Heartland Express Drivers

[Mr C]

Questions

1) What is Heartlands Express Idle policy?

2) Does Heartland Express have APU's installed or are they putting them on?

3) What is your average weekly miles?

4) How hard are they on HAZMAT endorsement?

Thanks

MR C

[Twilight Flyer]

There are no Heartland drivers here...I killed them all.

But in answer to your questions

1) What is Heartlands Express Idle policy?

Right now, it's common sense. If you've got to idle it, do so. If you don't, then don't. If your idle time is high, they're going to talk to you about it. But if you're idling only when needed, you'll be fine.

2) Does Heartland Express have APU's installed or are they putting them on?

No and no.

3) What is your average weekly miles?

Around 2100 regional, 2400 OTR. Those are fleet averages.

4) How hard are they on HAZMAT endorsement?

It's not required at the moment. You get an extra $.01 per mile for all miles driven if you have it, so it's worth $1000+ per year just to have it. But in the end, it is your decision.

[headborg]

Questions

1) What is Heartlands Express Idle policy?

2) Does Heartland Express have APU's installed or are they putting them on?

3) What is your average weekly miles?

4) How hard are they on HAZMAT endorsement?

Thanks

MR C

Note: FROM THE DEAD! OR DAMNED

3) What is your average weekly Miles?

Answer:

2988
1885
2514
3012
1887
2002
2703
1769
1627< accident( lost a truck )
1988
2115
1821
2033
2124
2400

2191 Average!


Seems Twilights numbers checkout in this area. As I'm regional.

I'm just in a bad location for the Home time part.

[BIG JEEP on 44's]

1) What is Heartlands Express Idle policy?

Right now, it's common sense. If you've got to idle it, do so. If you don't, then don't. If your idle time is high, they're going to talk to you about it. But if you're idling only when needed, you'll be fine.

That's pretty ambiguous...Because I know what management considers "common sense "...idle conditions are not the same as what "ARE" and keep a driver comfortable...because GTS said same thing ,but did not consider 90 an acceptable idle condition...yet office AC was in full swing...


If a company has an idle policy based on percent of total run time and it's based on weekly runtime and it's only 30% that's only about 3.5 hrs a day running 2500 miles averaging 50 mph go faster and you get less idle time...now an idle plan like this defies ..."COMMON" sense ...

[headborg]

1) What is Heartlands Express Idle policy?

Right now, it's common sense. If you've got to idle it, do so. If you don't, then don't. If your idle time is high, they're going to talk to you about it. But if you're idling only when needed, you'll be fine.

That's pretty ambiguous...Because I know what management considers "common sense "...idle conditions are not the same as what "ARE" and keep a driver comfortable...because GTS said same thing ,but did not consider 90 an acceptable idle condition...yet office AC was in full swing...


If a company has an idle policy based on percent of total run time and it's based on weekly runtime and it's only 30% that's only about 3.5 hrs a day running 2500 miles averaging 50 mph go faster and you get less idle time...now an idle plan like this defies ..."COMMON" sense ...

There are several policies here at Heartland that are equally: ambiguous

Example: the Heartland Cares Program


AMBIGUOUS can have some positive aspects:

Example if you're a hard runner-- don't make trouble, are safe-- they can

let you slide on some of these ambiguous "issues". Also, stuff like Detention Pay, etc. It allows the FM's to be flexable depending on how they like you- or how they guage your "temperature" or ATTITUDE.

Without the Drivers being able to come back and "quote" them -- the Policy. And how that's Not enough $$$. Or-- if they feel they need to/or like you-- give up HIGHER $$$$ for such things.


But, back to the idle issue. They don't have the qualcomm 'sensor tracs" enabled on their qualcomm-- I don't know if this is to save money- or so- you -the driver can't press a button and read your PTO idle percentage, idle gallons and all the other performance data which would-- empower/inform you and allow you to modify and improve your behavior.

