Newbie Here Looking For Some Info Please!

Good evening all! I am currently working on my Class A CDL right now. My hopes are to getting a job running with Schneider after I complete my training here in about a month or so. (It would be quicker but due to my full time work schedule, I can only do weekend classes around my area in order to get my CDL...better than nothing right?) My question is, does Schneider take inexperienced drivers still these days that did not go to one of their "approved schools" or am I pretty much a creek without a paddle on this one? Has anyone had any luck with this? I have done some research and found a few other companies as well that take new drivers but what are some of y'alls suggestions?

Also another question, do I need to have my CDL complete before I can start the process in order to get my hazmat endorsement? My plan was to go ahead and get the finger printing process going while I was still in training so when I completed my CDL, I could go ahead and test for the hazmat endorsement very shortly after completing my CDL and receiving my approval letter from the state regarding my background check and fingerprints or do I have to wait until I get my CDL complete before I can do any of this?

I know I have a lot of questions and I apologize, but I figured what better place to come get them answered than here! I appreciate all your help in advanced! Stay safe!

Call Schneider and a recruiter can tell you pretty quick if they will take you from that school. Each state has their own rules about the endorsements. I know my state allows you to take them after getting your permit. Contact your licensing agency and they can tell you.

I don't know about the 'approved school' thing. I remember seeing that wording on their site somewhere, but jow I don't see it anywhere. In any case you certainly should apply wherever you think you'd like to work, and see what they say.

The hazmat thing varies by state. I was able to take the hazmat written exam at the same time as the other tests for my permit, then once I had my permit I could go get finger printed. But I know someone in a neighboring state who can't even take the written test until he has his cdl.

Call Schneider and a recruiter can tell you pretty quick if they will take you from that school. Each state has their own rules about the endorsements. I know my state allows you to take them after getting your permit. Contact your licensing agency and they can tell you.

I will certainly give them a call and speak to them! They are obviously my number one choice to go to but most certainly not the only option as I am obviously just starting out. I was going to also get in touch with Swift to see what they could offer.

I don't know about the 'approved school' thing. I remember seeing that wording on their site somewhere, but jow I don't see it anywhere. In any case you certainly should apply wherever you think you'd like to work, and see what they say.

The hazmat thing varies by state. I was able to take the hazmat written exam at the same time as the other tests for my permit, then once I had my permit I could go get finger printed. But I know someone in a neighboring state who can't even take the written test until he has his cdl.

I believe I read the "approved school" thing on here as well as the 1 year OTR experience. I found it through a google search.

Four years ago when I was just getting started, I spoke with Schneider and they said a year of experience was required.

From what I've gathered Swift is a good option. Their sheer size (the largest of its kind in North America) allows for a good introduction to the trucking industry and to get experience as a trucker.