Comments By AfireTrucking

Thanks guys! Yeah I'm going to get on here and do the high road program. I want to know as much as I possibly can before I'm driving a speeding 50,000lb. Truck. Lol. I get so nervous driving beside them, and to think I want to control them.

Yeah if I can't get that financing I will probably have to do a company program. Any suggestions on which company I should do? I don't think Melton does it. A lot of companies won't let me apply because I'm not 21. But I will keep trying to apply! (: thanks for all the help!

Brett, thank you for getting all this together. You have no idea how much of a help this site has been. I hope if its not already gets endorsed or recognized by some of the companies or some of the national trucking organizations. Or schools! Something. Lol.

Hey there TruckingTruth! I am looking at someone the info on the Florida DMV site but can't find a straight answer.

When I apply for my permit can I take all of the endorsement tests at that time? I plan to get all endorsements. Just so I can take any load. But do I have to wait until I have the actual CDL before this is a possibility? Thanks! And not to question TruckingTruth but is the training program on here more than sufficient to get me ready for the permit test and endorsements?

Well I got my pre hire today! Via email! They had the wrong damn email the whole time! -_- anyways.

This means that I am able to attend my technical college for courses. I'm only 20 so they had to get the pre hire. Before enrolling me. I'm pretty stoked. I'm still 6 months away but I'm happy as a duck washed in Dawn. As long as I can get the WIA funding. I should be all good to go. I'll continue to post questions and comments on my journey! Thanks everyone!

Well, I got the pre hire letter from Melton prior to being 21! Which the school needs in order to enroll me prior to being 21! I'm pretty stoked about this. As long as the WIA funding checks out. I'll be in school here come October and on my way to trucking early 2015. :D

Yeah, I haven't gotten a chance to call Roehl for more info yet. But its also sort of dedicated. The description says you'll be driving the same customers and same roads over and over. Which sounds great! Master it once you'll get lost less. Lol. And that home time option really is the best. Also I think they fly people out because there's not any terminals near Florida as far as I know. Melton said minimum 3 weeks out 1 day per week which is the average. But Melton's pay scale (according to their website and a chart comparing themselves to the industry average) is higher than most industry averages. Roehl also have a refrigerated 21/7 in my area. Its more money. Site says $950/wk. I've got a lot of research to so still and a lot of work. But I'm so excited about this. I think about it all day every day. My dad and mom are to the point of telling me to go away. My wife doesn't say much when we talk about it. But I'm ready! I want to make a real living. No more of this 2-300 a week crap. From the looks of things I'm going to easily double or triple my income.

I did an interview with Melton. They were supposed to email my pre hire. But I'm still waiting on that.... I've called them like three times and either the guy is busy or not there. Doesn't make any sense.

Still after talking with Melton and researching all these other companies. Roehl is still on the top of my list. I don't know why.. I've just seen good things with them.

I cant' wait to see more! I got my prehire letter today! I still have to attend my tech college and get my CDL so I won't be out there for a long time.

Yeah. I see what you mean. It's too good to be true. Why would they waste finances flying me, a newbie all the way to the mid west. Can't they just hire some local guy to do it. I've read good things about Roehl. I don't see them having such a shortage they have to fly drivers into delivery areas every couple weeks.

I'll know tomorrow( Friday) If Melton will give me a pre hire letter. I accepted contingent employment. Took the 45 minute interview over the phone. She said the hire department will check it over and get back to me. I've seen Good things about Melton. Do you have any experience with them or any ideas?

I can't post a screenshot as I'm on my phone posting this. But here is copy and pasted the job description. In in Florida they have no close terminals. Go to roehl's site and search for jobs in zip code "34669" to see it live.

-------"In this unique fleet, you will have a dedicated Fleet Manager and planner with seven days a week coverage to ensure all of your needs are taken care of as you pick up and deliver van and refrigerated freight. If you pull a refrigerated load, you'll earn 2 cents more per mile.

You'll operate for 21 days, mainly in the Midwest, driving in many of the same lanes and for repeat customers. About 80% of your loads will be drop and hook freight. You'll then go home for seven days.

When you join this fleet, you'll be flown to one of our terminals in the Midwest, where you'll drive for three weeks and then you'll be flown back for your week of home time. We will pay for your flights, baggage fees and transportation to and from the airport in the Midwest.

On this fleet, you’ll get the Your Choice Pay Plan™ that allows you to earn a pay increase each quarter up to our top rate, and you can add to your income as a Driver Trainer (as much $10,000 a year) or referring other drivers to Roehl. Plus, we pay you for services many other companies overlook—like all intermediate pickups and drops and premiums if you go to Canada".---------

Hello all of the fellow Truckers! My name is Zach and I am going to attend my local technical college to obtain my CDL. I was wondering if some of you veterans could help me out by answering some of my questions. I'm only 20 years old I turn 21 in December. The program at the college starts in October and in order to attend the program before I'm 21 I have to have a pre hire letter. I've called around and so far Werener and Melton are the only two that will give it to me prior to being 21. Do you guys know if there are any other companies out there that would give me a circumstantial Pre Hire? Melton is supposed to be calling me back within the hour with a contingent offer of employment. They told me I would start at .37 cpm. $40 Tarp per load. .39 cpm after 6 months. 8 Days training in Tulsa, OK for $500. Then 3-4 Weeks with a trainer for $490/Wk Then I'll be on my own. Their fleet is 2012-2014.

I really want to get in with Roehl, I don't know why but I've read about them seen videos and all and I really think I'd enjoy working for them, As a new father and husband I feel Roehl has the best home time options, I really like the 21/7 option. I am in Tampa bay area, Florida, so Roehl wouldn't give me a truck they would fly me to the terminal and fly me home every 21 days. Unfortunately they won't give me a pre hire until I'm 21.

As a starter company who would you guys recommend? (I know there's thousands of posts out there to view but it's hard to sift through them all) A company with good hometime. Also, What can I realistically expect to bring home with me? How many miles can I expect to drive if I drive by the DOT Regulations? I'm trying to make a good choice, I'm getting into trucking so I can afford to rent or buy a home for my family, and move up in the world. My bills right now (Living with my parents) Total around $700 per month. Plus baby expenses etc. The idea of trucking excites me tremendously. Please share your thoughts and Ideas below, I appreciate it! Thank you all!