Ambient Sensors

My truck idles below 12* and above 70*. The sensor works in your favor when its warm as it will idle at around 65* or atleast mine will.. but works against you in the cold temps...

 

We didnt have any problems idling our truck whenever we wanted to idle. I guess they didnt have the sensor set yet. Our DBL was always complaining about our idle time. That was part of the reason for our change in employment status. A sleepy driver is not a safe driver and if the temps were not right, then we couldnt sleep.

 

Did your webasto heater not work? Or in the Summer did you not have window screens?

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Does Schneider provide "Window Screens or Fans", I know they do in the office.

 

Our webasto heater worked fine, and we used it during the times we were supposed to. We didnt have window screens because frankly, as low paid truck drivers, we simply could not afford them. It would have been a much better idea for the company to issue screens, initially, and then if they became damaged, the driver would be required to pay for them. Im only saying that IF we needed to idle we were not restricted by temperature. I think though that the company's policy of using window screens in temperatures over 70 degrees is a dangerous one. Simply putting the seatbelt through the door handle is not enough securement - as a school bus driver I was able to obtain a sea belt cutter that in one motion cut the seatbelt. If I could obtain one, others could as well. This is a crazy world we live in and the crazies all seem to eventually stop at the Pilot or TA. As a woman on the road, this scenario makes me very nervous. Do they seriously expect a woman driver to shut down, put window screens in the windows and then go off to sleep? Additionally, the temperature requirement of 70 degrees outside does not take into consideration the inside of essentially a tin can. It may reach 70 degrees outside, but it becomes considerably warmer inside the cab. Im glad we dont have to worry about this issue any more. I think the company was dollar foolish and penny wise. APU's are more cost effective in the long run, considering the angst that the ambient sensor and idle policy has created. Id rather keep a fleet of drivers happy resulting in less turn over, monies spent on training new hires, and ultimately undamaged equipment. The decision to go with ambient sensors in lieu of APU's was foolish and hopefully in the end, they will see that.

 

That's true. Schneider makes its money off driver turnover. Government tax write-offs. I guess you just helped them.

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Yes, I do have the screens. They cost $30. If you're moving, there is no reason to be a low paid truck driver.

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Naw...more like we helped ourselves.

 

I can admit that it sucks. I learned to adapt so I can get my experience. Job hopping isn't good for me. I'll ride it out for another year and a half so I can drive local tanker.
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I feel like what we gained in our move was a step up. The mileage pay still isnt as good as it can get but the money savings we will gain by being more self sufficient on the road will help a lot. And, if I remember correctly, the screens are $30 each.....$60 bucks is a lot to pay for something that, while helpful, will save the company more money than it will do the driver good.