i am kinda kicking around the honor program at roehl myself...anyone like me thats in the guards, has drill monthly and 2 annual trainings a years??? (must be gearing up for deployment) anyways wanted to no how easily they get you home for drill, or do you have to fight over it.. some of my fellow soldiers drive big trucks and they have missed drills because the people they drive for dont get them home on time, and count it as hometime...

 

Day 6
Kansas City, MO
Drove close to 500 miles today. 45'ed it into the truck stop. Still need to work on that though. Started today at 5 AM. Started driving at 6:15 AM. Got done around 19:30. Had some down time inbetween while being unloaded and waiting for another dispatch. Still makes for a long day. I am hoping I have the stamina for this. I like it, but today I am worn the freak out!!!
Seeing this beautiful country and someone else is paying for the fuel!
Still having fun.
respects,
Dennis in se pa

 

zmaster,
From talking to Rob Rennells, their Honor Program guy, I believe they are geared towards just what you are asking. Call him.
Can't hurt to talk.

 

Day 7
Got up at 0530. First P/U at 900 in Kansas City for a drop in Duncan OK at 2359 this evening. My trainer still has hours left.
Sitting outside the Family Dollar DC as I write this.
Long day.
Should be home by Sunday.
Hope the other RDTC boys are doing well.
respects,
Dennis in se pa

 

Day 8
Heading for home..
I love the driving. I have a couple thousand miles under my belt now. Grabbing that gear just right feels SOO Good! And swishing a 45 degree docking back is so satisfying....
I actually enjoy sleeping over in the truck in truckstops.
I don't mind being away from home for a week or two.
I have met some really nice people at the truckstops - let them know you are a newbie and they literally bend over backwards to help you. And I have seen them help one another out also. All in all truckers strike me as a good bunch of people now that I have spent some time among them as one.
Having someone else decide where my life goes (known as a dispatcher) will be the end of this segment for me.
I have been self employed for too long to listen to someone with less knowledge and have them screw up my life.
I was lucky to get Roy K. as a trainer from Roehl. If you can ask for him you can do no better. A very competent driver, and patient with his students, and he let's you drive as much as you like. I also enjoyed talking with him and getting to know him.
I am going to have to look into the O/O or Independant Driver thing as my next step.
I am on my way home now. No way can I do another 10 days in EVO II in the same situation.
I am working on another way to Get Out There. The Open Road.
ANy suggestions are welcomed.

respects,
Dennis in se pa

 

dennis are you going home for hometime waiting for another trainer or are you quiting already

 

What went so suddenly wrong ? Your post starts out on a positive note, and then suddenly, towards the end, it moves in a diametrically opposite direction, without any explanation. I'm really curious to know what soured things for you so soon. I'm not trying to be a smart-ass...I'm genuinely curious, and, might I add, dismayed too.

 

xroofer - no I am not waiting for another trainer. I don't want to be cooped up again with anyone for 10 days.

graymist - what went so wrong?
Just a small part actually. If you re- read the post the most of it is good. I am looking to find a way to be out there without the variable of someone who knows little to nothing deciding my schedule. This will not be with Roehl, Crete, or any other major carrier. Too much required BS with all of them.
I love the driving. love the lifestyle. Love the sound of that diesel humming down the road. I can easily sleep by it. The organizational BS is not to be tolerated. I will figure out another way. I am too much of an old independant knot head for my own good. Not giving up now hear you. Just searching out a different route.
respects,
Dennis in se pa

 

for someone that KNOWS nothing about truckin is giving up way to easy. 3weeks of cdl school and 8 days on the road. your not giving it a chance. any place you go your going to have a dispatcher. did you quit in kansas city or duncan ok. long bus ride back home.

 

Good luck, but I think you bailed to quickly. From dispatch it always a no win. People complaining about no loads, loads to a destination they don't like, shippers/receivers they don't like, and your running me too hard. I was self employed for 8-years, it's tough taking marching orders from imbeciles. But it's part of the business. Take a few deep breaths before you call it quits.