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Schneider National’s Longest-Tenured Driver Retires

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Gary Lautenslager has seen a lot in his lifetime. A great deal of the memories, friendships, and adventures he has experienced throughout his life come from the 44 years he spent behind the wheel as a driver for Schneider National, one of the nation’s largest truckload carriers. In July Lautenslager, Schneider’s longest-tenured driver, is pulling the brakes on a career that has helped define the person he is today.

Of all the things Lautenslager says he has loved about his career, the best part is the freedom: "You're out on your own. You get to see a lot and I’ve had a lot of time to think about things. I always tell others my office is the open road," he said. "Though it feels like the right time to hang up the truck keys, I’ll always consider myself a Schneider driver."

Lautenslager first came to the trucking company in 1964. While unsure of his next steps, Lautenslager left the company for four years. It was during that time, he says, that he realized he was meant to be on the road. There was only one company he had in mind: He returned to the company in 1968 and called the company home for more than four decades. In hindsight, he says he never imagined he’d work for a company that would grow into one of the largest multimodal carriers in the country.

In addition to his career on the road, Lautenslager also spent several years as a Driver Trainer in Green Bay, WI, and West Memphis, AK, sharing with others what he knew about the world of truck driving. He says he has probably taught hundreds of new drivers throughout his career and did it because he enjoyed teaching others the skills he had learned in order to help them build a better future for themselves.

Eventually, his love for driving rubbed off on someone else close to him: his wife, Patricia. In 1990, she decided she too wanted to hit the open road and together, the two have worked side by side as Team Drivers ever since.

Patricia says it takes a special kind of personality to be able to help people. "As both an instructor and a friend, there have been many times when we've been on the road and seen people in very perilous situations. And Gary has taken it upon himself to walk over and say ‘Hey, you know, I'm a Schneider driver, is there something I can do to help you?’"

When Lautenslager reflects back on his first experiences as a driver, he contends that it was a much scarier time back then. Training programs were practically nonexistent and drivers were expected to learn on the fly. But thanks to advances in technology and ongoing driver training programs, today’s drivers face a very different - but healthier – work life.

During his retirement reception, Lautenslager shared a few of his memories and insights. Among them:
  • Favorite Place to Drive Through: Madawaska, ME, for its beautiful wildlife and laid-back people
  • Most Amazing Sights: Watching a plane land on Interstate 10 outside of Amarillo and a hot-air balloon land on an entrance ramp in Iowa
  • Best Day Ever: To be one of six drivers personally invited by company founder Al Schneider to attend his induction into the Packers Hall of Fame
  • Total Miles Driven: 3.8 million
  • Key to a Long, Happy and Successful Truck Driving Career: Having patience, great listening skills, and a positive relationship with your leader
When asked what he plans to do once he’s done behind the wheel, Lautenslager says he’s most looking forward to just relaxing and admits he will probably have to fight the itch to drive again.

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