I passed my DOT physical and permit tests today. I filled out the required paperwork and mailed it off to Roehl. Looks like I'll be starting Monday 11/26. I am more excited than nervous about this, but still a little nervous.

respects,
Dennis in se pa

 

Good luck out there.
Just be safe and remember what you learned is just the beginning.

 

Well it is my 3Rd day at Roehl school and have been on there driving course for 2 days now 1st going in circles to the left. Then today going in circles to the right practicing or shifting and turns. The instructors all seem to be proffessional and willing to spend the time to help you when needed. We will be heading out to back country roads tomorrow to get more expereeince in a realistic enviroment.
I am learning quite a lot in the short time I have been here. My class only has 5 students in it. we are split in to 2 trucks so we get a good amount of time in the drivers seat each day.
If you have any questions Dennis just post on here and I will do my best to reeply asap. Glad to hear you passed your physical and should be starting school on 11/26. I should be graduating on 11/21 and home for thanksgiving!!

 

I don't want to give a figure since I do not run hard and have no desire to run hard. Currently I have less than 100,000 miles for the year. I want to enjoy my job and my expenses are low so I take a different approach to my driving/job. So to answer your question about gross all depends on just how long you want to stay out and run. Stay out and run you will make more. Since starting out as a new driver it will take a bit to get a routine. I would say over 30K but how much over that I can't say. Sorry...maybe one of you other Roehl drivers can give a more realistic picture.

Soladad

 

Thanks for replying, Soladad.

From what I've heard, Roehl's hometime isn't too bad (11 or so out/3 at home). I'd like to earn a decent dollar while out and I'm not afraid to work. Predictable home time is good also.

Starting out, I'm trying to find a good first-year company. I don't want to job-hop in my first year or two, with the exception being a killer local or regional job after I put my time in. I'm also looking for top-notch training. From what I've read on here, SNI, Roehl and CFI are the best of the bunch in that department.

 

Hometime is "predictable" only as freight allows. 7-10 days gives 2 days, 11-17 give 3 days, 18-26 gives 4 days. However, as freight tightens it might be a 12 instead of the 11 you requested. They just won't deadhead you home 400 miles just because you want to be home on day 11. May be out 12 or get home late in the day on day 11. Plan at least a day out more and you then will be surprised. A few weeks ago I wanted to be out just 7 days but ended out for 11 just to get my minimum miles for the week (ya bad week). Trucking is not a 9-5 job but totally load driven. You might be sent home under a load and it is expected for you to leave in time to get your load delivered even if you have to leave out late on your day 2 or 3 home.
Roehl is a good starter company. There will be road bumps in your first year but hang in there. Looks better on your DAC and resume to stay with a company for at one year. Also it takes about a year to really get a feel of a company.

Soladad

 

Hi Dennis,

Schneider is only 30 minutes from me, Marshfield RDTC is close to three hours, but I still chose RDTC because of their small class size (no more than 9 students per class) and their reputation. It was a good choice, I believe.

Regarding winter wear: When you get to Marshfield, drop by the Fleet Farm store and pick up a pair of Carhart winter overalls. They also make fantastic flannel lined denim pants, and flannel work shirts. Excellent value.

Good luck in your future! :-)

 

Thanks for the advise momma. Maybe I'll see you around.

 

If you are on Hometime Plus, you better be able to budget your money.
This is a very CHEAP company.
You will drive very SLOW and darn near panic when you go over 67MPH.
Ignore 4 of the 5 Stars in the 5 Star Pay Program.
Groveton will close after the end of the year (Waussau is shutting down).
Did I say they are cheap?
You will need to call in and get a PO to buy ANYTHING?
Hometime is great.
HR and Payroll is great.
Hometime Plus, you will slipseat in their worst equipment.

You will sit over Holiday weekends, but you will be dispatched to ensure ROEHL doesn't pay you a layover.

It is a training company. Ignore everything in the 5-Stars except the CPM. Unless your goal is to become a trainer YOU WILL BE GONE years before you catch any of them Shooting STARS! They are Shooting Stars - they VAPORIZE.

If you NEED (not merely want) to go to a company to train you, then GO with ROEHL or SCHNEIDER. Don't fall prey to the CRE's, Swifts, and CRST's of the world. If you can beg, borrow, and steal your way through a REPUTABLE CDL school, then DO IT. It will save you a year or so of servitude and working for peanuts.

If you are recent graduate from a reputable CDL school, then don't waste your time with Roehl, and all the other mega-carriers offering to repay your loan. Look around for a carrier that has a low turnover. They don't advertise, but they do hire. Try your local yellow pages instead of some truckstop rag.

Company's with high driver turnover operate that way. They don't want drivers to accumulate paid time off, or vest benefits.

Company's with low turnover operate that way. They want the operations of the company to run like clockwork, no cutting corners, and competency.

Look at the freight. Is it going to Big Lots, or E.I. duPont De Nemours?

You get the hint. Cheap Freight to bargain basement companies. Or world class freight to world class companies.

Just trying to help.

 

Thanks mbadriver,
For your input.
1 year as a newbie is what it takes to get off the ground in this industry from what my research is telling me.
I intend to get that with Roehl. If they suck after school I will be gone. If they suck after 3 months I will be gone. I have other options.
But my research tells me they are a good place to start. So that's where I am starting. I hope to report back 2 years from now how wonderful I think Roehl is as a company to work for.
Let's leave it at that.
Life is for learning.
I have to wonder about the info on internet websites as to the validity. Did the experience suffer because of which element? The employer or the employee?
I keep that in perspective when I read these boards.