starting roehl on Feb 25th

Well here we are on day 3. We took the truck out on the country roads around Marshfield. Heh...you never realize how big these beasts are until you're in the cab. Heh...this is not like driving a HET, 5 or 2 1/2 ton, or even a HEMMIT. It just doesn't act the same.

Tomorrow is our first written test. Not that it will really be difficult, just study the quizes at the end of each chapter and you should pass. We will also be driving the country roads again. I think by Friday and Saturday we'll be doing coupling/uncoupling and backing practice.

Heh...our instructor said that after the 45 degree alley dock demonstration; he will no longer drive for the remainder of the class. He said that each of the guys in our truck is doing well, myself included. I really like the format of the course, we spend roughly 2/3rds of the day in the truck.

Most of the written/classroom portion is just General Knowledge, plus a little extra information needed to be a successful driver. As far as saving money...well aside from having to eat at McDonalds to have internet; I've been eating in the room for breakfast and lunch. I may head over to the public library from now on.

Now about my reasons for choosing the Honor Program...

Starting Salary pay, comparable to the payscale of the factory job I just left. No loss in pay for hours not on the road. Rarely will they have an Honor driver sitting around (got that from one of the dispatchers here in Marshfield). As lame as it may sound, I'm also interested in a decorated (personalized) vehicle. I also chose the Honor Program for the free CDL training, (no contract, no tuition, no catch). The last reason is that for two years I'll be earning GI bill money on top of the salary pay. (I don't care how long it takes, I just know it will eventually be there.)

Now for some interesting news I've learned...

I learned that there will be a big push in Roehl for driver's to take the Load Securement training. There is a big calling for Curtain-side drivers, which pays the same as Flatbed. I also learned that Reefer (refridgerated) also pays the same as Flatbed. I'm now considering changing from Regional to National for Reefer (trainee drivers are allowed to begin in this fleet). I will (after 6 months, which is required for Curtain-side) also take the Load Securement. Carrie said that if I get both of those trainings completed, I'll never sit still.

If after my 2 year apprenticeship, I choose to stay with Roehl, I will then get off the Salary and go miles only. With all the experience and the diversity of my chosen training path, I should stay on the road earning good wages. Heh...if nothing else, I won't be watching wire spin around for 8 hours a day.

I'll keep you posted with more from the School-house

 

The miles I gave are a fair average of what I have been doing. Some days I run a lot less and some days more. I am a national driver in van, soon to be flatbed. I like the constant pace, but I don't feel I am being run into the ground either. I have had to reset a couple times, luckily I was able to plan and work my resets so I was at home.

Tolls really depend on where you are running. My big one has been the Florida Turnpike. That can run from $5 on up depending on where you get off. Also, figure at least $8.50 per scale. Unless I know it's super light, I scale every load just on the off chance my axles aren't set right.

I live on Ramen Noodles, tuna, PB&J and my Pilot points. You can live cheap, just invest in a cooler right off the bat. I have the Black & Decker cooler/warmer to keep some drinks in reach and a Coleman 12v cooler for bigger items. Like jelly, mayo, and lunch meat.

 

Did you take to School for the 3 weeks? I'm trying to figure out the room and board, food, license, and gas for my gas guzzling f-150. Thought about flying but closest major airport is a long way. (Plus I want to go to the Marshfield Raceway once while I'm there)

 

I am going to the Roehl orientation 5-19-08 in Gary, IN as an experienced driver. I have been driving local for the last 3 years driving end dumps. Before that I drove for Maverick for a year. I was pretty surprised that Roehl would take me and does not even require I go out with a trainer even though I haven't done flatbed in 3 years. Anyone else going to be in Gary on the same day? Jeremy

 

That's not entirely true. The thing about O/O is they can reject loads. I get plenty of miles. As many as some O/O's, which surprised a few.

 

So I got a new truck today and I am pretty happy about it too. 2007 Freightliner with 150k miles. Took me forever to get switched over, never realized how much crap I had accumulated. I can't wait to start pulling flats.