Lets stir the pot with another safety discussion - U-TURNS??

I know its against Schneider's safety policies to make u-turns. And it's not just one of those "slap on the wrist" policies, either. I've read several threads on here about drivers being let go because of them. It's on the list of reasons for termination for IC's, too, a couple other "big" reasons like not reporting accidents, etc.

So here is my question - is there ANY u-turn maneuver that Schneider considers to be legal? Where does one draw the line?

I understand not making a u-turn at a small intersection with an uncontrolled left turn.

I understand not making a u-turn on a divided highway when the sign says "no u-turns" or "trucks no u-turn"

However, where does one draw the line?

My favorite example - the tiny drop yard we share with who knows how many other customers in Winchester, VA. Look it up on Google maps, address is:

1752 Berryville Pike Winchester, VA 22603

Now tell me, say you're coming from the east on Berryville Pike (7). How are you going to get into that lot without making a u-turn at the intersection? The intersection of 7 and Regency Lakes Dr. has a controlled left turn (green arrow), obviously for the purpose of making a u-turn, as I don't see them putting in a controlled left turn just to enter the little business at the end of the spur of Regency Lakes Dr.

There are no overpasses for MILES on 7 to get turned the opposite direction on - really the only option would be to continue down 7 until you hit 81, then go further down 81 either north or south, get going the opposite direction, then exit BACK on to 7 and then enter the drop yard. If I remember correctly it would take between 10-15 miles to do that. Ok, now its time to leave the lot. You need to get back to 81. But how? You don't know the ins and outs of the side streets and what is safe to take and what isn't. There is another intersection just east of the drop lot with the same controlled left turn... but nooo, not supposed to make that u-turn.

Really, keep looking on Google maps, keep heading East on 7 until you find a place to get turned around without making a u-turn, and a place that is right off the road that a driver not familiar with the area could easily spot and safely utilize. Yeah.... right.

Imagine coming to this area at night - what are you gonna do??? Especially if you nee to leave the drop lot and head east back to 81... really, put yourself in that situation.

I know how I PERSONALLY got into and out of that drop yard... just sayin. You know what I mean. What do ya'll think?

And what about the u-turns on large divided highways that specifically have a large pull-out area on the side of the road obviously meant for a truck to be able to swing out into? Still not allowed according to Schneider?

I've never gotten in trouble for anything like this. I never want to, either, especially since getting caught could end your career at Schneider. So thats why I'm asking.

*grabs popcorn

 

It's funny because its the one safety policy they seem REALLY serious about, as in they state its grounds for termination (along with unreported accidents, and high hooks).

I remember them drilling "NO BACKING INTO CUSTOMERS OFF THE STREET" into us, yet they send me to H20 Plus in the middle of downtown Chicago... yeah what do you want me to do just drive through the building? HEY GUYS I'M HERE, I DID A PULL THROUGH, SORRY 'BOUT YOUR WALL