Roehl Training August 2014

Your not kidding button up, many highs, learning i can move this beast by myself without hitting anything lol, the small victories of downshifting and progressive shifting, laugh if you guys like, lol, the lows were tough too. The few minutes when everything escapes your mind and you can't find a gear to save your life lol. The hills in PA, holy hell, but the thrill of getting it done. Stress left and right. But... So very worth it. Tomorrow when i finally head out on my own, it will be real. A long arduous journey, but to join the ranks is a great feeling. Thanks to all of you on trucking truth. Invaluable insight and support. I'm just... Happy today...

Never forget that feeling! On days I struggle, I remember how far I've come. The struggle may not have anything to do with the driving, but just what I am dealing with that day, other times it may be all about the driving, but I still remember how I felt when I passed my test, and starting driving solo, and I scream out the window in happiness. Truth! I'm driving a truck, for Pete's sake! What's there not to be happy about? lol! Hope you get enough rest. Nice truck you got, btw. I wish I had a Freightliner.

Couldn't agree more buttonup! The accomplishment is huge and tho there may be days we question our wisdom for choosing this life, there really is no better feeling.. Tell you a secret, lol, i yelled my fool head off in the car lol After i passed all my testing. Truck Orientation time, then finally on the way home. Be safe gang!

Hey Andy! Sorry I have not been on much. Congrats! Welcome to Roehl! Does it seem like a blur? Just remember most people have an accident between 3 and 6 months of driving. Remember to always pay attention. Turn the radio off, roll down the window, and eliminate any distractions while backing. G.O.A.L!!!!!! Get out and look!!!!!! There is NO shame in taking 10 minutes to get into a parking place. Never get in a hurry because being in a hurry is a distraction! Good luck out here man. Hope we happen to bump into each at the terminal (not with our trucks).

You betcha wt... Look for tractor 7419, scored a condo lol...My trainer taught me well.. Be a "bobble head " lol They bought six mirrors, why not use them! As for backing? Meh. I'm a pro. Lol jk.. I don't care if it really does take me ten minutes. Rather time than filling out paperwork. Six weeks went where?... At least my first run takes me home! Almost to my doorstep, from Atlanta to buffalo. Can't say it's been a picnic so far lol. My truck pc copilot doesn't work, i really don't rely on it, but the "nudge" it's helpful lol. 20 to Ga 138 hmmm.... Well, it said West! Lol. Only about three miles in the wrong direction. But another five before i found a safe place to turn around. Little lessons to be learned. Drove my butt off and just had to stop in north Carolina here. Was kind of hoping i would get to a pilot or j's after the early birds left. 5 to 6 am fuel, grab a spot and sleep. Naw! Rest area it is. Oh well, coffee in an hour when my ten resets. I really hope that my stories help any of you who are thinking of going into the career. I had zero experience, no clue what i was getting into lol. I've made my mistakes, I've felt like i wanted to walk away, like i would never figure it out. Even now, when they send the directions, it gets rather confusing. But, take a little time to relax, to sort. And its all good. I think it's fair to say that what you might go through, many Many others have also....

You betcha wt... Look for tractor 7419, scored a condo lol...My trainer taught me well.. Be a "bobble head " lol They bought six mirrors, why not use them! As for backing? Meh. I'm a pro. Lol jk.. I don't care if it really does take me ten minutes. Rather time than filling out paperwork. Six weeks went where?... At least my first run takes me home! Almost to my doorstep, from Atlanta to buffalo. Can't say it's been a picnic so far lol. My truck pc copilot doesn't work, i really don't rely on it, but the "nudge" it's helpful lol. 20 to Ga 138 hmmm.... Well, it said West! Lol. Only about three miles in the wrong direction. But another five before i found a safe place to turn around. Little lessons to be learned. Drove my butt off and just had to stop in north Carolina here. Was kind of hoping i would get to a pilot or j's after the early birds left. 5 to 6 am fuel, grab a spot and sleep. Naw! Rest area it is. Oh well, coffee in an hour when my ten resets. I really hope that my stories help any of you who are thinking of going into the career. I had zero experience, no clue what i was getting into lol. I've made my mistakes, I've felt like i wanted to walk away, like i would never figure it out. Even now, when they send the directions, it gets rather confusing. But, take a little time to relax, to sort. And its all good. I think it's fair to say that what you might go through, many Many others have also....

Sorry for the late reply. Thanks again Andy and PJ for the support. Class in Marshfield went along with ease. Passed road test last Wednesday and finished all paperwork Friday. " Brian" is quite the guy. But had Scott H. For an instructor. Now just waiting to get hooked up with a trainer. Then the fun begins. Regards

I start orientation in one week in appleton how was the physical agility test?

Thanks PJ, Yes indeed, i have a fleet manager , super Lady, we chatted on the phone a bit, she told me the same thing, keep in contact with her every day lol I'm super impressed with what i have learned today, they really are serious about their safety ha. Everyone answered any questions i had, there was nothing i was lacking as i left a full employee of Roehl. I should be out with my phase two trainer Wednesday. I will keep my fingers crossed for Shawn, lol, But from what i understand, they are very diligent on trainers. Should all be top notch. Seriously, no trucks older than 2012? Holy hell lol, i drove a 1997 freightliner in class lol The test drive today was like a beautiful experience lol Simple, couple of turns to evaluate. No biggie. Still unbelievable, three weeks ago, I've never stepped foot in a truck. Today, ha... Almost on my way to being a pro. Didn't miss a gear! Ha. Funny to be proud of that, but i am. Great journey So far, looking forward to labeling myself as you do "Rookie solo"

That's great news! The agility test was... Goofy lol Just three squats, three times picking up a 40 pound box and one time pretending to climb up on a trailer. They checked my heart rate after each test... Nothing huge. And blood pressure. Mine is a lil high cos I'm a smoker, but again no worries. Going to Fox valley? Would enjoy your thoughts on it! I'm going to post my... Thoughts on being just over a month out solo today, hopefully it gives you a little insight. Feel free to ask any questions! Everyone here is terrific with info!

So you didn't have to get strapped into some machine I've been hearing about? Lol its been giving me nightmares

That's great news! The agility test was... Goofy lol Just three squats, three times picking up a 40 pound box and one time pretending to climb up on a trailer. They checked my heart rate after each test... Nothing huge. And blood pressure. Mine is a lil high cos I'm a smoker, but again no worries. Going to Fox valley? Would enjoy your thoughts on it! I'm going to post my... Thoughts on being just over a month out solo today, hopefully it gives you a little insight. Feel free to ask any questions! Everyone here is terrific with info!

Thanks so much for your insight I just got off the phone with recruiter she gave me my travel plans feeling sooooo nervous lol I've been out of truck driving school for a couple weeks now and I miss being in a truck hopefully I'm not too rusty once I start training glad to hear roehl isn't using that crazy machine I've been hearing about for the physical agility test. Happy trucking!

So you didn't have to get strapped into some machine I've been hearing about? Lol its been giving me nightmares

That's great news! The agility test was... Goofy lol Just three squats, three times picking up a 40 pound box and one time pretending to climb up on a trailer. They checked my heart rate after each test... Nothing huge. And blood pressure. Mine is a lil high cos I'm a smoker, but again no worries. Going to Fox valley? Would enjoy your thoughts on it! I'm going to post my... Thoughts on being just over a month out solo today, hopefully it gives you a little insight. Feel free to ask any questions! Everyone here is terrific with info!