Roehl Transport Driver Pay and Benefits 2026: Salary, Training, and Complete Review
Roehl Transport: The Training-Focused Carrier
<p>Roehl Transport, founded in 1962 and headquartered in Marshfield, Wisconsin, operates approximately 2,000 trucks across van, flatbed, curtainside, and dedicated divisions. Roehl (pronounced "rail") is a privately held, family-owned company that has built its reputation on two pillars: CDL training and driver development.</p><p>Roehl's "Get Your CDL and Drive" program is one of the most well-regarded training programs in the industry. Unlike some carriers that provide bare-minimum CDL training, Roehl's program is comprehensive and designed to produce skilled, safe drivers rather than simply licensed ones. The company also offers specialty training for flatbed and curtainside operations — a unique offering that gives new drivers access to higher-paying specialized freight from early in their careers.</p><p>Roehl positions itself as a career-oriented carrier rather than a revolving door. Their driver retention rates are above the industry average, which suggests that the company delivers a better-than-average driver experience. The company is large enough to offer competitive pay and benefits but small enough that individual drivers aren't lost in a massive corporate machine. Roehl's Midwest roots show in their culture — straightforward, practical, and focused on doing things the right way rather than the cheapest way.</p>
Roehl Transport Pay by Division
<p><strong>Van (Dry Van OTR):</strong> Experienced drivers: $0.46-$0.56 per mile. Starting pay for new graduates from Roehl's training program: $0.42-$0.46 per mile. Average annual earnings: $52,000-$68,000. Roehl pays practical miles. The van division is the company's largest and provides consistent freight across the continental U.S.</p><p><strong>Flatbed:</strong> Flatbed drivers earn a premium: $0.50-$0.62 per mile plus tarp pay ($50-$100 per load). Annual earnings: $58,000-$76,000. Roehl's flatbed training is a standout feature — they provide full flatbed securement and tarping training, allowing new drivers to enter the higher-paying flatbed segment without prior experience. This is uncommon in the industry, where most flatbed carriers require 6-12 months of prior experience.</p><p><strong>Curtainside:</strong> Roehl is one of the few major carriers operating a dedicated curtainside (conestoga) division. Curtainside trailers combine the weather protection of a van with the side-loading capability of a flatbed. Pay: $0.48-$0.58 per mile. Annual earnings: $55,000-$72,000. Curtainside work is less physically demanding than traditional flatbed (no tarping) while commanding higher rates than dry van.</p><p><strong>Dedicated:</strong> Dedicated positions pay $0.48-$0.58 per mile or hourly rates. Annual earnings: $54,000-$72,000. Roehl's dedicated accounts offer improved home time and schedule predictability.</p><p><strong>Additional compensation:</strong> Quarterly safety bonus: up to $1,000. Monthly performance bonus: based on fuel efficiency and on-time delivery. Detention pay: $15-$18/hour. Stop pay: $15-$20 per stop. Tarp pay (flatbed): $50-$100 per load. Referral bonus: $1,500-$2,000. Orientation pay: $600-$800.</p>
Roehl Transport Benefits
<p><strong>Health insurance:</strong> Medical, dental, and vision available after 30 days. Multiple plan options. Roehl subsidizes a significant portion of the premium. Driver-only coverage: $50-$100/month. Family coverage: $175-$375/month. Roehl's health insurance premiums are competitive with the best in the industry.</p><p><strong>Retirement:</strong> 401(k) with company match up to 4%. Vesting schedule applies. The match is competitive with industry averages.</p><p><strong>PTO:</strong> Competitive PTO accrual. PTO increases with tenure. Paid holidays. Roehl also offers a "home time guarantee" that's more structured than many carriers — specific home time commitments are part of the job offer and tracked.</p><p><strong>CDL Training (Roehl's standout benefit):</strong> Roehl's "Get Your CDL and Drive" program provides complete CDL-A training at no upfront cost. The program includes classroom instruction, simulator training, range driving, and road training. What sets Roehl's training apart: they provide specialized flatbed and curtainside training, giving new drivers immediate access to higher-paying specialized freight. Training pay is approximately $700-$900/week during the program. Service commitment: typically 12 months. If you complete the commitment, the training cost is fully forgiven.</p><p><strong>Additional benefits:</strong> Company-paid life insurance. Disability insurance. Per diem option. Rider and pet policy. EAP. Wellness incentives. Tuition reimbursement for approved CDL schools.</p>
