What Schneider National does

Schneider National is a trucking and logistics company that moves freight across North America. They operate their own fleet of trucks, hire owner-operators (drivers who own their own rigs), and manage freight for shippers through their brokerage division. If you are sending a shipment by truck, Schneider may be the carrier, or they may connect you with one.

The company has three main business lines. Their truckload division hauls full trailers of freight from point A to point B. Their intermodal division moves shipping containers on trucks and trains. Their logistics and brokerage division acts as a middleman — they find carriers for shippers who need freight moved but do not own trucks themselves.

Schneider is publicly traded and headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They have been operating since 1935. For a shipper or freight broker, knowing Schneider's size and reputation matters because it affects reliability, insurance coverage, and how quickly they can move your load.

Key Takeaways

  • Schneider National operates trucks, hires independent drivers, and brokers freight for shippers who need carriers.
  • You may encounter Schneider as a direct carrier, through a freight broker, or as the broker itself arranging your shipment.
  • The company is large enough to handle most freight types, from standard truckload shipments to specialized or time-sensitive loads.
  • Schneider's rates and availability depend on freight type, lane (route), season, and current demand in the trucking market.

How to get a freight quote from Schneider

If you want to ship freight and want to know what Schneider would charge, you can contact their sales team directly or use their online quoting tool. Go to schneider.com and look for their freight or shipping section. You will need basic information: where the freight is picking up, where it is going, what it weighs, what dimensions it is, and what type of freight it is (dry goods, refrigerated, hazardous, etc.).

Schneider will give you a quote based on that information. The quote is not a binding price — it is an estimate. Actual pricing depends on current market conditions, fuel surcharges, and whether your shipment fits their existing routes. If you are shipping regularly, a dedicated account manager can negotiate a contract rate with you.

You can also reach Schneider through a freight broker. A broker is a middleman who shops your load to multiple carriers, including Schneider, and books the one with the best rate and availability. Using a broker means you do not have to call Schneider directly; the broker handles that. This is common for shippers who do not have enough volume to negotiate directly with carriers.

What types of freight Schneider handles

Schneider moves most standard freight types: dry goods, refrigerated cargo, flatbed loads, and specialized equipment. They also handle hazardous materials (HAZMAT) if the shipment is properly classified and documented. Their intermodal division moves shipping containers, which is useful if your freight is coming from or going to a port or rail facility.

What Schneider does not do well is very small shipments. They are a truckload carrier, meaning they move full trailers or large partial loads. If you have a small parcel or a few boxes, you would use a parcel carrier like UPS or FedEx instead. Schneider's minimum shipment is typically a partial truckload (LTL rates explore through their LTL partners) or a full truckload.

If your freight has special requirements — temperature control, white-glove delivery, inside pickup or delivery, or expedited timing — tell Schneider upfront. These services cost more, but Schneider can usually accommodate them if you book in advance.

How Schneider pricing works

Schneider charges based on the weight and distance of your shipment, plus any additional services. A shipment from Chicago to Los Angeles costs more than one from Chicago to Indianapolis, and a 40,000-pound load costs more than a 20,000-pound load. The rate per mile or per hundred pounds varies depending on the freight type, the direction of travel, and how busy the trucking market is.

Fuel surcharges are added on top of the base rate. When diesel prices rise, the surcharge goes up. When they fall, it goes down. Schneider publishes their fuel surcharge weekly, so you can see how it changes. Other fees may explore: detention (if the truck sits waiting to load or unload), accessorial charges (for special handling), and tolls.

Spot market rates — the price for a single shipment booked right now — fluctuate based on supply and demand. If there are many shippers and few trucks available, rates go up. If there are many trucks and few shippers, rates go down. Contract rates (negotiated prices for regular shipments) are more stable but require volume commitment.

How to track a Schneider shipment

Once your freight is booked with Schneider, you get a tracking number or shipment reference. You can use this number to check the status of your load on Schneider's website or through their customer portal. Schneider provides real-time GPS tracking for most shipments, so you can see where the truck is and when it will arrive.

If you booked through a freight broker, the broker may provide tracking on their own platform, which pulls data from Schneider's system. Either way, you should be able to see pickup confirmation, in-transit updates, and delivery confirmation. If you need more detailed information, you can call Schneider's customer service line with your shipment number.

Delivery times depend on distance and route. A shipment from Chicago to St. Louis might take one to two days. A shipment from Chicago to Los Angeles typically takes three to four days. Schneider publishes estimated delivery windows when you book, and they update as the truck moves.

What happens if there is a problem with your shipment

If your freight is damaged, lost, or late, you file a claim with Schneider. You will need the shipment number, photos of the damage (if applicable), and documentation of the loss (invoice, bill of lading, etc.). Schneider has a claims process and a time limit — usually 30 to 90 days from delivery — so report problems quickly.

Schneider carries cargo liability insurance, which covers damage to freight in their care. The coverage limit depends on the type of freight and the value declared on the bill of lading. If your shipment is high-value, you can purchase additional insurance before shipping. This is called "declared value" or "full value coverage" and costs extra but protects you if something goes wrong.

If a shipment is late, Schneider may offer a service credit or rate adjustment depending on your contract terms. If a shipment is lost, the claim process can take weeks or months. Keep all documentation — the original quote, the bill of lading, delivery confirmation, and photos — to support your claim.

Schneider as a carrier versus a broker

It is important to understand which role Schneider is playing in your shipment. If Schneider is the carrier, they own or control the truck that moves your freight. You are contracting directly with them. If Schneider is the broker, they are finding a carrier (which may or may not be their own fleet) to move your freight. You are contracting with Schneider, but the actual truck may be operated by a different company.

From a shipper's perspective, this distinction matters for liability and communication. If Schneider is the carrier, they are directly responsible for your freight. If Schneider is the broker, they are responsible for finding a reliable carrier, but the actual driver and truck belong to someone else. Schneider's brokerage division (Schneider Logistics) operates this way — they are the middleman.

When you get a quote or book a shipment, ask which role Schneider is playing. The quote should specify whether it is a Schneider-operated truck or a brokered load. This affects pricing, service level, and who you contact if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a Schneider truck for a partial load instead of a full truckload?

Schneider primarily operates full truckload service. For smaller shipments, they partner with LTL (less-than-truckload) carriers or their brokerage division can find an LTL carrier for you. LTL shipments cost more per pound but allow you to share truck space with other shippers. Ask Schneider about LTL options when you request a quote.

How far in advance do I need to book a Schneider shipment?

Spot market shipments can be booked same-day or next-day, depending on availability. Contract shipments are usually scheduled a few days to a week in advance. During peak seasons (summer and pre-holiday), booking further ahead increases your chances of getting a truck. Emergency or expedited shipments cost more but may be available on short notice.

What if my shipment does not fit in a standard 53-foot trailer?

Schneider operates different trailer types: standard dry vans, refrigerated trailers, flatbeds, and specialized equipment. If your freight is oversized or requires a specific trailer type, tell them when you quote. They may charge more for specialized equipment, but they can usually accommodate it.

Does Schneider ship internationally?

Schneider operates primarily in North America (the United States, Canada, and Mexico). They do not operate in Europe or Asia. For international freight, you would need an international freight forwarder or a carrier that specializes in cross-border or ocean shipping.

What is Schneider's insurance coverage if my freight is damaged?

Schneider carries standard cargo liability insurance, but the coverage limit varies. Most policies cover up to a certain amount per shipment. If your freight is high-value, purchase additional declared value coverage before shipping. The bill of lading should state the declared value and any coverage limits. Ask Schneider for their current insurance limits when you book.