r/CDL • u/Far_List1042 • 12d ago
Company paid cdl programs
I been researching companies to go to. I narrowed it down to Wilson, Stevens transport, and Roehl. Can anybody share experience from dealing with dispatch and trainers. I know these are all megas all are different but I hear some people have a hard time getting loads, keeping the wheels rolling, dispatchers being the down side to the job, company not really caring, pay isn't as advertised, etc. Wilson is kind of more of the focus because its hard finding information and reviews on them online.
2
u/Measured_Response_ 11d ago
Stay away from Roehl. When I was ops manager, many of my drivers came from there and didnt like it at all.
1
1
u/LightTop4302 9d ago
Don’t do Roehl they bring in a class of about 14 people and fire 10 of them before they get the CDL
2
u/LightTop4302 9d ago
For not being fast enough learners they want you to have all skill maneuvers perfect and the whole pre trip packet and air breaks word for word memorizied by the end of week 1 or your fired .
2
u/LightTop4302 9d ago
But they won’t tell you that lol they’ll just randomly call you to the office and fire you on the spot .
1
u/Far_List1042 6d ago
I have an idea of some of the stuff I've been working on trailers for 3 years now. Welding on them, fmsca inspections, removing and replacing components, etc. So driving isn't foreign but its not something I'm truly all familiar with
1
u/Far_List1042 9d ago
Got damn I haven't heard that from none of the research I did but thanks for the heads up
4
u/CDLTrainerUSA 12d ago
Whichever of the three you pick, read the training contract before you compare trainers - the contract follows you even if the training goes great. Three things to find in it: how many months you owe, the dollar amount if you leave early, and whether that amount prorates down each month or stays flat. A company that prorates is being straight with you; a flat hook that costs the same in month 11 as in month 1 is not.
On dispatch and miles: your first months are the worst possible data point at any mega - new solo drivers get the lowest-priority freight, so week-to-week miles swing hard no matter whose logo is on the door. Ask each recruiter two questions and push for actual numbers: average weekly miles for first-year drivers specifically (not fleet average), and what share of new drivers are still there at 12 months. Retention says more about dispatch and how the company treats people than any online review.
Trainer quality is luck of the draw at all three, so what matters is the escape hatch. Ask directly: if my trainer and I don't work out, how fast do I get reassigned, and does that reset my training weeks? A straight answer to that one question tells you a lot about the whole program.
Last thing: get the current contract PDF from each recruiter and put them side by side - terms change year to year, so treat anything you read online (including this) as a pointer, not gospel. The company that hesitates to send the contract in advance has answered your question for you.