My one year with Roehl - the good, the bad and the ugly.

Aloof is the right word. The right way to do things here is to handle it yourself if you at all can, and call in for help if you can't. On the other hand, wouldn't it be great if every industry was like that? Show up, do the job, get paid. If ordinary jobs were like that I'd have one.

 

I just met my newest, dsr, dispatcher, fm or whatever they want to be called. The next time he calls me "buddy" I swear I am going to call him "son." Both of my ddf's are young enough to be my children. I also noticed when at Ellenwood that when a driver gets the "lecture" about mpgs all they are doing is reading from a computer screen. My question is what does a twentysomething kid without a cdl have to teach me as an experienced driver?

Let me say two things. I know that they are just following orders from their bosses. The other thing is I am always learning from other drivers as well as my own experiences.

 

oh ok, so since my home is in PA would roehl be a good company for me to go with? and also there is a trailer drop off about 20 miles from my home in PA. how would that effect me?

 

I checked the company website for inexperienced solo drivers from 19102, which is a Philly zip code. Van National and Reefer National is all that comes up. Northeast Regional is available to experienced drivers. Nothing in the way of hometime fleets.

 

Im really considering roehl. Im going to try and enroll for the training. My only problem is how much money i will need to bring other then tuition(if i get approved) and How would I get to their headquarters lol. Oh and do I have to have my state issued CDL permit 1st before i attend the training?

 

yes on the CDL permit. You have to get it in your state before attending their school. They give you 1 voucher per day for a meal at perkins so if you want to eat anywhere else and more than once a day bring money. For school you have to provide your own transportation up there. Their school was great. I enjoyed the instructors and you get plenty of driving time. I found that the company itself is not the driver friendly above board company as they would like you to think. Good luck.

 

I just got done with training on August 21. We did not get any vouchers. You need $450 for the room and there is a microwave and refrigerator in the room. If you drink coffee you will need to bring your own because the hotel will not replenish it . You also will need your own towels because the rate with the hotel is cheap because you do not get towels from the hotel. You also will only get your sheets changed once a week and you have to make your own bed. All the hotel will do is empty your trash everyday.
I just loaded up a cooler when I went up there. There is also a new store on the road to the school that is called the Farmers Store. It is a discount food store and has everything in it as reduced prices.

You will be okay...good luck. Roehl has an excellent school and I think Jason is the best trainer. He is passionate about his work and making sure he graduates well prepared students. He also will answer any question you have in a complete manner.