Comments By Truck Drivin' Lawyer (TDL)

Here's my thoughts...

Thanks for the thoughts. I am thinking of leaving my current company for three reasons:

First, I don't get much drive time. They only have three semis, and they have two full-time semi drivers and one who splits his time between straight trucks and semis. I either end up driving the straight truck (usually a 24 foot flatbed with a Moffett/Spider), once in a while a semi, or I'm working in the warehouse (which I do NOT like).

Second reason is pay. I make an hourly rate of $17/hr with overtime ($680/wk), and I had to fight for that - I started one year ago at $16/hr.

Third reason is the work is seasonal. Things slow down a lot during winter, and it is hard to get hours. Some guys get laid off or cut back to 32/week.

I don't mind being over the road. My wife and I are both in our fifties and we have no kids. So if I can get a significant pay bump and drive more, it's worth it to me. I know a school would be good for me, and I am leaning toward Roehl. They are in-state (Marshfield, WI), so they have a lot of routes to choose from locally. They have a trailer drop yard right here in MKE. And they have multiple divisions: dry van, flatbed, curtainside, and refrigerated. While I don't mind doing flatbed work (I've been doing it for a year now), it's always nice to have options.

So that's where I'm at.

This is a load of spiral duct I had to deliver to downtown Milwaukee, WI. Had to back into a parking lot, turn around, then back down this street and parallel park between the crane and another truck. Then me, and two guys from the HVAC contractor, loaded the spiral onto the crane forks one piece at a time.

Any current drivers for either TMC or Roehl out there? I would be interested in your opinion on either company.

I am considering going with one or the other. I do all flatbed work with my current company, straight trucks and semis, but I just got my Class A in February and not through an accredited school. I was trained by drivers where I work, and tested with a private agency. I am 56, excellent driving record, have been driving trucks off and on since I was 18.

Most places, including Roehl, want me to go through their school, then commit for a minimum one year or pay a $5,000 penalty. TMC seems willing to give me a shot if I can prove 3 months of Class A driving. Thoughts?