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Diesel technician career path highlight: From truck driver to maintenance team leader

John McMurry stands in the service bay with a Schneider truck.

Not all diesel technician career paths are the same.

I came to Schneider in November 2011 after being involved in a family business performing auto restorations for 30 years. My background in the trucking industry was transporting high-value automobiles, boats, yachts and heavy equipment.

I also worked in maintenance and logistics for a major carrier. I was ready to take a different career path and I was looking for a company that I could grow with and still have a balance of work and quality home life. After looking at various companies, I was drawn to Schneider because of the advantages of working in their Dedicated fleet.

An unlikely diesel technician career path

I started with Schneider as a driver working on a large Dedicated account. Through hard work, support and guidance from leadership I was able to move up to a lead driver position in 2013.

My duties included new driver training, route planning and dispatch. In 2015, I transferred to the Atlanta maintenance facility as a trade/lease champion out-processing equipment. Once again, I found myself surrounded by people that recognized my hard work and dedication and were there to guide me in the advancement of my career.

In 2017, a position became available and I was promoted to a shop floor leader in the Atlanta maintenance facility.

Why choose a diesel technician career path at Schneider?

I will end by saying accepting the driving position at Schneider was one of the best decisions I ever made. In just six years I have gone from a Dedicated truck driver to being a part of an incredible team in the Atlanta diesel technician shop.

"Although I loved my days driving and some days I do miss the open road, I love being with a company where I have the opportunities for the advancement of my career."

I can't wait to see what comes next on this journey as I grow and learn at Schneider.

Want to join a company where you’ll have opportunities to grow?

As a diesel technician at Schneider, you’ll have opportunities to advance in your career. Apply now and see where your future could take you!

About the author
Author Picture

John has been in the trucking industry since the early 1980s and has been working for Schneider since 2011. He has held several positions starting as a driver on a large Dedicated account and is currently a shop floor leader in the Atlanta maintenance shop.

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