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That is how long I have been at Roehl now. Before anyone makes a comment about the 366 days, remember we had a leap year, so an extra day in Feb.
I went to orientation in Gary on May the 4th of last year. There were supposed to be 10 people in orientation that week. We started off with 1 no show, so down to 9. 2 quit the next day becuase of the contract (no longer applies to Roehl). That left 7 of us misty eyed wanna be's. We got our brand new black hats on Thursday. I was kind of lucky, hooked up with a ride to meet my trainer down in MO while others had to wait it out. All in all I had a good experience with my trainers. Phase 2 left alot to be desired, glad they are in the process of changing it.
I started out on flats and moved to vans in Jan. I dont regret either decision, but I would not pull flats for Roehl again as vans are soo much easier and my paycheck is actually better.
I have had my ups and downs, all of which was documented on these forums. I still have my issues which all you have to do is a search on topics posted by me. I can still say with out an instant of hesitation that Roehl is one of THE BEST choices for a new driver to make to get their feet wet.
Where do I go from here? Well I am not sure about that. I am not in a hurry to make any jump to another situation. At least with Roehl I know what the screwy things are to be expected. I know that Parrothead left Roehl about a month or 2 ago. He was up in Gary with me. I just wonder how many of the other people are still at Roehl 1 year later. If I were a betting man, I would say I am probally the only one still here. I am not trying to brag, but that is just the facts and the hard numbers. During orientation last May, they told us that the turn over rate for new drivers at Roehl was around 90%.
Although I have the 1st year in the books, I am still a newbie, I will always try to remain one. The reason I say this is, a newbie is always learning. It is when you think you have it mastered that you should get out of the truck and find something else to do. That is at least the way I look at it.

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Happy Anniversary

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Cangrats on the 1st year. from what I hear it's quite a milestone for many new drivers... Can you give me any idea of how many paid miles you drove? Would ne appreciated... t.g.

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For the month of April I had 10,723 paid miles, I was home 6 days that month. I actually put 11,404 miles on the hub, for a total of 6.26% out of route miles.
I would say that has been about the average of what I have been getting since I moved to vans. It would probally take a new driver a little bit to get up to speed so to speak before they would expect to get that kind of milage. The way I prefer to run is to drive 10 hours a day. Putting 11-12 total hours on lines 3 and 4 for the day. Do this for 6 days in a row, then do a 34 hour reset. Do it again and by the time I am running low on hours I am parking the truck in the drive way for 3-4 days home. This works best for me, but it is not always the case.

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Congrats Buzz. I was wondering what happened to you. Been a while since you posted anything.
I started looking for a new job a few months ago because things really went downhill fast. If you remember the trip we took last winter I was extremely happy there. But when the miles fell off, all those BS rules really got to me and it was time to go. I also wanted to be home more because my first child was on the way, BTW He was born yesterday .
I miss OTR sometimes, While that was a lifestyle that I really did enjoy for the most part, I couldn't stop thinking about how I was giving them way to much of my time for free. This local thing is nothing more than a job. The only thing it has in common with OTR is the equipment and the licence required to operate it. I do a lot more actual WORK now but at least I get paid for every minute I'm there and the weekends start Friday evening and end Monday morning. .

Your feet are wet Buzz. Find something better. I'm not saying this because I'm mad at Roehl, I just really believe that you're too good for them and can succeed in a higher paying job that gives you more freedom to do it your way.

I for one wouln't take that bet, the odds are too much in your favor. We started with 10 and you're probably the only one left. 90% turnover sounds about right. They made it seem like everyone who left couldn't hack it. I'ts not that I couldn't hack it, I just didn't want to.
I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do. and I hope you keep in touch.you define the moment or the moment defines you.

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Good work, Driver!
You got any tips for a newbie now that you got some miles under your belt?
BTW, I ran across your thread in the techno forum yesterday. If I remember correctly, you mentioned using Verizon's nationwide service. How is that working for you?
Thanks brother!- Hamilton Carhartt, founder of Carhartt Apparel

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Congradulations Parrothead to you, the New Mother and your Son.
Your life will never be what it was.