Questions...Roehl, paperless logs and pets

[SmokyShadow]

I'm 40 and ready to start a new career, but I have a few questions.

I'm considering Roehl, although I haven't spoke with them yet. Their website offers a LOT of good information and makes me feel as though I won't be rushed through and thrown to the wolves.

Has anyone here went through their program? They suggest $500+ for expenses but I won't have much more than that until I start drawing pay. I just don't want it to run over.

I've seen paperless logs mentioned...pros? cons? your experience with them? Who offers that? Roehl?

Does anyone know if Roehl allows pets? I have a 14 y/o poodle I'm rather fond of, although I do have other options if I can't bring her with me.
Who else do you know that offers in-house training and allows pets.

My thought is that I would really be more comfortable with an automatic for driving, especially through cities. Are they really that inferior to the standard? Who else has auto other than US Xpress?

Can you hook up as a team driver if you don't already have a partner? I don't know anyone who is interested and it's not that easy for me to meet someone...I'm the strong silent type (don't tell that to my kids, they won't believe you) Will the company help to hook you up?

I see medical insurance offered among the various companies, but they don't specify if it is BC/BS or run-of-the-mill coverage.

I'm sure I'll have more questions later.

Thank you

[pro1driver]

Originally Posted by SmokyShadow

I'm 40 and ready to start a new career, but I have a few questions.

I'm considering Roehl, although I haven't spoke with them yet. Their website offers a LOT of good information and makes me feel as though I won't be rushed through and thrown to the wolves.

Has anyone here went through their program? They suggest $500+ for expenses but I won't have much more than that until I start drawing pay. I just don't want it to run over.

I've seen paperless logs mentioned...pros? cons? your experience with them? Who offers that? Roehl?

Does anyone know if Roehl allows pets? I have a 14 y/o poodle I'm rather fond of, although I do have other options if I can't bring her with me.
Who else do you know that offers in-house training and allows pets.

My thought is that I would really be more comfortable with an automatic for driving, especially through cities. Are they really that inferior to the standard? Who else has auto other than US Xpress?

Can you hook up as a team driver if you don't already have a partner? I don't know anyone who is interested and it's not that easy for me to meet someone...I'm the strong silent type (don't tell that to my kids, they won't believe you) Will the company help to hook you up?

I see medical insurance offered among the various companies, but they don't specify if it is BC/BS or run-of-the-mill coverage.

I'm sure I'll have more questions later.

Thank you

as far as the expenses on the road, i WOULD NOT TAKE that much money with me. i'll take (maybe $200) and my ATM card, and a credit card. sure i may have to pay fee's for using the ATM machines, but it "might be" safer than carrying all that cash.

health benefits will vary from one company to another, then too, they shop around yearly as well. one year you might have BC/BS, the next, "wally-world" coverage......

automatics are ok, but i'm 20 years experienced with a manual, and even though i DID drive at least two "automated shift" transmissions, i still prefer a manual, city or highway driving..

i do not know anything about Roehl, just giving you some input about the cash...

[SmokyShadow]

Thanks for the heads up, but what I meant is that I will need that much for lodging, fees and such while going through the training program, according to their website. I wouldn't carry that much in cash, but I wouldn't have much more than that and I wouldn't want to run short!

[jakebrake12]

When I worked at Roehl the had paper logs. I left there about 5 years ago now. There was a no-pet policy too.

As far as expenses, I did not go through there school so I was picked up by a trainer at home. He lived by me so we were home every weekend. My expenses were minimal. If my memory serves me correct, the had no-fee atm's at the Gary, In and Marshfield, Wi terminals..

I will say this though, If you can work for Roehl, I would not even consider US Express. Roehl was a pretty decent outfit for an otr gig.

[jakebrake12]

Originally Posted by jakebrake12

When I worked at Roehl the had paper logs. I left there about 5 years ago now. There was a no-pet policy too.

As far as expenses, I did not go through there school so I was picked up by a trainer at home. He lived by me so we were home every weekend. My expenses were minimal. If my memory serves me correct, the had no-fee atm's at the Gary, In and Marshfield, Wi terminals..

I will say this though, If you can work for Roehl, I would not even consider US Express. Roehl was a pretty decent outfit for an otr gig.

Roehl was pretty strict on policies and did not have the fanciest trucks but, it is a great place to start out. They pay well and get you home when they say they will. I ran Northeast regional flatbed at the time. You were supposed to be home every weekend. I was home a night or two during the week as well.

They preach safety and actually practice what they preach. They allow you to run a legal log, keep good tread on tires, and never gave me any crap the few times I shut down due to weather.

Took me till my 4th full year at Conway to make as much as I did in my best year at Roehl.

[tapasman]

I hope to start orientation next week, I found out today they have a no pet policy, no biggie, and as far as orientation goes they cover lodging, lunch and dinner, travel to orientation and something about approved travel expenses. I believe they are still on paper logs, they have Qualcomm, Pre-Pass and EZ-Pass.