Profile For Tim F.

I was delayed at one of our stores yesterday. I was “on duty” for about 45 minutes.

Pleasantly surprised when I hopped back in the tractor and saw my time had reset and I wouldn’t have to stop on my way back.

That’s going to be a nice feature of the new rules.

I’m not sure what your plan is after you get your license. Part of the learning is the 160 hour class time. Schools give You a certificate upon graduation. If you don’t have that, most companies won’t be able to hire you.

Also, as a new driver with no connection to a school, companies will not be able to hire you for insurance reason.

Good luck going forward.

I got my license through Roehl in October 2014. I recall it being about a year to pay back the debt. My first full year at Roehl I made 50g (Jan-Dec 2015). Started at .35 cpm but the program quickly elevated you to .40 cpm.

The good thing about Roehl is you never hear complaints about the lack of seat time. Usually it’s 2-3 drivers to a truck.

The other good thing about company trained is that the company has an investment in the driver. As you learn and make mistakes (and you will) they tend to be more forgiving.

I’d save the money. Company paid training is the best way to go.

Good luck

Baron,

You are not too old.

I wouldn’t waste your money in CDL school though. I think you get more bang for your buck by going company paid and doing 1 year OTR. Don’t forget..some companies have regional available after you establish yourself. Swift comes to mind.

Just my two cents!

Good Luck!

I noticed a NYS Trooper pulling over trucks on I-88 which runs from Binghamton to Albany. Single trooper. He must have been doing random level three inspections.

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