Schneider Marks 90 Years of Innovation, Expansion, and Industry Leadership
Schneider National, Inc. (NYSE: SNDR), a leader in transportation, logistics, and intermodal services, is proudly celebrating its 90th anniversary, marking nearly a century of bold innovation, operational excellence, and consistent growth. What began in 1935 with a single truck and a determined founder has evolved into a multimodal powerhouse with more than 19,400 associates and 12,500 trucks, delivering over 9 million freight miles daily—enough to circle the globe 370 times.
On June 12, Schneider commemorated this major milestone with a special celebration at its Green Bay, Wisconsin headquarters. The event honored not just the company’s impressive history, but also the people—past and present—who have been instrumental in shaping its success, and the promising road ahead.
Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader
Founded by Al Schneider with a vision to build a company rooted in service and integrity, Schneider began as a modest one-truck operation. Al’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to service excellence laid the foundation for a business that would grow steadily, guided by principles of innovation, safety, and customer-first thinking.
“Reaching 90 years is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the dedication of our current and former associates,” said Mark Rourke, Schneider President and CEO. “From Al Schneider’s first delivery to the nearly 14,000 company drivers on the road today, our story is one of innovation, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to providing safe and reliable service to our customers.”
A Timeline of Innovation and Growth
Throughout its history, Schneider has consistently been at the forefront of industry advancements, pioneering technologies and operational strategies that reshaped how freight is moved across North America. Below is a snapshot of some pivotal moments in Schneider’s transformative journey:
- 1958: Gained its first interstate authority, expanding operations beyond Wisconsin and laying the foundation for national reach.
- 1980: Successfully navigated deregulation brought on by the Motor Carrier Act.
- 1982: Launched Schneider Communications, Inc. to provide drivers with long-distance phone service, a precursor to more advanced communications technologies.
- 1986: Became the first major carrier to implement two-way in-cab satellite communications—eliminating the need for drivers to stop and use pay phones, improving efficiency and safety.
- 1991: Launched intermodal operations to meet growing demand for diversified shipping options.
- 1992: Expanded cross-border services by opening a Mexico City office.
- 1993: Introduced Schneider Logistics, providing integrated supply chain solutions.
- 2001: Formed Schneider Brokerage, offering capacity solutions beyond its asset-based fleet.
- 2017: Went public, becoming a listed company on the New York Stock Exchange and opening the door to new growth and investment opportunities.
- 2020: Rolled out the Schneider FreightPower® portal, enhancing digital access for shippers, carriers, and owner-operators.
- 2022: Acquired Midwest Logistics Systems, strengthening its Dedicated operations.
- 2023: Became the first major U.S. carrier to fully deploy a battery-electric truck fleet in California. Opened The Grove Innovation Center in Green Bay and acquired M&M Transport Services.
- 2024: Acquired Cowan Systems, expanding its Dedicated fleet to nearly 8,600 trucks. Established a strategic rail partnership with CPKC to bolster intermodal capabilities.
- 2025: Celebrates its 90th anniversary—marking a legacy of leadership and a future poised for continued growth.
Honoring Excellence and Commitment
The anniversary celebration also served as an opportunity to recognize exceptional contributions from the company’s drivers. A total of 30 new drivers were inducted into Schneider’s prestigious Haul of Fame, which honors professionals who have achieved at least 3 million safe driving miles or maintained 20 consecutive years without a preventable accident.
In a historic first, five drivers achieved 4 million safe miles in the same year—a testament to Schneider’s unwavering focus on safety. Even more remarkably, one driver reached an astounding 5 million safe miles, a milestone few in the industry ever attain. To date, only 435 drivers have earned a spot on Schneider’s Haul of Fame wall, underscoring the elite nature of this recognition and the deeply embedded culture of safety across the organization.
A Vision for the Future
While the company reflects on nine decades of progress, its focus is firmly on the future. Schneider is accelerating investment in strategic growth areas, including intermodal and cross-border services—particularly in Mexico, where demand for nearshoring and reliable freight solutions continues to rise. At the same time, Schneider is pursuing both organic expansion and acquisitions to build out its Dedicated services and end-to-end logistics capabilities.
Rourke emphasized the company’s forward-looking approach: “We’re not just celebrating our past—we’re accelerating into the future. Our strong foundation in service, safety, and operational excellence, paired with the best team in the industry and an openness to evolve, ensures that Schneider will remain a leader in transportation for decades to come.”
With initiatives focused on sustainability, digital transformation, and talent development, Schneider is charting a course to deliver smarter, cleaner, and more efficient supply chain solutions that address the evolving needs of its customers in a complex global landscape.
A Legacy Built to Last
Schneider’s 90-year journey is not just a testament to longevity—it’s a story of continuous reinvention. From being a pioneer in in-cab technology to operating one of the industry’s first battery-electric fleets, the company has maintained its reputation as an innovator while staying true to its values.
Today, as Schneider honors its history and celebrates its people, it also sets its sights on the next era of growth. With a resilient spirit, bold vision, and the power of 19,400 associates behind it, Schneider is ready to lead the industry forward—just as it has for the last nine decades.