Returning to trucking industry...

.how long u been out of it?

 

Schneider (SNI) is the first place I've worked driving Class A. From what I hear, SNI is most likely a better place to drive for than May. Don't really know much about Boyd. Don't have anything bad to say about driving for SNI, I have had a good experience with them. Obviously there are going to be the same issues sometimes as any company- the way trucking is- such as getting home on time and stuff, but they do a pretty good job with that stuff too.

SNI is all about being low-cost, and as long as you're aware of that upfront, you won't have a problem (i.e. speed >60, ambient sensors/idle restrictions, etc.) They pay you for what you work, and, in my experience, everyone treats me pretty well. Overall, I am definitely glad that I chose SNI as my first OTR company to work for, pretty good miles, I average about 2500 a week (often east coast, sadly), and I am paying the bills.

Good luck to ya.

 

Until now, bonus payouts (Every 3 months) were based on things like overspeed, out of route miles, fuel compliance, and over idle. Basically keep the truck at 60MPH below, fuel where you're told to 70% of the time, and don't over idle more than 5%. All those things are still true, except now we have ambient sensors being installed onto all trucks (minus daycabs and bulk). There is a Schneider thread "Ambient Sensors" that you can check out. Basically if it is 20-70 degrees outside, the truck will turn off on you after 4 minutes of idling. This is just happening, so I don't know how it's going to work yet, but I am skeptical, as we do not have APUs in SNI owned trucks.

The equipment is good overall I would say. There are certainly older trucks, being phased out all the time, that are still rolling, but for the most part in good condition. I have a 2010 Century and I am going to hold onto it for as long as possible. 55,000 miles since I got it, and not one problem with it yet - knock wood. The '13 trucks being phased in have OnGuard crash radar, something I don't have personal experience with but I am also very skeptical about. You can google it and be your own judge, though.

As far as the Qualcomm goes, no problem there. They are pretty reliable, and the system that SNI implemented at the beginning of this year is finally starting to work pretty smoothly. I am out of Obetz (Columbus, OH) and stay out 5-6 weeks at a time.

 

man, there are a lot of us that run out of Obetz here LOL

OnGaurd isn't that bad, just takes time to get use to.

 

I don't think you are gonna like it like you used to it's a whole other world out here; or so I have been told by 14 to 30 yr veterans :/ and it seems that everyone's number one gripes are eLogs ... I like em though

 

I was out 15 years myself. Got back in with SNI and really feel it was the best thing i ever did for myself personally. Now with no kids at home it is a lot easier and forgot how much I enjoy it. Really don't think you can go wrong with SNI as with all trucking companies there is the problems and learning curve of how they operate etc.. But at least they are pretty much on the up and up and my experience here is a lot of good people work for SNI and always willing to help you you out. Been here about a year now and pleased with my choice. Have any questions let me know and will try to help!