Adventures of a Flatbedder at Roehl

I just finished Phase 1 in Gary, IN for Flatbed with Roehl and want to let everyone who is interested what to expect.

1. However you get here, the hotel is OK. Don't expect 5 star accommodations, but the staff knows Roehl very well and treats us right. Don't expect to go out at night. Gary doesn't have much to see and you will be too busy to go site seeing anyway.
2. Be ready at 7AM on Monday. Don't miss the van ride! You'll love the POS van that they have here, but it gets you from point A to point B.
3. Be ready for the physical test and Drug Screen. Hopefully your not bald because they will take hair wherever they can get it.
4. The trainers are serious, but do like to have fun. REMEMBER this is an 8 day interview, so don't get all crazy! [Hopefully you get Kory and Joe (BEAR). They are the best!]
5. Make sure you bring all the required documents. Your recruiter will tell you what you need. LISTEN or read what they sent you. Nothing more, nothing less unless you have some issues.
6. The day to day breakdown is simple.
Mon - paperwork, Physical & Drug Test, paperwork
Tue - Paperwork, videos (Roehl Way). Then Pre-trip and shifting in the yard.
Wed - Shifting in the yard and street driving.
Thur - more driving
Fri - Driving TEST - This is your Go/No-go day. If you can't drive you go home. Now if coming from a CDL school don't worry if your not perfect. You will miss gears and screw up somewhere. Just be safe and drive the Roehl way. Most of all don't freak out when you make a mistake. recover from it and keep going.
Sat - More driving
Sun - More driving and paperwork.
You have homework and computer work that must be completed by Sunday. If you have a laptop I would bring it, but you don't have to. The hotel has one that you can use and there are two at the training location that you can use. Just remember that there are 6-10 other people who may be trying to use the same computers and there are 12 online courses that you have to take.

Monday - Your HIRED!!! Get your FM and Trainer assignment. Hopefully they are close by so you don't have to sit for a few days.

HAPPY TRAILS!!

I'll keep you all updated of my travels. Also check out hindsy's thread if you want more info.

 

I have some experience and can actually drive, but I would have to agree that not all drivers will succeed with the condensed time frame. We were doing the tour of the Gary facility today and a driver was completing his Driving Skills Exam (DSE) doing the alley dock. Lets just say in the 30 seconds I watched he was in trouble. Set up wrong, didn't GOAL, chased too late, had front bumper on the cones.... Was not a pretty sight. Didn't find out if he passed or not, but it wasn't looking good.

So, Trainer..... I get to sit in the fine city of Gary for a reset and then get a day with a local van trainer on Wednesday afternoon. My flatbed trainer won't be here until Thursday. UGGHH hate sitting in a hotel when I could be out, but it is what it is. Roll with the punches and don't sweat what you can't control.

PAO, when you getting back out here? Think Flatbed is looking for a few good drivers.... Just saying!