But, they do send out WARNING LETTERS if your idle time is excessive( of course these are in hindsight and arrive a month too late. Where as, with the sensor tracs you'd have current real time information to work with.

I've heard-- they clean house regularly and FIRE the one's with high idle times-- to empty out the truck for a possible better- less wasteful new driver.

[BIG JEEP on 44's]

1) What is Heartlands Express Idle policy?

Right now, it's common sense. If you've got to idle it, do so. If you don't, then don't. If your idle time is high, they're going to talk to you about it. But if you're idling only when needed, you'll be fine.

That's pretty ambiguous...Because I know what management considers "common sense "...idle conditions are not the same as what "ARE" and keep a driver comfortable...because GTS said same thing ,but did not consider 90 an acceptable idle condition...yet office AC was in full swing...


If a company has an idle policy based on percent of total run time and it's based on weekly runtime and it's only 30% that's only about 3.5 hrs a day running 2500 miles averaging 50 mph go faster and you get less idle time...now an idle plan like this defies ..."COMMON" sense ...

There are several policies here at Heartland that are equally: ambiguous

Example: the Heartland Cares Program


AMBIGUOUS can have some positive aspects:

Example if you're a hard runner-- don't make trouble, are safe-- they can

let you slide on some of these ambiguous "issues". Also, stuff like Detention Pay, etc. It allows the FM's to be flexable depending on how they like you- or how they guage your "temperature" or ATTITUDE.

Without the Drivers being able to come back and "quote" them -- the Policy. And how that's Not enough $$$. Or-- if they feel they need to/or like you-- give up HIGHER $$$$ for such things.


But, back to the idle issue. They don't have the qualcomm 'sensor tracs" enabled on their qualcomm-- I don't know if this is to save money- or so- you -the driver can't press a button and read your PTO idle percentage, idle gallons and all the other performance data which would-- empower/inform you and allow you to modify and improve your behavior.

But, they do send out WARNING LETTERS if your idle time is excessive( of course these are in hindsight and arrive a month too late. Where as, with the sensor tracs you'd have current real time information to work with.

I've heard-- they clean house regularly and FIRE the one's with high idle times-- to empty out the truck for a possible better- less wasteful new driver.

In other words heartand sucks...I sweat/freeze for no company...espcially when they seem to have the funds to run AC 24/7 in the offices even nights/weekends with 3-5 people in the office ...and heat all winter...I might take idle rules more serious if those preaching the rules did so from a non heated/AC office...you know a sign of "solidarity".

[headborg]

1) What is Heartlands Express Idle policy?

Right now, it's common sense. If you've got to idle it, do so. If you don't, then don't. If your idle time is high, they're going to talk to you about it. But if you're idling only when needed, you'll be fine.

That's pretty ambiguous...Because I know what management considers "common sense "...idle conditions are not the same as what "ARE" and keep a driver comfortable...because GTS said same thing ,but did not consider 90 an acceptable idle condition...yet office AC was in full swing...


If a company has an idle policy based on percent of total run time and it's based on weekly runtime and it's only 30% that's only about 3.5 hrs a day running 2500 miles averaging 50 mph go faster and you get less idle time...now an idle plan like this defies ..."COMMON" sense ...

There are several policies here at Heartland that are equally: ambiguous

Example: the Heartland Cares Program


AMBIGUOUS can have some positive aspects:

Example if you're a hard runner-- don't make trouble, are safe-- they can

let you slide on some of these ambiguous "issues". Also, stuff like Detention Pay, etc. It allows the FM's to be flexable depending on how they like you- or how they guage your "temperature" or ATTITUDE.

Without the Drivers being able to come back and "quote" them -- the Policy. And how that's Not enough $$$. Or-- if they feel they need to/or like you-- give up HIGHER $$$$ for such things.


