Schneider Honors Air Force Veteran as Ride of Pride Driver

Event summary

  • Schneider National named U.S. Air Force veteran Greg Smith as its 2026 Ride of Pride driver.
  • Smith received a specially decorated Freightliner Cascadia truck honoring 9/11 victims and military service.
  • Schneider has received 15 Ride of Pride trucks since the program's 2001 inception, more than any other carrier.
  • 24% of Schneider's associates have military experience, reflecting its strong veteran hiring focus.

The big picture

Schneider's selection of Greg Smith as its Ride of Pride driver underscores the company's longstanding commitment to military veterans, a strategic differentiator in an industry facing chronic driver shortages. With 24% of its workforce having military experience, Schneider leverages this focus to enhance its employer brand and operational culture. The initiative also aligns with broader industry trends of corporate social responsibility and targeted workforce development.

What we're watching

Veteran Retention
Whether Schneider can sustain its 24% veteran workforce percentage amid industry-wide driver shortages.
Brand Differentiation
How the Ride of Pride initiative will affect Schneider's competitive positioning in the trucking sector.
Event Impact
The pace at which Smith's participation in national events will elevate Schneider's public profile.