Schneider chat room - Closed see new thread linked in the last post

Well I got waited for hours only to find out their boss at the TA shop won't let them change a sensor. So now I wasted all this time and they won't work on my truck. SEM sent me to w.w.williams in north Vegas now so sitting all day and and my 14 is running. So much for my TAH.

 

you never shift over a railroad track or stop on the middle of one

 

So taking a 34 hour restart while parked on railroad tracks was a bad idea?

 

do not know how true this is yet, as my assigned truck is getting a PM A in the morning also getting this sensor installed.

BUT a certain someone has shared with me that he heard you can tap the throttle while in traffic , restarting the idle clock. We'll see.

Maybe we need a Idle sensor cheater thread?

 

Well, as I said....thought about coming back to da Patch, but no thank you. And, in a good twist of fate, my new Driver Manager is on thee ball....busier than I ever have been since I came to Crete in February.

I'm genuinely sorry SNI has decided to do this. Lot a good drivers and quality people there, both behind the wheel and in the office and shops. Just another example of extreme shortsightedness at the expense of drivers.

Good luck to any of you staying on.

 

Why not, just tell the train conductor that you're out of Hours and don't want to lose your job by driving in a truck with an E-Log. I'm sure they will understand.

As far as leaving the truck in gear in traffic. Yes, if I'm moving the truck is in gear. When I don't foresee moving any time soon I take it out of gear because I don't feel like replacing a knee trying to keep the clutch down. It was much worse in my old Century where the clutch spring was heavy and hard to hold. The Cascadia's have a Hydro Assist clutch and it takes very little pressure to hold. There's still times when I'll take it out of gear while sitting still. Like the other day when I spent 2 hours to go 7 miles in St. Louis. There were plenty of times where I sat long enough to pull my parking brakes and just sit there. Also, a few months back I got stuck sitting for 45 minutes when they shut down I-65 South to demolish a bridge. Turned off the engine and head lights and just sat there until they called out over the CB that traffic was moving again. Went in back and had a sandwich too. No reason to sit there and stare at the truck in front of me when nobody was moving anyways.

The throttle tap works now. Go ahead and let the truck idle for a few minutes without High Idle. If it's a Cascadia the Amber and Red engine lights will start flashing after 5 minutes. Stomp the throttle for a second and it will reset the time. It's no longer idling if it's getting Throttle input.

As for posting ways to cheat the sensor? Good luck, you think drivers are the only people who see this forum? You can bet there's people from management who likely browse these forums.

 

Not unless u want the inside of that cab looking like a port a potty when that train comes and knocks on your door to wake u up

 

Ambient Temperature Sensors


Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are we doing this? (Because it's a helluvalot easier to just implement a plan for everyone instead of directly working with so-called problem drivers. Makes our job easier in Green Bay.) It feels like just another way for the company to save money at the expense of the drivers. (If it feels like dog poop, looks and smells like dog poop.....)
Transportation is a highly competitive industry with thousands of carriers. Providing low cost, energy-efficient solutions to our customers is critical to our survival. Diesel fuel costs have gone up 10 percent since the beginning of the year. It is imperative that we continue to be an industry leader in fuel management in order to grow and reinvest in our business. <<<STOP>>>truth ends here. (We will also grow and invest in our business by taking the money we won't be paying the upper-eschelon drivers, since they've quit, and pocketing the difference we save by hiring on more new drivers.)
Fuel is one of our highest operating costs so we must constantly look for ways to lower fuel consumption. Many of our direct competitors have already implemented this and have seen significant savings. Others are currently testing this technology. This decision is also consistent with the way Schneider conducts business in an environmentally responsible manner. Schneider continues to reduce its carbon footprint (and interest in driver safety and comfort) by improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Not to be confused with bovine excrement emissions. Thank you, AfterShock for that one!!). We have a long history of investing in technology that provides a comfortable cab environment for you and allows us to leverage down costs.

