Schneider Bulk Drivers: Training and Height Climbing Reviews & Advice.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by NVME4EVER, Mar 20, 2015.

  1. NVME4EVER

    NVME4EVER Light Load Member

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    Mar 10, 2015
    New Jersey
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    Hi Fellow Expert Drivers,

    Okay, I have an offer to attend a company paid "CDL" training through a local school "Smith & Solomon". They are only asking for 1 year commitment. I will be trained for the bulk department only. The starting rate will be at .38 per mile.

    Questions:

    1. Any of you females have or are currently doing this type of trucking; had any issues with carrying the hoses?
    2. How will you rate this field for an entry-level compared to others such as (Dry Van, Reefer, Flatbed)?
    3. Were you intimidated by the height of climbing the tank?
    4. Usually, how often was it required to do the unloading at a customer's location?

    Note: I will accept any advice from all! And, thank you again Chinatown for making me rethink about "Schneider". They have changed alot in my hiring region since the last time I have spoken to a recruiter in "2006".
     
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  3. Stormdriven

    Stormdriven Medium Load Member

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    Mar 11, 2014
    south, central, US.
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    "Dragging" hoses is not strenuous. (Can you lift a 3" hose full of product from ground to the hose tray. X6).

    Climbing up to the crash box is not a problem. Walking out a narrow cat walk to the wash out caps when its windy or slippery can be frightening. ( I recently observed a ladder strapped to the hose rack of a bulk tractor. I suspect that is what its for).

    Operating a chemical trailer is less strenuous than unloading a 53' van full of TV's.

    What it does require is a few marbles.
     
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  4. scythe08

    scythe08 Road Train Member

    2,718
    3,346
    Mar 19, 2007
    Portland, Or
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    I'm not a female, but I think I can answer most of those.

    1. The hoses aren't a big deal. They are empty when you drag them out and are empty when you put them back in the tubes or the rack.
    2. Tanker historically pays more than the other, you also have more accessory pay (if you're at a good compsny) my accessory pay can add $300 to a pay period. Flatbed usually pays more than reefee/dryvan.
    3. The height is no big deal at all, you'll get used to it in no time. Take your time, dint rush, use 3 point stance.
    4. This varies from customer to customer. I've unloaded 3 times in the past 4 weeks. The rest were either drop and hooks or the customer did it. But I've also had some weeks where I've unloaded 10 times.
    I'd rather do it myself. You never know if you have 'Billy Bob eating a booger or actually watching what he's doing
     
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  5. NVME4EVER

    NVME4EVER Light Load Member

    51
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    Mar 10, 2015
    New Jersey
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    Hi Stormdriven,

    Thank you for the information! You see, that is part of what I fear the most of!...Like the Wind, Ice, or possibly the Water on the catwalk can be of a major hazard issue. I know that they will train me on how the proper techniques in cases of such but, still I am trying to build the mind set first for it.

    What will you reccommend to focus on and study before going into training?
     
  6. NVME4EVER

    NVME4EVER Light Load Member

    51
    10
    Mar 10, 2015
    New Jersey
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    Hi Sythe08,

    Thank you for that important information as well! How invasive is the driving compared to Dry Vans, and Reefers?
     
  7. NVME4EVER

    NVME4EVER Light Load Member

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    Mar 10, 2015
    New Jersey
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    I need you guys as my personal Mentors seriously!:biggrin_25517: Lol.. Please, except more questions to follow as I approach this journey. I have a feeling that I will probably be the only lady in that training class during that time...

    I have to prove myself that it can be done safely and effectively for a woman.:biggrin_255: But, they don't have to know I am getting you guys help! Lololo.... Just kidding! I really do appreciate all the help from everyone!
     
  8. STransport

    STransport Light Load Member

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    Oct 13, 2014
    Hudson Valley, NY
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    I called and talked to a Schneider Bulk recruiter yesterday and was told they would not hire me because I did not have at least a year experience.
     
  9. lee32435

    lee32435 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 6, 2014
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    Rogers Cartage should be considered. I did not have that much experience but my school did require I get ALL endorsements. They require Hazmat Endorsement & TWIC but do not haul Hazmat & has Automatics (this is not to encourage females to apply but to reduce product from sloshing around). Excellent Pay, great people, mostly drop & hook or the customer will do all loading and/or loading. East half of US only. I am sorry I left in 2012 due to family issues but am going to be re-hired soon. Got to re-new my Hazmat.
     
  10. NVME4EVER

    NVME4EVER Light Load Member

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    Mar 10, 2015
    New Jersey
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    Hi Stransport,

    I am sorry to hear this information! They are hiring within New Jersey region (Not including N.Y. nor P.A.).... It is a contract program through a local school in my area. That is why I was accepted.

    Do you already hold an Class A?
     
  11. NVME4EVER

    NVME4EVER Light Load Member

    51
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    Mar 10, 2015
    New Jersey
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    Hi Lee32435,

    Thank you for that important information! It is always good to prepare for a plan "B", in any given case. That goes for you too STransport! :yes2557: Look into this company for your opportunity to get a start with Tankers. As for me, I'll be doing the same just in case.

    Thank you again Lee! When are you looking to be rehired?
     
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