Roehl lease option program

I would suggest you read the multiple threads on TTR advising against leasing before making a decision.

 

If you're going to lease, go with a company that has trucks with Apu's,refrigerators, direct/satellite tv or tv hookups, etc.
Earl Henderson Trucking
Wil-Trans
etc.

 

I wouldn't argue that those items would be nice to have on a truck, but I think his focus should be getting the experience first, then decide if he really wants to lease, then choose what he's "gotta have" and what's "nice to have". I think in some cases APU's, satellite TVs, premium seats etc. are extra cost options that would be difficult to justify financially on his 1st lease.

 

Those ammenities are factory installed already. Not all companies, but some. Some cpmpanies put that stuff on trucks to encourage lease just like they speed govern lease trucks faster than company trucks.
Haven't tried to keep up with the different companies, but some, for example, have company trucks governed at 62 but if you lease they govern it to 65. I know one company had that plus refrigerators in the lease trucks but not in the company trucks.

 

I went to Roelhs school, stayed there a couple years and moved on. They have excellent training for the most part, but the l/p program is on par with most others in the industry, set up for the company to make money and the driver to still only make company wages. There are some l/p programs out there that are good but are few and far between, I paid my truck off in 30 months while making better than company wages. I suggest you put in a couple years with Roehl, learn the business well and move onto a better company to be an l/p or o/o.

 

Roehl wants a driver to have at least 6 months experience before going to Lease. I have been running with Roehl for 7 months now and am considering the lease option in the future. But, I agree with Dr. Flush. A few months of experience is, for me, not enough time to learn the business side before making that step. I DO know that Roehl supports their leasees better than a lot of companies.

I am interested to hear what others have to say!

 

It's not a matter of "how many miles..." Know your company well and know freight before becoming a small business operator. As a new driver, you have much to learn; the chances of seeing one full year aren't good but the chances of you succeeding as a small business operator with no experience are pretty close to zero.

If you're still with Roehl then - and since most new drivers change companies at least once during their initial year, the chances are you won't be - ask the same question January 2017. Until then, stay company. Learn the business and see if you like doing it. It is not at all like CDL school.