2. What trucks will have the sensor installed and timeline?
All Dedicated and VTL trucks except for day cabs and IDS.

3. Will our idle stance change? Will it change our idle criteria for bonus?
The quarterly driver bonus will be streamlined next year with what we believe will be some favorable changes. (However, since those changes could potentially put more money in your pocket, they were placed in the second tier of priority. Oh, and that driver survey that many of us filled out in 2011....WTH happened to THOSE results??)The plan will be finalized in the near future and further updates will be provided soon. Recent driver feedback sessions have been positive with regards to some of the changes under consideration. (...and how many times has THIS BS line been fed to drivers???)

4. How long will the batteries last without being charged?
If managed correctly they will last 10 hours. If you follow the suggestions listed below and you're not getting 10 hours, you need to have your batteries checked by maintenance. In the winter, you will need to keep your total amp usage to 35 or below, and in the summer to 75 amps in order for them to last 10 hours. As a reminder, a low voltage battery disconnect will kick in to save battery life if levels are low.
Approximate Amp Usage Chart for One Hour of Use:
**This list can vary by make and model. Please use this as a guide onl.
*Plug in Cooler 7 Reading light 1.3
CPAP 4.5 Bunk Heater 1
Refrigerator 3.5 - 7 Radio 1
Electric Blanket 3 Television 1
Dome light (high) 1.3 Dome light (low) .5
*Coolers will consume the highest amount of power, so unplug them to conserve amp usage. (Please be prepared to spend all that additional bonus money we have yet to provide on increased numbers of bags of ice and eating out.)

5. If I'm on a 34 hour restart away from my home, will I be allowed to idle enough to fully charge my batteries?
There will not be a way to override the settings to idle your truck. If you are away from home, it will be necessary to manage your time both in and outside the tractor. When possible, find one of our operating centers or truck stops. If other options are needed, you will need to discuss them with your leader.

6. If I take a break and it's <70 degrees and during the break the temperature rises to >70 degrees, will the truck auto start?
No, the truck will not auto-start, but it can be started by the driver....

7. After the temperature reaches threshold, how long will I have before the engine stops idling?
Currently set for 4 minutes. The truck will also shut off if it is in gear and you are stuck in traffic. (BUT.....safety is our TOP priority...Why would ANY driver even put up with THIS provision? This is totally and completely unacceptable. If I were still at SNI, I'd be consulting an attorney about this. ANY modification that would allow a truck to die while in traffic SHOULD BE ILLEGAL. I can not overstate my anger over this provision....and I don't even work for SNI any longer! If you, as a driver for Schneider National, willingly put up with this, it is YOUR OWN #### FAULT!)

8. Should we be concerned about our fuel gelling/freezing?
No change from today, but significant testing has shown that diesel fuel resists gelling to about +10 degrees F.

9. Will I be able to override the system for personal reasons?
No. Only a company shop or authorized vendor can program the sensor. We will be able to detect any tampering which will be dealt with as serious misconduct. Discipline could include loss of bonus, termination, or both.

10. If I have a freeze protect load will I be able to idle?
No, this is an issue and we are continuing to work on a long term solution. Until then, we will work with our customers to limit the transit time. We may need to route these loads through an Operating Center. Each load will need a plan that will be developed with Customer Service and your driver leader. (We are in the midst of a test program that involves the driver jumping up and down on the bumper or catwalk for approx. 30 minutes per hour. Again, this is only in the testing stage. Some of our competitors have tried this with great success.)

11. If my heater or air conditioner is broken, will I be able to idle?
No. However, safety is our primary concern ,(BEE ESS!!! Not giving drivers an option in case of sensor failure is bordering on criminal!) so our maintenance team will give priority to these repairs. If we are unable to get this fixed, get with your driver leader on authorization for a hotel room. As a side note, the Webasto and Espar heaters have a 99 percent reliability rating. (Webasto? 99% reliability??? PUH-LEEZE!! Espar isn't bad....but Webasto? WTH are they drinking in Green Bay???)

12. Will my sensor impact my sleep apnea machine?
No, as long as you don't exceed the 35 amps for a 10-hour break in winter or 75 amps in summer.

13. Will there be an inaccurate reading on the gauge from nearby idling trucks, direct sunlight, engine heat, etc?
The sensor is positioned to limit as much external interference as possible. (Much like eliminating interference from drivers.)

