Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Schneider Celebrates 90 Years in Trucking

From a single truck in 1935, Schneider National has grown to become one the largest trucking fleets in the U.S.

Al Schneider, founder of Schneider Nation.

Al Schneider, the fleet's founder, with a 1960s vintage International Transtar CEO. 

Photo: Schneider National

3 min to read


It all began with a single truck in 1935. From those humble beginnings, Schneider National rose to become a leading multimodal provider of transportation, logistics and intermodal services in North America.

And on June 12, Schneider National celebrated 90 years of evolution, resilience and service.

Ad Loading...

History, Innovation and Adaptability 

The company marked this milestone with a special event at its Green Bay headquarters honoring its rich history, the people who have driven its success, and its promising future.

Founded by Al Schneider with a vision to build something extraordinary, the company has grown into a multimodal powerhouse with 19,400 associates and 12,500 trucks, logging over 9 million freight miles daily — the equivalent of circling the globe 370 times.

1930 Schneider truck.

Schneider began as a single-truck Wisconsin fleet in 1935. 

Photo: Schneider National

“Reaching 90 years is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the dedication of our current and former associates,” said Schneider president and CEO Mark Rourke

Ad Loading...

“From Al Schneider’s first delivery to our nearly 14,000 company drivers today, our story is one of innovation, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to providing safe and reliable service to our customers.”

A Legacy of Firsts

Schneider has repeatedly reshaped the supply chain through industry-defining advancements:

  • 1958: Schneider secured its first interstate authority, expanding beyond Wisconsin and laying the groundwork for a national footprint.

  • 1980: Schneider successfully navigates deregulation after the Motor Carrier Act is passed.

  • 1982: Schneider Communications is formed to provide drivers long-distance telephone service.

  • 1986: The company revolutionized trucking by becoming the first to equip its fleet with two-way in-cab satellite communication, eliminating the need for drivers to stop and use pay phones for assignments.

  • 1991: Recognizing the growing need for diversified transportation services, Schneider launched its intermodal operations.

  • 1992: Mexico City office opens to serve cross-border customers.

  • 1993: Building on its commitment to providing end-to-end supply chain solutions, Schneider founded Schneider Logistics.

  • 2001: Schneider Brokerage started.

  • 2017: Schneider goes public, unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth.

  • 2020: Schneider FreightPower portal for shippers, carriers and owner-operators launches.

  • 2022: Schneider acquires Midwest Logistics Systems.

  • 2023: Schneider becomes the first major carrier to fully operationalize a battery-electric fleet in California; The Grove Innovation Center opens in Green Bay; M&M Transport Services is acquired.

  • 2024: Schneider acquires Cowan Systems, significantly expanding Dedicated services to nearly 8,600 trucks. The company establishes a preferred rail partnership with recently formed CPKC.

  • 2025: Schneider celebrates its 90th anniversary.

Honoring Excellence

The celebration event included the induction of 30 new drivers to Schneider’s Haul of Fame. This is a special recognition program for drivers who have achieved at least 3 million safe driving miles or 20 consecutive years without a preventable accident.

Greg Swift, five-million safe mile Schneider National driver.

Schneider National drier Greg Swift has logged an incredible five million accident-free miles. 

Photo: Schneider National

For the first time in company history, five company drivers will receive their 4 million safe mile awards in the same year, and one driver, Greg Swift, achieved 5 million safe miles. 

Ad Loading...

There are only 435 drivers who have earned a plaque on the Haul of Fame wall, which underscores what a rare achievement it is and how important it is in Schneider’s deep-rooted culture of safety.

Driving the Future

As Schneider looks ahead, company said it will continue to invest in strategic growth areas, including intermodal and cross-border services, particularly in Mexico, as well as further organic and acquisitive growth in Dedicated services.

The company remains focused on delivering innovative, customer-centric solutions that meet the evolving demands of the global supply chain.

“We’re not just celebrating our past — we’re accelerating into the future,” said Rourke. “Our strong foundation in service, safety and operational excellence, paired with our associates and an openness to change anything but our values, ensures we’ll continue to set the standard for decades to come.”

More Fleet Management

TEN disaster prep.
Fleet ManagementMay 1, 2026

How Fleets Can Avoid Equipment Blind Spots in Disaster Response

When the unexpected happens, how you react to, and deal with operational blind spots is critical. Here’s how to keep you recovery on track, when nothing is normal.

Read More →
Illustration of cybersecurity images with "The Cyber Stop" text
Fleet Managementby Ben WilkensApril 30, 2026

AI Security Risks for Trucking Fleets: What to Know About Deepfakes and Agentic AI

As fleets adopt artificial intelligence for routing, maintenance, and load matching, new security risks are emerging. Learn where the vulnerabilities are and how to put the right controls in place.

Read More →
Mobile tablet showing Motus screen against highway background with Motus logo

FMCSA’s Motus System Is Coming. What Fleets Need to Know Now

The long-awaited registration system promises a single portal — and tighter fraud controls.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
CargoNet 2026 Qi report.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 24, 2026

Cargo Theft Incidents Fall in Q1, but Organized Crime and Impersonation Drive New Risks

CargoNet reports fewer supply chain crime events to start 2026. But losses hold steady as organized crime shifts tactics toward impersonation schemes and high-value goods.

Read More →
Graphic with light bulbs, HDT Truck Fleet Innovators logo, and the word Nominations
Fleet ManagementApril 24, 2026

Nominations Open for HDT Truck Fleet Innovators 2026

Heavy Duty Trucking is searching for forward-looking leaders at trucking fleets as nominations for HDT’s Truck Fleet Innovators 2026. Deadline is May 15.

Read More →
Illustration with trojan horse and lock with inside of cargo container in background
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 23, 2026

New Trojan Driver Cargo Theft Scam Bypasses Carrier Vetting Systems

Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
ATA Truck Tonnage Index March 2026.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 22, 2026

March Truck Tonnage Posts Strongest Annual Gain Since 2022

A modest sequential increase capped the strongest quarterly performance in years, signaling continued freight momentum in early 2026.

Read More →
Toll road.
Fleet Managementby Jack RobertsApril 22, 2026

Ohio Turnpike Targets $5.2 Million in Unpaid Tolls from Trucking Firms

More than 300 carriers across 26 states have been sent to collections as the Ohio Turnpike cracks down on toll evasion and delinquent payments.

Read More →
Illustration with ATRI logo and square blocks spelling out "research"
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeApril 20, 2026

'Beyond Compliance,' Regulations, Driver Coaching on ATRI’s 2026 Research List

The American Transportation Research Institute will examine driver coaching, regulatory impacts — including the "Beyond Compliance" concept —and weather disruptions that shape trucking operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Brian Antonellis, senior vice president, fleet operations, Fleet Advantage.
Fleet Managementby Jack RobertsApril 17, 2026

Fleet Advantage's Brian Antonellis on the Growing Need to Replace Old Trucks

Fleet Advantage's Brian Antonellis says it's time for fleets to get back to the fundamentals of good maintenance practices. And that includes replacing older, inefficient equipment.

Read More →