Life After Roehl

Well I came close a few times when I first started with Roehl. They routinely ran me to the bottom of my tanks and I would have to beg for fuel (so far much better lately).

A few times I even pulled in to a truck stop and tried to get authorization to buy fuel and only once was allowed to write a Comcheck for 20 gallons! Then made 2 more fuel stops the same day.

Another time I was not allowed to get fuel in Kentucky despite my anxious pleading for a thimble full of fuel. I was routed on every back hill road (and a detour) into Ohio and finally to Indiana where I was allowed to get fuel. My fuel gage was bottomed out for 80 miles, but I made it.

So it's not always the drivers fault, sometimes they just don't believe you when you tell them you need fuel now! I think the reason I was allowed to write the Comcheck once was because I got tired of doing the sphincter dance with my fuel gage on E, so I set the brakes and waited.

 

I was told by someone that there was a 50 gal or 50 dollar limit that we were able to get back in an emergency when I was there. Once I learned that I never asked. Too much drama trying to get them to permit me to get fuel. I would just get enough to make it to the stop they had planned. Never heard anything about it while I was there. Don't know if this is still available, but it helped on a couple occasions.

 

BTW, when I said earlier that the number of drivers who run their truck out of fuel is "astounding," I meant it's astounding only because you'd expect the number to be close to zero. What I'd heard is similar to what Meltom posted.

I mean, if you're that close to running out, you're almost better off just pulling over and putting your four-ways on...at least that way they only have to bring you some fuel rather than coming out to re-prime all your pumps and injection system.

 

ive never had an issue getting a new fuel stop, if im 200 miles from the stop and reading under 1/4 tank I send a 16. if it comes back with same stops, I call my FM. has never been an issue.

though with the new phone system it may be quicker to message the FM

 

Yep. Says we're responsible for not running the truck out of fuel, so if you need it get it..

 

Yeah, you burn more in winter, and if you haven't moved, but trucks been idling, or even the heater running, remember, it's basically like an oil furnace, burns fuel for heat. The computer doesn't see that, so it still thinks you have more than you actually do.

 

I came close a few times when I had to idle in the summer. I'm surprised how much fuel the Espar does burn. My MPG's when from upper 7's-8 to low 7's the last couple tanks and fairly heavy usage of the heater.

 

I did mention that I haven't had any issues lately. My problems with fuel were in 2009. I was actually tempted several times to let it run out of fuel out of shear frustration.

Since I have started back with Roehl I don't think I've ever hit 1/4 tank, only below 1/2 a couple of times.

 

They've definitely made a lot of improvements since 2009 when I was in the reefer fleet. But you can't always "just get it". What if you're no where near a place that takes your card? Then you have to get permission to write a check. I just remember it was a pain.

Who knows, maybe my old FM just didn't like me. He sure was a jerk. I've also learned a lot since then and my current FM is really great to work with.

 

D that seems to be the way it works. My fm just left me be mostly. She'd tried to get me on a 10 minute late once and we had a nice discussion about it since I had let them know I was running later than I'd like. But when HOS rules say when you start thats the way it happens. I don't miss that crap!
Place I work now is LTL and some 250 miles radius full loads. Most places take me when I get there. My sitting is usually in the dock. Hourly pay cures my ills about sitting now.
stay safe,
H