starting roehl on Feb 25th

I thought that was you in Gary, then I realized I wasn't even sure if you were still with Roehl. I was only there because I volunteered to take a load so another driver could get home on time. They still had no lumber tarps, so on I went. I haven't seen Jason at all out here, but really the only place I see van drivers is at the terminals and truck stops. I just came down I-39 and passed up the Rainbow. I had pretty good luck at the Lac Vieux Desert Casino (Michigan UP/Wisconsin border area) but most of the casinos I've found on the road haven't had poker rooms. I've stopped by the Keys a few times to talk to our old "neighbors". Just went through the Minneapolis/St Paul area yesterday and this morning--which I should mention is the place I hate going the most. Atlanta, fine. Chicago, fine. Minneapolis, I hate. Come to think of it, last night I was waiting (for 4 hours) to get loaded and was blessed with golf-ball sized hail. The weather up here in the midwest has been pretty bad lately. I actually went about 50 miles out of route the other day just because of the storms. That 65MPH is nice with the overspeed set at 70. To be honest, I think they'd save money by just leaving the speed alone and keeping the overspeed at 70. We're always slamming on the brakes because we hit that 67 mark, when we could be using that speed to our advantage to get up the hill. Governed at 63MPH, I'm going to be grabbing another gear going up the hills, which means I'll actually be using more fuel.

Edit: By the way, those 27's grew on me. It's all I get now.

 

I agree. I use to think the Twin Cities was a decent place to drive but now my opinion has changed quite a bit. The weather, now thats a whole different story. I've heard about a number of tornadoes touching down here and thats very rare. How's the flatbed division working out for you? I was seriously considering switching over especially with all the live load/unloads I was receiving at first. Lately, I've been getting a lot of preloaded trailers that are drop and hook at the cons so I'm undecided. Nothing beats getting in/out of a customer in 15-30 minutes. Have they sent you out west yet? I've been out that way a few times and came to the conclusion... west > east. I will gladly head in that direction anyday (during the summer time anyways). Haha. Those 27's seem to get everybody.

 

Well, I hope that I such luck as you as far as the trainers a concerned. Yes, I am salary, so how much was training pay? If you don't mind my asking. I should be fine being that I will still draw my full pay from the GOV. and after that my retired pay should be fine.

 

Wow, I can't say anything yet cause not there yet but will be soon. Just have to make it work. I guess they know what they are doing. One would hope!!

 

MAO1
Good to hear that you are going to Roehl on the honor program. I can't get enough of the stories and information that other drivers in your situation provide this thread with. You will have to keep us updated through your experiences. I am eager to hear more and more about this company.

 

Will do that ic40oz. My decision to go with Roehl was based on what I read on here and my own research. It also help that drivers like evolutioncalling post there honest opinions about the company. He is not the only one that does most of the drivers on here will help you out if you have a ? about something. Well, have to run need to put the boat in the water figure I might as well enjoy it while I can.

 

Training pay is $870 bi-weekly. My first trainer was a retired MMCS(SS), so we got along just fine. Second used to work detention, so we had plenty to talk about as well.

 

Most of the time I like the flatbed. Just a few days ago was the only time I had to wait around to get loaded (just under 4 hours--apparently the twin cities shippers are as bad as the drivers). It's a lot of responsibility, though, having to secure the load. I always do it legal and safe, but there's always some know-it-all there who says it's wrong, and when asked how, is unable to give answers. I've only had one customer actually kick me out, and he was just on a power trip, trying to retaliate because I couldn't get there as soon as he wanted me there. There's a few bad things, too. Like getting to the shipper/consignee, taking longer than expected, and having to sleep there. Sure, it happens in vans, too, but with vans you're not usually covered in dirt and sweat from head to toe.

 

That's not your favorite part?

 

have you guys ever looked into these:Comfort Bath Washcloths

I was in the hospital a couple of weeks ago and I had to use these.

they work pretty good. You can get them at pharmacies.

Probably be good to have between showers.