Following Schneider Closely

Thanks guys! I really want to make the grade on this.
I've been on a physical conditioning routine for about 3-4 weeks now and want to well exceed the PWS test I know is coming.
Currently, I haven't selected a driving school to go to, but know I want a 3 week thing and not a semester as it over near IAH or farther. Maybe C1 in Ft.W or Roadmasters in San Antonio.

Tankers sure beat vans in my previous career and were a dream to pull. That oil always had me overweight. Mostly loaded to about 95K gross, no moving 5th wheel either, but it did oscillate, which was nice on those ranch mountain roads.
Spent my share of time being pulled out of the mud by a bulldozer, too.

I digress....my plan is to drive myself to whatever/wherever I need to be. Won't need shuttles, I think if parking is provided.

Thanks again!

Merlin

 

All sounds reasonable to me. I suppose there is training on the trailers.
I used to have to pump lots of oil from trailer to tanks, etc and know things have to be exactly in sequence or problems sure arise fast.

Thanks!

 

I'm privileged to write that I've been PM'd by a couple Schneider drivers and advice has been offered.

On another thread, I'm working on getting my entire technology end together for a target budget not to exceed $1000, including laptop.
To me, that seems an aggressive goal as it is for CB, laptop, wireless setup, cel phone, cooler/refrig,..the whole shee-bang.

Thanks to all! The help is here for the asking.

Merlin

 

I've been quiet for a week or so now. Time for a bit of an update and ask some questions.
The SNI guys here have been very helpful and I'm asking for your reviews and replies again.

Update:
1. I met with Roadmasters school yesterday. I'm not surprised that they were ready for me to start at their school this Monday. What school wouldn't be ready to get money? It will likely be them or C1 in Ft. Worth. This is due to distance and speed of class. The local colleges are too far from my home to commute, and one isn't recognized by SNI as eligible for reimbursement.

2. A SNI recruiter came to the 6 pm meeting. (It was his turn.) Today (Tue) was Stevens, but he didn't make it, as he is in Seguin, and tomorrow is Swift. SNI rep didn't oversell the company in my view, but I'd like to hear from some of the SNI guys to confirm or expand on what he said.

Regarding the SNI recruiter presentation: (I kept focused on tanker side.)

A. Recruiter said miles were good, steady to increasing, company expanding, going to ATT machine instead of Qualcomm.
All is mostly on track with 20 machines being installed in each OC per day.
B. Van side of house getting a bit more miles, and check with them myself to confirm, but tank pays a bit more.
C. Recruiter said shop will install an inverter if I buy it, run refrig, microwave, TV, crock pot, etc (not all at same time).
Recruiter was aware of driver's need to manage their personal expenses.
(I'm very interested drivers replies on this subject. It is very necessary for me to keep road expenses down and health up.)
Also, driver can put in anything but propane grill and jacks already installed for power outlet for 12 Volt items.
D. Recruiter said many drivers prefer to lay over at SNI yard for security and comforts of showers, laundry, wi-fi, and other amenities.
(Very interested to hear from drivers on this topic for sure! Especially drivers from Houston area. Do you often end up at a SNI OC?)
E. Can't wash tractors where tank washing is done (chemicals from washout, I guess). Wash is on PM at about 10K miles and by card at Beacon truck wash. This is about 1 wash per month. Seems kind of like a long time between to me.
F. Said PWS is done in Houston if I'm dispatched out of Hou.
G. 5 day training in Dallas, then 2-5 weeks on road, didn't hear about additional 2 days in Houston for anything.
H. Detention pay starts for driver at 3 hours but is charged starting 2 hours.
I. $50 additional pay for HIT.
J. Van side gets ~$40 per stop pay for unloading.
K. Passes for tolls, scales, etc are in truck and automatic.

All replies are appreciated. It still amazes me that there are so many drivers here networking to help each other succeed and keep each other safe and well informed and supported. I hope to be among you soon.

There's a bit more, but those are the higher highlights.

Thanks in advance. Still focused on working my way back to tankers.

Merlin