Impression of Roehl so far

Miles,

I think the humility is very important. It keeps you in check. The minute you think you know it all in this industry is when you kill a family. If they make you go thru retraining, its probably for a darn good reason. I would say this training went MUCH further than the school of hard knocks that I originally learned from. I love to offer tips to the new guys that have never touched a truck. when they get it, its fun to see them make it work effortlessly and the look of accomplishment on their face. I think if every driver had to go thru this training as a mandatory thing once in their career, it would be a good thing. If they had an open mind, it would expand their knowledge and enrich their careers. The drivers that say how good they are, and that they dont need to take anyones advise are the ones I dont want to drive next to. I take pride in my skills just like anyone esle. Just dont behave like you know it all. (not you, just the hotshots).

Im glad you enjoy the benefits of your labor by being able to take the winters off. Your smart. Hey, I hope to run into you after march. I go by Bear on the CB.

 

Big -

They have vans, refers and flatbeds.

As far as unloading, they have no problem paying for lumpers if they are needed. Most of their accounts do not make the drivers unload. I am not a fan of lumping a whole trailer load either. I'm not worried about it. Spoke with several drivers in the yard and the above mentioned holds true. You may have to live load/unload, but I dont think you will have a problem with the unloading. Their safety is their top priority and how can you unload AND be ready to drive again? They understand that. dont worry about it. Oh, by the way, they have a special 3 day class for the flatbedders in Gary Indiana terminal. If you had already gone thru the class, then you could be pulling one of the 15 or so flatbed loads I see ready to hook to right now in the yard. They still got plenty of freight right now. Lots of van loads ready to go too.

 

Days 11 & 12

sorry for not replying yesterdays post on the class.

Day 11 took us on the road first thing in the morning and class time to finish off the day. We went out and did our driving. We hit the right and left turns that require a quick 2 foot back up to make the turn. This was something that came back to me right away on what to do and how to do it. Instructor told me that with the pre trip and driving, I would have passed the test with no points marked off. One other guy would have gotten -2 or -3 for the whole test. They are doing FANTASTIC. Those are great scores! Do you all realize there are about 100 points you have to look at for the pre trip test??? In class they gave us a new Rand McNally road atlas and truck stop directory... pretty cool. I havent gotten a new one since I last drove in 94'.

Day 12 -

This is a free day to do what you want on the course. No instructors, just you practicing what you want to polish. I practiced my 45 degree backing and pre trip a couple times. I got the pre trip stuff. The 45's I am getting in on the first shot, or with 1 pull up. A lot of the other guys are getting the 45's just as good. Everybody pretty much has the straight line back and the 45 down pat. Saturdays dont require you stay all day. I only stayed a couple hours. Mostly because with the wind chill it was -20 below and you have to do a certain amount of standing outside. My toes were on fire from the numbness and cold. Hey,... You gotta want to be a trucker to go thru the cold. I dont know if its because Im getting older, or just a baby, but I manage to do what is required out in the cold. I'd rather sweat like hell than freeze. Its really coming together and I can see just how much Roehl puts into their training. This monday starts the last week in training. They will let me return home this friday and stay home thru Christmas with no problems. If a driver wants to go out during christmas, they have no problems putting you out. I have to take my soon to be Wisconsin license and re-take the indiana knowledge test to trade my wisconsin license for an indiana one. Thats not a big deal though considering my training is $2400 deffered compared to $6000 everywhere else. I'm not gonna complain. I know some of you are sitting on the fence on whether you sign up. What are you waiting for? I havent seen a better offer yet. I'm a seeing is believing type person. I listen to all the hype and then it comes down to put up or shut up. Roehl is layin it down in style.

On Monday we start pre testing. Its gonna get real busy. Next thursday we take the full CDL test. I'll keep you filled in.

Oh, one more thing... no carnage to report! Thats a very good thing!