Re: Schneider National Questions

I was going to ignore this one, but decided not to. Keep in mind these
answers are based soley on my experiences, and I do not "bleed orange", nor
am I a recruiter - I'm just a driver.

<victimofthieves@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1187289204.561142.77330@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
1. Does the company slogan involve the word "respect" because other
employees do not give their drivers respect, and must be reminded by
putting it in the recruiting slogan?

In my 10 years experience, I find you get what you give.


2. Do senior employees talk to other associates as though they were
little kids that need to be disciplined as a normal tone of
conversation?

Not that I've seen.


3. Does the DOT have to inspect their yards to verify that tires are
mounted correctly, and that valve stems are not "hidden" so that
drivers cannot check the air pressure?

Never had a problem checking my air pressure on any of the trucks I've had
over the years. You do realize stems are mounted inwards on all drive tires,
right?

4. Does the DOT have to inspect their yards to verify that older
tires are not "recycled"so that the passenger side inner tires are
hiding borderline tires from view?

Never had that problem myself.

5. Roads would be safer if DOT inspected all truck yards for
defective equipment, and recorded the odometer reading of defective
equipment, and would have a list of vehicles to watch for?

Probably, but I do beleive DOT bases their experience on their records of
problems they find out on the road nation wide. Of course, you could make
your mis-guided statement about any company.

6. How will the company expect you to act when the work assignment
requires you to unload past the 14th hour?

You can unload after the 14th hour, you just cannot drive. Many people make
that mistake - the regs say you cannot DRIVE after 14 hours of work. Of
course, after you unload, then what?


7. Do work assignments come through outdated equipment so that you
have to write everything down?

The outdated equipment they are in the process of replacing? Most companies
use the same type of eqiupment.


8. Even though inexpensive ink jet printers are compatible with this
outdated equipment, they would rather you not keep records of your
work assignments?

Hmm..interesting. Sounds like conspiracy theory to me. If you must write out
your work assignment, since you cannot print it out as you mentioned in #7,
you already have a copy. Problem solved.


9. They don't trust drivers with lists of their "customers" so they
don't give them printers?

Huh? Is this whole complaint stemming from you wanting a printer in the
truck?


10. They don't want accurate documentation of work assignments
because DOT would be able to audit log books for HOS violations?

All messages are kept in the mainframe in San Diego, where Quallcomm is
based. And, I do know for a fact, DOT can, and does, check this information
for HOS violations - been called on it once myself (it was an innocent
misunderstanding of rules on my part).


11. If the company makes a payroll mistake, and you don't write
anything down, the company will save money if you can't report it?

On the few occasions there has been a payroll error, I was compensated the
following week, usually also asked if I needed a Comcheck to help cover any
missing money I may have needed.


12. Does the company boast about cutting edge GPS location abilities,
and then give you directions that get you lost, or worse, in "no-
truck" zoned areas?

They also comment, quite frequently, that they are aware the software is not
perfect, and it ultimatley the driver's responsibilty to not get into a "no
truck" area. How do you think everyone alse did it before the computers? We
all survived and did just fine. The directions are just another tool, not a
catch all.


13. Does the company depend on training students to keep and secure
business, because students are paid at substantially below market
rates?

"Substantially" below market rates? Need to see more documentation to
confirm that. Sure, newbees make less to begin with - but find me a company
that doesn't do that. Good luck finding a company that pays the same to
experienced and inexperienced alike.

14. Does a company that depends on students for their customers end
up with substandard service, clogging their docks and yards with slow
moving trucks?

I'd say an overall 97% ontime delivery rate is pretty decent service. How
fast do you want people to drive in the yards and at the docks?

15. Will the company then complain about lost business, or offer
brain storming sessions to get new business?

16. Does a company that says you will get paid one amount per mile,
come back and say those miles are really "zip code miles", not what
you drive?

They tell you from day one that miles are household moving guide miles -
it's never been a secret. Very few companies pay hub miles, and those that
do usually don't pay you somewhere else.


17. Will you be expected to pick up an empty trailer on one side of
town and take it to the other, or another town near by, for free,
because of zip codes?

No, of course not, and trailer moves are compensated for within the same zip
code.


18. Does the company tell you that "zip codes" pay evens out over
time, but really leverage their software so that equipment is moved by
a driver's location, without pay whenever possible?

