Profile For Tim F.

John,

This site is geared towards new drivers and those looking to get their CDLs.

May want to ask OOIDA that question. They may be able to help you with a question for owners and owner operator.

There are a couple in here that run their own businessNeither multiple trucks. They may chime in with an answer. Nt here also someone who is familiar with the insurance industry as it pertains to big trucks...but his name eludes me right now.

Good luck on your expansion.

I thought I’d add a little info here concerning The Roehl Pet Policy. I’m still involved in a Facebook group with Roehl drivers.

Due to some abuse from drivers pet, Roehl has suspended their pet policy until further notice.

There will be no new pet permits issued AND if you are transferring to a new truck you will not be allowed to transfer the pet permit.

This is as a result of several drivers leaving the trucks in horrible condition as a result of pet “accidents”.

I believe they also put their passenger policy in hold until the COVID pandemic is resolved.

Good luck with your search.

I work for Ruan on a dedicated Target account.

If you tell me what specifically you would like to know, maybe I could help.

The Publix operation probably operates and pays differently than my Target operation.

What I will say is that my local managers here in Amsterdam NY are great. I’m coming up on my two year anniversary in a couple weeks.

Old School May be correct in the equipment, but I run Ruan tractors pulling either Target or Xtra lease trailers.

IMO health benefits are decent and reasonable. They contribute to 401k after a year. They offered me a 5k sign on bonus and paid it quarterly for a year. That may or may not be available to you. Free pair of work boots every two years.

What else is there?

Let me know.

Tim

Ruan won’t touch him without the experience. Roehl is a good suggestion, although not sure if they’ll hire out if California. Swift is another good suggestion.

Sounds like Mark is trying to get around the 1year OTR. The last driver I saw hired right out of school spent three weeks doing figure 8’s in the yard and “banging”....not bumping ...the docks.

Not sure when he says his buddy owns a company, but then says he’ll train him if he gets hired.

Hey Devin

I think you be better off back in OTR to fine tune the backing and maneuvering the trailer. The target store vary in what types of dock doors you back into. Most of them are within a foot or less of yellow poles, guardrails.

I certainly have fine tuned my backing in the two years I’ve been running with Ruan. I still take my time and GOAL when I’m at the store.

I prefer driving a daycab at the stores. You must like will be in a sleeper which will add to the difficulty.

I too started with Roehl. Fine outfit. I was in the Kraft Dedicated account. I left,!went back and then finally found this position with Ruan.

Like others have said...I would return to Roehl, complete the commitment and then see what you want to do.

Schneider will still be there in a year if two ( target switched to three year contracts last year)

Good luck.

Tim

Depends on what type of errands. If you don’t bank electronically, start. That eliminates one head ache. Not sure what the other errands are...if you list them I’m sure people will have suggestions

In my opinion, the driver was probably exiting the highway too fast. I’ve had the service line come loose on the trailer and have been able to stop using the tractor brake. . Clearly the trailer was empty or close to mt

Glad the driver if the car wasn’t seriously injured.

Sorry for the bad news Russell. But here it goes. Since you held the CDL and let your medical cert expire, I’m quite sure your license has been downgraded to a standard “class d” license.

A refresher course will do you no good. You’ll need to go through the whole process again. Class, driving and taking the state road test to get your license back.

Good luck.

Good job Moe! I pretty much did the same on my first load. It gets much better as you learn.

It’s been fun following your journey. Keep up the hard work

Tim

Patrick,

The consensus is that it is possible.

I’ll only add that you do have to be in a truck and actually driving to accomplish that goal.

Thanks

Kevin,

The suspension might be an issue for most carriers. But, I’d still apply and see what they say.

Tim

Hi I recently got my drivers license reinstated after being suspended for nearly 3 years . It was suspended due to failure to pay traffic tickets . On june 30th 2017 I was involved in a motorcycle accident in which I didn't have insurance for .. That caused me to have a sr22 insurance . I'm looking for advice/recommendations on a company that will accept my drivers history and finance cdl school . I am willing to relocate to anywhere in the country !

