Schneider National to Add 100 New Jobs in Laurinburg, N.C., and Greater Scotland County

C., including Charlotte, Fayetteville, Wilmington and Raleigh, N.C., and Florence, Darlington and Bennettsville, S.C., to fill 100 professional truck driving positions.Schneider National plans to hire the additional 100 over-the-road drivers and owner operators over the course of the next 30 days.Most of the new hires will work for Schneider National's Specialized division and haul freight for Pilkington, a leader in the global glass industry. Drivers will haul flat-glass manufactured at Pilkington's Laurinburg plant and deliver to customers primarily in the eastern United States.

Prior driving experience is not necessary. Schneider National offers a comprehensive, company-paid training program that is recognized as one of the best in the industry for its commitment to operating safety and performance.

Schneider National will host free career fairs on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2004, and Friday, Sept. 24, 2004, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, 1520 South Main Street, in Laurinburg. Both Schneider National and Pilkington representatives will be available to answer questions.

Inexperienced drivers are encouraged to apply for the new positions and will earn an average of $30,500-$39,500 in their first year. Experienced drivers will earn an average of $43,500-$54,000 per year. Owner operators leasing with Schneider National will average $135,000-$145,000 annually. Schneider National also is offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus for experienced drivers and owner operators who join the company.

"Men and women considering a career change or re-entering the workforce after completing military service or having raised families often find professional truck driving an appealing career choice because it is stable, affords independence, offers variety of work and opportunities for advancement," said Scott Arves, president of transportation, Schneider National Inc.

Schneider Specialized Carriers specializes in hauling flat-glass on flatbed and specialized trailers for use in the automotive industry and in the construction of commercial buildings. Pilkington was Schneider Specialized Carriers' first flat-glass customer. Schneider has been hauling glass for the company since 1990. Today, Schneider Specialized Carriers has on-site operations at Pilkington's facilities in Laurinburg, N.C., and Ottawa, Ill. The current need for drivers across the truckload industry, as well as Pilkington's increase in overall outbound shipments, have prompted a need for 100 new Specialized drivers and owner operators in North Carolina and South Carolina.

"The increased number of drivers will help Pilkington continue to improve service and on-time delivery rate to our customers," said Jeff Mercer, human resources manager for Pilkington Laurinburg. "It also will provide a boost to the local economy through the addition of Schneider National jobs."

"We are excited to increase our base of drivers throughout the Carolinas to support Schneider Specialized Carriers' largest customer. The Carolinas and the southeastern U.S. are critical to our relationship with Pilkington because of their significant presence as a glass manufacturer in this region, and their presence in the national glass marketplace," added Arves.

Schneider National and Pilkington have strong presences in southern North Carolina. Schneider National has an Operating Center in Charlotte, N.C., and more than 1,700 drivers, owner operators, mechanics and office associates currently based out of this facility. Pilkington employs approximately 300 associates in Scotland County at its Laurinburg plant.

Schneider National has more than 15,500 drivers and owner operators serving the United States, Canada and Mexico. The nearly 70-year old company has established a reputation for integrity, safety and customer service excellence, earning many industry and customer awards.