Embarking on a career in trucking can be an exciting journey, and for many, Roehl Transport is the starting point. If you’re searching for “Roehl Transport Near Me,” you’re likely considering joining their team and want to know what to expect, especially during your initial days. This guide provides insights into what your first day at Roehl Transport might look like, drawing from firsthand experiences at their training centers.
Your journey with Roehl often begins with transportation to their training facility. In many cases, Roehl may provide initial transportation from designated points like hotels, especially for groups starting together. This initial convenience helps new recruits settle in and focus on the orientation process. However, it’s important to note that this might be a one-time service, and afterwards, arranging your own transport becomes necessary. Many trainees come prepared with their own vehicles, ensuring they have independent transportation throughout their training period.
Upon arrival at a Roehl Transport training center, the first step usually involves completing essential paperwork. This is a standard onboarding procedure to officially register you with the company and initiate your training. Following the administrative tasks, drug testing is a common next step. Roehl Transport, like many reputable trucking companies, prioritizes safety and compliance, making drug testing a mandatory part of the onboarding process. You might undergo multiple drug tests as part of their comprehensive screening.
Next comes the physical capacity test. This assessment is designed to ensure that you can handle the physical demands of a truck driving career. Contrary to what some might expect from generic preparation videos, the actual test is practical and directly related to the tasks of a truck driver. It typically involves performing basic functions such as lifting the hood of a truck, operating trailer doors, managing landing gear, and verifying the kingpin lock. These tasks simulate the everyday physical activities required in the trucking profession. It’s reassuring to know that the focus is on practical abilities rather than overly strenuous or irrelevant exercises.
After successfully completing the drug test and physical capacity test, you’ll proceed with more onboarding documentation, including I-9 forms. A significant milestone is the issuance of your Driver Code and Log ID. This signifies your official status as a Roehl employee, marking the beginning of your professional driving career with the company. The remainder of your first day is typically dedicated to crucial introductory training. This often includes learning about physical logs and understanding the essential regulations that govern truck drivers. Be prepared to receive a substantial amount of homework, as Roehl Transport emphasizes thorough preparation for the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam, which you’ll generally aim to take within a couple of weeks. Memorizing the pre-trip inspection is a key part of this preparation.
Pre-trip Inspection: A Cornerstone of Safety
A pre-trip inspection is not just a formality; it’s a critical safety measure. It involves a detailed examination of your truck before you start driving each day.
Both federal and state laws mandate that truck drivers conduct these inspections. Furthermore, federal and state inspectors also conduct their own vehicle inspections. Should a vehicle be deemed unsafe by these inspectors, it will be immediately placed “out of service” until all necessary repairs are completed, highlighting the importance of regular and thorough pre-trip inspections.
Understanding the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is your professional credential to operate commercial vehicles. It’s essential to understand when a CDL is required. You need a CDL to drive any of the following types of vehicles:
- Combination Vehicles: Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds.
- Heavy Single Vehicles: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing another not exceeding 10,000 pounds.
- Passenger Vehicles: Any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more people, including the driver, regardless of size.
- Hazardous Materials Vehicles: Any vehicle that is required to be placarded for transporting hazardous materials under federal regulations.
Starting your career with Roehl Transport and searching for “Roehl Transport near me” is the first step towards a rewarding profession. Understanding what to expect on your first day, from paperwork to physical assessments and initial training, will help you feel prepared and confident as you begin your journey in the trucking industry.