Kevin,

Apply to all of these and see what they say. It’s really the only way to know. It’s not a credit check, you don’t get dinged if they say no.

Good luckApply For Paid CDL Training

Hey John,

I’m a type 2 diabetic. Here’s what I had/have to do each year I go for a fit physical. The DOT doctor will have a form asking various questions. Most of them have to do with the treatment you are receiving, results of your last A1C. Medications you take. If you have had a ant adverse “diabetic ketosis”...that’s when you spill large amounts of protein in your urine...your last eye exam. They want to look for diabetic retinopathy.

It’s a relatively simple process, you just need to be prepared with the correct information. You could probably call ahead if your physical and discuss it with the physicians office ahead of time.

Good luck.

Sounds like you are already on the machine. You just need to provide 30 days report , if which 70% usage is required. So...for 21 days you need to use the machine for at least 4 hours to remain compliant. That’s it.

Most companies will make sure your truck has an inverter in the truck. It’s very very common in the trucking industry

Good luck

Hey Jeremy,

How did you recover from your hike?’

Heard talk of this virus acting like it’s clearing up, then taking another more serious run at you.

Hoping you’re still feeling well

They’re both good. I went to appleton and it is a newer terminal and cleaner but not as many people there. Marshfield has the big office and it is the corporate home. Really doesn’t matter which one you go to. I’m from Indy too and it is a good company to go to. I definitely recommend it.

Thank you for your response. Do we get to have like a vacation days(a month) in future after driving solo. Because i got my family living in Europe and would always want to visit twice every year.

Last I knew Roehl gave you 5 days after a year of service. Some Fleet managers might give you an extra day or two unpaid...but it’s highly unlikely you would get a month.

How long did it take you guys to get used to it? I have been on mine 5 weeks and find that I am more tired and really cranky when I wake up.

Laura

I’m used to it for the most part. I can fall asleep relatively quickly. I do wake up during the night though, but have no issue falling asleep again.

My apnea was overall determined to be mild. My doctor told me I would not likely see a big difference once I started using the machine.

I’ve noticed that I am able to adjust my breathing to the pressure of the machine, although some nights it’s still a battle.

Last night I got 5-1/2 hours on the machine. The night before 6-1/2. Some nights I barely stand an hour on it. That’s why I “bank” enough time to still stay compliant in insurance and DOT requirements.

The heart rate issue really has me worried. So I will make an effort every night to use the machine.

I’ve been driving since October of 2014. Each year I’ve qualified for a one year card based in medications for high blood pressure. This year I was flagged for a sleep test to determine if I had sleep apnea or not. Today I sat with the specialist treating me for my sleep apnea. He reviewed with me the results. I have to tell you, one number stuck out. I had 26 obstructive Apneas. That’s when your airways are completely blocked. I had a maximum duration of 28 seconds.

Here is the one that scared me and made me thankful I went through the process and am now in a APAP (automatic) machine. My heart rate: it ranged between 87 and the low was 41bpm. There is a term bradycardia...which is defined as lower than 60. My average heart rate was 52.

I had NO CLUE any if this was going on. No clue of the Apneas, no clue of the slow heart rate. As the doctor said to me....well of course you didn’t, you were sleeping. Lol.

My point? Yes. It’s a pain in the butt. Yes, it’s uncomfortable..but you do adjust and get used to it. I’m assuming that there’s not much room below 41 BPM before the ole ticker just stops altogether.

So when they say you need to be tested, say thank you, get tested and deal with the results. It may have just saved my life.

Paid CDL Training ProgramsApply For Paid CDL Training

Did this kind of backwards...but here’s your links.

Good luck

There’s really only one way to find out. Apply to the companies.

At the very least you’ll need a refresher course. Similar to the “Paid CDL Training” only you don’t take the road test at the end. Assuming of course, you’ve kept your medical card up to date.

I’d apply at all of these