Schneider National has unveiled its new, state-of the-art operating center in Portland, Ore. Schneider expanded and relocated from its previous facility in the state with the help of a $610,000 financing package from the Portland Development Commission. Representatives from Schneider and PDC celebrated the grand opening with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Oct. 19, at the new facility, located at 12986 N.E. Whitaker Way.
The operating center serves as a regional hub for more than 450 Schneider drivers living in the West, including drivers in Oregon, Washington and California. Schneider worked closely with PDC to utilize the organization’s Quality Jobs Program and Economic Opportunity Fund, which are designed to encourage quality job growth and investment in targeted industries in urban renewal areas.
“After 20 years in our former location, it became necessary to expand operationally to better support our drivers’ needs, and the company’s hiring efforts and training programs,” says Todd Jadin, senior vice president of operations at Green Bay, Wis.-based Schneider National. “We have a long-standing relationship with the city of Portland, and the generous support from the Portland Development Commission enabled us to create a more comfortable, easily accessible facility for current and future drivers. It is an honor to expand our operating center network with this location.”
The operating center will provide company drivers and owner-operators with an array of amenities, including laundry facilities, food service, Internet access, equipment maintenance and fuel. Services will be available 24 hours per day, and the new operating center also offers office space for recruiting and for training on the company’s driver simulator. On average, about 100 drivers per day will come through the facility.
