Reefers, are the a big headache or good to drive?

well that wouldn't surprise me --I haven't heard anything about that--don't run up that way near as much as I used to--especially after Michaels foods--expanded so much and stopped booking their own freight (rates went in toilet)I know Bud had kept the dry bulk side--at least in the begining--they still around??

 

Not sure on the flour haulers, I had heard that Bud passed on a while back so I dare say not..

 

I'll give you the real skinny on Roehl reefers. They have some of the newest and quietest reefers around. They also have a few of the oldest and loudest reefers around. If you wind up with on of the old ones just hope you aren't on a three day run. It's just the luck of the draw.

All that is required to run reefers is it takes a few more minutes to fuel at the truck stop. Always check your temperature on the refeer when you stop to make sure it's within range. Always read the BOL closely to make sure you set the reefer at the correct temperature. Plan on doing a lot of night and early morning driving. You'll spend around two hours loading and unloading at every pickup and delivery. The refeers have to be washed out on a regular basis and that can be a pain sometimes. Drop and hook is the same as any other load with the exception of you must make sure the reefer has a nearly full tank of fuel(some places 3/4, some places full).
Pulling them is the same as pulling van except sometimes you have to listen to other drivers gripping because they have to park next to you at night. It doesn't matter that they are driving a straight piped truck and are going to idle it all night.

 

Were do Roehl drivers mainly run?? Miles per week?

 

I would like to know also.

 

I am going for my physical Monday and then will be getting my school start date. They told me originally around 2500 a week on the solo 12/3 dry van. I live in NY on the Ct border , so the area should be the same. I think I may go flatbed though.

 

I've done flatbed before and unless you like to lift 140lb tarps, freeze, sweat, crawl in a mud, breathe dust and get $10 for it - I would stay away from it. Lots of extra work with no adequate compensation and less miles because of that...
At least find some flatbedder and go with him for a week and you'll see if you want to do that or not. It's not as "romantic" as it seems Good luck to you!

 

On the reefer thing...... Texas opened a check point in old rest area yesterday...... and rolled everyone thru but reefers ...... no telling why just reefers. Ag check?

Dunno, FYI

 

I flatbedded for Roehl and went van this past winter. Now that its warm again and much consideration Ive decided to go back to flatbedding. It helps break up the monotony and you do get some exercise. But like ExtremeDrive said its not worth it lol. You just have to be slightly retarded i guess haha