What to expect during a pre-work screen for Schneider drivers

Editor’s note: Effective July 16, 2018, Schneider has discontinued the pre-work screen for all Van Truckload, Intermodal, Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and some Dedicated account and First-to-Final-Mile driver hires. This post was originally published Nov. 6, 2017, and the description below still applies for positions not listed above. The reasons for the change include the following equipment upgrades and customer delivery improvements that make driving careers less physical and strenuous:

• Automated transmission trucks
• Air release 5th wheels
• 100% ratchet handles on all Van Truckload trailers
• Easy release trailer tandem handles on all Van Truckload trailers
• Schneider-owned and -maintained Intermodal container chassis
• Additional steps on rear of trailers
• Higher percentage of drop-and-hook freight
• No-touch freight focus
• Streamlined lumper expenses process

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A common misconception about a truck driving career is that drivers spend their entire work day sitting behind a steering wheel. Not true! There are many physical tasks that drivers regularly perform on the job.

A pre-work screen allows Schneider to evaluate whether driver candidates have the necessary physical abilities to safely perform the work in their work configuration. It’s important for candidates to know what to expect during a pre-work screen so they can meet these requirements before investing too much time in the profession.

Physical tests are conducted at work stations that simulate conditions a driver is likely to encounter while on the road. These tests include:

Step Test – The step test mimics a variety of driver tasks, like repetitive clutching, unloading freight and walking around a truck stop. It includes stepping up and down on a 12-inch-high box for one minute.

Squat Test – This test involves 10 squatting repetitions, replicating movement necessary during pre-trip inspections and getting on and off the cab.

Front Carry – This test requires driver candidates to carry 30-pound and 60-pound loads for 30 feet because drivers occasionally may need to unload trucks by hand. Some dedicated accounts require trucks to be unloaded by hand. If that’s the case, your recruiter would let you know.

Floor to Head Lift – This test ensures that driver candidates can lift their gear into the truck cab and involves lifting 30 pounds of gear over one’s head.

Crouch Test – The crouch test involves two repetitions of crouching under a 40-inch base plate for 20 seconds and confirms driver candidates can complete pre-trip and post-trip safety checks.

Step/Step, Kneel/Kneel – This test simulates the actions needed to safely climb up into and down out of the cab.

Horizontal Pull Test – This test involves pulling a horizontal bar connected to a 100-pound load. It imitates the actions of raising and lowering trailer landing gear, opening and closing trailer doors and sliding the tandem.