Roehl RDTC review

I arrived in Marshfield Sat. evening, having permission to arrive a day early to account for possible issues on the road. I live about 1000 miles from here. I am staying in a motel that is setup as housing for Roehl student drivers. The accomodations are acceptable. The room is large. I met 2 students who have already completed the first week. They are doing well and enjoying it. They said out of 9 students only 2 are having a hard time "getting it". Can't say too much about Roehl's physical facilities yet, it was dark when I got to the offices to pick up my keys.
Today is Sunday so I am going to scope out the area today and do some shopping. The apartment has everything but pots and pans and a stove. It has dishes and bowls and glasses and silverware, a refrigerator and a microwave. I am staying at Old Dutch Apartments. Internet access is via ethernet in a room they have setup. You do not have internet access from your room, nor does my AT&T air card work in my room.
Every other vehicle in the lot is a pickup truck. I am driving an old Volvo 850 wagon. Hmmmm....
I will post updates as time allows. School does run from 7 AM until 5 PM 6 days a week. You test out for your CDL on the Wed. of the third week, or so I have been told. If you pass the next 2 days are spent signing up with Roehl and orientation. If you fail you get to go home early. I cannot promise to meet the level of daytona45's information. He did a wonderful job, and his experience helped me close my eyes and jump. I will do the best I can to provide info That I would want to be reading on this board as a newbie considering this profession.

respects,
Dennis in se pa

 

Tuesday evening. Did some driving and shifting today on the range. Everyone has been great. More has been posted elsewhere in response to other posts.
Tomorrow more shifting, then downshifting and backing.
So good so far.

respects,
Dennis in se pa

 

Thursday - week 1.
They had us driving on country roads today, and through town this afternoon. It sounds like a far way from never sitting in a truck, but you take a step at a time and it is not so bad. Just got to keep in mind you have a long trailer back there. You have to be real careful at the corners.
I am having fun.

 

It gets nippy alright. -5 today with the wind chill. You bundle up right and it is not so bad. You spend most of the day inside the truck. And we are doing the PTI for the test inside a building.
Orientation is just 1 day after you go through RDTC and test. Then Evo I for 10-13 days, evo II for 10-13 days and you get your own truck.
See You Out There!!!
A bunch 40 and 50 year olds here in class.
ANd thanks for the good wishes.

 

Hey Bob,
They have guys that have been here for over 30 years. A few have 3 million miles with Roehl. There must be a reason. And the people at school have been fantastic. Nice decent people. I can see becoming friends with many of them.
I think you will be happy with Roehl, Bob.
See you out there!

 

Friday evening of week 2 already! We were in town doing close encounter corners today. Not too bad. Go slow, pay attention, wait for the opening.
Every student I have met here, and there are up to 9 new per week, will tell you wonderful things about this place. Except maybe the temperature!! It will be below 0 tomorrow when we are out on the ranges for Saturday practice. Dress warmly if you come to Roehl's RDTC school during the winter months - then it actually is not so bad.
It is a 3 week course, and if you pass, as most do who stick it out, you get a job offer for one of the most squared away trucking companies in the US, it seems to me.
This is a trucking terminal and you should see this place! Nailed down, tucked away, in line, in order and clean. I was impressed with Roehl from day one. I am so glad I made the decision to do this and so glad I chose Roehl for schooling. I would do it again without even thinking about it, now that I know what I know.
The facilities here are clean and top shelf, as are the staff and instructors. Knowledgeable and a great bunch of people.
I came here wondering about everything. I did my research, but really had no emperical knowledge. WOW did I get lucky.
I am having so much fun!!!
I think I just might like this OTR trucking thing! I certainly hope so.

respects,
Dennis in se pa

 

It is Monday evening of week 3 already! Seems like a week ago I was home on my computer figuring out if I was gonna do this. Tomorrow and Wed. we will be doing practice pre-trips and cdl tests. And road driving and backing. The academic part of this has not been bad so far. But we are getting into the paperwork/logging part now and I HATE PAPERWORK!!!!!!
Thursday will be the real tests. If we pass, which we are planning on, we get accepted to Roehl's team and fill out the paperwork and get orientation on Fri. After that we go home and wait for our trainers for Evo I.
One of the good parts of new experiences for me is the people you meet. This has been great for that. The people I have met here that are students, and the staff at Roehl are outstanding. And the people of Wisconsin are just down right nice people. I really like this place. I will miss it when I go, and will look forward to coming back. I am looking forward to seeing my family again. I will have not seen the wife and kids and dogs for over 3 weeks by the time I get home. I have never been gone that long before in my 20 years of marriage.
Next Sunday should be a good day. I leave here Fri. but am 1000 miles from home, which makes Sunday my get home day if all goes well.
I plan to take pics and post them soon. I will advise when I have done this.
respects,
Dennis in se pa

 

Wednesday evening of week 3 - the final week. Took the practice cdl and pre-trip tests yesterday and it went well. Tomorrow we get the real tests. I believe everyone will pass. Interesting how much difference alot of practice makes. And the effort of the trainers - can't express how great these guys have been. If you are going to come to school here ask to start the week that Brian and Jason are instructing. The other guys are good too, I just happen to know these guys better. The logging part of driving seems to be a pain in the butt at this point. We have been learning how to do that the last few days. On Fri. we basically get to sign on to the company if we chose to, then head home and wait for our EVO I trainer. I am hoping not to actually start until after Christmas, but I will deal with whatever works best for Roehl. I am hoping I like the cross country driving thing. It is what I want to do. If this does not work out I have my real estate thing to fall back on. I will maintain my license and office for a few months. But it is my wish to make this national van gig my new adventure.
One of the plusses of training here is getting to experience the beauty of central Wisconsin. I really like it up here. Inspite of the cold. I am really glad I decided to do this.

respects,
Dennis in se pa