Starting at Roehl after some time off.

Ok so much has happened since I started with Roehl. Again, sorry I was not updating this, seems there is not enough time in the day.

I left Roehl 3 weeks ago, it just was not working out. I had a great first 6 months and then things started to change. This is just my situation so I cannot put it on the company. My loads were getting shorter on runs and I had begged to see different routes. I always seemed to do the same path. At one point I even told my FM, you should pay me regional because that is what I am doing. Either went over his head or he didn't care.

In the mean time I met another FB driver who gave me the owners number. Was speaking with him for about 2 months. It seemed too good to be true but I will explain at the end.

I think I really started to seriously think about leaving the last 3 weeks. I was doing small little 150-300 loads and they all were #####es to strap and tarp. Pay checks were abysmal and I brought this up and they said they would work on it. I again brought up that I signed on for all 48, not the 6-7 I am constantly running. Some other drivers said, change your FM. I personally believe it is culture and not people. Also, I should not have to manage them.

My breaking point. I got a relay assigned to me. Local driver picked it up and I was told it would be in the yard at 1300. I waited and called in to get an update. He is loading right now, 2 hours. I said if anything changes send me a message. 2+ had gone by and nothing. I waited as my 14 was at 3 and I knew I would not go anywhere even if he showed up, I was 6 into a 10.

I called in at 1700, FM said he is on the way. Hook up when he gets there. I told him no, waiting till the AM so I do not mess my 10 break up. This guy who hounded me to make sure my logs were perfect said, just go slow and stay off duty. Told him no and if he wants me to do that to send me a message on the Qualcomm.

Left the next morning and the run was 670 to deliver that day. I told him I would not make it and he did not respond back. I left and got 200 in and my qualcomm started blowing up. Route changed, messages, etc. I pull over and the message is call in asap.

I call in and he says, you are not going to make the appointment. I then said, do you even listen to me, I told you this and you know I cannot do 670 in a day with this truck. He turns me around back to the yard. Now I am pissed off.

I called the owner of the company I am now with and told him. Said, I have to make a decision so I need him too. He said he was in. Set up some work where he is based out of, my friend has a farm near bye so I still can make some money.

Got back to the yard. Set up a rent a car just in case and called into my FM. Told him I am giving my two weeks and it was agreed that since I am at a yard it would be best to just call it a day.

Like I said, this is my experience so I cannot bash the company. My personal feeling is their culture is one way.

Been with my new company for 2 weeks now. I am in the owners truck until mine is ready. My first 7 days I did 3200. He always has a load for you when you are empty. I am not doing a purchase at the moment. I am getting a percentage of the line haul and it is not anywhere near what big companies pay, higher.

Straight forward man, says what he means and so far, does what he says. I have spoken to 6 other of his drivers over the last 2 months. Not one has a bad or negative thing to say.

So glad I ran into the driver that night.

 

I would like to update the thread. I have been with this small company for a solid 4 months. I wish I could have started with a small company.

From my house my week is go here, pick up this and deliver. He has a load waiting for me after my drop. I would like to expand on it but that is it. I have a load and know where I am going after. I only sit when I want too. I live on the east coast but drive out to the west often.

If I haul a multi drop load he has something to load back on when I drop my first. It makes him money and me. Enjoying life.

 

Crazyk, I know about the rules but I had done that numerous times and I was getting fed up. I had worked on the truck with Maintenance on the phone for hours before a tow, did I get paid, nope. I guess I just wised up.

Very good starter company as in the training is good. You get to learn the basics and learn what you do not want as a driver. I do not regret it but I would never go back.