Once Upon a Time in Phoenix - And History Repeats

It's a politician's wet dream. Have a 3rd party provider put up speed enforcement cameras all over the city, have that provider run the program, and sit back and watch the cash roll in by the multimillions! Safety? No, that's just a convenient way to sell it to the public. It's ALL about the revenue!

Decades ago Phoenix figured they had a cash cow just waiting to be milked. Interstate freeways that run through the city have a 65mph speed limit. Nobody drives 65 mph through Phoenix unless they are in a traffic jam. Otherwise the customary speed is 80+ mph. I spent a lot of time working and driving down there in the 1990s. I repeat, almost nobody drives 65!

So the legislature allowed the speed camera company to install cameras on the major interstates through the city. And then they started planning on how to spend the windfall about to come in. Remember, they sold this using a smoke screen of safety.

But, soon enough, the politicians were shaken awake from their dreams. Why? Well the majority of commuters on the freeways drive the same route every day. And right away, they became aware of when and where every speed camera installation occurred. So they would drive their customary 80+ mph until they came to a camera and then slam on the brakes to get in compliance. Well, there are many other infrequent users of that freeway who knew nothing about those cameras. Almost immediately, they were crashing into the backs of commuters. And they weren't just having fender benders. They were having very serious crashes that killed people and tied up freeways for hours on end! By the early 2000s all speed cameras were removed from the interstate highways!

Then they resorted to place them in smaller towns on the main drag where non-residents and tourists had to pass through on their travels. Of course, the locals knew exactly where the cameras were setup, so they drove like saintly nuns when passing them. the only ones nailed were those out-of-towners and tourists who were easy pickings to fill their cash needs. And, they couldn't afford to travel back to fight and ticket!

All in the name of safety, except that it's not, and never was! It's all about revenue.

But guess what? They're back! On the interstates. This year, 2026, the legislature approved the program to be restarted. Ain't that a “kick in the head”?

So, the whole country is in an uproar over Flock cameras that only read license plates, but are silent on this government revenue scam. After all that fiasco in Phoenix they haven’t learned that speed limits should be set according to the scientific 85% rule. It's been proven over and over the rational way to set speed limits. It's just a shame that we the people don't demand an end to this abuse.

You can help by joining the National Motorists Association, which I have.

The Frustrating Zipper Merge - Proper Signage is a Simple Solution!

We’ve all been there. Signs saying “Road Construction Ahead”, way ahead, miles ahead. And when you’re still one, two or more miles to go, the signs start saying that the right or left lane is closed ahead. 

The average motorist traveling down the highway wants to get where he/she is going in an efficient orderly fashion without conflict. He/she might then decide they will merge early, very early. They assume everyone behind them will see what a nice person they are and follow them over. But then that nice person will start fuming as traffic continues blowing by using the lane they just left. But all the drivers merging over, including that one, have slowed that lane down drastically and needlessly. The potential risk also increases as drivers are forced to brake and change lanes at speed. 

Believe me, I drove semi trucks for over 36 years, and know that feeling well. I also struggled with wanting to merge early so I didn’t have to worry about someone not letting me over when needed. I’ve also often witnessed semi trucks slowing to match the congested lane so those “scofflaws” couldn't pass in the faster empty lane. And I confess to doing it myself occasionally. I completely understand the frustration, and, I think there is an obvious solution if we think about it.

Consider what the intent of the merge rule is: The following is a Wisconsin DOT Explanation:

“How does it work?

When you see a Lane Closed Ahead sign, continue to drive in your lane until you are prompted to merge. When you reach this point, take alternating turns with other drivers to merge into the single lane of traffic.

The only way this can be effective is if we are all aware of the zipper merge and follow its rules.

When driving in this situation, slow down and alternate while merging. The zipper merge allows for everyone to move at the same rate, minimizing delays for all. When traffic is heavy and slow, it is much safer for motorists to remain in their current lane until the point where traffic can orderly take turns merging.”

https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/safety-eng/ZipperMerge.aspx

Now, think about this, it’s supposedly verified that the Zipper Merge when properly done results in 40% less congestion. I find that believable. Can anybody say that it doesn’t make sense?

I feel the problem could be addressed easily by all those road signs announcing “Zipper Merge Ahead”. Or simply “Lane Closed Ahead”, but do NOT say which lane is closed! Traffic will logically continue without sudden braking or lane changes. Obviously, if the motorist doesn’t know which lane is closed, most would continue in the lane they are in. But, of course, any accident that would happen leaves the various city, county, state and feds vulnerable to lawsuits instigated by the ambulance chasing lawyers Or you could redo the signage in a way that people should understand, as in the attached photo.

I saw a local TV station's story about this tonight which refreshingly addressed the subject. I guess all we can do is try and pass the info on.

It could all be resolved, I think, with simple, proper, common sense signage. Much less stress and temptation for road rage.

