Roehl is My Choice

Weekend 6 of CDL starts today. I've got to get to the kitchen to make a sandwich for the lunch break, but before I do that:

School is going very well for me. The backing is pretty much handled now. I hit the alley doc about 90% of the time (but wouldn't it figure on the test it would be the 10% miss!), straight line and offset are no big deal. The key for me in backing is taking it S L O W . When I go very slow it gives me plenty of time to make any needed corrections. Speed kills.

Pre trip is almost 2nd nature. I have read, reread, studied, watched videos and every morning during the week as I pre-trip my school bus I add (in my head) the air brake system and go through it. I have pre trip coming out my ears.

Monday morning I take the Roehl physical at a local clinic. Don't see any issues there (anyone know a way to lose about 50 pounds in a couple days?)

I have sent applications to a couple other companies. I've decided it's always good to have numerous plans in case something doesn't work out. One of the other companies offers a much better pay package and I will confess it would be easy for me to make a switch if they came through with an offer.

Onward!

 

I would agree with this. If I were to start over I think I'd go right to Roehl. Heavy Metal is fine but I think Roehl offers more time behind the wheel. I would probably put Interstate Truck Training in South St. Paul behind Heavy Metal only because Heavy Metal is less money. Interstate may give you more time behind the wheel. Not sure about that. But for me it came down to dollars. I figure the real learning begins when you join the company.

Good luck to you! Roehl is a great direction to be heading!

 

Had my Roehl physical yesterday. It took place at a clinic (more like a medical factory) about 10 miles from my home here in MN. First thing, "pee in a cup" (checking for diabetes) second, "get on the scale and back up against the tape measure" then the tape measure around the neck (checking BMI). Yes I have sleep apnea and have been using CPAP for years. "Now read the lowest line you can on that eye chart". Barely got 20/40 in left eye, 20/30 in another 20/25 both together (I recently had optometrist exam and both eyes were 20/30. That pro said if DOT exam gives you any trouble let me know, he can send a form that over rules their findings). Then the nurse left a cute pair of paper shorts on the exam bed and said "take off your pants, leave shirt, socks, underwear on". She left the room (darn it!). Then the Doc came in for his routine.

Doc had me bend over to touch toes, raise arms and hands above head, close eyes touch nose with finger (from both right and left hands), stand on tip toes, turn head left then right. Questions: "so you have ocular Myasthenia?" Yes. "How long since diagnoses?" Over 25 years. Doc says "okay, no problem. I'll give you a 1 year card because of Apnea. Have your Doc sign this form to show compliance and you're good to go". Thanks! They did not give me the card. Apparently since the company pays I'll get it when I'm hired (finally).

Now the clinic will forward results on to Roehl. Still scheduled for Orientation June 11th although I'm thinking of switching from Van to Flatbed. Might as well learn some new skills. There's a million van drivers so what set's me apart in the industry? Flatbed/Reefer. I think I'm making a final choice here.