Location:
Madison, AL
Driving Status:
Rookie Solo Driver
Social Link:
Working for Melton truck lines. I am a road recruiter. I try to go and visit schools in the area I am in. I am willing to talk to anyone that would like to pursue a career in the flatbed industry. Feel free to give me a shout.
Posted: 6 years, 7 months ago
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When I get in my car after a month or so. It feels like I am flying down the interstate. And I look down and I am doing 55. Lol
Posted: 6 years, 7 months ago
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My trainer was ok. He would shut down early at truck stop for me to have backing practice which was nice. But anytime he was on the phone I could not make a sound. If I was on the phone he would aggravate me and just interrupt. I would have to leave the truck. Rain, cold, whatever. He didn't care. But I got done with him and I am doing ok. Learning stuff everyday.
Posted: 6 years, 7 months ago
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What's a good company to start out with?
Back to the topic at hand. I drive for melton. I am glad I did, as everything I was told was true. I liked the idea of short training where others are long. Some companies make you drive team for awhile. I don't agree with that. But that's me. I was in my own truck in 3 weeks. 1 week orientation. Two weeks with a trainer. Starting pay is .41 cpm. And they have other bonuses. I average 2200 2500 miles a week. Haven't been disappointed yet.
Posted: 6 years, 8 months ago
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I have been solo for 3 months and I actually enjoy it. I am a loner I guess. I have a guy I talk to daily that I went to orientation with and that helps pass the time. But think of the good parts of the job. That's one thing you have to deal with, you have plenty of time to think. I just try to challenge myself to get to where I am going early. To make me stay more focused on what I am doing.
Posted: 6 years, 8 months ago
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So true. That's why I hustle so hard. Deliver early. Pick up early. I usually start my day around 2 am and run till the last second. I love it.
Posted: 6 years, 8 months ago
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Is that something they will hire someone fresh out of school for? I am still pretty new at this and I know I have to pay my "dues". I can't have the best thing out there with the experience I have. I am not getting rich doing this, but I live comfortably. I made some poor decisions before I decided on this career and it makes it a bit harder. But to get to where I want to be I know I have to do what I am doing now. I chose flat bedding because it does pay more per mile starting up. It is a lot of work sometimes but that is something I enjoy.
Posted: 6 years, 8 months ago
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I understand that. I usually bring in between 800 to 1000 a week. And I am not in the top of the pay scale. Actually I am one step up from a student driver. Lol. They started me at .43 com because of my limited experience. I do wish you luck. I have always admired TMC's trucks. They are good looking.
Posted: 6 years, 8 months ago
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Just out of curiosity why just those 2? There are others. I drive for melton and it has been a great company this far. Everything I was promised they delivered on. I get have been getting around 2100 miles a week. And everyone has been so pleasant. Other drivers and my dm have been so helpful along the way. It feels like a family to me. If you want to discuss this in further detail we can talk. Pm me and I will shoot you my number.
Posted: 6 years, 8 months ago
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I am a Melton driver and I went to orientation at Birmingham also. I also know there have been some changes with the orientation since this post was submitted. I love this company. I am also a road recruiter now. There are upsides and downsides to every company. If you ever need questions please let me know.
Posted: 6 years, 8 months ago
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I have been stuck in chicago for 3 days. I agree 90 out. Just time management for the traffic. I suck at it I think. I get stuck in it all the time. Lol
Posted: 6 years, 9 months ago
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Would more permissive split-sleeper-period rules allow drivers to get better rest?
It doesn't matter for me. I did the 8-2 and I got Sat for 10 hours. It was against company policy.
Posted: 6 years, 9 months ago
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Well she wants to go out. She told me she bought a new dress. But I want it to be special. I thought about taking her to the melting pot. Then go for a stroll along the lake. And just talk. Then stop by and get her some chocolate covered strawberries for the house.
Posted: 6 years, 9 months ago
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I have just started my trucking career and my better half has been wonderful. Well I get to go home to see her after being away for 6 weeks. I want her to know how special she is and take her out. What kind of things should I look at doing? I just want it to be memorable.
Posted: 6 years, 9 months ago
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Inexperienced 26 yr old male interested in company sponsored otr trainining
Flat bedding isn't as much work as you think. Anytime I have to tarp something tall the forklift driver usually always puts my tarp up there for me. Yes you take time to strap and tarp but I figure who doesn't need a little exercise. That's one thing that turned me on to flat bedding. I almost went with maverick they seem like a great company. But ultimately I went with Melton and I couldn't be happier. No you don't just slam doors, or drop and hook. But I love it.
Posted: 6 years, 9 months ago
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No they couldby roll them off. They were on their side. I couldn't lift it. Week got worse. But it has finally worked out. Thanks for the support. Good luck with the love you found.
Posted: 6 years, 9 months ago
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No they were separate. They could only pick up 2000 lbs. It was stainless steel coils.
Posted: 6 years, 9 months ago
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I know I am no expert in the company but I will tell you what I have experienced so far. Orientation was good. I was one of the oldest in the class and had more loads done in the training yard than anyone. All you have to do is pay attention. Training with another driver. It was very eye opening. Only problem I had is I like being alone. But I learned a Lot he was very knowledgeable. First week in my own truck was great. I felt important. Got my truck on a Wednesday and still finished that week with 1200 miles. Second week was nice too. I got a load of coils and there were 2 other melton drivers there at the same time. We all got loaded and helped each other tarp and strap the loads. Every time I have been around the other drivers at stops they help no matter what. Rain snow they don't care. I love that. When you are new you can feel lost and alone sometimes when you are trying to figure out how the best way to do it. But it always seems like there is another driver there more than willing to help. And everything I was promised I have gotten so far. That's my experience thus far.
Posted: 6 years, 9 months ago
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I run flatbed. Who did you decide to go with? I am in a big blue truck.
Posted: 6 years, 9 months ago
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Started this week out in Birmingham Al. Fresh 70. Had 3 hours drive for the consigned a little north of Chattanooga. Everything was perfect. Well get to my delivery early as usual. Had plenty of time on my clock. Had a preplan everything good. Just about done unloading and the unloaded say he can't take part of the load. It is too heavy for the fork lift. They were 4000 lbs each. Sissy forklift. So I hollered at the dm. She said stay there we will figure it out. 2 hours later. She said take them down the road to whirlpool. They took them. So now waiting on a new preplan. Finally get it. Had to rush about an hour away for pickup. Ok get there and have 3 and a half hours of time left for the day. Well 2 and a half hours later I am loaded and strapped down. And I need to get to a truck stop. Well get up the next morning at 2 am head to the new consignee. 4 hour drive. Got there early and 3 trucks ahead of me. I am good. Or so I thought. 3 hours later I was unloaded and restrapped for my next delivery in pa. So now I am at a TA. 270 miles away from from my next stop. And the delivery is scheduled for 7 a.m. so early running for me again. And late loading.
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Posted: 6 years, 7 months ago
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Going to be in the denver area
I will get there Saturday early and be out if hours. Till Sunday. Any thing I can do there with the boy?