After 13 years of being a team driver at Schneider with her husband Joe Nader, one-million-mile driver Sharon Nader hung up her semi-truck keys in January 2019.
“I already miss having a new challenge every day,” Sharon said. “I miss learning about the local restaurants in different places and getting to be a tourist for a day. It was always about finding fun in the job.”
How team driving worked for the Naders
The Naders felt the keys to their success as a team, both personally and professionally, was being good friends and having open communication. When asked about any pet peeves experienced while on the road together, Joe wisely stated he couldn’t think of any. Sharon confessed Joe was very patient and she put him through the ringer.
The Naders worked together to play off each other’s strengths.
“We did like to have fun and joke around, but in all seriousness, we also always had each other as a support system when we were on the road,” Sharon said. “Team driving was a perfect fit for us – we always got the miles we needed but also benefited from the home time.”
How the Naders got into truck driving
Prior to starting his career in trucking, Joe was a personnel sergeant in the Air Force during Vietnam. Joe became part of the Schneider family in 1992, and in addition to team driving, was a training engineer for 12 years.
“Trucking has always fascinated me, and I was lucky to get an opportunity at the time during a bad economy,” Joe said.
After several years of working at Schneider, the Naders’ family members joked that they should go on the road together. Joe teased Sharon that she could not handle it. Sharon’s response? “Watch me.”
What started out as a challenge for Sharon turned into a life-changing career.
“I wasn’t sure that I was going to last, but I could not imagine doing any other job,” Sharon said. “I constantly pushed myself and learned and saw something different every day.”
What’s next for the Naders?