considering going with Roehl

Yeah, Monday I should have a better idea on that. The other two companies I applied to are blowing my phone up trying to get me into their trucks, but I am holding off to see what happens with these guys. I would rather run with the safest of my options as far as their scores go, and the least angry driver BS on the net. Roehl has great scores and the majority of chatter is positive. I understand that the job is what it is and what you make of it, and that combined with wanting to work should be in my favor.

 

This is a very helpful and informative thread. Lots of good info here. I originally chose the reefer 14/7 hometime option when I was talking with the recruiter,Alice,but now Im thinking dry van may be the best place to start. Thank you DsquareD for the thorough explaination about the downside of driving a reefer , its hard to know what you're getting yourself into being new to the career field and this gave me a better idea of what it would entail.

 

Hi, I thought I'd jump on this thread since I'm in a similiar situation as OP. I'm 21 years old, thinking about going into trucking. The more I see of Roehl, the more I'm convinced that they are the best company to start with. Many of you guys have mentioned that they have a good training program. Also, I'm only a few hours away from the main Marshfield terminal (you guys call it the mothership, right? lol). I've also heard mention of a drop yard in Madison which is only 35 minutes from my house. It doesn't seem like alot of the other big starter companies have much of a presence in the Madison area so Roehl seems like the best choice location-wise.

After spending many months lurking on here I'm convinced that flatbedding is for me. I like doing physical work and the grocery warehouse gestapo horror stories have completely put me off the idea of reefers Dry van seems alright though. I could do the National fleet since hometime isn't really an issue with me (still living with the parents Is it best for rookies to start out in dry van and then move over to flatbed? Or is the learning curve about the same for both?

Also, what is Roehl's minimum hiring age? I know some of the starter companies MIGHT hire 21 yr olds but I'd be curious to know Roehl's policy.

I love reading these threads! Really helps me to know what I could be getting into. Thanks!

 

Reefer update:

I hope I didn't paint too bleak of a picture for those considering going reefer. A lot of improvements have been made since I was in that division.

I'm at a stage in my life where lower stress trumps higher pay and I was trying to relate this to another member who has a similar background and I kind of know the frustration he is trying to leave behind. So that was the reason for my scathing review of refrigerated.

Please keep in mind that Roehl has some of the most flexible options available in the industry. If you are young you might prefer the extra pay for hauling reefer and if it's not your cup of tea then try dry van before you decide to throw in the towel on trucking altogether.

 

I think it's just important to know in advance what the challenges are that come with reefer work and let each one decide for him/herself if they're worth the additional compensation. I'm waiting on a return call from Roehl right now on training dates and in addition to it being the best company of all those I've considered there is actually an available dedicated route originating in my hometown! It's for a regional restaurant chain though so I assume it's reefer work.

 

Well there you go. If that's what you're looking for that's great!