Roehl Transport, Inc. - Marshfield, Wi.

Congrats on the trainer deal. I've been a trainer at roehl for over 4 years now. I have really enjoyed it for the most part. I was getting pretty bored out there then Roehl asked if I wanted to try training, that sounded like an adventure so I went for it. There are some students you would like to leave out in the middle of nowhere but I haven't done it yet. For the most part guys want to learn and are willing to work. I do 7/7 so I don't get burnt out too much. Roehl is pretty good about giving guys a break if they need it. You give up a lot of freedom to train but its also nice to get paid extra for someone else doing half your work. Having a student along also give you flexibility with your logbook. Its almost a legal way to run two logbooks. A little advice for a new trainer would be to let the students drive more than the interstate. Some trainers just let their students go back and forth on I-80. They really need to drive in Chicago, two lane roads, and get in and out of customers. I also wouldn't tell students I was a new trainer. I did this and some tried to take advantage of it. Well good luck and try to be patient.

 

I've missed the part where you talk about which truck you drive if your a solo driver. Freightliner? Which model?

 

Congratulations.....maybe he will be one of my trainers when the time comes

 

probably a frightliner columbia, there are some older centurys also. i preferred the century because it has more leg room. roehl also runs some internationals (9400i), and they tried out some Volvo's but there are not too many.

 

Which has the better sleeper, Century or Columbia?

 

BucksandDucks,
Thanks for all the info. You've been a great help to some of us new guys.

I will be starting the Roehl CDL training school on Mon. 4/16 and so far they have treated me great.
I am brand new to the trucking industry and really want to learn as much as I can. Hopefuly, keeping my mouth shut and eyes and ears open will pay off in the training.

I wanted to get into the flatbed division but the recruiter told me that they don't have any openings until June sometime. Would it be wise to go out on the training evolutions with a dry van trainer and switch to flatbed later or to wait for an opening and do the training evolutions with a flatbed trainer?

Also, I am 56 yrs old and everyone tells me I'm crazy to want to get into flatbedding. I know it's harder and I know about the tarping and all but after owning and operating a fishing resort and campground in Canada for the past 9 years and wrestling with 300 lb outboard motors, I figure I can deal with the tarping and securing.

Thanks again for all the info, you've been a great help.

SouthboundMJI

 

Hi: I was thinking of joining ROEHL. I have been a 1st seat driver since mid-december 2006. Haven't had any problems (accidents, tickets, etc.). I am wondering about how the road test for experienced drivers. I have no problems sightside backing, but occasionally (and quickly) realize I didn't set up correctly and immediately correct the problem.

Blindsiding is still a royal pain and I avoid it like the plague. When I must do a blindside I take my time and GOAL until I am sure of everything.

My shifting is good, but I have pretty much gone "clutchless" since I was 1st seated.

So, if you could let me know about Roehl's roadtest (highway, close manueuvers, backing) I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

I took Roehls driving test back in Aug.06,as an experienced driver.,It was pretty much just the normal test.Drive around Gary,In.then come back to term.and back into a spot between 2 trls.use the clutch,and GOAL.I am driving a Freightliner Columbia midroof,it is a fairly comfortable truck for one person.A condo would be nicer as well as twin 150 fuel tanks.

 

Recruiter was telling me that better than 80% of the freight is drop/hook with the national dry van fleet. On a bad week one in five loads requires you to wait for loading and unloading.

Has that been your experience?

 

fredthewbob,I think that recruiter is stretching things quite a bit.I am on the 7 on 7 off fleet where they try to come up with a lot of drop and hooks,however I have had many weeks where the majority of my freight was live load and unload.I cant speak for the national fleet but that 80 % sounds way too high to me.Also on that same topic,if the customer loads or unloads you in a timely fashion,it really doesnt make that much difference,whether its live or d&h.But then there are the grocery whses,where they think nothing of taking 6 to 8 hrs.to unload you.I have had some d&hs where I had to hook up to a loaded trl.in a muddy field,and its raing cats and dogs.kinda miserable.(Georgia Pacific in Rincon,GA.)Oh yeah and in a mudhole kneedeep in muddy water.If I were you I would pin that recruiter down on that figure.