My life at SNI ... grc

Oh man, I'm sorry, I just saw your post

Thanks wildshad, it's nice to see my time isn't wasted. But again I apologize, I hadn't seen your post.

As far as the driving itself goes, there really isn't that much difference. The laws are the same as far as I know. The OPP, and the Mounties never have stopped me. One thing that really did stick out, now that I think of it, the drivers in Ca. seem to be a much friendlier and helpful bunch. Never did I ever get into it with a Ca. driver. Now, if you met me in person, you may have a bit of a problem figuring out where I'm from. I've been mistaken for one of you guys many times down here, and surprised guys in Ca. that I was from Michigan. Not sure if that made a difference, but it was fun!

The worse part is crossing back to the U.S. for a U.S. driver, and I've been told it's like that for Ca. guys going back as well. Windsor/Detroit always seemed like the worse crossing, of course it's the busiest as well.

Now, you'd be out of Aberfoyle, x299 on the 401. It's a decent terminal, nicely run. Clean showers, good enough cafeteria, and friendly people.
Unfortunately with SNI, I wasn't able to be there as much as I would like. I used to be somewhere in On. at least, every day with a couple different companies.
Now you guys out of there, have U.S.Customs transponders, that way you don't have to shell out $10.75 US, everytime you're entertained by CBP.
Is there anything specific you'd like to know? I'll do what I can for ya.

Oh geeeez, I almost forget the most absolute worse thing you can do down here. Don't flash your high beams to call another driver in. Guys don't like it for various reasons,

 

johnday has probably forgotten more than I'll ever remember

 

Oh man, my ego's going through the roof!!! No, once you're there, you'll be the same. Never be afraid to let others know what you do, or help another person. I just try to live by my sig, sometimes I can, sometimes I don't.

Now knock this crap off!!!!! You guys are embarrassing me!!!

 

Hi everyone just had a quick question! I talked to Schneider Recruiter today and was told about salary for dedicated drivers. She told me 850 per week and whatever they pay to unload. Does anyone know how much JCPenney, Ford and Arpia Health pay for unloading my wife and I are trying to figure out how much my pay would be. THANKS!

 

Well I know Ford will not pay you anything to unload, mainly because you will not be allowed to unload. They do all the unloading themselves and you will more than likely not even be allowed on the dock.

 

Oh man, don't even think of holding me to it, I likely shouldn't even say anything, but $50 seems to ring a bell. I know you can't PM, but you can read them. Standby.

 

Dedicated where?

 

Hi no problem with the delay in answering. I just started my class yesterday and it runs for 6 weeks. I guess the biggest thing I need to know now is ... What are the best questions I should ask companies before I sign up with them? I was told that next week there are a number of companies coming to the school to talk to us because they are short of drivers. Even though I could get into SNI I think I should at least talk to the other companies first. So anything that could help me in making the correct choice would be helpful.

Thanks for answering really appreciate it!!

 

The problem with relying n recruiters and not doing your own independant research is the recruiters answer will always be "yes". Go to a truck stop and talk to actual drivers for the companies you are researching or thinking about. Read these forums, throw out the worst 25% of the horror stories and 25% of the love stories, and what you will find is a pretty accurate portrayal of what a company is. If you are thinking of SNI and you have 6 weeks before you actually need to make a decision, a good place to start would be watching my thread (as I am finishing orientation) and following the blog of PCDoctor, who is at the same stage of employment with SNI as I am, except I am in INDY and he is in NC. It will give you two different perspectives from two different locations. However, I suspect a large role will be what type of driving you are looking for or willing to do, and where you are located. Either way, Good Luck to you!

Raid3r

 

Good morning there WildShad.

What RoadRaid said is a good start, I'll try to add my .02.
How much per mile, and are they practical miles, or household movers? Practical miles is the best, the mileage calculations are closer to what you'd actually drive.

Detention, layover, and breakdown pay. Will I get these? All these are additional pay items that you get, when you are held by a shipper/receiver longer than your allotted time.Layover is when the company keeps you sitting due to not having a load for you. Breakdown is pretty apparent. Notice none of these items are in the driver's control.

Bonus, that sometimes could be taken two different ways. But really though, how are they paid? Fuel bonus, safety bonus, and perhaps even performance bonus. Is there a bonus for Northeast U.S., and New York City?

How will I be paid? Weekly, biweekly? Per Diem? Direct deposit? Most companies use direct deposit. You could throw in reimbursements as well, such as tolls, repair items, etc.
Speaking of tolls, will I have PrePass, and EZ Pass?
How are advances taken, and how much available?
Fuel card, what all can I use my fuel card for?

Insurance, health and life. Insurance for dependents. I'm not sure about the health insurance in Ca. as to how to how On. gets the money, other than taxes.

The following items never amounted much to me, but they may to others.
Is there a pet policy?
Is there a rider policy?
Is there an idle policy?
Truck wash, how often can I get my truck washed?

How often will I be crossing the border?
Will I have to go to New York City?

Other questions that are nice to know, but really shouldn't have a huge amount of emphasis.
What kind of truck, engine, trans, sleeper size.
Can/do I have an inverter.
Do you have APU's.
Do I take the truck home.

I forgot about one of the most important things.
HOME TIME, basically how it works. Does company offer extra pay when I don't get home on time. Don't laugh, I worked for a company that did that.
Vacation pay, how does that work, includes, when will I be eligible.

Now many of these questions can be answered by going to the company website. Another thing that could help with someone you're interested in, would be give them a call. If they make you feel like you're imposing on them, don't even say good bye, just hangup. Obviously they must think a driver is just a necessary evil. You don't need that, and neither does the industry. But there are some out there that I think that's what they really think, regardless of how driver friendly they say they are.
Not all, but some recruiters should be thought of as a used car salesman, and believe me, each one that comes in will try to paint a utopian picture of that company. Some should actually take copy of Dantes Inferno with them.

I know I've missed some things, so please, anyone add to it if needed.

Man, my fingers are hurting.

Goodluck to ya. Any other questions, I'll do my best for ya!!