starting roehl on Feb 25th

Thanks for the info. That is a great help. One main thing about this forum is that if you need an answer on ANYTHING, I mean ANYTHING, people will provide.
The figures aren't half bad considering it basically free $ in your pocket. How are things going on your end?
Thanks again
Justin

 

You know I have been hearing something about that. A few of my buddies have been out for a few months now and they have had no problems getting their GI monies. They are attending colleges fulltime.
I don't know if that differs from the structure that is offered at Roehl. Thanks !
Justin

 

I think it is structured different, and therefore that may be why it is taking a different time frame.

 

Well I arrived around 10AM today. (remember boys and girls, two hours of sleep is not enough to drive nine hours on) Heh... my isn't this a sleepy, quaint little town. I picked up my room key at Roehl Transport, the "Range" is huge. It looked like a Roehl Transport convention, with all the red-cabbed rigs gathered together.

The room at "The Keys Apartments" is...dull. No cable TV, internet access, or any other creature comfort. Heh... it didn't even have trash cans. Well this will give me an excuse to study the CDL and Operator's manuals for Indiana, so I won't have any difficulty retaking the written exams. It will also force me to work on some very necessary Physical Training, I've been neglecting.

Thanks for the info on RDTC Skilligan. I figured there would be plenty of..."homework." They need to legitimize training in all the areas they teach. Many of the schools I looked into, simply train you to pass the exam and then...you're done. I will ensure I take time to study whatever information they put out. This will be the first time I've driven in the civilian world of CMVs. Heh...I'm not going to lie, when you're hauling equipment in a hostile country, you don't worry about things like...Hours of Service, Frequent Tire Checks, or even thurough Pre-Trip Inspections.

ic40oz and Evolution, one thing to keep in mind with VA money is that the GI Bill payment comes a month late. You should receive FEB payment in MAR...etc. Also, if you've never filed any VA claim: education, disability or otherwise...; the process will be extremely slow. VA basically has to build a file in their records for you. "It is sort of like opening the gate, then building the yard inside the fence." Heh....that was an actual quote for a VA Rep in Indianapolis when I filed my very first claim years ago.

Well it is time for me to head back to the room and get some much needed sleep. Have to be prepared for training tomorrow. I'll keep you all posted.

 

Wireless should work # the Keys... Room 118/119 or 2nd floor?

 

I understand how VA payments work, but they are running several months behind. Just warning you not expect any money from them during training.

 

I wished I could post my notes on here. But make sure you know the in cab inspection frontwards and backwards. If you fail that during cdl state test your done. Outside pretrip, they will give you a cheat sheet you can use and the examiners wont mind at all if you use it. (this all happens Thursday before you last day.) Friday your last day they will take you to the licenses bureau to get your wisconsin cdl state drivers licenses. First thing when you get there Friday morning. Make sure you have $74.00 for your new licenses. They will try and get you out of there by Noon Friday so you can drive home.
You will proably be out on the range driving by your second day, then by Thursday of the first week you will pulling a flatbed and driving out in the country. Then by the second week you will doing some driving through the town. Third week you will be alot of driving through and around town. Thats not counting all the backing and some close quarter drills out on the range.
Your going to get so much information if you dont stay on top of it, you might get an overload. Here is how I did it. Everynight after I read my chapters for the next day. I always went back and reread all the questions and answers from the previous day. I did this many, many times per night/day. After all that I still only ended up with a 93.4 GPA. But not to fear they only test you once on the weekly material that you study, for every week you are there which will be 3 test.
Ah the Keys Apts. such fond memories. There are washers and dryers down in the basement. There should be a credit card looking thing above the sink that is use just for the washers and dryers. Take it out to the atm looking machine and see how much money is left on it. Also you can add money on the card at that machine. That way you can study while doing your laundry. But if you want to get into the real realm of truck driving . Dont shower for 3 days or change your clothes. Now your truck driving.
Good luck and have fun. I had a blast while I was there,everyone in my class got alone great, and the instructors are a blast too.!

 

Hey, Just wanted to ask another question. On the Roehl Honor Program, are you required to drive for salary pay or can you choose between the solid salary or actual mileage? Curious. thanks

 

You can take the free training and then go on mileage if you want, from what I was told.

 

Thanks. I wasn't sure how that really worked. The website is somewhat helpful, but the details really aren't there. Figured I would ask someone who would know. Are you taking salary?