Cover Story

Phil Raboin - Roehl Transport

Owner Operator Phil Raboin has logged 1.8 million accident-free miles with Roehl Transport—the equivalent of 72 trips around the world. And while there have been obstacles and challenges along the way, Raboin’s desire to get ahead and provide a better life for himself and his family, combined with education, hard work and strong partnerships, have helped him safely navigate his business to success.
     Raboin’s first transportation career was outside the truck. He began in the automotive industry, excelling as a line technician, and later participating in the General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program. He earned his Associate Degree while working and learning on the job, as well as his ASE certification in medium/heavy duty trucks.
     At a crossroads when the car dealership lost its GM franchise, his girlfriend (now wife) Carol encouraged him to take what he knew about transportation and apply it in a new area – professional truck driving. So Raboin headed back to school, again. He sold his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycle to help finance his continuing education and then signed on with Roehl. “I was immediately impressed with the company’s ethics, integrity and The Roehl Way™ of Protective Driving,” said Raboin. The Roehl Way™ teaches drivers to anticipate, recognize and adjust to mistakes that other drivers may make; the practice has helped make Roehl one of the safest trucking companies in the nation.
     When Carol joined Roehl a few years later, the couple successfully drove as a team. As they looked ahead, they saw a business opportunity and decided to become owner operators.
     “There was no reason to look anywhere else for a business partner,” said Raboin, who began leasing his purple 2000 Kenworth to Roehl in 2005. Roehl offers its owner operators a highly competitive package of business benefits, which is one reason why the company has one of the lowest owner operator turnover rates in the business. “Roehl has a real understanding of what it takes to be a successful owner operator,” Raboin said.
     Roehl’s Owner Operator Plan for Success was designed with nearly 50 years of industry-leading history and business experience. In addition, the company’s diversified freight base has expanded and Roehl is offering owner operators more business opportunities. One example is a new owner operator flatbed compensation package, offering a choice between mileage or percentage plans. “Roehl is a smart company,” said Raboin. “They know how to contract freight that makes revenue.”
     When asked what advice he might have for those considering a career move, he adds, “You really have to have a vision of your future – decide where you want to be and how hard you’re willing to work to get there,” said Raboin. “I found Roehl to be a true ally.” Roehl supports and treats owner operators like partners. Raboin credits his Roehl Fleet Manager for his industry knowledge and willingness to help him pull together a successful business.
     “I talk to a lot of guys at the terminals about being an owner operator,” said Raboin. “I tell them all the same thing, ‘I wouldn’t go back. I’m more relaxed. I make my own decisions. I enjoy the freedom. And, I make more money.’ ”
     The staff of Over the Road magazine would like to wish Phil continued success with Roehl Transport. To learn more about Roehl, including how you can earn a lease-on bonus, visit GoRoehl.com, call 877-774-5308 or see their ad on page 11 of this issue.