Al Schneider, the fleet’s founder, with a 1960s vintage International Transtar CEO.
Photo: Schneider National
It all began with a single truck in 1935. From those humble beginnings, Scheider 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.
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.
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. “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
Today’s event includes 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.
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.
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.”