But, back to the idle issue. They don't have the qualcomm 'sensor tracs" enabled on their qualcomm-- I don't know if this is to save money- or so- you -the driver can't press a button and read your PTO idle percentage, idle gallons and all the other performance data which would-- empower/inform you and allow you to modify and improve your behavior.

But, they do send out WARNING LETTERS if your idle time is excessive( of course these are in hindsight and arrive a month too late. Where as, with the sensor tracs you'd have current real time information to work with.

I've heard-- they clean house regularly and FIRE the one's with high idle times-- to empty out the truck for a possible better- less wasteful new driver.

In other words heartand sucks...I sweat/freeze for no company...espcially when they seem to have the funds to run AC 24/7 in the offices even nights/weekends with 3-5 people in the office ...and heat all winter...I might take idle rules more serious if those preaching the rules did so from a non heated/AC office...you know a sign of "solidarity".

Hey, I didn't say that-- where did you read that into my post?
Just giving out-- some facts and MHO. You could name several of these "coolie" carriers that are worse places to work. Ok, I will.

CR England
Swift
Warner
Covenant
U.S.Express

[Twilight Flyer]

[Twilight Flyer]

Those eye-rollers for for the jeepster.

Here's the deal. Borg works for Heartland...he's got ups and downs. For the most part, he's making money, but I bet dollars to donuts he'd be happier in a local gig, even if he was making less. The OTR has taken a lot out of him...it's obvious in his posts. And his posts are usually straight up, no BS. Sometimes they are complimentary to Heartland and sometimes they are not. But it's always the straight truth, even if he's jaded toward the industry as a whole.

I think that's f'ing great, too. I don't BS drivers when I talk to them and I'd damn sure be happier having a driver calling me after talking with Russ (Borg), than a driver calling me after talking with Rah Rah Ronnie (just a made up name). Point is, when Russ talks to a driver, he's got the straight poop and I don't have to spend a half hour to deflating the embellishments that a cheerleader might lay on the potential driver.

So, here it is. Heartland is a good company if you're looking for a short to medium haul carrier and want to make money and have fairly decent hometime. Yes, there are some ambiguous things about the company, just like any company. No question about it. And Russ has the Heartland Cares nailed dead on...it's a gray area more because they don't want to be handcuffed by set policies when dealing with the top drivers. You do what you can to keep the movers and shakers and we've got a lot of multi-year guys here.

Idle time is indeed a common sense approach. Right now, drivers are urged to turn the key when they don't need to idle the truck. It's not rocket science and no one is asked to sweat or freeze for the company. If you've got a brain and you can use it, you shouldn't have any problem. If you're one of those guys simply looking for a reason to be pissed at or about a company, then I'm sure you'll find something to whine about. And if you can't, I can probably find something to get you started.

Myself, I've been with Heartland for 7 years and God and Russ (the owner, not Borg) willing, I'll retire here. I like the company, it's a good, solid company and takes care of me and my family, far better than any other company I've ever worked for. But in the end, it's a job. It's a company. You will never find a company out there that is absolutely perfect for you unless you start up your own and even then, you'll have problems with the hours worked. For me, Heartland is my last stop on the corporate road. For Borg, it'll be his jumping off point to local, would be my guess. For anyone else? It's up to that person. If you want to think it sucks, Jeep, then more power to you. I think your view is remarkably ignorant considering it's based on one post Russ made, a post you took out of context. But hey, if that's your call, that's your call. But I've said it before and I'll say it again...if you're looking for something to get mad about regarding ANY company out there, you'll certainly find it.

