Schneider National, Fishing for sleep disorders.

Discussion in 'Report A BAD Trucking Company Here' started by MiodnightFox, Jun 2, 2014.

  1. bergy

    bergy Road Train Member

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    Excellent post John's girl.

    Sleep apnea may very well be real, but it is sure run like a scam.

    Skinny people with sleep apnea should be able to call it sleep apnea. Overweight people (such as myself) should have to call it "self inflicted sleep apnea" or simply "I'm fat and can't breathe well". In most cases we don't need sleep studies and doctors, just mirrors. I don't breathe well at night, and I'm sure I have what they call sleep apnea. I'm losing the weight before I would consider having a study done or buying a machine. I'm aware that drivers have not choice, and I feel for you.
     
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  3. MiodnightFox

    MiodnightFox Bobtail Member

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    Well after a week of going back and forth, firing e-mails left and right and making calls to all over the place.

    Mind you this was after having a long conversation with a safety manager in Gary, IN. who at one point in time claimed that my personal doctor was lying to me about the fact that I would be a candidate for a sleep study. I jumped in to lawyer mode and asked him if he's had any formal training to be a licensed medical official in the state of Indiana. To which he stated that he don't. Then I requested that he e-mail stating that, to which he refused.


    Me and that Medical Compliance Mgr. went several more rounds of e-mails. at which I've come to the conclusion the the only reason I was flagged was that I'm over weight, i have Type II diabetes, and I smoke. At one point in the e-mails she stated.

    You have been found to be at risk – you will need to take the sleep study, if that yields a positive result, you will be OOS until you are on CPAP treatment and SNI requires compliance to the minimum standard of 4hrs per night in order to drive.

    To which I asked for the medical license SNI holds out of Wisconsin, that can dictate what my options are for my choice of treatment. Was told once again that it's company policy. To which I stated you know that I'm a Type II Diabetic and there is no Schneider policy about having to use a blood glucose meter that records my daily blood sugar levels and send them in every 3 months. Between sleep apnea and diabetes, diabetes can cause a much greater issue for me and other drivers behind the wheel. IE: blood sugar crash.

    I've spoken with OOIDA (Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association) about this. The rep that I have been speaking with feels that if they fire me cause I refuse to use a cpap machine but willing to use any other FDA approved device. (Which Schneider has already threaten my job both over the test and the use of a cpap.) Then it opens a door for me to file a lawsuit.

    Now here is where my inner a hole feels like coming out to play. I was told that the sleep study was set up on thursday, I'm to bring the Truck back to the OC. Where I'd be given a rental cal to drive all the way to bloody Omaha, NE. to take this stupid blasted test. I could state they will have to have someone come get the truck cause according to the Medical Compliance Mgr I've been placed "OOS" and can't operate the truck due to "company policy". Two can play this game of "company policy".

    Then this might be a long shot how ever Illinois does allow for oral contracts. I told my Operations Manager that I would only agree to take the sleep study test. Only on the ground that, if found to have it, that I'll use anything else but a cpap/bipap or anything else that's not strapped to my face. At first she tried to squawk "company policy" again but then relented stating that we'd deal with that bridge later. Argo she agreed to my oral contract that I would take the test only if cpap was off the table. As a back up I also sent an e-mail to my dispatcher (sorry not calling him a DBL) stating the same.

    All the while I already have another job lined up for me over at Gorden Transport Inc., just have to give them a call to set up the orientation date.

    Mind you, I've passed my DOT physical, wasn't flagged, went to Greenbay, WI and did paperwork there, wasn't flagged, then suddenly because of this survey I'm flagged. When I brought up this about the DOT physical her excuse was; "Even within the Schneider network of approved clinics there are still some examiners that are better than others at screening for potential health concerns such as sleep apnea."

    Long story short, if you know anyone that's wanting to go work for Schneider tell him to reconsider. There is a reason why this company is always hiring, offering large sign on bonuses, and bleeding drivers.
     
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  4. bergy

    bergy Road Train Member

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    So when I go for an interview, so far I've learned:

    -no I don't have difficulty falling asleep
    -no I don't wake up during the night
    -no I don't snore
    -no I don't toss and turn
    -no I don't kick my covers off at night
    and yes, I wake up well rested and alert every morning.
     
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  5. Lux Prometheus

    Lux Prometheus Heavy Load Member

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    You sent the email to the wrong person: should've been the safety wonk, the medical wonk, personnel manager, load manager, and Al of them Cc: to your attorney.

    I'm not sure what state you actually operate out of, but if it's not a right-to-work state, they can fire you for looking at them crosseyed. You might be able to get them anyway for violating their own policies, but that's a long shot.

    I think, strictly, you are allowed to get a second or third or more opinions from doctors of your choice, so that may give you the wiggle room you need.

    Otherwise, I'm thinking an attorney may be of some help here.
     
  6. HotH2o

    HotH2o Road Train Member

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    I think you're going through way too much trouble to stay with a starter company. Also, if you plan on going to Gordon why the fight? Last but not least if company policy states a driver with sleep apnea must use a CPAP machine no amount of lawsuits will change that. Best of luck to you driver.
     
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  7. MO family man

    MO family man Heavy Load Member

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    I remember when I got hit with the sleep apnea diagnosis. I cried and whined about how I didn't have a problem. I griped about the sleep study and was certain it was a scam designed to separate a driver from his dollars. When the machine came I carried on about how I couldn't sleep with a mask on, how it suffocated me and didn't let me rest.

    Then I quit acting like a child, followed directions, wore the mask and now actually sleep better than ever before. On the rare occasion I don't use it the difference is absolutely profound.

    Grow up driver.
     
  8. bergy

    bergy Road Train Member

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    I would rather they put height /weight ratio restrictions on drivers, rather than treat the symptoms of being overweight. Treating the symptoms is a slippery slope that will lead to a lot more regulations and testing for all drivers.

    Are there skinny people with sleep apnea - maybe, but the VAST majority are overweight.

    I say this as someone who is overweight.
     
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  9. MO family man

    MO family man Heavy Load Member

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    I would think the goal is to try to help keep experience in the seat. Remember when diabetes was a one way ticket out of the industry?
     
  10. bergy

    bergy Road Train Member

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    I think my objection is based on my absolute hatred for all things politically correct.

    What is wrong with a doctor looking at us and saying "lose some weight you idiot, you can hardly breathe."

    Instead we give it a name and validity. Just think of all the weight related illnesses and conditions that will need to be tested for if we don't just tell it like it is and stop the madness.
     
  11. MO family man

    MO family man Heavy Load Member

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    Oh I think most doctors do say that. I know mine does. You've been told to eat right and exercise how many times but yet I bet you still know the fast food menu boards by heart. I know I do. Heck, seems like everyone knows them except the jerk off I always seem to end up behind.
     
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