This award is presented by the Enlisted Association National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), to an employer who has demonstrated outstanding support to the enlisted men and women of the National Guard and Reserves. Eligible candidates come from one of the companies evaluated and selected by ESGR who support the National Guard and Reserves. The Award is a customized plaque with jade marble inlay and gold antique die cast plate affixed to it.
BACKGROUND ON THE AWARD’S NAMESAKE
The Al Schneider Memorial Award for Employer Excellence is named on behalf of A. J. “Al” Schneider, the founder of Schneider National Inc, the leading provider of premium truckload and intermodal services. The nation’s largest private truckload carrier, Schneider National was started in 1935 by Mr. A.J. “Al” Schneider in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It was in 1935 that Mr. Schneider sold the family car to purchase his first truck. He operated the firm until 1961, when Don Schneider, Al’s oldest son, joined the company as manager. Don is currently the CEO of Schneider National Inc. Al Schneider passed away in 1983.
In 1996, the Defense Department recognized Schneider National with the first ever “Employer Support Freedom Award” for its continued support program for associates deployed to Bosnia. In 2003, the National ESG/R Committee named Schneider National a “My Employer is a Patriot” certificate of appreciation recipient in recognition of the company’s employment policies and practices that are supportive of employees’ participation in the National Guard and Reserves.
Schneider National surpasses $3 billion in annual revenue. The firm operates over 14,000 tractors, 40,000 trailers and has partnerships with over 6,000 carriers. Schneider covers more than five million loaded miles per day and is utilized by two-thirds of the Fortune 500 companies.
A corporate sponsor of EANGUS, Schneider National’s founder Al Schneider is the namesake for this EANGUS award presented annually to an employer who demonstrates support for employees in the National Guard and Reserves. About 1,000 Guardsmen and Reservists work for Schneider National, and nearly 25% of the company’s associates have military experience. Associates in the military receive full pay and benefits for up to six months while they are on military leave. Al Schneider himself was a First Sergeant with the Wisconsin Army National Guard during his rewarding life.