And I’m so glad to be retired!

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Words to the Wise About Gap Insurance - Never Buy From Car Dealers!

I first published a post about this back in 2017 on my blog. A few months prior, I had just discovered Gap insurance, did some research on it, and found what a gold mine it was for car dealers. If you feel you need it, there's a much cheaper way!

"7/1/2017: A couple months ago, I wrote a post titled Why I Absolutely Hate Buying Cars about my recent experience buying a car from a dealer.

Prior to this year, the last time I bought from a dealer was in December of 2008. I purchased a 2009 Malibu that Chevrolet had just redesigned for the new model year. I bought it from Gus Paulos Chevrolet and they gave me an excellent deal on it. It certainly helped that the 2008 recession was full on, cars weren't selling and dealer lots were full. They gave me financing that matched my credit union rate and didn't try to find ways to rip me off like this most recent dealer attempted to do. The contract was clean and no "extra" charges were added to what we originally agreed to. Since moving to Salt Lake City from Wisconsin in 1993, I've bought three new vehicles from Gus Paulos and they have been fair to deal with. That Malibu turned out to be a great car and I seriously considered getting another, but decided on a slightly used 2016 Nissan Altima dealer fleet car that had only been titled for 6 months.

What a difference this year I had with this other cutthroat dealership! Prior to a couple months ago, I had never heard of "Gap Insurance" and had to ask what it was when this latest dealer tried to include it on my contract for $895.00 and throw it into the finance agreement so I could pay interest on it! The finance guy stated that if I totaled the car in an accident and received less than I owed on it I wouldn't be responsible for the difference! I refused and almost walked out on them until he redid the contract, taking it out along with a couple other things they were trying to get me for.

Since then, I've done a little research on this Gap Insurance thing. My thoughts: First, if you ever think you need it or want it, you can get it through most car insurance companies for a couple dollars a month! (My car insurance renewal is coming up next month and I actually just checked a quote I had for Progressive: $6.00 for six months.) Don't get it through a crooked car dealer that charges $895.00 and tries to throw it on your finance agreement. I am still so aggravated that jerk thought he could sneak that past me, it makes me wonder if there was sign on my forehead that said "stupid"?

Second, if you are so upside down between your finance agreement and what the car is worth, you probably made an incredibly BAD deal. You can't trust a car dealer to be looking out for your interests, they will clean your pockets out of everything they can get. You have to examine every line on the contract and finance agreement and understand what you are getting charged for.

In a conversation with one of our drivers this past week, he told me about buying a new vehicle and falling for the exact same thing. He never realized what he was signing for until after the deal was done. By that time it was too late and it cost him over a thousand dollars.

Don't become a victim!"

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A Few More Stories about "The Boss"

This is related to the previous post I did, "Salute to the Tasmanian Devil of Third Party Logistics".  The post referred to the passing of my old boss that I had the great fortune of working 10 years for starting in 1993. His name is Craig Schneider, who at the time was a Senior Logistics Manager for Ryder Logistics in Salt Lake City and quickly advanced to a Director in the company.

Another BOSS man story. Craig didn't normally talk about it unless you asked him, but he had a photo on the wall of his office with him in a Miami Dolphins uniform. He was actually on Don Shula's team in 1974! That was the year after two consecutive Superbowl championships. Bob Griese, Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris were still on the team. Craig was signed as a lineman, then cut, then signed again. After getting cut again, he decided it was time to get a real job. Good for me, as I then ended up working for him 19 years later. Although he never got to play in an NFL game, he was a hell of an athlete to even get to that level! I'm a fairly long legged guy and I remember having difficulty keeping up with him as we were hurrying through an airport. He was like OJ Simpson in the old Hertz commercial, LOL!

Memories of the BOSS (Craig). We were in Vegas working late one night on a startup. As almost always, one person went out to get food so the rest could keep working. That person elected was me and it was decided to go to In-N-Out Burger. Everyone ordered a Double-Double with cheese/onions and fries. Craig said he wanted two. I asked him if he was sure about that, and he said he was hungry. Well, I brought the food back and Craig wolfed down both Double-Doubles with the fries and about an hour later he was in agony, suffering big time. He dismissed us and we called it a night. Got off early! LOL

Craig was a big fan of the TV show Seinfeld back in the 1990's. I didn't watch a lot of TV during that time, being so busy, with an irregular schedule. When out of town with Craig, he always had to be back to his hotel room to watch the latest weekly episode on TV. It was always on Thursday night at 7:30 pm mountain time. On those nights I knew we'd be done working by then, LOL. It wasn't until many years later, I greatly enjoyed watching the series in reruns.

