Any Questions about Roehl??

Because we are not girly men.

 

Thanks for the input. Looking forward to school

 

Anyway of geting past the delay in orientation dates. I'm interested in going with Roehl but was advised that they are now booking orientation dates between Oct 20-27th. I really need something sooner and would prefer not going with another company if possible.

 

I was wondering if we would need to buy a GPS when we start with Roehl? Also what about a cell phone? Do we really need to have one? I prefer to not have one due to the cost of them. They are just an expense I prefer not to have. I have had a cell phone since they first came out and now I just don't want to ridiculous costs of them anymore. Any feedback would be great!

 

no gps yes cell at least a prepay

 

If you don't want to get into a contract, but you use the phone a lot, check out Net 10. It uses the AT&T network and the cost is a flat $.10 a minute. They also have an unlimited plan that runs about $80 a month.

 

Well, to be clear about previous answers,

1) Roehl would actually prefer you to *Not* have a GPS. I use the one that comes with my Verizon phone, and between the GPS functions, and the zoom-able map functions, it's quite a boon to get a birds' eye view of the directions a shipper/ consignee give you. But, as far as en-route driving, it's pretty much just there to help me not miss a turn.

But, "The GPS told me too" is not an acceptable answer. and in my opinion, starting driving with a GPS quickly ends up with it being in "Crutch" status.

2) a cellphone isn't required by Roehl. but, if you don't have one, you have to be prepared to spend a *LOT* of time hunting for a payphone. and most of us would weigh the cost vs standing outside at rest-area payphone for 20 min. on hold with dispatch because we got the ominus "CALL DISPACTH, PLZ. ASAP"

But, you could certainly not start with one. But, try to keep an open mind, and remember it is an option. see how the finances go for you, after you've been on the road awhile.

 

thanks moriarti was tryin to answer with a 1 day old baby in my arms. I started with a pay as u go phone, got real expensive, settled with a verizon plan for alot less 6 months later. after about 8 months i bought a truck gps...pc miler and life got alot easier... no longer got lost tryin to find an address... its a tool together with opti and your atlas

 

Yeah I justed picked up PC Miller with Streets/Hazmat V 20.0 as a tool for getting to where I have to go. The cost was a no brainier if you know what I mean? I don't think a GPS is a crutch as one post said here, I think of them as a great tool that can be very helpful. I also just purchased the 2011 Rand McNally laminated road map version to use with a grease pencil.

I can see how a pay as you go phone would begin to cost a lot of cash. They are great if you don't use it often but they do get expensive if you use it regularly. I think I will just go with Verizons Unlimited Plan for a cell phone. I hate the whole idea of what they charge now for cell plans. They all seem to remove the real functions you need in the unlimited plans and then charge you extra for them. What a scam I swear! So I talked to my accountant about the cost and I was told I can write the cost off on my taxes. So that's a little return for the cost of doing business.

Thanks to all who have posted feedback. Since I am retired and starting a new second career, all this info is very helpful!

 

The main key and its also touching on what he said about being a crutch, is you cant just solely depend upon them, you still need to always map out your route that you receive and check and double check it, I run with a Rand mcnally cause i figured we relay on them for the atlas and pretty much alway go by what it says (outside of signs on your route telling you different) so i figured to me it was a no brainer on getting their GPS. but still i mainly use it as another tool for getting me there safely and quickly.