Schneider Or KLLM?

I like what both Schneider National and KLLM say that they offer. Looking for insight from drivers. What are your personal feelings on the two companies? Pros cons?

I drove for Schneider as my first company. Loved it. I drove in the tanker division though, so if you are considering Dry Van , get some more feedback from Van drivers, they may have slightly different experiences. But I would highly recommend tanker division, no reason to go Dry Van to be honest.

Pros:

Amazing training, they have it down to a science. Tuition reimbursement of $150 per month. Largest privately owned trucking company in the U.S. They have an awesome 401(k) plan, better than almost any other trucking company. VERY safety oriented, I never felt I was in an unsafe situation. Equipment well maintained. Lots of terminals across the U.S. with free showers, free laundry, free wifi, and free company car usage! Good pay for a starting driver, especially in tankers. Sign-On bonuses for a lot of areas, especially in tanker division (I got a $7,500 sign-on bonus, but I think it's $5,000 now). National account with Goodyear/Wingfoot tire centers... you can go into any Wingfoot/Goodyear (usually in Pilots/Flying J) and get tires replaced, lights replaced, wipers replaced, and many other pre-authorized repairs... NO questions asked. You point at a tire that is near bald, has a cut in it, whatever and they replace it while you have lunch. HUGE pro there, you don't need to call Schneider to ask, you just walk in and get stuff fixed while on the road.

Cons:

Trucks governed at 60 mph, so you will learn to love that right lane. Slightly older equipment for newer drivers because Schneider keeps their trucks 5-6 years, versus most other companies who keep trucks 2-3 years.

Not sure if it's a Pro or Con, but Schneider runs only Freightliners for company drivers. I assume it helps them with maintenance costs and maintenance inventory management. Some drivers hate Freightliners, some love them.

Don't know much about KLLM. I think they are the same company as FFE, not sure though.

Thanks for your input. It was pretty insightful.

My ex used to work for Schneider. Said they are a great company. His issue was when they switched to workflow he didnt like it. Also they dont let you idle. He drove in their dry van fleet.

KLLM is FFE also. The companies merged.

They are O/O company which means the greater majority of their drivers lease their trucks. I have heard great things about that company from their drivers though. But just to keep things simple I would aim for Schneider instead. You don't want to be looking at any leases anytime soon.

Definitely not trying to lease anytime soon.. Appreciate it.

Redgator, no workflow system for Schneider tanker drivers... yet. And tanker drivers can idle all they want pretty much because you have a pump and compressor that need to run.

Didn't know KLLM was O/O only, but definitely don't start your career with a lease. We all agree on that lol.

I have heard good things about Schneider but not much about KLLM. Doesn't sound like you could go wrong with either one. Personally i don't think anyone should consider leasing until they have 3-5 years on the road and have a good understanding of the ups and downs so they are successful.

Apparently they don't run tankers in nc as I just found out today. I talked to both companies again today and I am pretty sure I want to go with Schneider. Next week my school's job placement kicks in so who knows if I will find another company that can suit my needs.

I was sure I was some tanker drivers parking in the Schneider Charlotte Operating Center. You may want to double check, speak with a different recruiter, sometimes one person may not have the most accurate information so doesn't hurt to get a 2nd opinion.

But definitely make a list of things important to you and choose a company based on that. Do you need a pet to travel with you? Do you want to go mostly South? West? North? East? Canada? Home time versus road time. All that sort of stuff. It'll help you narrow your decision.