[BIG JEEP on 44's]

CR England
Swift
Warner
Covenant
U.S.Express


No Werner has nearly 60% of their 10,000 truck fleet equiped with top of the line APU ...and the rest can idle a fair amout no unfair sweating/freezing there :wink:


If a company wants low -0 idle then money should have been spent putting good apu on the trucks heck most of these comanies could have ordered their newly purchased trucks with apu from factory...I see companies like KOCH/WERNER and others with apu equipped trcucks ...what's other mega carriers excuse other than they feel that it a viable cost cutting option to make the driver endure the hot/cold because of greed at the top ...So if a company does not provide this and then hassles/fires a driver over nothing more than running his heat/AC they are low rent ...not bashing you but Heartland sounds a bit shady :wink:

[BIG JEEP on 44's]

Well Gainey claimed to have a fair idle policy of 30% total run time and many times I only got 1100-1500 miles a week this left me sitting in summer temps of 90-110 for 1-3 days every week...And when it's 105 daytime/90 night time in the south i'm iding near 24hrs straight without an apu esecially since GTS stopped paying for idle aire and many times idleaire was not availbe ...Hell I way cab A/C when it's 85 out ...office temps arent set for 85 so 85 must not be real comfy ...


Keep in mndt hat After GTS idle policy is a sore spot for me :wink:

[Twilight Flyer]

Idle policy is a sore spot for everyone, drivers and companies alike. Even companies with APU's are having issues. And for a 3000 truck company to drop $3 million down for APUs, when the jury is still out on whether they are even viable in the near future, is foolhardy at best. You do the best with what you've got...right now, it's simply to use common sense. A lot of drivers get it, some don't. I've no doubt that it'll work itself out eventually, but right now, everyone skates the same thin edge.

[BIG JEEP on 44's]

Idle policy is a sore spot for everyone, drivers and companies alike. Even companies with APU's are having issues. And for a 3000 truck company to drop $3 million down for APUs, when the jury is still out on whether they are even viable in the near future, is foolhardy at best. You do the best with what you've got...right now, it's simply to use common sense. A lot of drivers get it, some don't. I've no doubt that it'll work itself out eventually, but right now, everyone skates the same thin edge.

What jury is out on apus with exception to idling laws in some states which apply to running the truck as well ...But there is no jury out on the effectveness of an apu they heat/cool/provide charging without running truck...they are not new tech,but old proven effetive tech ...saying the jury is out on them is laughable.

[headborg]

Idle policy is a sore spot for everyone, drivers and companies alike. Even companies with APU's are having issues. And for a 3000 truck company to drop $3 million down for APUs, when the jury is still out on whether they are even viable in the near future, is foolhardy at best. You do the best with what you've got...right now, it's simply to use common sense. A lot of drivers get it, some don't. I've no doubt that it'll work itself out eventually, but right now, everyone skates the same thin edge.

My Money is on the APU!

The technology/concept has been working for O/O for years.

Big companies--like the one's that control the ATA and OWN law makers--
really don't have a good excuse.

With the large purchasing power & discount-- a mega carrier could get a good rate & a long term service/upgrade mod agreement that would pay for any future re-design etc the units would need-- should new emission regulations take effect--- ThermoKing & Carrier would be nailed to the wall in court & would loose Customer approval if they didn't keep their product-- legally complient.

I think-- the big boys are reluctant to use their Political power to backup the technology. Because, O/O's and independants live and dye without the APU. Big companies can still leverage their purchasing power and buy
their fuel at discounted prices.
Failure to support APU technology
Wanting 68 mile per hour Governed Trucks mandated from the factory.

It's all about forcing the little guys few remaining advantages- out the window.
It's not about "leveling the playing field"-- all trucks the same speed.
It's not about safety. It's about-- cut-throat compatition.

The APU also solves another-- Minus "issue" here at Heartland.
The no inverters allowed. With it's 110volt power supply-- Makes Living in a Truck more economical for a driver/ better quality of life.
You can save 120.00 a week with a inverter.

[Uturn2001]

I know where 4x4 is coming from about idle times being based on engine run times. He is saying how is it fair to hold drivers to idle percentages based on engine run time period, but especially when the company is not providing the loads/miles to somewhat offset those times. Also idle times really go out the window if drivers take a 34 hour reset. You end up having a full 24 hour period there with 100% idle time if you merely start up the truck.

