Comments By Josh E.

"..have been to 47 of the lower 48 and crossed from coast-to-coast 16 times ... haven't been bored yet ..."

That's awesome! Who do you drive for, if you don't mind me asking?

Cracking and eating sunflower seeds breaks up the monotony a lot of the time for me, drinking coffee, listening to news talk shows on SiriusXM and sometimes the Spanish and French music stations, I don't know either language but sometimes it helps to break things up a little bit. Talk on the phone or CB, audio books, podcasts, and sometimes I'll stop to get out of the truck and walk around to refresh myself. Oh, and sometimes I'll pick a topic, usually a religious one and contemplate on it. It's fun to play devil's advocate with that too...anyone else do that?

I've been with Interstate in the Reefer division for almost 9 months now. I can honestly say I've had no complaints about the company so far. Nice, well-maintained equipment, good miles and pay, good benefits, and everybody I've dealt with from the company has been great.

Thanks! Trying to gross around $700/week solo. I'm doing team runs from NC-CA now and getting tired of teams...

Considering going Solo with one of these companies, wanted some information on them.

Gordon still working out for you? Thinking of going there at the end of April.

Just got off the trainer's truck and into my own here at Melton. I'm sure guys can tell I'm a rookie driver and I would think they'd give me the stink eye or look down on me, but the opposite has been true. The guys are really helpful, friendly, and quick to offer up advice.

I'm waiting on my first load to take me up to Tulsa to finish up the administrative part of my training. I'm pretty anxious to see what load I'll be getting lol. After Tulsa they should route me towards the house in North Carolina. Can't wait to show off this purty truck to family lol.

Have you looked into Cypress truck lines or CT transportation? I'm pretty sure both are based out of Florida. They will get you home on the weekends too. Also look at McElroy, I'm not sure if they operate in your neck of the woods or not, though.

Well, I'm not real sure if anyone is reading this thread, but in any case, I've been at the Tulsa yard for a couple of days. My trainer is getting a brand new KW T680 and it should be ready tomorrow.

Hopefully I can kick these nervous jitters and get on track with my driving. I know I'm capable of doing better, but for some reason I've had a mental block. I'm ready to get back out there and set the road on fire! lol

I think a lot of this company and really wanting to get my own truck and be successful. I'll let y'all know how it goes. Thanks everyone again for the kind words.

Josh E.

I think you're right about drinking plenty of water. I haven't been drinking much. I've driven about 3 days so hopefully the next or the following day things will start to click.

What does the trainer look for to pass you and say, "hey this guy's ready for his own truck" ?

Thanks man, Josh E.

Congrats on making it to the trainers truck, Josh! That's awesome! I'd be willing to bet, it's just nerves as far as your driving is concern.

I'm really interested in how you like Melton. They're one of my top picks, along with TMC. But, there's something about Melton that really seems to appeal to me. Can't quite put my finger on it yet, but it's there. Know what I mean?

Anyway, Let us know how it goes.

Best of luck, my friend!

Tarren

From what I've seen so far I really like Melton. The other drivers here seem to be happy as well. The office people are really nice and helpful, and I ran into the owner of the company and he's a super nice guy. I like the culture of this company, it is kind of like a family. But, that might be with any company of this size, I don't have anything to compare it to lol. Hopefully I can get on track and pass the training and get my own truck.

I wish I could tell you more but my experience is limited. I've heard good things about TMC as well. They don't hire from my part of NC so I didn't research them.

Good luck man and let me know what you decide.

And thanks for the advice Tarren, Josh E.