[Graymist]

Originally Posted by dennis in se pa

Thanks PA,
End of Thursday week 2.
It snows and is very cold here, but that does not matter. I am having a great time and learning something.
I know I will leave here next Friday less than a perfect driver, but with the skills I need to be a safe driver and steadily improve my skills.
I cannot say enough about the quality of the people who work here.
Outstanding.
We practice what we have been taught from now until the test. Driving through town in traffic, and backing, and the Pre trip inspection procedure.
I cannot believe I am actually doing this. 2 months ago I was sitting at my computer at home on this and another board discussing whether I should do this.
I decided to just close my eyes and jump and here I am.
I am happy it turned out this way.
One guy did leave yesterday so we are down to 5 in our class. His wife was giving him a hard time so he went home.
Unless you enjoy being by yourself alot and on the road, and have your family behind you you should not do this. I read about people going trucking because they are broke and need a job. That is no reason to do this. This job requires a real commitment. I will soon find out if it is for me.
respects,
Dennis in se pa

What kind of loads are you hauling ? How long do you have to wait to get loaded / unloaded, and your preplan for the next load ? Have you hauled
any loads in the Pittsburgh area ? Even though you're in training,what kind of miles are you getting ? Thanks.

[dennis in se pa]

graymist - I am finishing up Roehl's RDTC school this Friday. The only load I am hauling now is an empty 53 foot trailer.

Originally Posted by Graymist

What kind of loads are you hauling ? How long do you have to wait to get loaded / unloaded, and your preplan for the next load ? Have you hauled
any loads in the Pittsburgh area ? Even though you're in training,what kind of miles are you getting ? Thanks.

Mostly paper
Depends on destination
Yes
Also depends - which plan?

[Graymist]

Originally Posted by PA

Mostly paper
Depends on destination
Yes
Also depends - which plan?

The 7/4-7/3 plan sounds quite interesting to me. Are you part of that plan too, or are you OTR ?

[dennis in se pa]

I will be on the 11 on 3 off national van fleet. I cannot afford to work those shorter deals. I have bills to pay. Unfortunately.
Tomorrow it is practice cdl skills test and pre-trip. Same on Wed. Then the real test on Thursday. I think I am ready.
This is FUN!!!
respects,
Dennis in se pa

[WOLF RIVER]

Good luck on your tests!!!!!!!! Im sure you will do fine!

[dennis in se pa]

Thanks wolf.

[WOLF RIVER]

Hows Roehl going today? You have to be loving our warm weather we are having

[Graymist]

Between Marshfield and Gary, which is a better place for orientation and training ? Also, which is a better home terminal, in terms of getting good loads and despatchers ? Does Roehl have any other home terminals ? Their website doesn't quite say. Thanks.

[dennis in se pa]

Wednesday evening of week 3 - the final week. Took the practice cdl and pre-trip tests yesterday and it went well. Tomorrow we get the real tests. I believe everyone will pass. Interesting how much difference alot of practice makes. And the effort of the trainers - can't express how great these guys have been. If you are going to come to school here ask to start the week that Brian and Jason are instructing. The other guys are good too, I just happen to know these guys better. The logging part of driving seems to be a pain in the butt at this point. We have been learning how to do that the last few days. On Fri. we basically get to sign on to the company if we chose to, then head home and wait for our EVO I trainer. I am hoping not to actually start until after Christmas, but I will deal with whatever works best for Roehl. I am hoping I like the cross country driving thing. It is what I want to do. If this does not work out I have my real estate thing to fall back on. I will maintain my license and office for a few months. But it is my wish to make this national van gig my new adventure.
One of the plusses of training here is getting to experience the beauty of central Wisconsin. I really like it up here. Inspite of the cold. I am really glad I decided to do this.

Roehl has terminals in Gary IN and Atlanta. It does not matter where their terminals are, what matters is where they run freight, which is pretty much all over the US east of the Rockies.

And yes 20 degrees seems warm after -28!!

respects,
Dennis in se pa