am I crazy

Bingo. My sentiments exactly.

As for driving down mountains and in snow. Just take it slow. Slow enough to remain comfortable. Think about it. How comfortable are you PARKED while it's snowing? Very, I'm sure, since you're not moving/driving. Now drive 5 mph in 3 inches of snow. Still pretty comfortable with a load, right? There is your number somewhere between 5 and say 40. You just gotta find it and drive it. If everybody else seems to be blowing by, and you don't feel comfortable about going faster, then just stay in the slow lane with your flashers on. But don't be misled and go too fast, or drive out of your comfort zone, just because you see the drivers described above blowing by.

 

I will just add that Schneider is very good about letting the driver decide if it is safe to drive. If the weather is bad enough that you don't feel safe, park and let them know. Should be no questions asked.

 

You will never be asked to drive when you feel it is unsafe. I WILL NOT drive on ice period and they have never questioned me. Snow is no problem just slow and easy.

 

Yes, follow the advise here and increasing your following distance to at least double the normal. For me that makes all the difference in the world. If nothing else it will keep you from having to hit the brakes hard or making quick corrections. That is the major problem drivers have in slippery conditions. Also remember the areas east of Denver really is no mountains to speak of. You may be helping out running to Pueblo area and maybe Kansas. Can't say for sure but I've seen most loads out of Denver going Eastward. If you do have put chains on, once they are on it really is just a matter of controlling your speed and following distance you will have all the traction you need with chains on. Do a search on youtube to learn how to install the chains. That way you can replay the video over and over till you got it. This is how I got through the winter my first year running with SNI up in the North west etc..

 

Youre crazy. Don't go to Denver. Don't be desperate. Youre hiring for a DEDICATED Dallas to Austin. Youre not hiring to drive in Colorado. I cant tell you how many times my gut told me don't take a job and then I take it anyway because I was desperate. Never lasts. I wouldn't take a dedicated anything with zero 53 foot experience. See if they have a texas regional position where you can learn 53 without the bs of a Colorado winter. 2 years with Schneider and your opportunities will be endless. I wish you the best.

 

WTH are they sending you to Denver?! That sounds really weird! I hate going there because it's always a crap load going out and the truckstops are always overfilled with trucks. That isn't someplace I would send somebody just starting with the company. I wonder what they need help with over there