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See Top-Rated Dispatch CompaniesHome Time and Driver Lifestyle at Roehl
<p>Roehl's home time policies are more structured than many carriers, reflecting their focus on driver quality of life:</p><p><strong>Van OTR:</strong> Home time every 12-14 days for 2-3 days. Roehl uses a home time planning system that tracks driver home time targets and works to deliver consistent results. Driver reviews generally rate Roehl's home time reliability above average for OTR operations.</p><p><strong>Flatbed:</strong> Similar to van OTR — home every 12-14 days for 2-3 days. Flatbed freight lanes may be more concentrated in certain regions depending on construction and industrial activity seasons.</p><p><strong>Dedicated:</strong> Home time varies by account. Many dedicated positions offer weekly home time. Roehl's dedicated accounts in the Midwest and Southeast tend to have the best home time options.</p><p><strong>7-on/7-off and flexible schedules:</strong> Roehl offers 7-on/7-off scheduling on select accounts, which provides a full week at home for every week on the road. This is an attractive option for drivers who value extended home time and are willing to accept the lower annual mileage (and income) that comes with running half the month.</p><p><strong>Driver culture:</strong> Roehl's smaller size and family-owned culture contribute to a work environment where drivers feel more valued as individuals. Fleet managers at Roehl typically handle fewer drivers than at mega-carriers, allowing for more personalized communication and home time planning. This cultural difference shows up consistently in driver satisfaction surveys and online reviews.</p>
Fleet and Equipment
<p>Roehl operates approximately 2,000 trucks, primarily Freightliner Cascadias with some Volvo VNLs. Average fleet age is 2-3 years. All trucks feature automated manual transmissions, ELD, collision avoidance, and APU. Standard OTR amenities: 72-inch sleeper, refrigerator, microwave, inverter. Speed governors are set at 65-67 MPH.</p><p>Roehl's flatbed and curtainside trailers are well-maintained and modern. The curtainside trailers are a particular point of pride — Roehl's conestoga fleet is one of the largest in the industry and provides a unique competitive advantage. Flatbed trailers include standard securement equipment (straps, chains, binders, tarps) maintained by the company.</p><p>Maintenance is handled through Roehl's terminal network and contracted service providers. The company's maintenance reputation is above average — they have a vested interest in keeping their newer fleet running efficiently.</p>
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Compare Dispatch CompaniesOur Verdict on Roehl Transport
<p><strong>Strengths:</strong> One of the best CDL training programs in the industry, including flatbed and curtainside specialty training. Above-average pay, particularly in flatbed and curtainside divisions. Competitive benefits with 30-day coverage and affordable premiums. Structured home time policies with better-than-average reliability. Family-owned culture with higher driver satisfaction than mega-carriers. Unique curtainside division providing specialty freight without the physical demands of flatbed tarping. Modern equipment. 7-on/7-off scheduling available on select accounts.</p><p><strong>Weaknesses:</strong> Smaller company means fewer terminal locations and dedicated account options than mega-carriers. Geographic coverage is strongest in the Midwest and may be less optimal for drivers in other regions. Company size limits the diversity of positions compared to a J.B. Hunt or Schneider. Not the absolute highest-paying carrier in any single category.</p><p><strong>Bottom line:</strong> Roehl Transport is a solid A- carrier that punches above its weight. Their combination of excellent training, above-average pay, competitive benefits, and a culture that genuinely values drivers makes them one of the best options in the mid-size carrier segment. For new drivers, Roehl's training program — especially the flatbed and curtainside tracks — provides an entry point into higher-paying specialty freight that most carriers don't offer to inexperienced drivers. For experienced drivers, the flatbed division's pay and the curtainside's unique niche are compelling. Expected annual earnings: $52,000-$68,000 (van), $58,000-$76,000 (flatbed), $55,000-$72,000 (curtainside), $54,000-$72,000 (dedicated).</p>
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