Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Rep. Bill Shuster

It is my privilege today to celebrate the life and mourn the passing of Donald Schneider, a pioneer who transformed the transportation industry through his ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Mr. Schneider, who was chairman emeritus and former president of Schneider National, ran one of the Nation's largest trucking companies with over 12,500 tractors, 35,000 trailers, and thousands and thousands of employees. Some of you may recognize those trucks painted in a distinct shade of orange that travel the highways and byways of America.

Mr. Schneider was a hardworking man who began his career driving a truck and as a mechanic's assistant at age 18 in his family's business. He served in Korea, went to the Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia, and began working in the family business in 1961.

Over three decades, Mr. Schneider expanded his fleet substantially, using modern management techniques and acquisition of regional companies to grow his business. Again, his leadership pushed Schneider National to one of the largest trucking companies in America and, of course, one of the most successful, especially after the deregulation which occurred in 1980.

Donald Schneider was a great man who never lost his common touch. He insisted on being called by his first name and, in a 1970 interview, was quoted as saying: My job is important, but not as important as the driver or the people in the service center.

That's how he grew his business--caring about the common man, caring about the customer, and growing his business into one of the great businesses in America.

Mr. Schneider was a man who served with a true servant's heart, and America has been enriched by his service to this country. I invite all Americans to join me in celebrating his life.