My life at SNI ... grc

Discussion in 'Schneider' started by grc56_tn, Feb 22, 2010.

  1. johnday

    johnday Road Train Member

    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.:biggrin_25521: 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!!:biggrin_25525:
     
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  3. Daveb951

    Daveb951 Bobtail Member

    Last week the Schneider recruiter went over some of the pay as a west coast regional driver. Although I will not be a salary driver, I was told the pay for unloading for the position I applied for was 100 bucks for a full load and 50 bucks for half a load.
     
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2010
    johnday Thanks this.
  4. johnday

    johnday Road Train Member

    Ya, that sounds better than what I said.:biggrin_25525:
     
  5. RoadRaid3r

    RoadRaid3r Light Load Member

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    Jun 16, 2010
    Lima, Ohio
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    Another couple things to add to johnday's list that help me decide SNI.

    The insurance was comparable to other companies I was considering. But the option I (will) choose is nearly $30 a week difference. That is real money.

    How long is training? I think SNI will last at LEAST two weeks, but more likely three. Some companies are 4-6 weeks of training before you can sniff a truck of your own, and the pay that comes with it...(some are longer!).

    What and how will you be paid for orientation, training, etc? How will food, lodging, transportation, etc be handled?

    When I get time I will think of some more questions I would like to know before making a decision.

    Raid3r
     
    johnday and wildshad Thank this.
  6. DonRobbie

    DonRobbie Heavy Load Member

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    Nov 26, 2005
    Midwest
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    Depends on the account.

    I did General Motors SPO Dedicated Delivery for Schneider (100% hand unload) and the pay was a flat daily rate that included all driving and work (you could get extra pay if you did extra work that was out of the ordinary). IIRC the pay ran from $725-865/week depending on experience and how hard the route was. I think Ford DDS had the same pay structure.

    I talked to several guys running family dollar and IIRC they were paid mileage based on phase and level + a certain amount per stop + a flat extra amount per load.

    If the pay for the account you want is "salary" that doesn't mean the same thing as it does in the normal world. What it means in the SNI context is a flat daily rate. Holidays are generally paid at the standard driver rate ($75 a day when I was there). If the customer takes a day off that isn't one of the 7 holidays SNI pays then you get zip for that day (though you can ask to use a vacation day or to do extra work).
     
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2010
    johnday Thanks this.
  7. johnday

    johnday Road Train Member

    Road Raid and Don Robbie; thanks for jumping in there with additional thoughts. :biggrin_25525:

    I didn't know all that about the dedicated stuff, I've never done that.:biggrin_25525:
     
  8. Daveb951

    Daveb951 Bobtail Member

    My recruiter told me that I would be starting at Phase 3, Level 1. I have no idea what that means but I would assume that because she is giving me credit for having three years of local driving experience that would be where the Phase 3 comes in ? But..... if someone knows more about the phase/level thing, I am all ears ...

    Dave.B
     
  9. Daveb951

    Daveb951 Bobtail Member

    For my 4 day orientation in Fontana, Ca. they are paying me 150.00 bucks along with free motel room and food. Since I live in the area I have no reason for that but this is what was offered to me and I will assume to the other tentative employees who are also doing the 4 day orientation. I don`t know about transportation to the orientation for people out of the area.

    Dave.B
     
  10. wildshad

    wildshad Bobtail Member

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    Jul 24, 2010
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    JD and Road Raid.... Thanks for the information!!!
    Just got my airbrakes certificate today. Really liking the course more and more and can't wait to get out there.
    Now I'll know what to ask next week at the open house. Looks like 15 companies will be there.
    This site and people like you guys really help out in seeing what's out there and what to look for.

    Really appriciated it. :biggrin_25514:
     
    johnday Thanks this.
  11. johnday

    johnday Road Train Member

    You're very welcome. Let us know what you find out at the open house!! Good luck to ya!:biggrin_25525:
     
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