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Blog

Bo Nobouphasavanh is a Schneider Regional Intermodal driver who immigrated to the U.S. from Laos.

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<p>Bounlieng “Bo” Nobouphasavanh’s unique story of becoming a truck driver and a Schneider <a href="https://schneiderjobs.com/blog/tag/all-stars">All-Star</a>, is unlike most other drivers.</p><p>As a refugee from the Vietnam War, Bo emigrated by himself from Laos in 1980.</p><p>“I was an incredibly scared teenager,” Bo said. “I was moving to the U.S., where I had never been, knew nothing about and didn’t speak the language.”</p><h2>Key takeaways</h2><ul><li>Despite language barriers and early challenges, Bo found a path into trucking that allowed him to build a stable career and life in the U.S.</li><li>Trucking offered Bo both personal fulfillment and professional growth, from exploring the country as an OTR driver to thriving in Intermodal operations.</li><li>Ongoing training, a strong safety culture, flexible home time options and supportive relationships helped Bo achieve more than 3.3 million safe driving miles and a lifelong sense of belonging.</li></ul><h2>Bo’s early years in America</h2><p>To make ends meet, Bo got his first job in the U.S, as a mushroom picker at a farm in Michigan and went to school at night to learn English.</p><p>How exactly did Bo end up in Michigan?</p><p>“I was given some options,” Bo said. “I pointed to Michigan on the map – it was close to all that water. The guy looked at me like I was crazy. The first winter was very cold, but I love people in the Midwest. They are easy-going and remind me of my friends in Laos.”</p><p>Bo enrolled himself in a welding course and found a job in a sheet metal factory. While he was quickly promoted to foreman, Bo didn’t feel fulfilled and felt that he had a different calling.</p><p>During a casual conversation one day with a delivery driver, he was introduced to the world of trucking.</p><h2>A new start as a truck driver</h2><p>Bo went to <a href="https://schneiderjobs.com/truck-driving-jobs/inexperienced/become-truck-driver/find-truck-driving-school">truck driving school</a> in Detroit but kept running into obstacles.</p><p>“At this time, you kind of had to know someone to be a truck driver, but the problem was I didn’t know anyone,” Bo said. “I was fortunate to come into contact with a Schneider recruiter and was given my first role as a truck driver.”</p><p>Bo joined Schneider in 1989 as an <a href="https://schneiderjobs.com/truck-driving-jobs/driving-opportunities/otr">Over-the-Road</a> driver and then transitioned to a <a href="https://schneiderjobs.com/truck-driving-jobs/driving-opportunities/regional">Regional</a> <a href="https://schneiderjobs.com/truck-driving-jobs/driving-opportunities/intermodal">Intermodal</a> driver. While he loved seeing the U.S. and learning American culture, Bo now thrives on the challenges that intermodal presents.</p><p>“You are constantly planning and working to stay on schedule to ensure you make that cut off time,” Bo said. “You experience many variables – from the hectic traffic in Chicago to navigating through the yard for your pick up. Intermodal is tough, but I love it.”</p><p>Today, Bo has surpassed 3.3 million safe driving miles at Schneider.</p><img data-image="ak23g75dc3lc" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blte891c850d5781579/blt69fc2c825ea3934a/5eff6ff9c1c3440e1d54ddde/bo_2020.jpg" data-sys-asset-uid="blt69fc2c825ea3934a" alt="bo_2020.jpg" width="252" height="312" style="width: 252;max-width: 252px;height: 312;"/>

<h2>Why Schneider?</h2>
<p>When asked why he continues to drive for Schneider after all these years, Bo said Schneider’s ongoing training, commitment to safety and truck driver benefits.</p>
<p>“I can’t say enough about the people – they treat you as family,” Bo said. “Schneider also recognizes the importance of flexible options so I can spend time at home with my own family as well.”</p>
<p>After building his career at Schneider and raising a family of his own, Bo is at peace.</p>
<p>“I feel at home in the U.S. and at Schneider,” Bo said. “This is it. I’ve found my place in the world.”</p>

<p>Whether you are in need of a career change or are a 20-year truck driver looking for something new, Schneider offers hundreds of driving options to fit every lifestyle.</p>

Slice of Orange: Trucking blogs and more

Are truck drivers in demand? Career outlook and stability explained