Profile For Rocket III Rider

Best of luck and have fun!!

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......

Thank you PackRat!

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!!

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 .....

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.

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.

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.

At home waiting for a trainer. Getting anxious, want to keep moving forward.

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.

Passed?

Success!! Passed the CDL test; man does that feel good!!

Day 18

Today we did the driving pre-test. Having no problems watching traffic, mirrors up shifting or downshifting. The only thing the instructor said is that I am taking my turns to wide. So, I just need to dial that in; CDL test tomorrow.

Wed (Day 15)

Oooops missed a few days.

Today I did a “pre-test” test. The test consisted of the pre-trip, straight line backing, off-set backing and 90’ alley dock backing. I was assessed a totoal of 1 point for taking an extra pull-up on the 90. I’ll take it, things are coming together!! Test on Friday.

Sat (Day 12)

Saturdays are a short day. I conducted a pre-trip with one of the students in the class one week behind me.

After the pre-trip, we spent the remainder of the time working on alley docking. This is still my weak point but grtting better.

Fri (Day 11)

After the pre-trip inspection we went out for a drive. We came back just before lunch and then spent the remainder of the day working on our backing skills. Feel much more confident with the alley dock.

Thu (Day 10)

Today was a pretty simple day. We completed the pre-trip and spent the day working on our alley dock backing. I am now able to complete the entire pre-trip inspection to include the in-cab and brake test from memory.

The alley dock is coming along, still unsure of the proper decision to make when I the critical point in the maneuver to get the trailer in the hole. It will come though.

Will be testing for CDL on a week from tomorrow.

Wed (Day 9)

So, as usual the day started at 6:30 am at the terminal. Once the sun rose we pre-tripped the truck and spent the rest of the driving. The day ended at 5:30 pm.

Back at it tomorrow.

Day 8 (Tue) Arrived at the terminal at 6:30 am and studied my pre-trip. We watched a video on off-set backing, once that was complete we went and conducted a pre-trip on the truck and trailer.

After we finished the pre-trip went did a couple of straight line backs and then learned the off-set. That training took us to lunch, after lunch we learned the alley dock and practiced that the remainder of the day.

Tomorrow we will be on the road in the am and practice more backing in the afternoon.

Congratulations!