Comments By Christian F.

So another update.... passed physicals and road test... been done different load securement trainings, trip planning, etc.. Really enjoying the orientation and learning how it is really done. Waiting to be hooked up with trainer hopefully soon... will try to update when I can. Stay safe everyone

Congrats and good luck

So update first day is now done... did paperwork and binder/strap intros... also some safety/driving videos (what NOT to do and what will/can happen). Seems like a pretty good fit so far... tomorrow probably road test and physical tests.... fingers crossed (I have non- insulin diabetes)

So at the hotel ... met roommate and hitting sack before eventful day tomorrow. ... looking forward to the first big step towards my new career

Yeah my bag is found

Yeah I hope I never have to use them again.....

Uggg I am not having a good trip.... riding the Grayhound and had a layover in Pittsburgh. ... when got off bus the original driver said my bags would stay on the bus as the were checked for Youngtown.... we back out of Pittsburgh terminal and it looked like someone might have pulled it off the bus and the driver didn't even check a left bag ..... I am praying it was not mine... there was only 3 people on the bus that were reboard passengers

Great company. They will give you all the tools to be successful as long as you understand that most of your learning will be done solo. There are only so many loads you will see with your trainer. You can call your trainer or if he is unavailable, there are other trainers who are willing to help. Obviously safety is always there to help you as well.

They will teach you how to read an atlas and do paper logs whether you know how or not. Take it seriously, you can go home for failing to understand either. Orientation at Tulsa was a great atmosphere, very friendly people and a lot of laughs. I can't tell you how it is up there though I would expect the same. Just remember that you are not technically hired until you get your keys to the truck. Do not be late to any dead line, you'll get a warning if you're lucky but it will be your final warning. Not trying to scare ya, just telling you how it is from my experience. Good luck I'm sure you will rock it!

Thanks for the info hopefully it is going to work out.... I am not going to give up

That's so exciting! Can't wait til it's my turn to take that drive or bus ride!! I'm sure there will be great days and tough days but it sounds like you've got a great, supportive family. Just don't lose sight of why you're doing this (for yourself and them!!). Keep us updated. All the best!

Thank you

Praying that I have made the right decision on company, job, life, etc....

Christian, congratulations on your new job at Melton! They run a really good flat bed operation.

I want to warn you about something that faces most new truck drivers, especially those who are leaving a young family behind. I am sharing this with you because you seem like a really decent guy, and you share a common concern that hits most new truck drivers - the very thoughts you expressed in the portion I quoted above. I want you to realize that you are going to be tempted a thousand times to give up and go home. The most difficult time of your trucking career is always the beginnings of it. That first year can be brutal, but that first four or five months is more than most people can endure. Some of us get a really good trainer, but to be honest with you, there just aren't that many really good trainers out there. You will more than likely have some issues with your trainer. If you do feel free to bring them here to us. We have been there and we can help you know if it is something you can live with or if you need to try to get another trainer. Just so you know I had a terrible trainer, I endured it, sorted out the good from the bad, and went on to have a very rewarding career - it can be done!

The problem with the difficulties we face at the beginning are almost always due to our own unrealistic expectations. Then we end up getting soured due to things not going like we thought they should, so we are convinced we've made a bad choice of company to start with. Trust me, this happens hundreds of times each week out here and many potential successful trucking careers are sidelined because of this scenario. Don't let it happen to you. Melton is a great company. I see and work alongside many of their drivers at the various SAPA plants that I pull loads from. If you hang in there long enough we will probably come across one another at some point.

I'm telling you all this because I already know you are going to be doubting yourself plenty of times. We've all been there, and many people bail out at the first few conflicts going on in their mind - it is a huge mistake when undertaking this career and lifestyle. You have got to have the Commitment to see it through for one full year if you want to really understand the things you are concerned with. The folks who give up early never even realize how the career works, how their company works to keep their best drivers profitable, and they never get to the point of being able to enjoy and embrace the rewarding lifestyle that comes with the job. People abort their careers early on because of a few small difficulties, and they completely miss out on all the rewarding parts of this career.

We already know you are going to be doubting yourself, and your company. It happens to everybody. We want you to feel free to communicate your concerns with us, and we want you to know that we will do what we can to help. Trucking is a special job for special people. You may or may not be one of those who can embrace it and excel at it, but we will help you sort it out if you need some help with it. Press on brother - fight the good fight!

Thank you so much for everything you are definitely an inspiration for me.