Schneider chat room - Closed see new thread linked in the last post

Discussion in 'Schneider' started by TennMan, Dec 14, 2011.

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  1. oragonads

    oragonads Road Train Member

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    Dec 14, 2011
    The Pacific Northwest
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    I was just told by my dbl that as soon as my truck is in the shop for any reason, its getting put in. Doesn't doubt too bad imho. Just returned to work today with 3 preassignments totaling about 2000 miles. Gonna be busy the next few days, me likey! Bad news is my dbl took a district manager job so I'll be switching dbl's in a couple weeks, gonna be a bummer if they don't do as well as my current one.
     
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  3. OldRoadie

    OldRoadie Light Load Member

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    Aug 16, 2012
    St. Louis, Missouri
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    Hey everyone... Here's the (copy/paste) of the "Ambient Temperature Sensor" issue......

    Ambient Temperature Sensors

    Transportation is a highly competitive industry. Providing low cost, energy efficient solutions to our customers is critical to our survival. Fuel costs continue to rise, and more and more states are passing no-idle laws. It is imperative that we continue to be an industry leader in fuel management. Diesel fuel costs have gone up 10 percent since the beginning of the year. It is imperative that we continue to be an industry leader in fuel management in order to grow and reinvest in our business.

    Schneider has ongoing processes to evaluate new technologies for reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency. We believe that the ambient temperature sensor will allow us to better manage our consumption. The Ambient Temperature sensor will allow us to program the trucks and disable idle if the external ambient temperature is less than 20 degrees F or below 70 degrees F.

    Company shops and select vendors will be able to perform the retrofit and re-programming. VTL and Dedicated will begin ordering new trucks with and retrofitting all others (not including day cabs or IDS at this time) with Ambient Temperature Sensors.

    Why are we installing the sensors? The simplest answer to why install the sensors is that it cuts our fuel cost to make us more competitive. The more competitive we are in the marketplace, the more we can grow and reinvest in the company. Some of our competitors (CR England, Knight, and Werner) have already implemented this and have seen significant savings.
    The timeline for this initiative is for 100 percent of our trucks to be completed by the end of the year. Installs will begin October 1and will be done while the truck is getting its PM. All new trucks delivered in October will already have this technology installed.


    Communication Plan:
    Communication to the drivers will begin on 9/24/12.
     Audio message delivered to the fleet
     Extra Mile article in November issue
     Flyers in the cab at installation
     Driver information at fuel desks

    2013 Bonus Update:
    The quarterly driver bonus will be streamlined next year with what we believe will be some favorable changes. The plan will be finalized in the near future and further updates will be provided soon. Recent driver feedback sessions have been positive with regards to some of the changes under consideration.
    CPAP users will have 12-volt machines prior to the conversion and those new machines will not require the truck to idle to operate.

    Reminders:
    Drivers with sleep apnea will be upgraded to new 12 volt CPAP machines whereby tractor idling is no longer needed.Tampering with this device is a violation of company policy and will result in disciplinary action including termination.

    Tips for keeping your cab warm in the winter
     Use bunk heater (if you don't know how to operate, check with shop)
     Park on asphalt
     Park facing the sun
     Save your Amps
    o Unplug coolers overnight
    o Pre-heat blankets before shutting down
    o Pre-heat or pre-cool cab before shutting down

    Tips for keeping your cab cool in the summer
     Pre cool truck before stopping
     Park on gravel
     Park so that you are away from the sun
     Make sure your window curtains are closed (if you do not have curtains purchase a window sun shade)


    Frequently Asked Questions
    1. Why are we doing this? It feels like just another way for the company to save money at the expense of the drivers.
    Transportation is a highly competitive industry with thousands of carriers. Providing low cost, energy-efficient solutions to our customers is critical to our survival. Diesel fuel costs have gone up 10 percent since the beginning of the year. It is imperative that we continue to be an industry leader in fuel management in order to grow and reinvest in our business.
    Fuel is one of our highest operating costs so we must constantly look for ways to lower fuel consumption. Many of our direct competitors have already implemented this and have seen significant savings. Others are currently testing this technology. This decision is also consistent with the way Schneider conducts business in an environmentally responsible manner. Schneider continues to reduce its carbon footprint by improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We have a long history of investing in technology that provides a comfortable cab environment for you and allows us to leverage down costs.