Finally some companies that do use engine run time to compute idle percentages do so by taking the total run and idle times for a week or a month, there are some however that average out the daily percentage for the week/month (ie M=32%, T=43%, W=100%....etc week idle total for those 3 days alone is 58.3% when done this way even though total engine run time on Weds may have only been 20 minutes). BIG difference.

How do I know this? Because I have driven trucks with either the sensor tracs activated of with Driver Info centers that showed idle times and percentages based on engine run time but those idle times did not match what the company said and the only way it could match is to average daily idle percents.

Here is some idle percentage breakdowns.

10 hours drive time with

10 idle=50%
8 idle=44%

11 hours drive time

10 hours idle=47.6%
8 hrs idle=42%

Idle percents based on a 24 hour day

10 hrs idle 41.6%
8 hours idle 33.3%

[Pack_Rat]

Idle policy is a sore spot for everyone, drivers and companies alike. Even companies with APU's are having issues. And for a 3000 truck company to drop $3 million down for APUs, when the jury is still out on whether they are even viable in the near future, is foolhardy at best. You do the best with what you've got...right now, it's simply to use common sense. A lot of drivers get it, some don't. I've no doubt that it'll work itself out eventually, but right now, everyone skates the same thin edge.

Ok lets do some math. 3000 truck company = 250 gallons of fuel per day per truck and that is saying they have 250 gallons total fuel per truck. That is 750,000 gallons a fuel per day @ say $4.00 per gallon which is $3000000 per day for fuel give or take. So would companies rather shell out for fuel or pay for an apu and save on fuel, wear and tear and keep the driver happy???

[jd112488]

pack rat, your numbers are a bit skewed. 10 houtrs idle time at i gallon per hour is 10 gallons time 4.00 dollars per gallon is 40 dollars time 3000 trucks is 12,000 dollars. now onto big jeep,you are pissed at your former company..as you once were pissed at werner. now you are getting ready to go to CFI...i bet you will be pissed at them within six months. i beleive TF was saying it is common sense as to when or not to idle. example, the last two weeks have been around 65-70 degrees in jersey where i lay ten twice a week. i shut the truck off and open the windows...i sleep ina secured lot. but i looked around and got wook up by some knuckle head that idled down the row from me. common sense, some hae it..some don't. some that don't have it blame everyone else for there shortcommings.

[Twilight Flyer]

Actually my point was not on the technology itself, but on the point that several states are considering legislation, making APU's as illegal as idling. What then?

Regarding inverters, what happens when a truck has a shop installed inverter that malfunctions and the truck burns to the ground, with the driver in it? How's that cost savings holding up now against the multi-million dollar lawsuit against the company?

If inverters or APUs were an open and shut case with no downside, don't you think every major company would already have them on their trucks? Heartland operates 3,000 trucks, with no debt, and well over a quarter of a billion dollars in the bank. We dropped well over a hundred million dollars on 1,600 new trucks about 2 months ago. Inverters or APUs could have very easily been ordered on each of them, so money isn't the issue. So why then have they not?

In the end, there is much more to be considered regarding APU's and Inverters. You guys see one side of it, period. There is a very large, very concerning other side to the equation, too. But I wouldn't expect that to be discussed, as it conflicts with the conflict.

Carry on.

[Double R]

the last two weeks have been around 65-70 degrees in jersey where i lay ten twice a week.

One of these days I might run into you in that great state :wink:

[jd112488]

TF, i knew what you were talking about. but some of these guys can't se past there nose to be able to read that even the apu's may be banned in some states. double r, i arrive at the fed ex ground yard off exit 10 of the pike every tues and thur at about 12:30pm and leave around 11pm. we had to start running 81 and 78 over..they took the pa pike all the way across away...cost too much. look for the t-600 with a blue light on dash, i the dark. listen for people talking to jed on channel 19, i always got the radio on!!! see ya on the road. keep rockin'!!!