starting roehl on Feb 25th

Great job! It's good to hear another successful story and another member in the trucking world. It's people like you, and many others on here, that make people like me thrive to follow in your footsteps. Congrats.
Justin

 

Thanks for the congrats, and thank you ic40oz for letting me know I inspired someone. Being a Sergeant in the Army, knowing I'm motivating someone, keeps me motivated and dedicated to accomplishing the mission.

Skilligan, thanks for the advice on the Workbook. That was my intention, to do it prior to rolling out with the driver/trainer. I was kind of afraid that we had to do it during our Evo's but Keith told me that wasn't the case. He also encouraged us to get it done before going out. That way we can concentrate on learning what the driver/trainer has to say and show vs. what's in the book.

My testor was Tony - the tall skinney fella. We also had a shorter stocky fella. Both testors were really cool. They came in and cut-up with us prior to testing. They did everything they could to put us at ease. For me, once I sailed through the pre-trip, the driving was pretty smooth.

I now have my license transferred back to Indiana. It didn't cost too much. I think it was $30+ total. I only had to retake the Indiana Operators (regular driver) written test. That made my day, I really didn't want to retake the general knowledge or hazmat.

Well I guess its time to just sit back and do the workbook, go to drill, and wait for my EVOs to start.

 

Well Im on my home time from my first week at Roehl and here's what I think so far. I went to their flatbed division (Gary, IN) as an experienced driver, but had not been flatbedding in 3 years.

After 2 days orientation and 2 days load securement I was assigned my truck. Its a nice truck, a 2004 international 9400i. I am happy with the truck no issues there.

But my truck was not stocked with any flatbed equipment and thats where the trouble started. Went to the place next to the shop that keeps the supplies and they only had 1/4 of what I needed and what they had was in pretty sorry shape.

They tried to dispatch me on my first load but I informed them I do not have any equipment. They say they will find me the equipment. About an hour later another flatbed truck pulls up, this guy is quitting. They tell me to take whatever I need from this truck. Ok now Im all set.

Next problem is they dont have any trailers, the truck that I got my equipment from the trailer is being placed out of service, I have no idea why. Ok they find me a trailer another guy is coming to the yard in a couple hours, he is also quitting.

Hmm Im kinda rethinking my choice of this company now with all these guys quitting and the run around on getting equipment and so on. Ok he shows up with the trailer. Its a step deck and its in sorry shape.

I get dispatched on my first load, its a load of foam to be picked up right there in chicago. I can say my directions were very good and I find the place easy.

From this point on things have been getting better but I can say Im not real impressed so far. Maybe in time things will improve.

 

I feel you on the equipment issue. I think it would be better if we were issued "our" gear, rather than having to swap out. You'll find it as you go, if you run through Iron Mountain, they have it all. I went shopping. Also, if you can avoid it, don't give up your trailer. When I go home, my trailer stays on my truck; but then there aren't a lot of FBs out of Jax, so it isn't really an issue.

 

hey evo, if you dont mind me asking. what is your average pay? also have you came across a lot of bad directions or have they been pretty good so far? Thanks, Jeremy

 

I'm on salary. As far as bad directions, I've had a few.

I've done a majority of job sites so far, and they can be challenging to get directions for. I usually try and call the consignee a day or two prior to get a lead in, then use Google Maps to get the big picture.

I asked my DSR once to help me out, and he gave me really, really, really bad directions. Almost got me stuck somewhere because he left out about four turns and I had to call the night DSR to "find" me and get me headed the right way.

Most of the shippers and non-job site consignees have been easy to find. I also keep track of where I have been, and add to the directions (landmarks, mileage, roads before a turn, etc) I get off DriverLink in case I have to go there again.

 

Hey, Evo have ya got the rod and reel on the truck yet. And more importantly have ya been catch'n any????

 

I got it, but haven't been anywhere to catch anything yet! That's about to change though, heading down to South Florida and one of the rest areas I am planning on spending the night at has a lake behind it! Can't wait. Was looking forward to setting up the camping chair tonight and relaxing, but these storms up here won't let up!

 

Sounds like fun, Just make sure ya get a license for the state your in, those dnr guys can make the dot guys look like pansy's.
You can still fish in the rain, the fish don't mind getting wet!

 

oh ok your on salary. they started me out at 41 cents. Was just trying to figure out what to expect for weekly checks.