Roehl Transport Truck Driving School: Company-Sponsored CDL Training

At TruckingTruth, we've done a ton of research for you! We've contacted the company recruiters at Roehl Transport and put together a fantastic review of the Roehl Transport GET YOUR CDL paid CDL training program.

We'll start you off with our opinion of their paid CDL training program and then we'll take you through all of the key features and important information you'll need to know. Some of what we'll cover:

• Student Hiring Requirements
• Truck Driving School Locations
• Driver Pay During Training
• Advantages Of Working For Roehl Transport
• Cost Structure Of CDL Training
• CDL Training Itinerary
• Roehl Transport Pay And Benefits
• Vacation Pay And Home Time

Rick Roehl, The CEO, Is A Truck Driver Himself!

Roehl’s Get Your CDL Program appears to be very high quality. It occurred to me that they aren't simply meeting minimum state requirements, rather, they go above and beyond the minimums. Roehl changed the way their program works – instead of being a student, you’ll actually be hired on your first day and they pay you to get your CDL – it’s part of the job.

Roehl Transport's training seems to be more thorough than most other trucking companies. I truly believe they go above and beyond most other carriers to ensure their drivers are safe, knowledgeable, and successful.

After training, Roehl offers more opportunities for local and dedicated freight, a more relaxed home time policy, and several ways to transition into different areas of truck driving (reefer, flatbed, step deck, curtainside, and dry-van).

While I always recommend you do your own research into as many companies as possible, I'm extremely pleased with how Roehl operates from the start of training to the time you go solo and beyond. If I were choosing a trucking company today, Roehl would receive very serious considerations from me.

Based out of Marshfield, WI, Roehl Transport, Inc. (pronounced "Rail") was established in 1962 with a single truck. The company now operates more than 2,100 tractors and 5,700 trailers.

They are an extremely diverse trucking company specializing in dry-van, reefer, flatbed, curtainside, and step-deck transportation. The company also has a mixture of freight to include local, dedicated, regional, OTR, LTL, and TL operations.

They have continued to receive awards for service and safety including various "Carrier of the Year" awards and Top Truckload Carrier awards from multiple organizations including the American Trucking Association.

The Roehl Transport CDL School is a state-of-the-art driver training facility preparing drivers for a successful truck driving career.

Roehl Transport Minimum Hiring Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Have an acceptable driving record and possess a valid driver's license.
• Pass a DOT physical, a DOT drug screen, and a non-DOT hair follicle drug test.
• Pass an on-site pre-work screening on qualification day to determine you can safely perform essential job functions.
• Students must successfully complete an interview process and background checks.
• Roehl will review all criminal backgrounds and subject to any limitation imposed by federal or state law, disqualify applicants with job-related criminal backgrounds.
• A high school diploma or GED is preferred, but not required.
• All applicants must have the ability to read, write, speak the English language, and do simple arithmetic.

Roehl Transport Hiring Areas

Roehl operates and hires from almost every state in the United States (excluding Hawaii and Alaska), however opportunities are the most abundant in the Midwest and Great Lakes states. Roehl will hire in other areas on an as needed basis.

Roehl Transport CDL Training Facilities

Roehl Transport Drop Lots And Terminals

Roehl Drop Yards

Roehl Terminals

Cost Structure Of Roehl Transport

There is no cost to Roehl’s Get Your CDL Program. Drivers that want to attend the training give a commitment to drive for Roehl in exchange for the value of our program (120,000 miles or about 15 months).

Roehl Get Your CDL participants will, however, be responsible for the cost to get their CDL permit. Transportation is generally covered, though many drivers will be training close enough to their home to drive back and forth.

Drivers who attend private CDL schools may be eligible for tuition reimbursement up to $6,000. You will need to provide a receipt showing the amount you paid for CDL school tuition.

Get Your CDL drivers who leave Roehl on their own before fulfilling their commitment will be responsible for the full cost of the program.

Will my meals be paid for?

Yes

Will my room be paid for?

Yes

TruckingTruth's Take On The Cost Of Training At Roehl Transport

Roehl is one of the few companies that doesn't offer any options to pay for the schooling and training, so there really is no cost structure.

