Schneider Boosts Driver Training Capacity by 26% Amid Rising Demand

Need for drivers prompts Schneider to increase trainer positions by 26%

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Schneider National is expanding its driver-training operation by increasing the number of instructor positions by 26%, citing the need to maintain a steady pipeline of qualified drivers for its transportation network.

The additional positions will be distributed across Schneider’s nationwide network of training locations. The company said the expansion will allow more new hires to move from onboarding into behind-the-wheel training while preserving its emphasis on hands-on instruction and driver development.

Schneider also said the expanded training capacity is intended to support both new and experienced drivers entering the company. By increasing the number of instructors, the carrier expects to strengthen its ability to train and mentor drivers while maintaining access to transportation capacity for customers.

“Drivers are essential to keeping the economy moving, and developing the next generation of drivers requires a commitment to helping them succeed,” said Andrea Sequin, Schneider’s vice president of safety. “By adding more instructors, we’re expanding our ability to train and mentor drivers, which helps us deliver the reliable service our customers expect. Consistent capacity helps sustain the long-term strength of our network.”

For drivers, the change primarily means more training resources as they enter the company or move into new roles. Instructors help prepare drivers through hands-on coaching, behind-the-wheel instruction and guidance based on real-world operating experience.

Schneider said experienced drivers will have the opportunity to apply for the new instructor positions. Nearly 90% of the company’s current driver instructors began their careers in driver roles before moving into training positions.

“Experienced drivers often look for ways to share their knowledge with newer drivers, and our driver instructor position allows them to do just that,” Sequin said. “Plus, the role gets them home every day, which is something experienced drivers often desire when considering a job change.”

The instructor pathway provides an option for experienced company drivers who want to remain involved in trucking while taking on a role with a regular home schedule. It also gives Schneider a way to draw on the knowledge of drivers who have already worked within its operations.

Schneider’s driver recruiting and training programs include company-paid commercial driver’s license training for people entering the industry. The company also offers career advancement opportunities, including paths from company driver to instructor and other leadership positions.

Other options promoted by Schneider include support for company drivers interested in pursuing owner-operator opportunities and driving jobs in dedicated, regional, over-the-road, intermodal and tanker operations. The range of assignments can provide different combinations of routes, home time and work schedules as drivers’ circumstances change.

The company also highlights productivity-focused operations and technology intended to help drivers maximize their earnings potential and reduce unnecessary delays. Schneider offers military-friendly career opportunities as well, aimed at helping veterans apply their existing skills to transportation careers.

The expansion comes as carriers continue to depend on training systems that can move drivers into the workforce efficiently without reducing the quality of preparation. For new drivers, the transition from onboarding to operating a truck involves more than completing initial paperwork. It requires instruction, supervised practice and coaching before they are ready to handle the responsibilities of the job.

Schneider said its increased instructor staffing is designed to support that process across its network. The company described the move as part of its ongoing effort to prepare drivers for long-term careers while supporting the capacity needed by its customers.

Schneider National, Inc., which trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SNDR, is a multimodal provider of transportation, intermodal and logistics services. Its driver-training network supports hiring and development efforts throughout the country.