Comments By Larry E.

I just talked to a recruiter from Melton, everything she told me sounded great! About how many miles are you guys averaging with Melton? She told me 2300-2500/week. Does that sound right? What are the average length of haul?

Thanks!

I have been averaging right at the 2500/ week. I had one week of 3600 and when you go home or come out, typically, your miles will be a bit less. I don't know what the "average" length of haul is, but I would guess 800. That takes into account some of the short stuff you will get and the long stuff, too. Right now I'm on a 1400 mile haul from Laredo to North Carolina.

Melton has been a great fit for me and I really like it here. This week is my 1 year mark with them and I won't be going any where for a while.

Plus, many states have mobil scales that are used at "random" places and times. As with most things, stay legal and coops aren't a problem. However, if you don't want to run legal, you will be making significant donations to the state you are in and may be jeopardizing your driving privileges.

We are supplied with everything we need to secure a normal load. If we need something else (dunnage or securement), we buy it and send the receipt in and they reimburse on the next pay check. If a strap is worn, ratchet broke, etc., the next time we hit a terminal it is a one-for-one swap. Corner protectors can be bought and reimbursed, but our main terminals have pallets of the card board types. There is one shipper (can't remember which one) that provides the nice big plastic ones. You want to throw every strap you can/have on that load!

One of the reasons that I am very happy with them.

Old School,

That is a mess! I think technically, you would have wanted a strap or two in the middle of that mess, but when it is pre-loaded you can't do that. And that type of load is inherently unstable so the more straps the better. What is your response to DOT if they ask you about the overhang on a 53' load, or is it like most things, it depends on the state?

Guyjax, you can use straps on suicide coils, but they can't be the only thing used. I've been seeing a number of suicide coils that are "X"ed with straps, in what appears to be a method of keeping them from going forward or back. Thanks, but I'll use my chains unless I run out and then I would probably be over weigh for the load.

Hope the driver wasn't injured, but I'll bet there was a stink in the cab and he had to change his shorts.

Good advise above. The other thing I learned after getting out of CDL school is to drive as close to the "opening" of the alley, then (depending on your truck) cut 45* out for a 2 potato count then then 45* back in. Make sure your trailer is past the "opening" and then back 'er in. In the real world, avoid "jack knifing" your trailer, because that spred axle (with much weight) is going to make the process difficult and may "spring" your trailer.

Hope that made sense.

MOAB is a mountain biker's paradise! Wouldn't want to be there right now, but in the spring, fall and part of the winter you can have some AWESOME rides.

Larry,

Thanks for setting me straight on BOL. I suppose you shook your head when you saw I called it Laden. Oh well, I will be the first to admit that I got a long way to go to call myself a driver. I like your input on how companies handle them. I worked for a short time as a security officer for Premier. I loved working with the drivers and apparently they weren't used to someone with a good attitude. Even when they gave me a hard time when I had to photograph their trucks (Locks/trailer number) I still liked being around them. Thanks again Larry.

Ms. Donna, that is what we are here for. I didn't shake my head at all since I've been there done that. This is my third career and each one has their own lingo and ways. That is part of the fun; you get to learn new things. With your background, you will do fine in this industry.

Have fun in your journey and don't hesitate to jump on here with questions.

Ms. Donna,

Sounds like you have what it takes to be a driver; you don't mind spartan accommodations, you enjoy your own company and you can problem solve. If you can back a boat or horse trailer, you will be able to back a big rig; it will take a little bit of training and practice, but you are used to that in your current job. That High Road Training Program is the key to a successful written. It got me through all of my tests with out a problem.

As for company or self funded CDL school, there is lots of information on this site. I made the decision to self fund, but everyone has to make that determination on their own.

BOL's (Bills of Lading) are handled differently by different companies. We now use TransFlo, but used TransPac previously; just names and not really important until you are on the road. When I was regional, we just dropped them off at the end of the week in the office. Whatever company you go with will train you on the system they use. All are pretty simple.

Most likely you will not have a choice on what loads you get or where you are going; known as forced dispatch. Not a big deal since you get to see more places and the surprise makes it more of an adventure. The more research you can do on this site and others will enable you to make more informed choices that fit your needs and personality.

Good Luck!

Joanna, what GuyJax said will work for you. Once you have credibility with your DM you will be able to make requests. They may not happen right away, but, in my experience, they do happen. I never ask for a specific type of load, but I do occasionally ask to head a specific direction; west, north, etc. Frequently, that takes a load or two and then I'm going that direction. We have a little over 1100 drivers and I've been told (don't know it for a fact, but seems to reasonable) that planners will start to recognize your truck # or name when there is a "hot" load and you come through for them. I NEVER complain about the length of a load or loads and eventually, I get a really sweet load that makes up for the "others" I have been assigned. That is why it is so important to build a working relationship with your DM. They are the ones that may "refuse" a load for you or at least negotiate a better load now or in the future based on past performance.

At the same time, I always remember that I am just one of those 1100+ drivers and my view of the company's world is like looking through a straw. At the end of the day, what ever makes money for the company makes money for me.