Your CDl school is paid for as long as you fulfill your contract, otherwise you will be on the hook for the full amount.

Items To Bring To Roehl Transport

• Commercial Driver's License Learner's Permit from your state of residence
• An original raised seal birth certificate (not a photocopy)
• Current passport, passport card or enhanced driver's license
• Notebook, pens/pencils and backpack or briefcase
• Calculator
• Alarm clock/watch
• Social Security card
• A flashlight for vehicle inspections
• Clothing and hygiene items for 3 weeks (washers/dryers are available). Be sure to bring warm clothing during winter months.
• Direct deposit information
• Bank address and phone number.
• A canceled or voided check, or the bank routing number. (A deposit slip will not work.)
• Money for living and incidental expenses
• Money for CDL licensing

Preparation For Roehl Transport

Do I need a US Passport?

Yes, if a driver is on a fleet that goes to Canada.

Which CDL endorsements are required or encouraged?

Drivers must obtain a HazMat endorsement and be willing to run HazMat freight (additional pay with HazMat loads).

Do I need to get my CDL permit before attending school?

Yes, drivers must obtain their CDL permit in their home state before attending the Roehl Training program. In most states, this will require students to study at home for written examinations and possibly pay permit or testing fees.

Roehl Transport CDL Training Itinerary

Roehl’s paid CDL training program will get you ready to test for your commercial driver's license in a few weeks. There's a lot of information for you to learn, and you'll begin your training at 7 am and conclude at 5 pm each day.

You'll train with late model equipment - the types of trucks and trailers you'll drive when you are actually doing the job on your own.

You'll be in a small group - your instructor will train you and two others (3 to 1 ratio). All our instructors have practical OTR experience, many of them working as Driver Trainers prior to working in a CDL training environment.

You'll test for your CDL testing in the last week of the program.

Once you have your CDL, you'll enter Phase 2 of our training program. You will then go out on the road with a certified driver trainer who'll work with you on additional skills as you do the job.

The first portion of your CDL training includes:

• Basic Control
• Vehicle Inspections
• Control Systems
• Shifting
• Speed management
• Space management
• Backing/Docking
• Turning
• Coupling/uncoupling
• Hazard perception
• Protective driving
• Life outside the truck
• Communication systems
• Atlas use and trip planning
• Accident procedures

Once you have your CDL, you'll proceed to the second phase of the training with a certified driver trainer.

How long is the training overall?

The Get Your CDL Program runs for 3 weeks.

Will I be paid during training?

Yes, you are considered an employee from Day 1 and are paid $616 per week throughout training

TruckingTruth’s View On Roehl Transport Training Itinerary

This training seems to be very well structured. Since students already come into the program with a CDL driving permit, they are able to begin driving instruction from day one. This program seems very thorough and reputable.

On The Road Training Itinerary With Roehl Transport

You'll be on the road with a Roehl certified trainer, where you'll put the principles learned in Phase 1 to work. You and your trainer will focus on refining your driving skills, maximizing fuel efficiency, trip planning, understanding how to utilize electronic on board log recording systems, learn how to handle freight and meet customer service expectations, and maintenance.

This phase of training is performance based and usually lasts 15 days. You'll earn $90 per day when you are training with a trainer.

Upon completion of Phase 2, they will verify your skills. After verification, they will issue you your first truck and give you your first work assignment (dispatch) routing you in a homeward bound direction.

On The Road Training Policies at Roehl Transport

How much will I be making when I'm on the road with a trainer?

You will earn $90 for every day you are with a trainer (beginning at phase 2 - see above).

Do they run your trainer and you as "team" operations or like a solo truck?

In phase 2, student drivers are given on the job training by a Certified Driver Trainer – this is not a “team” dispatch situation. Students also have a Fleet Training Manager who’ll assign training based on the specific load being hauled.

Is there more than one student per trainer and truck?

No, during Phase 2 training there is one student to one trainer.

Do you have a "No sleeping in the top bunk while the truck is rolling" policy?

Sleeping in the top bunk while the truck is in motion is prohibited. Your training continues when the driver trainer is driving.

What is your policy for handling disputes between trainer and student?

Trainees are given phone numbers to call in case of any issues. If a new trainer needs to be assigned one will be provided.

