Location:
Charleston, SC
Driving Status:
Rookie Solo Driver
Social Link:
Rocket III Rider On The Web
I grew up in Woodstock, CT. After graduating high school I joined the US Navy and served for after 20 years. While in the Navy I tracked submarines flying in a LockHeed Martin S-3A Viking and deploying on the USS Kitty Hawk and USS Carl Vinson. I also served overseas in Japan, Spain and Italy and have pretty much traveled the world with the exception of the Middle East. I have been living in Charleston, SC since 1996 working as a contractor for the Dept of the Navy with 8 years being a small business owner. I lost my job/company during a 3 year divorce and started a journey in which to find myself.
After attempting to sell software, to sell cars, to kill bugs and to cook; I made the decision, after discussing with my wife, to make yet another career change and enter the world of trucking.
My hobbies are motorcycling (hence Rocket III Rider handle), snow skiing and camping.
Posted: 3 years, 10 months ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
Rocket
So how has your first month out of training been?
Chris
Hey Chris,
First month out was with a driver trainer. That went really well for me. He was a great guy and very knowledgeable; I was lucky to have him.
I just completed about 1.5 mos out solo. I was nervous at first but after a couple of loads I settled down.
I’m really enjoying this career. The hardest part is being away from my wife. That part really sucks for me.
After I get some experience I want to move into lease and then o/o.
Posted: 3 years, 10 months ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
Roehl did not pay for transportation to the trng. I drove my car and used it to get to and from the term each day.
Roehl provides lunch Mon-Fri at the term. They also pay the cost of the hotel which includes breakfast. Dinner is on you.
Posted: 3 years, 11 months ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
Congrats!! Nice Rig!!
Thank you.
Posted: 3 years, 12 months ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
I was trying to post a picture of the truck I finally got after completing all my trng but apparently I’m doing something wrong so it’s not posting.
Posted: 3 years, 12 months ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
After 2 months of training, here it is!!
Posted: 3 years, 12 months ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
After 2 months of training, here it is!!
Posted: 4 years ago
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Greg, really you are wearing yourself out. You're chasing down some things that are an absolute waste of time. Like the DUI thing you're stuck on. Why waste your time on something we've already explained to you, yet you insist on digging deeper as if you're going to uncover some conspiracy that we don't know about? Is this how you pursue other things that interest you? It's exhausting just reading your comments at times.
I agree; too much drama......
Posted: 4 years ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
Thank you PackRat!
Posted: 4 years ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
Roehl is short handed on trainers, they are in the process of hiring more, however; it is a process and takes time. Their priority is to get students into the driver trainer phase as quickly as possible and at this time a little patience goes a long way. Admittedly I was getting anxious as I waited 11 days but I don't have an issue with Roehl because of it. It is just something I had to deal with because of the situation.
Got out on the road with my driver trainer on Monday, 7 May. Met up with him at a truck stop in Florence, SC. I was pretty nervous/anxious when I met him, however; he did a great job putting me at ease by understanding the situation I was in communicating that to me. He is very knowledgeable as you would expect, he is very patient, laid back and always takes the time to thoroughly explain/answer any questions I have.
When I met up with him, he was on his way to Chicopee, MA and he immediately put me in the drivers seat and off we went. After a short while my nerves started to settle down and I was feeling very comfortable. Things got exciting the following day when we crossed the GW bridge during rush hour but I made it through with no issues. I simply took my time and kept my head on a swivel....
So up to MA then down to Atlanta and then up to NC.
I am really enjoying this experience, I'm excited about learning more as we progress through this phase and can't wait until I am handed the keys to my own truck!!
Posted: 4 years ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
I talked with a friend that is a trainer at Roehl. He informed me they are down about 30 driver trainers currently.
Not good news for me .....
Posted: 4 years ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
Rocket, Congrats, and thanks for taking us along on your journey. I’m researching companies and Roehl is on my short-list. Are you doing flatbed or dryvan?
I’m doing dry van. I wanted flatbed but they were not hiring flatbed from my area.
Posted: 4 years ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
Wow that kinda of puts you in a bind....do you know where you are on the "wait list"
Would be nice to keep going, like you said, not making money.
Not sure where I am on the wait list which increases my anxiety.
Posted: 4 years ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
8 days waiting, or is that plus time off after school?
It’s been 7 days sine I’ve returned home from the 1st phase.
Roehl has a shortage of trainers apparently; waiting for a trainer to become available now.
I’m getting anxious because I want to finish the phase so I can begin my solo career. Plus I’m not making any money sitting at home.
Hope to get a trainer soon.
Posted: 4 years ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
At home waiting for a trainer. Getting anxious, want to keep moving forward.
Posted: 4 years, 1 month ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
Thanks for the congratulations everyone.
I’m very excited to finish out my time here in Conley and move on to the 19 day driver/trainer phase.
Should be leaving here by Thu for home time while a trainer is assigned to me.
Posted: 4 years, 1 month ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
Passed?
Success!! Passed the CDL test; man does that feel good!!
Click Anywhere To Close
Posted: 3 years, 10 months ago
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BEGAN MY TRAINING AT ROEHL DAY 1 - 5 -- CONLEY, GA
Jeramy,
I’ll be moving to the SE regional division as of Mon. They don’t get as many miles and make a little less.
I have not calculated weekly mileage however, I prob avg 490/day. Some days less, some more. The most I’ve had in a single day is about 612.
I can’t help you out with the pay questions as I’m not up to speed on that program but I need to get there. It is performance based and some of the metrics used are, on time deliveries, avg mpg, accidents, passport, TWIC, etc.
Are you going to be working out of the Fary, IN term?