Profile For IR0ND0G

Passed my CDL exams today, now on to phase 2 of Roehl's program. 14+/- days with an OTR Trainer to smooth out some edges and truly get my feet wet. Looking forward to a few days at home before heading out again. Everything I learned on this site helped contribute to where I am today and where I'm headed next. Thanks to all.

Not sure where they have you starting, but I can say that the Appleton terminal is awesome. Instructors are all veteran OTR drivers. Use of Fox Valley Tech and the facilities there make it a huge bonus.

I jumped on that at lunch today. I go from 12+2 GB to *unlimited for $15 less a month

As I suspected, they changed the way they do it. You are given the hair drug test and urinalysis so they know results Before You waste their time. We were not given the same tests again. Only a blood pressure and heart rate test. We became employees as soon as we started this morning. Obviously we need to pass tests and get issued our CDL, but otherwise it is everything as it was explained. We are fed an extremely good meal at lunch as an added bonus. Instructors are veteran OTR drivers that appear to be very knowledgeable, helpful, and honest about what to expect and what is expected.

I have a Montague Paratrooper Highline that I plan on taking with me in the warmer months. Still need to work out where I will keep it, but it will go with me one way or another.

The workup to a good Thunderstorm or a midwinter Thundersnow.

Monday my journey officially kicks off with Phase 1 of my CDL training. Grateful for everything I learned here to get me prepared. 7 weeks from now I should be out on the road in my own truck (company truck, lol, I'm not going there).

I have spent the last 20 years working for the Department of Corrections. These tests are not break the bank expensive individually, but collectively, and REPEATED TWICE for each hire would be. I will, you can be assured, post my findings on this subject in two weeks. AGAIN, they (Roehl) already sent me in for these tests, ALL OF THEM, and by all of them, I'm specifically talking about the physical itself, the urinalysis, and the hair drug test. I am not 'worried' about the results of any of them. My point was and remains that they may have changed the way they do the hiring process. It makes more sense to have immediate knowledge of a failed drug test before you commit the resources of booking them into a class, booking a hotel, and any other costs they incur when they bring someone in to train. When I first began inquiring to them back in October when I was not ready to leave my current job, the process was laid out and explained to me. When I called them earlier this month, now that I am ready to go, the process was explained and It had changed based on what they were telling me versus what they had told me in October.

I'm not worried about it, but I believe they have changed it. It makes sense that they would want to know the results of a DOT physical, urinalysis, and hair follicle drug test that they paid for already, before they waste any more time on people. I find it hard to believe that they will again, 2 weeks later, pay for another DOT physical, urinalysis, and hair follicle drug test. Roehl just paid for all my tests, doubt they would pay for the exact same tests again 2 weeks later. These tests are not cheap.

They may have changed the way they do it, because I already had to get the physical, urinalysis, and hair drug test done and have results before they would give me a start date. The day my results all came back, they asked me to sign a form, and provide them with a scan of my Commercial Learners Permit. I was given a start date of Feb 13 once everything was done.

Not sure what Roehl had you do yet, but I have already had their physical and drug tests. I start on Feb 13 in Appleton. If Roehl sent you to a Dr and you had the physical and drug tests, that should be it then.

You take the written DMV HAZMAT test here in WI. When you pass, they enter the info into a computer and you are told to visit FieldPrint site (fingerprinting) to schedule an appointment to get fingerprinted. DHS and FBI do a background check on you. If all is okay, you'll be issued a CDL with HAZMAT endorsement when you pass your DMV driving tests.

I get fingerprinted Monday, and then when I pass the CDL driving exams, HAZMAT will be on my CDL as an endorsement.

I studied the High Road, reset it, and went through it again. I passed all of Wisconsin's tests with relative ease. The HAZMAT questions either were identical or very closely mirrored to those in the High Road. Just pay very strict attention to the wording of questions, they try to trip you up with that.

Good luck on everything down there. I start in Appleton on Feb 6 for OTR Van Fleet as well.

Your podcast advice mirrors the goals I have and the advice I received from a good friend. Fortunately, my friend drove OTR at a young age, worked Corrections with me for years, but left a couple years back to return to trucking. He knows what it takes (mirrors a lot of what you, Old School, and others say), he knows me, and he has never pulled a punch when it comes to some of the difficulties of OTR driving. I am excited, nervous, and determined as I approach my start date with Roehl to embark on a new chapter in life.

Based on a fairly thorough search on the internet, I'd have to say that's not the case at this time. Twitter and misc. Internet forums are not exactly in the 'reliable' category of information sources.

FMLA is a Federal Law. The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) is a United States federal law requiring covered employers to provide employees job-protected and unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons. You'll want to read it very carefully to remain in compliance and more importantly, keep your job.

Roehl Transport, had to go to the home team.

I finally had my interview today. I'm not sure why I was excessively nervous, it wasn't anything difficult. I was given a start date of Feb 6. Looking forward to getting it rolling. Thanks TT.