Can you get a non-smoking trainer?

Yes, either smoking or non-smoking trainers can be requested.

What are the company's minimum qualifications to be a trainer?

Trainers attend an intensive course (Trainer Foundations) and have support available to ensure success.

TruckingTruth’s View Of Roehl Transport On The Road Training

Training at Roehl is different than most other company training programs. You are hired and paid as an employee on day one. Training to obtain your CDL is part of the job. You'll be paid $616 a week while you get your CDL. CDL training is three weeks. The training is available in multiple locations. After you have your CDL, you'll start your on-the-job training as a long haul truck driver (Phase two and three). During Phase two, skills are refined and there is no team driving involved. If you’re coming from the Roehl Transport CDL School, you’ll skip Phase 1 entirely. In Phase two, you’ll be assigned a Fleet Training Manager and a Certified Driver Trainer for your on the job training.

Most training companies do not include the first phase and instead, place students on a training truck, which is dispatched as a team operation almost immediately. Roehl does not operate the trucks as a “team” operation. You’re there to learn and be successful.

Advantages Of Working For Roehl Transport

• Roehl has remained financially secure during the slow economy and has continued to grow its fleet.
• Numerous awards for safety, including the Truckload Carrier Associations' Annual National Fleet Safety Grand Prize for two consecutive years in a row and the American Trucking Associations’ Presidents Award for Safety three times.
• Diversity in opportunities from CDL training to regional and dedicated positions within several different fleet types.
• Custom fit home time policies.
• Well maintained and newer equipment.
• Multiple terminals and drop yards across the country with driver services available.
• Paid vacations.
• EZ Pass (for electronic tolling) and Pre-Pass (for bypassing weigh stations).
• 401k and group discount insurance benefits.
• Top industry pay.
• 24/7/365 dispatching.

Roehl's Military Apprenticeship Honor Program

Roehl Transport Company Driver Pay

Roehl starts student drivers out at $.40 - $.51 CPM, and student drivers get guaranteed increases. After that, drivers can earn an increase each quarter up to Roehl’s top rate in the Your Choice Pay Plan.

You can also visit their website for a complete rundown of Roehl's pay

Mileage pay amounts depend on your specific division, home time plan, and regional area of operation.

Drivers are also paid practical mileage pay, which generally equates to 5% more paid miles compared to other companies.

Drivers get the following additional pay:

• Detention Time
• Canada pay
• Secondary load
• Intermediate Stops
• Refrigerated modular unload
• Hand load or unload
• Layover day
• NY City and Long Island
• Placard load premium
• Short haul pay (loads shorter than 100 miles)
• Tarping and untarping (flatbed)
• Approved lumpers paid

When will I receive pay increases?

One of the more unique features of Roehl's pay plan is the ability to get an increase in pay every quarter, rather than annually.

Bonuses Offered

Most of Roehl’s fleets offer 3 cent accident-free pay, meaning you’ll earn your bonus as you drive, rather than at the end of the year, or as in the case with many companies, not at all. Roehl rewards you for safe driving as you do it.

Roehl Transport Company Driver Benefits

What health insurance and benefits do you have?

Roehl offers full and affordable benefits (health, dental, vision, life), plus additional insurance opportunities, a 401k plan and profit sharing. Visit Roehl's website for more details about their insurance plans.

What is the average cost of benefits?

Insurance plans vary depending on individual needs and chosen plans (many plans are offered at many different cost structures).

How long until you qualify for benefits?

30-60 days after official hire, depending on your experience level.

What about vacation time?

Vacation pay = 1.5% of previous year's W2 wages/week.

• 1 year = 1 week
• 2 years = 2 weeks
• 8 years = 3 weeks
• 20 years = 4 weeks

Holiday pay (after 1 year) 6 days/year; paid at $60/day. Eligibility for Holiday pay on HOMEtime PLUS Fleets varies by fleet and work schedule.

TruckingTruth's View On Roehl Transport Company Driver Pay

Pay and benefits are better than other companies of its size. Starting per mile rates range from 40 cents up to 51 cents per mile, depending on which fleet you join. You’ll also be able to earn increases each quarter with the your choice pay plan.

