I Went Solo This Week At Schneider .. 😅

Well, the turn of events at Schneider keeps on going and it’s turning into a great adventure 😂

As some may have read in my past posts I’ve had a interesting journey at Schneider. No different then any other mega corporation. I’m having fun and being challenged for sure.

I started flatbed with a mentor this week (Monday- April 19th) with the plan to “go as long as you like with a mentor until you are confident to go solo” which sounded like a good plan.

So far my trucking journey has been:

1. CDL school in February 2. Took and last test first week of March 3. Schmeider orientation in Phoenix for two weeks 4. One week TE (training engineer) on a Target dedicated account 5. Discovered the account I was hired for was no where near what was presented. 6. Switched to flatbed docs in and went to two days of securement training April 12-13 7. Did a ride along with one of the lead drivers on the account I will be working on that was April 16th 8. An agreed upon mentoring week with lead drivers April 19-23rd (if needed longer) primarily because the type of account they want 3 months of solo experience.

I started my mentoring phase Monday 19th - what’s a whirl wind. Plan was 18 stops. My focus was the workflow of the tablet and close maneuvering at customers etc.

Tuesday was more the same with a different lead driver. WELL- half way through the day our DBL reached out and wanted to know if I was ready to go solo ....

Funny thing was.. I had text my wife at one of our stops “I won’t need 5 days of this to be ready to go solo - maybe 3 days max” 😂

Well, I went solo Wednesday the 20th with my own 3 days short run. What an experience! Left Wednesday got back last night around 6pm

Pulling into my DC to pick up my first loaded trailer- strapping it down and pulling out. WOW.

What I like about the team of drivers working this account I’m on (PrimeSource building supplies) they have built a great teamwork atmosphere and support each other incredibly.

Left the yard and headed to Northern Idaho to park up to start my deliveries for 0700 Thursday morning.

The feeling of being solo on my own when I left was exhilarating! I wasn’t expecting that at all. Wasn’t overly nervous. Felt the two days with lead drivers helped me understand to take it slow at customers in close maneuvering, GOAL lots, and take up space when turning. “That trailer needs two lanes of solace to turn and it will take it from sidewalks and guardrails- so make sure you create the space” that comment changed my life! Hahaha

Thursday night I parked at a Loves for first time - headed to the back found a spot that had 8 empty spaces and backed that flatbed right in now caring how it looked and then experienced a truck stop for the first time- well that was interesting. Paid $13 for a hot shower after waiting in line for an hour - yes it was worth it.

My first load was 18 stops - broke it up in two days and headed home Friday (yesterday) and it was great.

Couple of observations for new drivers:

1. We are hourly drivers on this account - in 5 days I clocked 63 hours. Not counting all the “off time” prep work that it takes to be prepared and successful. So be prepared new drivers. They won’t tell you this on the recruit call.

2. Don’t focus on getting home. If you do, you will start to rush and you will make mistakes. I started seeing this towards the end of my day yesterday.

3. Have fun!

More to come !

Jared Congratulations on upgrading to Solo status. It's a great feeling when you head out the first time. Starting out on a dedicated account will help you get your feet under you and will definitely help you develop a rythem. Stay safe and keep the shinny side up.

Congratulations Jared! We have Primesource out of Louisiana down here. I hope Schneider proves a good choice for you.

And again, THANKS for your service!

Thanks Chris and Steve!

Congrats, Jared~!!

I haven't been around TT much lately; sorry I'm late to the party......

~ Anne ~

Great to hear the update, Jared! I'm living a bit vicariously through you, lol. It's helpful to hear the changes/challenges you've had along the way, and how you've navigated them, as well as the long days. I do wonder about that feeling of heading out solo for the first time on your own... Thanks for posting!