Profile For ATXJEHU

All the preceding responses are well said and true to my experiences. My understanding is that it is the responsibility of the driver to know whether or not he/she can deliver on time. The few times that I received a dispatch with too little time, I always advised my Fleet Mgr. and was usually assigned to a different load. If no other driver was available, they would have our Customer Service department re-schedule the appointment. Only one time did a receiver refuse to check me in late because, guess what, our CS people had not done a re-schedule. Before things were settled, my 14 hour clock expired and the fiasco cost me a day's pay because of their delay and me having to take the 10 hour break. Fortunately, this rarely happens, at least in my experience. As a brand new driver, it is vitally important to double check your trip plan and make certain that a careless dispatcher is not putting you in an impossible situation and you end up getting a Service Failure write up in your file.

Sounds like you are on the right track. During my 15 months with Roehl, I was based out of the Dallas (Grand Prairie) Terminal which is a bit on the small side, but had amenities for staying overnight, however, no truck maintenance or refueling available onsite (there was talk at that time about bringing on some maintenance staff, so this may have changed). I ran Texas Regional for about 8 months before going into the national fleet. It's hard to get decent miles on the regional gig. Drivers OTR seemed to do well, however, and that was my experience too. Their main flatbed operations are in Gary, IN and Phoenix, AZ. We rarely saw any flatbeds in Dallas. Flatbed pays a higher mileage rate, but mostly live loading and unloading cuts into miles. I did dry van and had probably 75% drop and hook, so you have a better chance to rack up miles as a "door slammer" like me. Roehl is a good company and treated me well. Sure, there were some exasperating times when things did not go as planned, but that's the nature of this industry. Good luck, keep a positive outlook, be cooperative and things will go well for you at Roehl.

Last I heard, Maverick has only automatic transmissions which is a negative for many drivers. Also, their hiring process is somewhat lengthy and involves passing muster with a hiring committee after all of the necessary paperwork is submitted. In my experience three years ago, it was well over 30 days after application that they finally gave a decision, but I was already long gone and working for another company by then. You could see this process as either a positive or a negative.

Thanks for the replies guys. As I line cook I pull about 30k. Not much but for alleasy work its not bad. I would like to match that at minimum shouldn't have a problem even with slip seating. Anyway you could give me a ball park of your earnings first year? I don't like to get into people's business but I am curious. Also where are you located? I am in Georgia and was told they have freight coming this way.

I had my CDLA in hand prior to going with Roehl as a rookie driver and stayed there 15 months. You should have no problem exceeding $30K with them in your first year working full-time (their 7 on 7 off hometime is really a part-time job). Also, their Regional gigs tend to be lower mileage runs. If you get a dedicated route, you will know what to expect. However, in my experience, the OTR runs will earn you the most. One OTR driver who started with them when I did racked up 140,000 miles his first year with Roehl grossing well over $50K. So, much depends upon you and the choices you make. Roehl seems to have the freight and they treated me well (yes, there were plenty of frustrating times, but that will be true wherever you are as a driver). Their systems are proven and I never had a problem with payroll, etc. Good luck to ya!

Another thought is to check into the LTL (less than truck load) companies like Old Dominion, Southeastern, YRC, R & R. Some have training programs for new drivers, but I don't know which ones as it's not something that interests me personally. They run from terminal to terminal usually pulling double trailers. One downside is the drivers typically start their day about 3:00 AM. According to what I read, the money is very good in this category.

I can only give you advice from my experience being in the Army / deployed for a year. Wash the important parts when you can't get a full shower. Face, neck, pits, crotch and feet. That will at least keep you from smelling / feeling funky should you need to go a day or more without showering. Keep a couple of gallon water jugs and bulk bag of microfiber cloths with you so that you can at least make that happen in a restroom or anywhere.

excellent advice, fer shur! some days just don't work out for showering. good luck to ya!

The Cascadia(s) I have driven over the past three years have proven to be very dependable (one had a few weird electronic issues). Have not driven the Prostar, but hear they (2008-20012) are prone to breakdowns, but I do like the looks of their interiors (which does not help to keep them running!).

Probably too late for you, but Maverick Trucking out of Little Rock, AR has only automatics and used to not require any prior schooling as long as you already had a CDLA. They run flatbeds and reefer vans.

Yeah, at 4 months, you are past the worst part. Hang in there and stay tuned in to that gut instinct about pending situations. It takes a bit of extra time to stay out of trouble but, when you actually get into a bad situation, how much more time do you lose?

Mine didn't tell me I was crazy lol.. I never asked for their opinion, because I don't need their validation. I know I will enjoy this adventure immensely. But I will say this.. good friends who truly know me were and are very encouraging and supportive.

What Sue D. said