No one moves equipment for free. If you did, that's your fault.

19. Does the company "advertise short haul pay", but then leverage
their driver's time so that "relays" disqualify them from extra
accessorial pay (you pick a short haul load, and live unload it, but
are disqualified from extra pay because you are not the "original
driver")?

It costs more to relay a load, so this argument makes no sense.


20. Will you be late because dispatchers are relying on zip code
miles, instead of "practical miles", and making promises they can't
keep because they are "practically clueless"?

Never had this problem for two reasons: 1. If dispatched that way, and my
trip planning makes it obvious I can't make it at the time shown, I send a
message and make a call. It's your responsibilty to make sure you can do a
load on time and legally. 2. Only been dipatched that way twice, and it was
over 7 years ago.

21. Does a company tell you that they can't pay "practical miles",
because it's always been done the other way, and their customers won't
pay more (you pay more for other things don't you?)?

It's a customer's market out there right now - more drivers than freight.
Demand more, they find another company that will accept their rates.
Practical miles don't excite me, because I have found, at least in my
experience, the pay increase is miniscule, and I've found a couple of my
routes I would actually be paid less.


22. Will you be told how much free time you can spend each day for
breaks, or will they just expect you to go without because they barely
have time to get your next load, let alone manage your time?

It's up to you to manage your time - you let a company, ANY company, run you
ragged, they will. Speak up, just don't whine.


23. Will they just make up the "estimated time of arrival", and
expect drivers to give the correct time, they can just give their
customers an imaginary excuse if they are too far off?

Conspiracy theory again.


24. Does the company value your input by forcing confidentiality
agreements?

Never seen nor signed one myself.


25. Will you be harassed daily about saving fuel, but be expected to
park in between two trucks idling?

I was not aware that they were assigning parking at this point. You have to
admit, reducing idle time is a way to save money on both fule and wear and
tear on an engine. Don't want your bonus - idle away! Never been harassed
about fuel, actually.


26. Will you be working for a company that is "testing" technology,
or using it?

I prefer to work for a company that actually uses tested and proven
technology. The new heaters in the trucks are awesome, and the new A/C units
coming down the pike are pretty nice as well.


27. Will you be able to sleep as though a lawnmower were outside your
window (diesel generators) as frequently happens at truck stops?

Nope - that's why I pick my parking spots carefully.


28. Will you be expected to use life-support equipment on your face
on a truck you are not supposed to idle if you are diagnosed with a
sleep disorder?

C'mon - that's just silly. A buddy of mine has the machine for the
sleep-apnea, and he is allowed idle time.


29. What is the average hold time on the phone when asking for any
department representative? Does this hold time indicate that work
loads are leveraged so that employees are overworked?

I think the most I've ever been on hold is 20 minutes with Green Bay
Emergency Maintinence - but that was during an ice storm in the North East.


30. Will you be given routing assistance to help you determine a
legal route, according to your permit book, or will you be expected to
"figure it out"?

Do you want someone to drive for you as well? Assistance is available if you
need - it's just that most drivers don't need it.


31. If the equipment becomes unserviceable, but is not documented or
observed by the previous driver, can you be held responsible for
damages?

Nope. That's an easy one because it's happened to me.


32. Does the company offer "easy financing" and allow you to buy used
equipment, knowing that the equipment will break down, and if you
can't fix it, they can repossess it, and still bill you for the
repairs?

Conspiracy theory again. Are you sure you're not talking about Prime?


33. Does the company offer "cutting edge technology", "select your
own loads", but only if you are there for 1 year, some people don't
make it that long as contractors?

That's really their choice, isn't it?


34. Does the company cater to clients that have limited parking
ability, and must use appointment times because there is only room for
one or two trucks at a time?

Very few of the companies I have ever delivered to have this problem. Are
you suggesting that smaller companies, up and comers, should not be given
service?

35. Are company students given a boot-camp style training that crams
you in an old school bus, wondering if you are going to make it to
training alive or not?

The training is not boot-camp style. Can't speak about the bus, as I have
never ridden on it.


36. Are company students told that on the road training will only
take several days, but it really depends on how slow the other student
is who you are forced to train with, which could take weeks?

Another load of crap. It is mentioned more than once that if there are
problems with a trainer (such as being paired with a slow learning driver),
speak up, and you can be reassigned.


