Roehl Transport Information

Hey everyone,

Just a quick question about company's. Is there anyone on here that is working for either Roehl or Con-way? Can you give me any incite into what it's like?

1. Pay 2. Miles 3. Equipment 4. Dispatchers 5. Anything else that you may deem important for a newbie to know

Thanks To All in advance, Harry W.

PS. What about the total cost of everything that came out of your pocket so that I know that I have enough money before applying

I am a rookie dry van driver into month 7 with Roehl, but did not attend their CDL school having obtained my CDL-A locally. Once you are given a pre-hire letter, they invite you to an 8 day (paid $300) orientation (Phase 1) which involves hair follicle testing for drugs, a physical agility test, classroom instruction about the "Roehl Way" (trip planning) and checking your driving skills. On the 8th day, you are officially hired as a company driver (or not) and assigned to an OTR Trainer for 10-14 days of OTR driving (Phase 2 - paid $90 a day) at the end of which you "test out" for a day at one of their terminals. You are then given your own truck and assigned to a "Developmental" Fleet Manager for 6 or 7 weeks (Phase 3) and sent out OTR. At the end of Phase 3, you are assigned to a "regular" Fleet Manager and continue driving in the fleet you have chosen.

My first truck was a 2012 FL Cascadia, but last week was given a new, 2014 FL Cascadia that only had 84 miles on it when I first fired it up. They also have International Prostars, some Volvos and recently bought a bunch of KW T660's. Everyone has Electronic logs and Roehl is totally committed to safety. Trucks are governed at 62 mph. Conway trucks (and about everybody else) pass me up all of the time (R-o-e-h-l stands for R-oll O-ver E-very H-ill L-ast) and it's pretty much true.

I've heard the starting pay rate is now .32 per mile with .02 increases at 3 months and 6 months. Experienced drivers hire in at .38 per mile (dry van, while flat bed and specialized are higher). They offer a pretty good benefits package. I am in a Regional Fleet which usually means fewer miles, but I am generally home every weekend. My over-all weekly average for mileage is 1850 right now, but it is gradually increasing. Drivers in the national fleet usually average about 2400 miles a week so I am told, some a whole lot more than that.

Roehl offers several choices for Home Time. As mentioned, in Regional, I am out 5 and home 2. In the National Fleet, they have an 11 and 3, a 14 and 7, a 7 and 7, and some drivers who stay out months at a time running on recap and/or taking a 34 reset whenever necessary.

I like working for Roehl. While the company culture is business-like (not much chit-chat), everyone is cordial and helpful. While generally viewed as a "training company" and a good place to start your driving career, I have met a number of drivers who have been with Roehl for many years and plan to retire there. They deliver on promises or give reasons why not.

My only negative experience is that sometimes the miles just are not there. Their systems run well. I have never missed a paycheck or had any mistakes in the payroll department. My tuition reimbursements hit as scheduled. They have EZ Pass and PrePass in the trucks. My truck has a EPU (electric power unit) for A/C) and an Inverter (which I pay for, but they install).

Good luck with your research and choice.

Thank you very much for taking time to answer my post. The information that you gave was very helpful. If I hire on with this company I look forward to meeting you and thanking you in person. Keep it save out there. Harry W