Frequently asked questions
This list of questions and answers is intended to address some frequently asked questions. If you do not find your question here or if your question is not fully answered, please feel free to use one of the communication channels provided in the Ruan Resource Guide.
1. Will I definitely be hired by Ruan?
Ruan wants to hire all Charter Steel account drivers who meet our qualifications. All drivers are invited to apply for employment with Ruan. Those who meet Ruan's driver hiring qualifications could be offered employment with Ruan. Information outlining Ruan's driver hiring qualifications is available here.
2. When will I transition to Ruan?
Ruan and Charter Steel are working toward a firm date, but we anticipate that a full transition will take place by June 30, 2019. You will be informed of your transition status at the earliest possible opportunity.
3. Will my pay be the same?
It is Ruan's intention to offer a compensation package that will provide drivers equivalent, or in some cases more, annual compensation than they are currently earning. Ruan will continue to work to increase a driver's earnings through continuous improvement, efficiency gains, and increased backhaul opportunities that may not be available today.
4. How often will I be paid?
Ruan pays every other Friday for the two-week time period that ended the preceding Saturday.
5. Will my benefits be the same as I have now?
Benefits will not be the same. Ruan offers attractive benefits that are highly competitive in the transportation industry. A summary of these benefits is provided at www.ruan.com/benefits.
6. Will Ruan recognize my service working on the Charter Steel account?
If you are hired, Ruan will recognize your years of service while working on the Charter Steel account and combine it with your future Ruan service for Ruan benefit purposes. Your years of service on the Charter Steel account will count toward Ruan vacation benefits, and it will satisfy the 60-day waiting period for medical benefits. If you have at least 60 days of service on the Charter Steel account, medical benefit coverage will begin on your first day of Ruan employment. Previous service does not apply to the 401(k) plan or FMLA qualification.
7. How will my vacation benefits transition to Ruan?
Your years of service on the Charter Steel account will count toward your Ruan vacation benefits.
Upon your transition to Ruan, you will begin to earn vacation with Ruan according to Ruan's vacation schedule using your combined years of service on the Charter Steel account. Ruan's vacation schedule is as follows:
Years of Service Annual Vacation Accrual
New employee 40 hours, prorated (1.54 hrs earned bi-weekly)
Two - nine years 80 hours (3.08 hrs earned bi-weekly)
10 - 19 years 120 hours (4.62 hrs earned bi-weekly)
20+ years 160 hours (6.16 hrs earned bi-weekly)
8. Will I have holidays and personal days at Ruan?
Ruan will follow Charter Steel's holiday schedule, as well as abide by Charter's dock shutdown and start times on days before and after holidays. Ruan does not provide personal days but does provide paid time off per the Ruan vacation plan and defined holidays.
9. Will my job change at Ruan?
Initially your job will be the same as what you did the day before you transitioned to Ruan. Over time, as we better understand Charter Steel's service requirements, we will make incremental improvements. All of Ruan's customers expect this.
10. Will I be dispatched the same way I was before?
As Ruan begins to understand Charter Steel's requirements, there will probably be some changes to dispatching. Our goal will be to operate the most efficient system we can while meeting or exceeding Charter Steel's expectations. Your work assignments and direction will come from local Ruan management.
11. Will I have the same route(s)?
In most cases, drivers transitioning to Ruan will continue to drive their normal routes, delivering to their same Charter Steel customers. As we go forward, of course, we will continuously be looking for ways to improve our operations and serve both Charter Steel and its customers better. These future changes may impact traditional routes.
12. Will I drive any new routes?
It is possible that you will be assigned to new or additional routes.
13. Who will be my manager?
Dedicated Transportation Manager Chuck Robertson will manage the day-to-day Charter execution for Ruan; Ruan is assessing candidates for additional operations roles.
14. Does Ruan use electronic load and log information?
Yes. Ruan will install and train all drivers on the use of electronic load and log systems.
15. At what maximum speed does Ruan run its trucks?
Ruan runs its trucks no faster than 65 mph.
16. What if I choose not to accept the Ruan job offer?
You have no obligation to accept a conditional job offer from Ruan. We hope you join our team but understand if you decide otherwise.
17. Does Ruan have a CPAP program?
Ruan currently does not pay for sleep studies or CPAP outside of regular insurance standards.
18. What type of transmission does Ruan use in its trucks?
All Ruan trucks on the Charter Steel account have automatic transmissions.
19. How large is the fuel tank on Ruan trucks?
Ruan day cabs are equipped with two 90-gallon fuel tanks; sleepers are equipped with two 120-gallon fuel tanks.
20. Does Ruan offer a safety bonus?
Ruan does not offer a safety bonus.
21. Does Ruan require a DOT physical after being sick for one day?
No. Ruan does not require a physical after being sick for one day.
22. Will drivers be required to pick up backhauls?
If additional value can be delivered to Charter Steel by utilizing equipment to move a backhaul while not impacting Charter Steel operations, then yes, backhauls will be scheduled.
23. Are drivers allowed to use cell phones while driving?
No. Ruan does not allow cell phone use (even hands-free) while driving.
24. Does Ruan provide uniforms?
Yes. Ruan provides a uniform shirt. Drivers are asked to supply their own jeans or pants.
25. Do Ruan tractors have air weigh gauges?
Yes.
26. What type of tires do Ruan tractors have?
All Ruan tractors on the Charter Steel account have duals. Van trailers have wide base tires.
27. Does Ruan pay deadhead miles?
Ruan pays for every hub mile driven, empty or loaded. Ruan pays hub miles vs PC Miler.
28. Can the one-year waiting period for 401(k) company match be waived?
No. Employees can contribute to their 401(k) on day one of employment. The company watch will go into effect on the employee's one-year anniversary date.
29. Can we rollover 401(k) accounts to Ruan?
Yes.
30. Is PPE required and will it be provided?
Yes, PPE is required. PPE requirements are job specific and will be communicated by your manager. Ruan will provide all PPE equipment except boots. A $150 boot voucher is provided to purchase required shoes.
31. Does Ruan have an HSA?
Yes, Ruan has an HSA.
32. Does Ruan have direct deposit?
Yes.
33. Does Ruan have cameras in the trucks?
No. Ruan does not currently have cameras installed in the trucks.
34. How does Ruan pay tolls?
Ruan uses Prepass, toll and scale bypass.
35. Will current drivers be required to take a road test?
Yes, as part of the hiring process, all drivers will be required to take and pass a road test.
36. Will drivers be allowed to take pets and riders on the road?
No. Ruan does not allow pets or riders in Ruan equipment.
37. Will there be on-site dispatch in Fostoria?
No.
38. Will Fostoria drivers continue to drive mostly vans?
Yes.
39. Will Ruan honor a one-year DOT card?
Yes, we accept one-year cards.
40. What does Ruan pay for training?
$200/day flat.
41. Where are safety meetings held and are they paid?
Typically, at a conference room near the location. Yes, they are paid.
42. Do the trucks have inverters for CPAP machines?
No, but we will allow inverters for CPAP use. Let's talk if you have a concern.
43. Does Ruan offer sick pay for weather related?
Yes, you can use paid time off if you missed work for weather-related reasons.
44. What kind of storage do we have for straps, and do drivers get their own?
Each trailer has a storage box for straps. The straps stay with the trailer Ruan provides replacement straps.