    2. What trucks will have the sensor installed and timeline?
    All Dedicated and VTL trucks except for day cabs and IDS.

    3. Will our idle stance change? Will it change our idle criteria for bonus?
    The quarterly driver bonus will be streamlined next year with what we believe will be some favorable changes. The plan will be finalized in the near future and further updates will be provided soon. Recent driver feedback sessions have been positive with regards to some of the changes under consideration.

    4. How long will the batteries last without being charged?
    If managed correctly they will last 10 hours. If you follow the suggestions listed below and you're not getting 10 hours, you need to have your batteries checked by maintenance. In the winter, you will need to keep your total amp usage to 35 or below, and in the summer to 75 amps in order for them to last 10 hours. As a reminder, a low voltage battery disconnect will kick in to save battery life if levels are low.
    Approximate Amp Usage Chart for One Hour of Use:
    **This list can vary by make and model. Please use this as a guide onl.
    *Plug in Cooler 7 Reading light 1.3
    CPAP 4.5 Bunk Heater 1
    Refrigerator 3.5 - 7 Radio 1
    Electric Blanket 3 Television 1
    Dome light (high) 1.3 Dome light (low) .5
    *Coolers will consume the highest amount of power, so unplug them to conserve amp usage.

    5. If I'm on a 34 hour restart away from my home, will I be allowed to idle enough to fully charge my batteries?
    There will not be a way to override the settings to idle your truck. If you are away from home, it will be necessary to manage your time both in and outside the tractor. When possible, find one of our operating centers or truck stops. If other options are needed, you will need to discuss them with your leader.

    6. If I take a break and it's <70 degrees and during the break the temperature rises to >70 degrees, will the truck auto start?
    No, the truck will not auto-start, but it can be started by the driver.

    7. After the temperature reaches threshold, how long will I have before the engine stops idling?
    Currently set for 4 minutes. The truck will also shut off if it is in gear and you are stuck in traffic.

    8. Should we be concerned about our fuel gelling/freezing?
    No change from today, but significant testing has shown that diesel fuel resists gelling to about +10 degrees F.

    9. Will I be able to override the system for personal reasons?
    No. Only a company shop or authorized vendor can program the sensor. We will be able to detect any tampering which will be dealt with as serious misconduct. Discipline could include loss of bonus, termination, or both.

    10. If I have a freeze protect load will I be able to idle?
    No, this is an issue and we are continuing to work on a long term solution. Until then, we will work with our customers to limit the transit time. We may need to route these loads through an Operating Center. Each load will need a plan that will be developed with Customer Service and your driver leader.

    11. If my heater or air conditioner is broken, will I be able to idle?
    No. However, safety is our primary concern, so our maintenance team will give priority to these repairs. If we are unable to get this fixed, get with your driver leader on authorization for a hotel room. As a side note, the Webasto and Espar heaters have a 99 percent reliability rating.

    12. Will my sensor impact my sleep apnea machine?
    No, as long as you don't exceed the 35 amps for a 10-hour break in winter or 75 amps in summer.

    13. Will there be an inaccurate reading on the gauge from nearby idling trucks, direct sunlight, engine heat, etc?
    The sensor is positioned to limit as much external interference as possible.

    14. What will be the stance for drivers that run at night and park during the day, at 70 outside temp, a truck in the sun will get much hotter inside?
    The stance will remain the same for all drivers. There will be an exception process for some accounts/configurations that operate with specific requirements.

    15. Will window screens be provided to help keep the cab cooler?
    Window screens are available for purchase (on your own) at the Gary and Dallas Operating Centers or any truck stop across the network. Cost ranges from $30 - $50 for two screens.
    You may also purchase heat shields from Amazon.com. Web addresses listed below.
    http://www.amazon.com/FREIGHTLINER-1979-2012-HEATSHIELD-Windshield-Custom-fit/dp/B000H7G1ZE
    http://www.amazon.com/Freightliner-...d+Windshield+Custom-fit+Sunshade+freightliner

    16. Will the ambient temperature sensor add more weight to our trucks?
    The unit itself is less than one pound with the harness. You will see no impact.