37. Are company students told that on the road training will only
take several days, but they are kept out on the road longer because
more money can be made by the company for "team driving"?

OTR training is not team driving, and it makes no extra money for the
company.


38. Can you imagine picking out a truck driver at a truck stop, and
being forced to train with him or her for a few weeks?

See #36


39. Are company students really being used as "team drivers" for a
limited time?

Nope.


40. If you do complain about something, will you be given difficult
loads to perform, and lower miles? Is that how the company addresses
"equal opportunity"?

Depends on the attitude and frequency. If it becomes painfully obvious that
someone is a chronic complainer, and nothing makes them happy - then that's
exactly what I'd do. But, in my experience, I have had problems in the past
that I have addressed with no reprocusions.


41. When it is all said and done, will you make $1000 one week, and
the rest of the month average half that?

It can happen, but it also goes the other way as well.


42. Are you prepared to loose money because of Hours of Service
Rules, which could force you to loose 34 days (34hr * 24) or more a
year from "34hr restarts" at truck stops hundreds of miles from home?

34 hour restarts are going away in September, so that is a moot point. All
my restarts have been at home, so I can't say I've ever had this problem.


43. The drivers that make the most money don't take any time at home
off?

$60k last year, home every weekend, and most of the week. So, I guess it is
not true. But, think of this - you have to work to make money. It's a very
simple equation: work = $$$. no work = 000.

44. Does the company try to make money off the drivers in their off
time through a company store, and a restaurant, by trying to use their
"terminal" as a "truck stop"?

Not like you are forced to buy things from the company store or eat in the
cafeteria - a lot of drivers just find it convienient to have these services
in one location. I have found that the cafeteria prices are comperable to
resturaunts and fast-food joints. Don't forget they also have microwaves at
the OCs, so feel free to bring your own food.


45. Do major truck companies all act the same, because that's the way
it is always been done, and they can just get another driver who
doesn't complain?

Do you constantly complain about everything? Jesus man - you don't like it,
go elswhere!


46. Does the company try to deduct a daily entitlement by the IRS
(which is not determined by miles driven) by paying you a pay rate
based on miles driven and effecting your per mile pay?

Are you talking about Per Diem?


47. If the pay plan involving per diem "calculations" was truly
legitimate, or not leveraged in their favor, why would they need your
permission to "participate"?

It is legitimate, but it doesn't work in everyone's favor. It's really a
matter of how you do your taxes, and if you even are able to take per diem.

48. Does the company install auxiliary power heating AND cooling
unit's fleet wide, not on a testing basis?

Heating is sytem wide - cooling is on it's way. Would you prefer something
that you know works, or prefer some untested piece of crap that breaks down
constantly?


49. Will you be required to have the truck in for maintenance by a
certain mileage, but force dispatches you on a load that will have you
no where near a facility within that time?

Again - speak up! As far as the mileage, it's a window, not the minute you
hit a certain mileage.


Now is a time in history where drivers are able to communicate more
freely the ways that companies are using their time and money.

50. Are companies that refuse to adapt to better pay and working
conditions, holding on to the old ways by relying on special favors
from Congress to let in Mexican drivers, and are actively petitioning
for new visas, rather than supporting local drivers?

Second pay increase system wide in two years. They use a great deal of local
drivers, they just need more with their increasing business.

51. Does the company tell their "independent contractors" that they
can refuse a load, but it is not clear that you will not be
responsible for fines or charges once it is assigned you?

52. If a company can fine or charge you for a load once you refuse
it, are you really an independent contractor or an employee?

53. Are you really an independent contractor if the "contract" says
you can refuse a load, but documentation that outlines "guide for
success" says not to refuse loads, is just a way of telling the IRS
and drivers they can do what they want, because they are a big
company?


Can't address the last three, since I am a company driver.


Does a company that has to use such "cost saving measures" have a
future?

I personally think so, or else I wouldn't still be here. Feel free to shop
around for other companies, driver, you may find one that will hold your
hand and get on their knees for you. Of course, how long THEY would last is
really the big question.

From reading your questions, and I may be way off here, it seems like you
may be a person that went through Schneider's training, keeping to yourself
and mumbling under your breath about things you may not have liked. You
probably didn't speak up or seek to fix any problems you came across or
experienced, just letting things snowball. Good luck in whatever you are
seeking.


.

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