Working for Roehl

So should we not ask questions?.... I assume things change in the course of even just a couple of months. I for one want to be sure I know and am prepared for my new career.

I will try to answer the questions to the best of my ability because I believe that is why this forum was created and I still believe truck drivers (perhaps like very few other professions) still band together to help and keep each other informed. Granted, at this point I am just a newbie, but I will still attempt to assist others when possible.

 

My thought was always that if your experienced and here posting and answering questions, then it's your responsibility to answer our questions if you know the answer. Then when we get experienced and have some miles under our belts... then it would also be our responsibility to answer questions as well. You are right grc56, things change and can change quickly. We are taking a big step in changing careers into trucking. We all just want to be as currently informed as possible so we have somewhat of an understanding of what we are getting into. 4 years ago I got my CDL permit on my own... and after reading forums such as this I realized that I wasn't ready for this industry at that time. Now I am ready and eager to get my new career underway... hopefully with Roehl. But I am checking out Central Refrigerated as well. And thanks to Dr. Venture (go team Venture!), I've made a decision to pull reefers (Hopefully).

 

Old guy new job-
How do you like working for roehl. I am going to be going to rockvalley for there truck driving program next week and would like to apply with roehl. from everything that I have read on there site and what I have heard from the guys here at this place it seems pretty good. I would like to do the national van fleet. I would like to get as many miles as I can. What program are you on? Do you get to bring your truck home woth you if you are on the national program? I would really perfer to do that instead of slip seating. Where was your orentation at and how did you like it? How long were you out with your trainer? Any other feed back that you can give me about roehl would be great. thanks and hope to hear back from you.

 

For a new driver Roehl is the company I would recommend at least on the hometime 4b which is what I drive. I am an experienced driver and very independent so their attitude of wanting to not only tell you when, but how to wipe your butt gets very annoying. I realize that is a personal issue, but I'm the type of driver that says just give me the load, tell me when you want it delivered and then get out of my way and let me do my job. After all that is why you hired me as an experienced driver isn't it?

 

What exactly is Roehl doing to get in your way?

 

I have them telling me when to be at the truck at the end of hometime, they want to plan my trip including where and when to shut down, etc., etc. The time I need to be at the truck is determined by when the load is due and expected conditions along the way. Since every driver scorecard has 100% on time delivery with no exceptions I would say I know how to do my job. Also, when I tell you something is wrong with the truck and it is a critical issue I don't need an arguement. Remember who is the one actually driving the truck and who is sitting in front of a computer screen four states away. Do I know what I'm doing and should be asked my thoughts on what is going on? Consider that as soon as they gave me my first load on the last three trips I knew I would be at least a day late getting back home. Guess what? I was right. One of my dsrs questioned how I could know since he didn't even know, answer I'm a driver, I've been there done that. I also have lost count of how many times their opti system have sent me on restricted routes. I know this because I know how to trip plan. Again by doing my own routing I have had months with less than 2% out of route. I take their routing into consideration along with the GPS, Rand McNally atlas, Microsoft Streets & Trips. The point is that I don't need someone looking over my shoulder while I'm doing my job.

As for getting out of my way, that is an expression that means tell me what you want and then leave me alone to do my job.

I still think Roehl is a good company for newbies, but I would warn you that if you leave and go to another company you will need to learn some new things that Roehl didn't teach you. For instance most other companies do not have little letters on the side of the trailer to set tandems. You will need to know how to shift loads by counting holes. Most companies don't like their drivers doing more than changing light bulbs, in fact in many states drivers are not allowed to adjust brakes unless they are certified mechanics.

 

You seriously have to tell them where you're going to stop every night? That's ridiculous.

 

preacherman,

That is normal with every company when they tell you when to come check up on the truck. Barr Nunn, PTI, and others make you do that.

KH

 

I have been with Roehl nearly two years and my DSR 's have never told me where to stop and shut down. They just tell me when to be at my truck to launch out because I leave it in the Garland yard. I have never been micro managed like you say you have. I have run both national and hometime fleets.

 

How is Roehl as far as drop and hook loads? Just wondering. Be safe!