Swift flatbed vs Roehl Flatbed

I don't see how teaming with somebody in a stressful situation is going to make things any less stressful. To me that's adding more stress.

 

That's exactly what has me concerned about Swifts style of "training", it's basically running as a team. How is a new driver getting training or even mentoring from a guy that's asleep behind him? Doesn't pass the smell test. And the amount of horror stories out there about swift mentors is staggering.

 

No way I would sign the Rohl prenup. They are basically saying they are a bad training company and help is running away from them faster then they can get in the door.

The Swift camera thing would bug me to no end. They are a crappy company anyway.

The teaming training thing is something that almost all training companies do and yes it does suck.

I todays market I would advise a new driver to shop around more for what he wants.

 

Ok here is my situation, wants, and needs so to speak. Any advise, recommendations, or info would be very much appreciated.

Want to start with a company that provides CDL training and don't mind the payments if need be.
Want payed in CDL trading if at all possible.
Want motel and meals included in the school if possible.
When I have to be with a trainer or mentor, I want to be actively trained. Not run as a team simply to pad someones pockets above actual training. I understand why they do it, just don't agree its in the companies nor the new drivers best interest.
Do not want slip seating and to be able to take home truck during home time.
Want to run in the 11 western states or southwest as much as possible. Wouldn't mind the South and southeast, but hate traveling in the Northeast.
Want realistic home time. (Have wife and kids at home)
And I only want Flatbed, if freight is low would not have an issue running a van load but want to be in the flatbed division.
Want a home terminal in PHX Arizona.

Thats not all but most off the top of my head, anyway in my research I have come to the conclusion that Swift and Roehl are really my only realistic choices to get most of the things I would want in my particular situation.

Been accepted with Swift and just need to get the DOT physical and get the AZ permit. And I have been accepted with Roehl pending background and MVR. Nothing in my background or MVR so I'm good there. Just a few more questions to sort out to be able to give one or the other a solid jump with both feet.

 

Agree to a point but every other starter company does the same thing, either by time commitment or loan. Would rather have the time/miles commitment rather than the payroll deduction if I had the choice. But understand both sides of the fence.

 

No, I don't think so. If I understand correctly this Rohl thing is something different. Most the training companies will reimburse you some or all of the cost of a trucking school to get your CDL if you work for them over a period of time.

Rohl is working a scam where you pay them some $3k if you leave before you work some 75k miles from them. This over and above the cost of the CDL school. So you only work for them for 3 months and leave do to low miles you have to pay them $3k in addition to pay off the $5k or so loan for the trucking school. It appears Rohl does not care if they starve you out, you leave, they get $3k profit in their pocket free and clear.

 

You may be right, but the way I understand it from the website and the recruiter, there is really not a charge/loan for the schooling/training per say, the deal is that if you do not drive for them for 120,000 miles then you owe them $3,000. No other amounts have been stated. The catch for guys that already have their CDL is that they will also be on the hook for the $3,000. They do have a reimbursement program for students from other schools.

Other than the Cab Camera and possible issues with mentors Swift is looking better and better. lol

 

I paid cash out of my own pocket and got my CDL. Rohl receiter and I were talking. She said they refund your costs for training over time, you just gotta put time in with them.

Bottom line after all the BS is ....IF you don't drive for them for 75,000 miles, you owe them back for "THEIR" training time. No thanks, I can read between the lines.

 

I don't see where Roehl is such a bad deal; they just want a return on their investment.
Work there about 8 months on average. Of course if you can't manage your time and goof off too much it will take longer than 8 months. Some drivers prefer a payroll deduction plus a year commitment with some companies. Not bad for good flatbed training. I'd rather do that than have Swift's cameras eyeballing me and them listening to my conversations even if it is 3rd party; stay out of my life and let me work.