Roehl pays trainees between $600 and $800 per week during the initial training phase, though the exact amount depends on your background and how quickly you progress through their program.
Roehl Transport is one of the largest trucking companies in the United States and operates its own driver training program. Unlike some carriers that charge you to train, Roehl pays you while you learn — but the pay structure is different from what you'll earn once you're a licensed, independent driver. The amount you receive depends on whether you're training in their company-owned facility or in a truck with a mentor driver on the road.
This matters because many people considering truck driving assume training is unpaid or that you'll start at entry-level wages when ready. Roehl's model is different: you're paid during training, but at a reduced rate compared to what a fully licensed driver makes. Understanding the exact numbers and what they cover helps you plan your finances during the training period.
Key Takeaways
- Roehl pays trainees $600 to $800 per week during the classroom and initial truck training phase, depending on your prior experience and performance.
- Pay increases once you move to on-the-road training with a mentor driver, typically reaching $800 to $1,000 per week or more.
- You must have a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) permit before starting training; Roehl does not pay for the permit itself or for your written CDL test.
- Training typically lasts three to four weeks in the classroom and truck, after which you move to mentored driving where pay increases again.
- Roehl covers lodging and meals during the classroom phase, which reduces your out-of-pocket costs even though the weekly pay is lower.
Pay During Classroom and Initial Truck Training
When you first arrive at Roehl's training facility, you enter a structured program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on truck operation. During this phase, which typically lasts one to two weeks, you receive $600 to $700 per week. The exact amount within that range depends on your prior commercial driving experience and how quickly you demonstrate competency with vehicle controls and safety procedures.
Roehl covers your lodging and meals during this classroom phase, so your weekly pay is supplemented by room and board. This is a significant benefit because it means you're not paying for a hotel or food out of your own pocket while you're learning. However, the weekly cash payment itself is lower than what you'll earn once you're on the road with a mentor driver.
The classroom phase covers federal regulations, logbook requirements, vehicle inspection procedures, and the practical skills you need to operate a commercial truck safely. You'll also spend time in a truck at the facility learning pre-trip inspections, basic maneuvering, and backing procedures before you ever leave the property.
Pay During Mentored On-the-Road Training
Once you complete the classroom and initial truck training, you move into the mentored driving phase. This is when you ride with an experienced Roehl driver who supervises your driving, provides feedback, and helps you build the hours and experience needed to operate independently. During this phase, your pay increases to $800 to $1,000 per week or higher, depending on the miles driven and your performance.
The mentored phase typically lasts two to three weeks, though the exact timeline depends on how quickly you meet Roehl's safety and performance benchmarks. During this time, you're still learning, but you're also generating revenue for the company by moving freight, which is why the pay is higher than the classroom phase.
You'll be living in the truck with your mentor driver during this phase, so Roehl provides meals and lodging as part of the arrangement. Your focus is on building experience with different road conditions, traffic situations, and the rhythm of long-haul driving.
What You Need Before Training Starts
Roehl requires that you hold a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) permit before you can begin training. This is not the same as a full CDL license. The permit is what allows you to practice driving a commercial truck with a licensed driver supervising. You must obtain this permit from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you explore to Roehl.
Roehl does not pay for your permit process or your written CDL test. Those costs are your responsibility and vary by state, typically ranging from $50 to $150 for the permit and test combined. You must also pass a medical examination (DOT physical) before you can start training, and Roehl typically covers this cost or reimburses it.
You'll also need a valid passport or Real ID-compliant driver's license, proof of Social Security number, and a clean driving record. Roehl reviews your driving history and may disqualify you if you have recent serious violations or a commercial driving suspension.
Timeline From Hire to Independent Driving
The full training process at Roehl typically takes four to six weeks from your first day in the classroom to the point where you're cleared to drive independently. The breakdown is roughly: one to two weeks in classroom and initial truck training, two to three weeks of mentored on-the-road training, and then you transition to solo driving.
Once you're driving solo, your pay structure changes again. You'll move to a per-mile or percentage-of-load pay model, which is how most trucking companies compensate drivers. At that point, your earnings depend on the miles you drive and the freight you haul, not a weekly flat rate.
During the entire training period, you're accumulating the hours and experience that count toward your professional driving record. Roehl tracks your safety metrics, on-time delivery performance, and vehicle condition reports. These records follow you throughout your career with the company and affect your future pay and assignment opportunities.
Common Mistakes During the Training Period
One frequent mistake is assuming that the training pay is your permanent wage. It's not. Training pay is intentionally lower because you're still learning and not yet fully productive. Once you're driving independently, your earnings potential increases significantly, though it varies based on freight availability, fuel prices, and market conditions.
Another mistake is not budgeting for pre-training costs. Even though Roehl pays you during training, you may have expenses before training starts — travel to the facility, the CDL permit and test, the DOT physical if Roehl doesn't cover it, and any personal items you need. Plan for these costs to come out of your own pocket.
Some trainees also underestimate the physical and mental demands of the training period. You're learning a complex skill, living away from home, and adjusting to a new work environment all at once. The pay is modest during this phase partly because the company is investing in your development, not because the work isn't demanding.
How Roehl Training Pay Compares to Other Carriers
Roehl's training pay is competitive within the industry, though not all trucking companies pay during training. Some carriers require you to pay for training upfront or offer unpaid training in exchange for a contract commitment. Others pay slightly more or less depending on their business model and the region where they operate.
The key difference with Roehl is that they cover lodging and meals during the classroom phase, which effectively increases the value of the weekly pay. When you factor in free housing and food, the total compensation during training is higher than the raw weekly number suggests.
After training, Roehl's per-mile pay rates are in the middle range for large carriers. New drivers typically earn between $0.35 and $0.45 per mile, though this varies by route, freight type, and experience level. Experienced drivers at Roehl can earn significantly more, especially if they specialize in dedicated lanes or hazmat freight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get paid during the entire training period?
Yes, Roehl pays you from your first day in the classroom through the mentored driving phase. The pay starts at $600 to $700 per week during classroom training and increases to $800 to $1,000 per week during on-the-road training with a mentor. Once you're driving independently, you move to per-mile pay.
What if I don't pass the training program?
If you don't meet Roehl's safety or performance standards during training, you may be released from the program. You would stop receiving training pay at that point. Roehl typically gives trainees multiple opportunities to improve before making a final decision, but the company prioritizes safety above all else.
Do I have to sign a contract with Roehl after training?
Yes, Roehl requires a contract commitment after you complete training, typically one to two years of employment. If you leave before the contract term ends, you may owe back a portion of the training costs. The exact terms are in your employment agreement, which you'll review before training begins.
Can I use my training pay to cover living expenses while I'm training?
During the classroom phase, Roehl covers your lodging and meals, so your training pay can go toward personal expenses or savings. During the mentored phase, you're living in the truck with your mentor, so meals and lodging are covered there too. Your weekly pay during both phases is yours to keep.
What happens to my pay if I'm sick or injured during training?
If you're unable to continue training due to illness or injury, Roehl's policy is to pause your training and pay until you're cleared to return. The exact terms depend on the nature of the issue and how long the recovery takes. Contact your training coordinator when ready if you have a health concern during the program.