Anyone driving for Gemini out of Houston? Need info Gemini vs. Schneider!

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by familyguy, Jul 9, 2014.

  1. familyguy

    familyguy Bobtail Member

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    Jul 8, 2014
    Houston, TX
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    Hi, I am thinking about coming on board with Gemini vs. Schneider for a tanker position. I would like to hear from current Gemini drivers or Schneider drivers that worked for Gemini to let me in on how driving is going for them with Gemini vs. Schneider, etc....

    One of the reviews I read on this forum said it was hard for drivers to get a hold of their dispatchers. Another said they were forced to work over their hours to deliver a load.

    Thanks for your responses!
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2014
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  3. Big Duker

    Big Duker "Don Cheto"

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    You're kidding right?? That's like asking whether you would rather win the lottery or get mugged. Schneider is a rat outfit. They have fought like Hell to screw the driver for yrs. Loves/Gemini has very good rep. May you get a bad dispatcher here or there. Sure. And if you do your job properly, show up on time, and keep a clean record you will be able to get in his/her face and work it out. This is the internet. No one comes here to bad mouth good companies unless they are partly to blame.
     
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  4. familyguy

    familyguy Bobtail Member

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    Houston, TX
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    Thanks Big D, just thought I would ask. Never know what responses you get. Just getting back into trucking after being off for 9 yrs. I'm waiting for a call back from their Reg Mgr and the recruiter I talked to yesterday. The RM in their Fuel Div was nice to talk to today. The position I'm applying for is hauling for their Crude division. So, now just waiting for them to return my phone calls! Thanks again for the input!
     
  5. ethos

    ethos Road Train Member

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    Well Schneider Bulk isn't that bad but the general statement is correct. If you can get on with Gemini then there is no comparison.
     
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  6. familyguy

    familyguy Bobtail Member

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    Jul 8, 2014
    Houston, TX
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    Thanks Ethos! I saw from the threads that you used to be a trainer with Schneider. Would Schneider Bulk be your second choice for a guy in my shoes i.e. just getting back into trucking, wanting to work in tanker, just finished a refresher course, etc...? Or do you know of another company in mind?
     
  7. ethos

    ethos Road Train Member

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    Yes, Schneider is a good way to get back in the business.
     
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  8. NewbiusErectus

    NewbiusErectus Medium Load Member

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    I had those same questions not too long ago. Not so much Gemini vs Schneider (tho I did work for Schneider), but the question was really OTR vs local; and chemicals vs fuel. I'm guessing Gemini is all fuel and all local (tho I have seen a few Gemini sleeper trucks). Gas stations and truck stops are open 365.

    My main concern isn't so much quantity of home time, but quality of home time.

    I choose OTR chemicals because being home on weekends and major holidays is more important than being home a few hours to sleep everyday, and then being off on weird days like Monday and Tuesday, or Thursday and Friday, or whatever.

    fuel sounds really great, but then I see those guys out there working on thanksgiving while I'm off to see the fam and getting some turkey, football and beer.

    its still a dilemma for me, but unless I'm off on the weekends and major holidays I'll stay put. With Schneider, I wasn't home every weekend, but I was at least able to schedule my road time to be home on major holidays and on a weekend.

    it all depends on what's important. I have no regrets about Schneider. Money was a lot better than noobie average, and it was a good place to learn chemical hauling and OTR. But if weekends and holidays aren't a big deal, Gemini is likely a better fit.
     
    Last edited: Jul 19, 2014
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  9. familyguy

    familyguy Bobtail Member

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    Thanks Newbius! Just curious as to who you ended up working with for OTR Chemicals? Most of these outfits are paying by load or percentage. I'm new to chemicals and tankers. I appreciate your comments about home time and few hours at home. Gemini sometimes almost sounds too good to be true i.e. 12 hour shifts, home every day or night, two consecutive days off per week, paid by the load, etc... I just don't have enough reviews from Gemini drivers to get a good feel for the company.
     
  10. Radman

    Radman Road Train Member

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    I'd trust a major truck stop fuel hauler over a mega any day. I just can't trust a mega carrier. I have to see it to believe it. Why don't you ask a loved driver when he's dropping fuel? There always out there.
     
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  11. ethos

    ethos Road Train Member

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    Megas have many, many happy drivers. I work for one of the supposedly "top" tanker companies now and I can tell you Schneider did a lot of things better.
     
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