Adventures of a Flatbedder at Roehl

Heck I thought they wanted 1 yr. but I agree 110%

 

lost in the twin cities is NO fun...

 

Owens Corning can be fun to get into if you don't know where it is at. There are several ways to get in there, the directions in the system work, but they are confusing.... Things happen, you will get crossed up several times before you get your first 6 months in, but it does get better. Just for future trips, Google maps is great to help find things. I know you don't always have time to mess around with it, but it is very useful.

 

It gets better with practice. You will do fine. Sounds like you got a good trip for over the weekend. I just got one of the new Garmin 560 truck GPS units. I have been playing with it, it seems to work very well. It has a little bit bigger screen than my old one, and a few more bells and wistles. This one came with lifetime updates also. I used to use a smart phone for navigation and internet stuff, but I got sick of the small screen. So now I use a GPS for help with navigation, a netbook with Verizon for internet on the go, and a Sony PSP to play games on. I also carry my old reliable Rand McNally truck atlas, and a bunch of other maps for NYC, DC and several other Metro Areas. I use them all, well most of them, when I plan a trip. I don't like surprises...

 

beware the GPS even truck ones will route down places ya dont belong...remember use them only as a tool...not the gospel..

 

well i know what it would take for me to be a trainer now. first here is my back ground.

11 weeks of training at Stevens sept - nov. 2010
3 months otr with them
feb - june 2011 mom and pop bottom feeder midwest
3 months june to aug 2011 dispatcher tyson foods

if i drive for Roehl for 2 months accident free i can apply to be a trainer
if approved i would get my first student 4-8 weeks after Roger approves me for the training job.

Wow i wouldnt even consider being a trainer until i had at least 2 solid years OTR in the same position.

 

I've been temporarily retired the last 16 months and thinking about coming back OTR but not back to Knight Transportation (van). I used to flatbed for TMC and I'm considering a return to flatbed where there is in option out to other division if the flatbed freight tanks. I'm considering flatbed for no other reason than the added challenge and the "OTJ fitness sessions gained".

Anyway, I'm looking at Roehl (National fleets), solo to start and "home" would alternate between Dallas or San Antonio, and can easily relocate my 5th wheel trailer if dedicated lanes begin to materialize. I am not concerned with home time and 4-6 weeks out is my preferred schedule these days. I'll stay out as long as there is relatively steady freight.

I was wondering from the current Roehl drivers, what is the perceived consensus there regarding who is staying busier in late 2011 into 2012 solo? Flatbed, van, or reefer? I would consider reefer as a 3rd preference behind flatbed and van (in no particular order)

Also, do they have a strong amount of team freight there in any division?

Thanks