Comments By Justin D.

I submitted an application to Roehl for their company sponsored training program a little over a week ago. I received a call Wednesday, but hadn't had the opportunity to return it until today. I called and spoke to the recruiter. Apparently they have been unable to process my application further... Why? My driver's license is a "Graduated Driver's License". My response: So... And that's about were things stalled, as I tried to explain to the recruiter that it was the exact same thing (although it was about like trying to convince a distraught Former that four quarters is also a dollar). It ended with me agreeing to go to the DMV and get a new license without that word on it (?). So it looks like I'll be doing that on the 23rd (the next non holiday, weekday I'll be in state). I asked if I could be sent anymore information in the meantime and was told no, everything is on their website.

Hmm, the apathetic and secretive approach, not what I was expecting. I'd thought a recruiter would be energetic and happy to tell me about all the wonderful reasons I should be picking their company. I didn't anticipate this until company schooling. I don't know whether to be pleased about the upfrontness of adhering to policy to the letter (in the case of the license), and the general apathy the company has for potential driver's. Or dejected because I must clearly be such a poor candidate and of such little value in the eyes of the company (or at least the recruiter).

Should I expect the same from most companies?

What's in the planter? Am I alloweded to jump the curb on the planter? I don't even have my permit, so this might be a big no, no. But It's what occurred to me. I've seen a truck that delivers to a local Walgreen's that goes over the curb into vacant lot in order to get his truck in...

Another thing to consider: how much money does your spouse make and how are you going to fill your taxes. If your spouse makes considerably less than you do, you may want to file as 'Married Filing Separately', instead of jointly. Reason being is if your spouse doesn't make much they could look into the Marketplace Exchange and have a health care subsidy available that may reduce the cost of plans or make some plans free. If you plan to file 'Jointly' though your income would be counted together and dived equally between you for the sake of determining eligibility for a subsidy in the Marketplace.

It might be cheaper all and all to be on separate plans, file taxes separately, and have your partner get their insurance subsidized if they aren't expecting to earn as much as you. Just something to look into...

Getting a start on my bill for Uncle Sam this morning, and it occurs to me this time next year after going OTR, the last thing I'll want to do is just take the standard deduction. I'm thinking there'll be a lot to itemize to reduce my taxable income. What all do you typically deduct as business expenses?

It worked, and the pizza is pretty darned good. Saved me 4 bucks.

Wow they were wanting 4 bucks for a laxative?!

Hey Jean it took about a week and a half before I received a response from Roehl

Thanks, I've been a bit worried too. I still haven't heard from them, and it's been about a week. I was worried that they'd looked into me and found something in my history they didn't like. I haven't had a ticket in over seven years, and the only accident was just a bump that resulted in wrinkle in a bumper over ten years ago. Solid work history- Two places in the last ten years only separated by a month of not working. And I've no criminal convictions. I've been wondering what in the world they may have found. Thanks for the reassurance: It's not me, it's them.

Will it hurt me on paper when the inevitable comes, whether it be a year later or five: When I do leave his employ, how will companies be likely to view it? I imagine my history would be a lot more readily traceable and verifiable if I worked for Pam or Knight for three years rather than John J. Smith. Couldn't anyone claim they worked for Mr. Smith for three years and drove 450,000 miles accident free? How much or at all would this end up hurting me when looking for job number two?

I suppose that title of this thread could also be: Working for a very, very small company sub contracted by a large company (If that's any more clear).

Here's the gist: I know an owner/operator that is considering buying a second truck and may be willing to employ me to drive it. I am at ground zero of my OTR career. In theory I would get my permit, go to school and get my Class A, report to said owner/operator for one on one training until he is satisfied that I'm ready to solo, then later drive a 2nd truck of his ownership under his employ.

To those of far greater knowledge than I: what would be the advantages and disadvantages of this situation for a driver just beginning my career? What are your thoughts? I know I'd lack the group health care discount and 401K options that a big company could offer me. What would be some other pluses and minuses of this situation?

Thank you for the thoughts and wisdom.

@ J Johns, time apart aside, Roehl's amount of time one on one with an OTR trainer doesn't look too short to me. Overall their schedule looks like a very good fit for me. Personally, I know if I am trained too long at something with someone hovering over my shoulder my results decrease. If it's something I know that I've already got down, it makes me nervous and more likely to make a mistake with someone watching me perform said task with a critical eye. Roehl doesn't just abandon you after your one on one supervised drive time is up. You have a manager their literally at your beckon call anytime you need help with something, or you need them as therapist's/bartender's ear on bad day (Joke). I really do think their program would be a good fit for the way a progress and learn.

I have an application pending with Prime as well. They also seem to be a company that would be good to work for and would suite my needs fairly well.

@ C.S., I looked into both Watkins-Shepard and Covenant after you suggested them. Watkins-Shepard doesn't seem to offer company sponsored schooling, that I can find; unfortunately that is something I do need. Covenant's atmosphere wouldn't be ideal for us. You are right they do both offer to train husband and wife teams together though and would be a good fit for someone with different particulars.

@ sgtwilldog, you're right that's possibility to consider.

Update: After much deliberation given our circumstances and the opportunities available it looks like my wife and I are going to go CDL one at time instead of simultaneously. I'll go first and be a solo driver for some time, with her as a ride along and she may at a latter time get her CDL. In the mean time she is pursing jobs that may be done as an OTR rider while I drive. She doesn't want feel as though she's not contributing to the 'household' income while we're on the road.

Anyone by chance know of a spouse along for the ride, also working just not as a driver? What do they do for work while on the road?

Roehl looks incredible. Almost too good to be true (the cynic in me is looking for the catch). Of course from the website they also give me the impression that they are somewhat exclusive and it's hard (competitive) to get into their program. I wish the website listed a recruiters office to call to get more information. I'm a little confused on whether or not they offer lodging. If they don't it may not be a deal breaker with them, as I see they have a school in Phoenix, AZ. My inlaws live near there and we could probable stay with them for a few weeks if need be. I like the fact that post CDL supervised drive time is only 3 weeks. I guess I'll wait and see if they respond to the form I submitted on their website to try to get some more info if they do.

I've requested more info from KLLM and Henderson as well. Thank you.

The situation with the wife and cat are seeming to complicate things on the surface so far at least. Preferably we'd prefer to stick together through all aspects not be reunited one day. Does anyone know of a company that would be willing to train us both together after we have are CDL's? Another question (a long shot, but experience is experience): If I knew an owner/operator that would be willing to take us on for training after we have our CDL's would a company allow that as long as we completed the necessary amount of supervised time/miles? Or does it need to be a company trainer?