Questions about Schneider trucks

shoulda done the mechanic school way more money owning a shop than a truck

 

i would have to agree with dieselfuelonly, i was a mechanic for a few years, its a major part of the situation im in now, id rather drive them than fix them, im hoping schneider gives me a chance, i think they will i got a clean dmv report and solid work history

 

Can't answer directly on what Schneider has percentage wise for auto's vs manual. but I did drive back a new 2013 Freight Shaker daycab with the recent version of auto installed, OK to ND, it was a real gas(or diesel ha ha)Loved the shift sequences, and once you get used to timing the letoff on fuel pedal, it really rocked.I felt in control, the fuel mpg were unreal(7+)albeit it was an empty truck tanker. I would never use this off road, but highway? Oh yeah, definitely consider, the jake system worked hand in hand marvelously with the shifts, who woulda thunk
Just had to add in, the cab was more space agey, buttons on the steering wheel, and all so easy to understand, just solid

 

I have never worked for a company before but I have some experience since my wife used to work for swift, and brother works for another company. For the inverter it just depends on the company. My brother can have one, but he had to buy the unit, wiring and a cutout fuse for it and his company shop installed it. On the other hand Swift would not allow my wife, as a company driver, to have anything permanently installed. We put one in there with the alligator clips for quick removal. There are also some that plug directly into you cigarette lighter. Being that you just want to charge the computer you could get one that plugs into the cigarette lighter something like 300-400 watts.
When I first started my CDL adventure a couple years ago We had a truck with an automatic. I did not like it either, for other reasons you did not mention. Now that I look at it it allowed me to concentrate on learnig to drive. Lane control, speed control backing and all the other little nuances of driving. Since then we have upgraded our equipment to include a 10 speed. While at times I miss the auto I like the control of the truck I have with the 10 speed.

 

I would say your odds of having a "manual" transmission are good at SNI. When they assign you a truck, just tell your DM that you would like to have a Manual if at all possible. I think their fleet is majority Manual. Depending on what you do, OTR, Dedicated, tanker, will determine what kind of truck you have. Probably a Mid Rise Century to start off with. Smaller Bunk, I think if you are OTR you get a bigger full size bunk. But I think your odds of getting a Manual is good. They should be able to tell you when they assign your truck to you.

SNI has a "strict" policy on inverters. I think they only 150w or less. Nothing "hard wired" into your battery or fuse box. I ran a 400w and just unpluged it when not in use. Make sure you remove it or hide it when having PM's or service. Having it out sight so the Techs cant see it. They dont want you running big ones so they dont burn the cabs down if there is a problem. Now most SNI trucks have a battery "quick connect" behind the drivers seat on the floor. I think it goes directly to the battery and looks like a battery connect on a fork-lift. Maybe check and see if that has 12v going to it. I think that is for drives that require a sleep apthenia machine. Not 100% sure though. I never checked it with a voltmeter. The ones they do allow are the small ones that could probably run a TV or a Lap top. But nothing bigger then that. In Cab Microwaves, no chance, unless you get a 12v one. Like I said, I ran a 400w one and just kept it descrete and not running all the time.


If you have any questions about SNI, just give me a PM. I'd be happy to assist. Good company overall.

 

And my 400w was a Cobra that you plugged in to a cigarette lighter. had two plugs and a usb port. FYI

 

Ive only been with SNI a couple months, but I havent ever seen an auto shift they own. Not saying they dont have em, just they are rare. Everything Ive seen had the 10 speed in it. Big Moe was right on with the inverter rules. The limit is 150, which isnt much at all. I run a 300 watt that plugs into the lighter for charging my tablet, ipod, and running a small crockpot. Ive been told this wont be a problem, but I still put it away when Im not using it. Ive enjoyed SNI so far. Most everyone has been good people. Good luck to you!

 

Even though it may be a 400W inverter that is only when connected directly to the battery. The 12V sockets in the trucks are only good for 10-15 amps which is 120-180W at most.

SNI got rid of all of their auto shift trucks. The fleet is 100% Eaton Fuller 10 speeds. All new OTR trucks have DD15 engines. Some of the tanker and regional/local trucks are DD13s.

As I said above, the 12V ports can only put out 180W maximum so you aren't getting that full 300W.

 

all the autos are not gone. They aren't ordering any more, but they still have em. I know 3 drivers with em. One told me if they try to take it away he is quitting LOL.