1 year with Roehl

The issue I have with Roehl, actually there are a few. I did work there, it was my first company so I really had nothing to compare to, I will say this.. In the beginning it's easy to get miles, when I first started I was seeing 2800-3100 weekly. That lasted the first 3 months. Then, I started making more than .33 and my miles were cut back, I was never late, took every load given to me, I'd take my 10 and start driving right after. So my new average was anywhere from 2400-2700. EVERYWEEK. I didn't ever see 3000 again. I brought this up to my fm and he said that he would do whatever it took to get me to stay, well I was getting right around 2700-2800 weekly for about a month. THEN, it started slipping back. I also found out that I had 2 different fm throughout the week, and they NEVER communicated with eachother. I'd have to explain a situation a few different times just depending on what fm I had for that day.

My fm that I had before they added one more, was helpful and for the most part would keep me busy. Don't get me started on the micro-managing. It was awful. Every trip I'd be getting a call just to remind him that yes, I have plenty of time, and I have it under control. This guy was new himself. Defiantly was NEVER a truck driver and understood VERY little about trucking. Even before I had the 2 fm my trips during the week would look like this "P/U 05/08 0800-DELIVER 05/09 1300 empty miles 22 loaded miles 150. And they would be exactly like that, I understand every "once in awhile" but that was becoming ALL THE TIME.

And after talking to my fm in regard to my issue with the miles, it improved for about a month, then the 2nd fm came into the picture and it went down hill fast. My miles per week dropped and I was LUCKY to see 2000. And when I would call and ask what the deal was, I would get "well, freight is slow right now, and the average nationwide is 2600" BS. I would send in my empty call, and then sit ALL day at a truck stop. Waiting on a load, getting no response on my Qualcomm and when I would try and call it would transfer me over to a fm that wasn't even mine and he would go "hold on! Let me get you over to your fm," and NO AWNSER. My paychecks were only just over 300. For a month straight I was making under 500 and under 400. I was dry van national I stayed out 1 month at a time.

I'm posting my experience because hopefully I can save someone else from making the mistake I made, Roehl isn't a terrible place to START at, but if you expect to make money, it won't happen hear, il the best check that was net was 749.00. And I saw that ONCE. Roehl has a good training program but that is all I can say is good about them, there was 9 in my class with Roehl, there is only ONE left and he just called me last week and was asking how to turn your truck in. And I stayed in touch with a few of my classmates and all have left for the same reason. If your thinking about going with Roehl don't expect to be making good money, but get your experience and move on. I'm lucky to have found a small company out of St. Louis that gave me a shot, my average miles per week is 3300-4000 just this passed week I did over 4000 miles and brought home more than double my BEST check with Roehl.
There is a lot of company's out here, if your not making money at one, go to another!

 

I will keep all of this in mind. I am impressed with the community spirit, so thanks to you all.

 

I am going to be attending Riehl school in Marshfield Sept. 22. Can you tell me how the slip seat home plus program is?

 

Hi T_Trucker,

I had some very bad experience with two companies financially where they say a lot but they don,t really care.
I'm looking at Roehl ... and I read your post where you mention..." Don't get me started on the micro-managing." can you please elaborate about there micro-managing as a driver. I will really appreciate your experience.

 

Its been awhile since i worked at roehl, when i said micro-managing i mean that everytime i got a trip, i would get a phone call asking me if I'll get it there and having them suggest "ideas" if your looking to make money there I'd look elsewhere, my experience toward the end was pretty bad, lots of paychecks under 400.00. Unless things changed i would streer clear

 

Thank you for the info. and just one more question. What type of of suggestions or ideas did the make when they called you?

 

Asking if i would make the load on time, suggesting when i take my 10 hour, constantly going over my HOS. I get it... I was new but still never had any issues with making OTD it was annoying

 

I understand, Thank you for the information...

 

On the 14 on and 7 off do you slipseat and get a different truck each time you come back from your 7 days off?