Global Security, Privacy, & Risk Management

Schneider Trucking- Thank You on Behalf of Vets! July 9, 2020

Until yesterday I had a passing knowledge of Schneider National, Inc. (Schneider Trucking).  Through an unfortunate circumstance (read below). I became much better acquainted.  First, let me tell you what I learned.  This company has been around since 1935! Additionally, 22% of their drivers are veterans.  Probably once of the most impressive things I learned was their dedication to all veterans.  They have a military apprenticeship program and other benefits for vets.

Schneider has (since 2007) a very cool program called Ride of Pride where, if a veteran driver applies and is selected, they get to captain a custom rig that is absolutely beautiful.  Check out the picture at the top! Check out this cool video, as well!  It is a great honor for drivers and, apparently, very selective.  In addition to driving they get to attend special functions around the country representing the program, and veterans.  Again, amazing effort by Schneider to show support for vets. In 2020 they released their 12th Ride of Pride truck.

Unfortunately, there are always some people who want to take advantage of a good thing.  Schneider’s website listed their newest driver and listed his military background and bio.  This immediately caught the attention of the US Marine Reconnaissance and Scout/Sniper community with which I am a member. Many of our members are combat vets, disabled vets, and wounded vets.  Without going into too many details in this post, suffice it to say that the claims this person made appeared clearly fabricated.  I called Schneider, as I am sure many others did, to report the discrepancies.  I received a call back within two hours to inform me that an investigation was already being undertaken.

Literally within hours the website was scrubbed of that driver and Schneider had issued a statement.

“Since 2007, Ride of Pride trucks have served as rolling tributes to the U.S. and Canadian Armed Forces within Schneider’s fleets. These commemorative trucks are made even more special by their drivers – military veterans who command the road with the same valor as they displayed while serving their country. To that end and in light of recent feedback, we are reviewing our captain selection process. One of Schneider’s core values is integrity, and we are committed to ensuring integrity in the Ride of Pride program. Thank you for your support for the Ride of Pride and the military branches and servicemembers it honors.”

I am not privy to how the investigation resulted nor do I care to know.  What I do know is that Schneider took the concerns seriously, and moved with lightening speed to address the concerns raised by numerous veterans.  It would have been very easy to have just ignored the concerns.  In addition, from the statement, it appears that Schneider is taking further steps to maintain the integrity of this amazing program.

For this Schneider ….THANK YOU!  Many companies say they support vets…you have shown in no uncertain terms with your hiring practices, your Ride for Pride and your quick action to resolve an unfortunate situation that you “walk the walk”!