And then, there was Emily, who was hired in a clerical position right out of high school about 1996. Her brains and ability quickly became evident as Craig promoted her up the chain into her currant role as Regional Manager at a freight and logistics company. She recently sent me this: "I think of you every time I see great food posts about places that we used to always eat at back in the day lol! I have so many great memories of Daniel S. Bridger, Bob Carter & Jim Maxson, driver trainers I'd never met until I had to pick you guys up at the airport. All Craig Schneider told me is you guys knew his Maroon Ford Taurus. And who ever jumped in it, bring them back to the office, lmfao"

One of Boss Man's often stated quotes "Bottom line, it's chump change!". Often heard when discussing the cost of implementing a new policy or investing in new equipment, LOL!

It was a wonderful 25 years I spent living and working in Utah. So many great friends made, and co-workers that worked together as a great team to get things done! Under the leadership of Craig, he was a major reason I stayed there until retirement in early 2018. Although I surely missed my family and friends back in Wisconsin all those years, it would have been foolish to leave. It's been a hell of a ride and a great one!

Salute to the Tasmanian Devil of Third Party Logistics

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Salute to the Tasmanian Devil of Third Party Logistics

A Celebration of Life service is being held today in Las Vegas for my old boss, Craig Schneider. He was just 74 years old and only recently retired. I am also now retired and had the very great fortune of spending 10 years working for him starting in 1993. I was working for Ryder Dedicated Logistics in Wisconsin and transferred out to Salt Lake City, UT. Craig was a senior logistics manager there at the time.

That division of Ryder Systems, Inc is a third party logistics provider employing more than 10,000 drivers serving the transportation needs of companies throughout the US. Our major customer in Salt Lake was/is one of the largest independent bottlers of Coca-Cola in the world.

It was a hell of a ride with Craig rapidly being promoted to Director in the company (Ryder). There are only a very few people in the lives of most of us that really make a difference. One of those for me was Craig. Long story, short, he was most responsible for my 25 years spent living and working in Utah. The man taught me so much, and reined me in hard when I needed it. I always appreciated his work ethic and what he taught me about business. A great man that made a huge difference in my life.

Craig was always thinking “outside the box” and throwing out ideas and concepts to customers, colleagues and employees constantly. I remember a customer's high level manager telling me that hearing some of Craig’s ideas would seem so off the wall, but ended up being brilliant. Hence the “Tasmanian devil” and “bull in a China shop” references to him. His leadership style produced amazing results directing a great team that enjoyed working for him throughout the inter-mountain west. Rest in peace Boss!

What follows are some of the online comments I received expressing how respected and appreciated he was from colleagues and former employees:

From BM:

Craig was a hell of a boss and mentor!!!! He stuck up for me when others were trying to take me down. I owe him so much with what I learn in life and management!!! Rest in Peace My Dear Friend!!! Thank you Dan for posting this!!!

From YS:

One hell of a boss for sure. Rest in peace boss man.

From DT:

God Bless him and his family

From MC:

Oh no, what a great loss. One of the greatest guys I ever knew and worked for! RIP Craig!! Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!!

From ML:

I am so sorry to hear, he was a great person and boss. RIP

From CW:

He was one of a kind! I learned so much from him in the 15 years I worked with him. He was the kind of boss who believed in his people and brought out the best in them. I was shaped by his leadership and he pushed me to be the best I could be. I will forever be grateful! This world lost a good one.

From NW:

With Dan's comment, Craig gave me opportunities that I never dreamed of. Will miss him

From DC:

Sorry to hear

From BK:

Good man, I have a picture of him and me together of him handing me the 1st place truck rodeo trophy. Condolences to his family.

From JD:

Lousy news. He was his own logistics engineer because he could keep the numbers in his head. More importantly he led his team with an all for one and one for all approach that for a long time produced some impressive results.

From DT:

A Good man

From YM:

That's Craig for ya. He used to make me laugh with his stories of different startups. RIP Craig

From JP:

Amen, brother. Only reason I became COO of *****, was Craig. I owe him for taking a chance on me. Speaking of *****, I retired. Will re-engage somewhere, and take some time for rest.

Bottom line (one of Craig’s frequent expressions), he had such an impact on so many lives, he deserves a tribute. I authored a book in 2020 that describes many of our adventures throughout the 1990s, into the early 2000s, My Truck Driving Life, if you’re interested. From us two haoles working a startup in Hawaii to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Seattle and throughout the intermountain west, it was a fascinating ride for me, a cheesehead from Wisconsin. I wish I could be there in Las Vegas today, not possible, but this man will live on in my frequent dreams as long as I’m still around. Craig Thomas Schneider, always will be, The Boss!

On this road called life, you have to take the good with the bad, smile with the sad, love what you got, and remember what you had. Always forgive, but never forget, learn from your mistakes, but never forget. People change. Things go wrong. But just remember, the ride goes on. Credit: simplereminders.com

And, a hell of a ride it was for me and so many of his employees!

Craig Thomas Schneider Obituary