Pets & Travelers Policy

Do you allow pets?

Application and approval required. $650 total pet fee, $400 is a refundable deposit. Dogs less than 60 pounds and cats are allowed, no other creatures. Pit bulls, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Chow, Wolf hybrids not allowed. Animal must be spayed or neutered. Pet carrier and proof of shots required. Roehl has installed special waste receptacles and created pet run areas at their terminals.

What is the company's rider policy?

You become eligible to take a passenger after 90 days of employment, children must be 10 years of age to ride along, and there is a minimal fee for rider insurance.

Roehl Transport Dispatching Policies

Can a new driver run regional or dedicated right after training?

While not guaranteed, many drivers are able to move into a regional or dedicated position immediately after training. This depends entirely on the demand for any given area. Most drivers run the OTR division for at least a few months.

Will there be any NYC? How soon would a new solo driver be expected to go there?

Probably not. Very few loads go into NYC. If you do get one, you’ll be paid extra.

Are you forced dispatch? Is the driver given any options for different loads?

Yes, company drivers are forced dispatched to ensure maximum mileage and profitability.

Roehl offers many different flexible home time packages and can depend on the fleet a driver is on.

Roehl Transport Home Time Policies

National Fleets

• If out 10 days, you're home 2 days.
• If out 11 - 17 days, you're home 3 days.
• Stay out longer and earn up to 7 days off.

Regional Fleets

• Regional Fleet drivers are typically home weekly.
• 80% of the time, regional fleet drivers are typically home 34 to 48 hours in a seven-day period.

7-On/7-Off Fleet

Exclusively from Roehl, our 7-On/7-Off Fleet drivers drive seven days and then they are home for seven days at a time. If you choose a 7-On/7-Off Fleet, you’ll have 26 weeks a year off. You must be fully rested prior to dispatch. Space in the 7-On/7-Off Fleets may be limited in some areas of the country.

7/4-7/3 Fleet

Getting more miles is a key feature of our 7/4-7/3 Fleets. When you join a 7/4-7/3 Fleet, you’ll drive seven days, then be home four days, then you’ll drive seven days followed by three days of home time. That’s an average of 120 days off and mileage goals between 95,000 and 105,000 per year. You must be fully rested prior to dispatch, and space in the 7/4–7/3 Fleets may be limited in some areas of the country.

14/7 Fleet

Roehl’s 14/7 Fleets are unique options that combine the mileage goals of a 7/4-7/3 Fleet (between 95,000 and 105,000 per year) with the extended home time of a 7/7 Fleet. You’ll drive fourteen days and then be home seven days. Space in our 14/7 Fleets is available in limited areas, and you must be fully rested prior to dispatch.

TruckingTruth's View On Roehl Transport Dispatching Policies

Roehl is incredibly flexible when it comes to home time, regional, dedicated, and local driving opportunities. Most drivers transition from OTR to a more local type of position, although many do choose to remain OTR as that's what they enjoy.

If you're interested in the more liberal home time policy such as 14 on 7 off, you will need to reside within close range of a Roehl terminal or dropyard and you will slip seat trucks (meaning each time you go out, you'll be issued a different truck). The closer you reside to a terminal, the more custom fit they can make your home time.

Roehl Transport Company Driver Opportunities

Do you have a leasing program, and will I be persuaded or incentivized to lease?

A leasing and Lease-To-Own program is available for those who choose to run as an independent contractor, but drivers are not pressured to join the independent contractor program. The lease to own program is attractive because there is little risk and Roehl offers business support to enable your success.

What divisions do you have? (local, dedicated, regional, tanker, flatbed, reefer)

Roehl offers many different positions including local, dedicated, regional, flatbed, reefer, dry-van, and curtainside positions. To see which divisions are offered in your specific area, Roehl's website and enter your zip code.

The Roehl fleet has many different makes and models like Freightliner Century Class, Columbia and Cascadia, Internationals, Kenworth, and Volvo, most with Cummins or Detroit Engines under the hood.

Do you run electronic logs?

Yes, all drivers use electronic logs.

What are your trucks governed at?

Max speed on the pedal: 63mph - Max speed on cruise control: 61mph

Do you have APU units?

The trucks have EPUs.