Any Questions about Roehl??

I am getting ready to go to the Roehl school probably beginning in December. I live in Kalamazoo, MI. What can I expect. I'll have my permit and physical before I go. The school is looking to set me up as possible designated run. While I was raised in a trucking family, looking for other Roehl drivers for advice, opinions (good, bad, ugly), and where to go in the forum for what to purchase in way of GPS brand, refrig. etc.

There are a lot of threads (postings) on this site, packed with a ton of information and it's difficult, time-wise, to read through them all. I read about what to bring to training. Tell me, how is it for a woman in this training situation?

 

Can anyone tell me if Roehl provides APUs in their cabs? I heard they don't have them, and was wondering how I'd keep warm in the winter, and cool sleeping at night?

 

According to their website video about the equipment, they don't have APU's. They have EPU for cooling and hydronic heaters for warmth. http://www.roehl.jobs/experience/equipment

Since I'm a newbie too I can't say if this stuff is good or not.

 

Neither of those are good. I loved my APU on my first three Roehl trucks but my 4th truck had the new set up. The batteries won't last a ten hour break and heaven help you if you need a reset. You freeze in winter and roast in summer.

I asked for another truck with an APU and it was refused. Just another of the many anti driver decisions Roehl made that pushed towards the door and eventually out of it.

We have to live out here on the road but Roehl no longer cares about that. They have crossed over to the Darkside and gone the way of Swift and Covenant!

 

Oh, how sad for Roehl. I'll do my best, as I made a decision. Wish they had been forthright and honest upfront, but not everyone lives as I do. So, suggestions on how to be creative anyone. Can I do a coleman heater? I'm going to be in a truck solo right in the middle of the worst of the winter. So, also does this mean no computer or microwave (ha, ha - really not funny) abilities either.

 

I have an EPU system and while the cooling isn't quite where I'd like it on really hot days, the bunk heater has never quit on me during my 10 hr break and gets too hot usually. Lots of the trucks now have the auto start system where the truck starts itself if the batteries get low. Everybody's experiences are probably a bit different.

 

So, will I be able to use my lap top? I plan on using google maps to plot my routes and well, watch DVDs when I'm down and bored. Not to worried about heat.

 

Of course you can. Just buy yourself one of those 12V inverters and you can re-charge all your devices.

 

what is a realistic number for starting out going to rdtc? ive heard $600, but i need to feed myself for 3weeks, and make it back home after i'm done getting my cdl

im thinking of possibly flying there

 

I'll look at my paperwork. I am not sure there is any pay when you do the school. When you do the school for those three weeks, we are responsible for all our meals, the permit fees of $185, our own way to and fro school to the lodging area. I do know that there is $90 a day when you are out with the trainer, that is for sure. I'll look at my paperwork and get back with you.