14. What will be the stance for drivers that run at night and park during the day, at 70 outside temp, a truck in the sun will get much hotter inside?
The stance will remain the same for all drivers. There will be an exception process for some accounts/configurations that operate with specific requirements. (....so, in other words, if you are late on a load because you could not sleep when you needed to in order to run when you needed to, tough crapola! It's not our problem!! We'll just take it out of your bonus that we haven't decided upon yet....)

15. Will window screens be provided to help keep the cab cooler?
Window screens are available for purchase (on your own) at the Gary and Dallas Operating Centers or any truck stop across the network. Cost ranges from $30 - $50 for two screens.
You may also purchase heat shields from Amazon.com. Web addresses listed below. (How generous....links to spend more money.....)
http://www.amazon.com/FREIGHTLINER-1.../dp/B000H7G1ZE
http://www.amazon.com/Freightliner-1...e+freightliner

16. Will the ambient temperature sensor add more weight to our trucks?
The unit itself is less than one pound with the harness. You will see no impact. (Unless you rip it out and throw it against a wall.)

17. Is there anything I can do to prepare for any extreme cold weather temperatures?
Please refer to the "Winter Reference Guidelines" provided in sustainment training or published in your reference guide.

18. What happens if my truck breaks down in extreme temperatures? Is the Schneider Emergency Maintenance team prepared?
Our emergency maintenance team is prepared and will be prioritizing these repairs appropriately during extreme weather conditions. Safety is our number core value and we will continue to execute in that manner. (Ya know....they say that if a lie is repeated often enough, it becomes the truth.....)

19. I could potentially see safety issues with this technology. I'm concerned.
One of Schneider's core values is safety (SEE? It must be the truth!) and we do not compromise that value. We have a long history of operating in a safe manner and we have given a lot of thought to the implementation and operation of this technology. We have solicited driver feedback and considered various conditions of operation to insure your safety. If a condition develops that you feel is potentially unsafe, please contact your leader so we can respond in a responsible manner.

20. How can you ensure my batteries will last through the night?
We have tested and purchased the best deep-cycle batteries on the market. Our battery management program is one of the best in the industry. You can help by following the tips on amp usage that we have previously discussed. (ICE BAGS! GETCHER ICE BAGS HERE!!)

21. My temperature gauge on the dash shows outside temperature at 76 degrees yet I can't idle my tractor?
The factory-installed ambient temperature gauge is installed under the hood and engine heat can sometimes distort the reading to a higher level than the actual temperature, especially when the tractor is parked and the engine fan is running. The ambient temperature sensor related to tractor idling is mounted in a location that minimizes incorrect temperature readings. (YESSIRREE....nothing like having a bunch of bean-counters and techno-types run the numbers and devise a plan that affects driver comfort and safety, ONLY TO HAVE THE INCORRECT TEMPERATURE READINGS 'MINIMIZED' AS BEST THEY CAN!!!)



Now friends, I was with SNI for 4 1/2 years. I saw good and bad and middling. Unfortunately, this has been a trend for some time. Grand ideas that sound great on paper, but suffer in the real world. Take it from someone who left, thought very, VERY seriously of returning (and was > < this close to doing so), and has reconsidered. It will not get any better. I'm genuinely amazed at how truly angry I am over this. ANY POLICY THAT WOULD ALLOW A TRUCK TO SHUT DOWN IN TRAFFIC SHOULD NOT BE TOLERATED. PERIOD. THERE IS NO...ZERO....EXCUSE FOR THIS.


Again, I wish you all well.

 

You know what's funny. Is this technology has been around along time. Way back like 17years ago. Any remember optiidle on Detroit's? That worked really well not. And Cummings had one also. Are those even around any more? Geeze save a life put cooling units on the trucks and get it over with. Also I read if u can find the sensor then just find a way to heat it up.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2

 

Where did I say I would shift at/on railroad tracks? Reading comprehension already people! Geezus.....


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Clearly stated by the poster I quoted who posted about the idling ditty clearly spelled out that the truck may be shut off while it is in gear. It has no information whether it will shut off while shifting.

Better yet--I would LOVE to know if this sensor shuts the truck off it the truck is moving! Many trucks look like they idle in 3rd or 4th gear at about 8 mph during rush-hour traffic.

Be