Roehl Flatbed

Yea that's what the wife keeps wanting me to do. Be the coke man or beer man..I quickly tell her hell no I don't have the back for unloading 30k a day lol

 

That's a good part of the reason I can't do the store delivery anymore, my back was getting destroyed by unloading and carting around so much pop. I do vending machines now and they've got the routes all screwed up and I'm not making any money.

 

I am heading to school next week and am finalizing my decision between Roehl Flatbed or Schneider Van. I want the work of flatbed but am not sure of the miles and what Roehl typically is hauling on the flatbed side. Any info you guys can give me on Roehl to help me with my decision. Reading this thread it seems that the equipment is rather lacking or just worn out. Did I read this right?

If you had to do it over would you still be doing flatbed?
I worked for Schneider in the 90's, but have to start over from scratch again. I want the work of flatbed, but am I deceiving myself? Is it worth learning flatbed with Roehl or should I bump docks for a year and then decide?

Any info you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

I can't answer your flatbed questions because I'm Van. But I can tell you that the company is turning over 480 trucks this year and the plan is to do the same in 2012. Keep in mind, Roehl has no debt and pays cash for every truck so it takes time. Most companies this size are in debt up to their eyeballs. So you will probably get a truck with some miles on it to start but eventually everyone is getting a new truck.

 

Here I can give you the take from a guy who tried it and is now in van. Its hard work, dirty, lots of waiting, miles can be there but while you're learning the deal its tougher. I had very poor numbers and got tired of being stuck waiting and all filthy. Lol. Guys do make money at it and I would suggest talking to cheryl on here. Her husband runs flats and has been for quite some time.
I would say if you come to Roehl you need to just go for it. If its not what you expected you can always opt out to vans. You will also need to think about timing too. I believe that September october and until march tends to be a little lower on the miles. I could be wrong but from my exp that is what I think. Hope this confuses you. Lol. Good luck.

 

He is correct flatbed frieght does slow down around Thanksgiving time, and usually stays slow til spring, when building materials and mulch and that kind of stuff starts to move. Industrial flatbed frieght still moves through the winter months, but it also slows aroun the end of the year, because of companies that have to do inventory for taxes.

 

I always recommend flats if a guy is in somewhat decent shape. If he doesn't like he can switch. A van driver can only pull a van. A flatbedder can pull flats, curtains, or vans. A lot of things come into play for getting good miles. I was always based out of WI so I never had many problems with freight except 2009 when it sucked for everyone.

 

Bucks is right too. If you're located in the right area you wont have trouble getting miles as someone in the wrong area. I also went vans since I knew I really didn't feel like freezing in winter. It all really depends on the guy or girl. Actually saw a female flatbedder today on the way home.
so if you go 4 red and Roehl do the flats and then decide.

 

Just FYI Tank we haul roofing material out of your area all the time...