What Roehl Transport offers for CDL training

Roehl Transport runs a company-sponsored CDL training program that combines classroom instruction with behind-the-wheel training in their own trucks. You attend their training facility, complete the required hours, pass the written and road tests through your state's DMV, and then work as a driver for Roehl under a contract agreement. The program is free — Roehl covers tuition, and you do not pay out of pocket.

The catch is that free training comes with an obligation: you commit to driving for Roehl for a set period after you finish (typically 12 to 24 months, depending on the specific program). If you leave before that contract ends, you may owe back tuition costs. This is standard across company-sponsored programs, and Roehl discloses the terms upfront.

Key Takeaways

  • Roehl covers all training costs, including classroom and truck time, with no tuition charged to you.
  • You must commit to driving for Roehl for 12 to 24 months after training ends, or you may owe tuition repayment.
  • Training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on driving in Roehl's equipment at their facility.
  • After you pass your state's CDL tests, you begin work as a Roehl driver with pay and benefits as a company employee.
  • Roehl hires from their training program, so completion does not may provide a job — you must meet their hiring standards.

How the training schedule and location work

Roehl operates training facilities in multiple states. The most established program runs in Wisconsin, but they also have locations in other regions. You attend in-person at one of these facilities for the duration of the program, which typically lasts 3 to 4 weeks for the initial training phase.

The schedule is intensive: classroom days cover regulations, vehicle inspection, and safety, while truck days involve supervised driving with a Roehl instructor. You are expected to be present and on time each day. Some programs offer flexible start dates throughout the year, but you should contact Roehl directly to confirm current schedules and whether they are accepting new trainees at the time you want to start.

What the training covers and what you need to bring

The curriculum covers everything required for a Class A CDL: air brake systems, vehicle inspection procedures, hazmat awareness, safe driving practices, and hours-of-service rules. You spend classroom time on written test material and truck time practicing maneuvers, backing, and road driving under instructor supervision. By the end, you should be ready to pass your state's written exam and road test.

You will need a valid driver's license, a Social Security number, and a clean driving record (Roehl has standards for what "clean" means, and they review your history). You also need to pass a medical examination and a drug screening. Bring personal identification and any documents related to your driving history. Roehl will tell you the full list of required documents when you contact them about enrollment.

The contract and what happens after training

After you complete training and pass your CDL tests, you sign an employment contract with Roehl. This contract specifies the commitment period — usually 12 to 24 months — and the tuition repayment clause. If you work the full term, the tuition remains free. If you leave early, you owe a prorated amount back to Roehl, calculated based on how much of the contract period you completed.

During the contract period, you work as a Roehl employee with pay, benefits, and access to their dispatch system. You are not an independent contractor. Roehl assigns loads and routes, and you follow company policies and safety standards. The contract also typically includes a non-compete clause, meaning you cannot drive for certain competing carriers for a set time after leaving.

Pay, benefits, and what to expect as a new driver

Roehl pays new drivers based on experience and the type of freight they haul. Pay structures vary — some routes are per-mile, others per-hour or per-load. New drivers typically start at the lower end of the pay scale and increase as they gain experience and move into different freight categories. Roehl publishes general pay ranges on their website, but the exact amount depends on your assignment and performance.

As a Roehl employee, you receive health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid time off according to their policy. You also have access to Roehl's driver support services, including dispatch information and maintenance support for your truck. New drivers are often paired with experienced drivers for their first weeks on the road — a mentoring period that helps you transition from training to real-world driving.

How to contact Roehl and what to expect in the enrollment process

You can reach Roehl's recruiting team through their website or by calling their main recruiting line. They will ask about your background, driving history, and why you want to drive for them. If you pass that initial conversation, they send you an process packet with forms and instructions for the medical exam and drug screening.

Once you submit your process and pass the screening, Roehl confirms your start date and sends you information about where to report, what to bring, and what the first day looks like. The entire process from first contact to training start typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how quickly you complete the medical and background checks. You should plan to be away from home for the duration of the training program, as it is full-time and in-person.

Alternatives if Roehl is not the right fit

If you want CDL training without a long-term contract, you can attend an independent CDL school and pay tuition out of pocket or through financing. This costs money upfront — typically $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the school — but you graduate with no obligation to any specific employer. You then search for a driving job on your own terms.

Other carriers also offer company-sponsored training with similar contract terms to Roehl. If you want free training but prefer a different company or region, research other large carriers' programs. Some smaller carriers offer tuition reimbursement instead of free training — you pay upfront and they reimburse you after you complete a contract period. Each option has trade-offs between cost, flexibility, and job security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CDL before I start Roehl training?

No. You start with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record. Roehl's training program teaches you everything needed to pass the CDL tests. You take the written and road tests through your state's DMV after completing the training, and Roehl helps you schedule those tests.

What if I fail the CDL road test after training?

Roehl typically allows you to retake the test, and they may provide additional instruction before your second attempt. If you fail multiple times, you may be dismissed from the program. The exact policy depends on Roehl's current standards, so ask about this during enrollment.

Can I leave Roehl before my contract ends?

Yes, but you will owe tuition repayment calculated on a prorated basis. If your contract is 24 months and you leave after 12 months, you owe half the training cost. The exact amount is in your contract. Some drivers negotiate an early release, but Roehl is not obligated to waive the fee.

Does Roehl hire everyone who completes training?

No. You must pass the training, pass your CDL tests, and meet Roehl's hiring standards for background and driving record. Most trainees who complete the program are hired, but it is not automatic. Poor performance during training or a failed drug test can result in dismissal without a job offer.

What if I have a medical condition or take medication?

You must pass a DOT medical examination, which includes a review of any medications or conditions. Some medications disqualify you from driving commercially. Discuss any health concerns with Roehl's recruiting team before you enroll, so you know whether you will pass the medical exam.