    17. Is there anything I can do to prepare for any extreme cold weather temperatures?
    Please refer to the "Winter Reference Guidelines" provided in sustainment training or published in your reference guide.

    18. What happens if my truck breaks down in extreme temperatures? Is the Schneider Emergency Maintenance team prepared?
    Our emergency maintenance team is prepared and will be prioritizing these repairs appropriately during extreme weather conditions. Safety is our number core value and we will continue to execute in that manner.

    19. I could potentially see safety issues with this technology. I'm concerned.
    One of Schneider's core values is safety and we do not compromise that value. We have a long history of operating in a safe manner and we have given a lot of thought to the implementation and operation of this technology. We have solicited driver feedback and considered various conditions of operation to insure your safety. If a condition develops that you feel is potentially unsafe, please contact your leader so we can respond in a responsible manner.

    20. How can you ensure my batteries will last through the night?
    We have tested and purchased the best deep-cycle batteries on the market. Our battery management program is one of the best in the industry. You can help by following the tips on amp usage that we have previously discussed.

    21. My temperature gauge on the dash shows outside temperature at 76 degrees yet I can't idle my tractor?
    The factory-installed ambient temperature gauge is installed under the hood and engine heat can sometimes distort the reading to a higher level than the actual temperature, especially when the tractor is parked and the engine fan is running. The ambient temperature sensor related to tractor idling is mounted in a location that minimizes incorrect temperature readings.
     
  4. moosc

    moosc Road Train Member

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    Lincolnton NC
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    Its same message sent to the QC

    Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2
     
  5. LMB

    LMB "Olde Goat"

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    Aug 12, 2007
    Rocky Point NC
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    Hey Scheinder National; Did you know that removing the AC altogether will improve fuel consumption while driving? Just a thought.
     
    48Packard Thanks this.
  6. moosc

    moosc Road Train Member

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    Mar 5, 2009
    Lincolnton NC
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    Or prevent trucks from idling.


    Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2
     
  7. Nakmuay

    Nakmuay Heavy Load Member

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    Jun 30, 2010
    chattanooga tn
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  8. Female Driver

    Female Driver Medium Load Member

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    Dec 9, 2011
    Midwest
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    Party at the Best West in Gary tomorrow. :)
     
  9. Doublecutter

    Doublecutter Light Load Member

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    Dec 23, 2011
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    I know I'm new to trucking, but I was taught in CDL school that if in traffic the truck should always be in gear, for example waiting at a red light. No coasting in neutral. For safety reasons the truck should always be in gear. Now, if the truck engine is cut off in traffic, isn't this a lot more of a safety issue than being in neutral????
     
    Last edited: Oct 5, 2012
    CastingMyFateToTheWind Thanks this.
  10. CastingMyFateToTheWind

    CastingMyFateToTheWind Light Load Member

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    Sep 5, 2012
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    I just made plans to drive for the Schneider office 3 miles from my house! (They snuck the Chiacgo yard past me those sneaky Green Bay'ers saying how Gary and Manteno were the closest yeads).

    I am now just going ot search out a Russian/Polish/Serbian outfit. All the BS of safety and not getting stuck on railroad tracks and not coasting in nuetral for more than 60 feet, and we are now to allow a truck shutting off on us WHILE IT IS IN GEAR AND MOVING? You have got to be BLEEPING me.....

    What happens if I am in the middle of an intersection or on railroad tracks and the truck will not start...???!!! Going from O'Hare through Chicago, a trucker may be idleing in gear for miles and miles and for hours and hours!

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I am a noob---but there has to be a better way to deal with the fuel issues. I would be willing to deal with most of the bullet points--but if I am on the road, in gear, I want confidence that my truck in not going to bail on me---this includes and engine being shut off by a sensor in short order. :biggrin_25510:
     
  11. stevep1977

    stevep1977 Road Train Member

    3,688
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    Dec 23, 2010
    Chicago, IL
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    I'm almost hoping that we have a mass exodus because of this issue. Not like it matters though since I put my truck in the shop 3 times now to fix the A/C and they still haven't fixed the #### thing.
     
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