Stay away from Roehl

I've witnessed the "son" put in more hours than drivers week in and week out. He knows the inner workings of company but can't micromanage such a large company. Personally I had a call coaching by him once. He was firm, and understanding looking at both sides of the situation and provided me with a different way of handling the situation. I've also been in meetings about developing the new systems for planning and dispatch and he was aware of the coding of the products and what their actual limits were. He's a very impressive owner and is much more hands on than others that I have seen. When you talk to the old timers you have to consider that not only was the company different back in the day, but so was trucking.

I was of the same opinion as you when I left that there were a lot of issues in the way drivers were handled, until I saw how it was done other places. What I have seen makes what happens at Roehl seem like 1st graders on a playground, and a different company seem like sailors in a whorehouse. It's all about perspective, looking back I'd say Roehl was nicer than most. Could you experience differ? Sure, you can't fire everyone on their first offense. Especially at Roehl, there is a multi step process in place for performance improvement. It takes time to exhaust your options and training is provided to allow you a chance to change your ways and walk the company line.

So, is it different? Sure, everywhere is different. Is it the "sons" fault? No, my first hand experience tells me he cares more for the company than anyone else.

 

I didn't say it was the sons fault. What I said is the founder always pays the price that the child doesn't evidently you are from the home area . I would say there are a lot worse starter companies. I never had the chance to meet one the Roehl's , My statement was a general observation based off my experience. If they are truly that hands on , then maybe they should look into how to keep drivers who are capable of thinking beyond their pay check. I think if they focused a little more on giving more training in the beginning and clarifying things they would save money on mistakes that drivers may not make if given better info at the start. I hope you are right that he cares about the company because Trucking is about to change in the next few years.I started with them because I felt from my research they would be a good choice compared to others. But I saw a lot of micro managing with to many lies from dispatch . I would say extend the training and make sure new drivers have more information at the beginning. Times are changing again much as they did after the turmoil of the 70's. I see changes coming soon in less than a decade. I take it you have some kind of family connection so that in it's self would give you a different perspective. I come from a family full of this industry and have been shown just how far other companies have gone. And I would say those companies won't be around 10 years from now. I would like to have seen the other parts of the operation , it would have given me a wider view of things. Imagine if the computer in the truck showed all the information on a given dispatcher like the screen gives the dispatcher on the driver. Maybe you would have more of a feeling of personal connection to that person. Then of course there would be drivers who would use it for the wrong ends as I am sure there are dispatchers who do and those who don't. In the end it comes down to morals, ethics and level of greed in any given exchange. Which ultimately is what the work relationship is an exchange of time for a given profit for that time. And that is where it ends.

 

I worked there are about 5 years, then I moved away.

 

SON: "Daddy, may I ask you a question?" DAD: "Yeah sure, what is it?" SON: "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?" DAD: "That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?" SON: "I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?" DAD: "If you must know, I make $100 an hour." SON: "Oh! (With his head down). SON: "Daddy, may I please borrow $50?" The father was furious. DAD: "If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such this childish behavior." The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money? After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $ 50 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door. DAD: "Are you asleep, son?" SON: "No daddy, I'm awake". DAD: "I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier. It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $50 you asked for." The little boy sat straight up, smiling. SON: "Oh, thank you daddy!" Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father. DAD: "Why do you want more money if you already have some?" SON: "Because I didn't have enough, but now I do. "Daddy, I have $100 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you." The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness. It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $100 worth of your time with someone you love? If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family and friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our family. Some things are more important.

A little story to illustrate that these companies should pay not just for the work but for the sacrifice drivers make for them. Because once you reach an age where you know what truly matters there is not enough money can be paid to do the job. All these companies market themselves with you will make money. And to a young person that works. For me it was the home time fleet. Because money is just paper and there are endless way to get it. I love the Marshfield area I am an outdoors man . But my life where I am at is paid off. I stayed until a deal that fit my priorities better came along.

 

That's a good one ,but unfortunately men like you and i are only ones to understand the meaning ...but the good news is ,we don't have much to worry about ...unlike those who have an appointment with disaster

 

He Started in the shop and then drove.

Did you keep your copy showing it was turned in? The shop forgets sometimes to turn it in.

Took one phone call to fix it.

 

I keep copies of all the paper work they gave me when I left. Well that is good that he started in the business by getting a taste for what goes on. I have hopes of maybe starting a company of my own , since I have done all that before, But I think I should spend a few years learning what is right and what is wrong in this industry while watching the economy and markets to see when the timing is going to be right. The economy and the devaluation of the dollar Is holding me back right now. But if we get an administration that will open up the energy resources in this country there will be a lot of opportunities to get off on the ground floor. That is one of the reasons I took the job I have now. Because I am getting to drive a variety of equipment in different capacities. Soon I will make another move so that I get fuel experience that I want.

 

Bless ya there old timer ...i think you'll do better on a local job

 

I like my local gig it is easy run from columbus to youngstown . The commute to work is a pain but i live in the country so it is what it is. I won't move to the city but I will buy a little easy on gas car.
Then it will be good commuting in a big 4x4 is costly

 

You still with van wyk? I looked at that thread and it's been really quiet there...