new to this business. I have family and friends scattered throughout the country and can be on the road for extended periods of time.

I'm currently choosing between 3 trucking companies. Con-Way, Schneider (Tanker division) and Celadon. I'm a confirmed bachelor making a major career change. I've always had a desire to drive long haul but also thought I'd be married and have lots of children. That didn't work out. I'm 51 years old and looking forward to the adventure. I'm available to be away from home for extended periods of time and have no problem spending time alone. I'm a podcast junkie and love being on the road. I will be attending a company sponsored training program as that fits my personal needs although I'm aware that it also means I'm under obligation for 12 months. I hate changing companies so I'd like a company that where turnover is low as that is a sure sign of a company that values it's employees.

1. Any advice on the 3 companies? 2. What sort of pay should I expect in the 1st year? 2nd year? 3. How comfortable is the sleeper in a truck? Any pictures?(I haven't found any in the picture section)

Thanks in advance, Chad

I'm interviewing with the Schneider tanker division tomorrow. I live in Pittsburgh and will go through the company sponsored training school if I decide on Schneider. Is there any advice you can give me?