Melton Truck Lines

I made a post few months ago before getting my cdl. I since have done 6 months with CRE and gave my two week notice to go work for Melton truck lines. (I’ve already informed Melton I’m under contract they don’t care because flatbed is not considered competing with CR England since they pull dry van and reefer) I’ve heard nothing but good things from drivers I’ve met driving for Melton. Does anyone here by chance drive for Melton? I’ll be new to flatbed but I don’t mind working in elements and I’m excited to learn something new. Any tips for someone new to flatbedding? Melton got a recent pay raise company wide so I’ll be coming in at 48 cents a mile way more than I get now lmao.

Any tips for someone new to flatbedding?

Aren't you concerned about doing what you agreed to with C. R. England?

Completing that contract sure would be a wise move. Have you gained the knowledge yet to keep yourself turning the big miles? That contract isn't just for their advantage. You will also benefit from the commitment.

You seem really excited about a pay raise, but you need to subtract the amount that the bill collectors are going to be hounding you for, and the interest you will accrue. You'd probably come out ahead financially to stick it out with the first people who overlooked your youth and your license issues. They gave you a shot. So now you're gonna just move on without doing what you promised? Melton would be happy to hire you after you've honored your commitment.

You may want to double check on the competing issue. I have passed many England trucks pulling flatbeds with storage containers on them.

I see many CRE trailers hauling the PODS containers, so I’d bet they have a national contract.

Got to remember, flatbed pays more but you’ll get fewer miles. I’d be willing to bet you’ll make less your first six months flatbedding because you’re spending so much time tarping and securing.

I made more on flatbed than most dry van guys because I hustled and was super stingy with my clock, but I’ve found the average flatbedder and the average door slammer made the same amount even though the cpm’s were quite different.

Oh I already arranged to pay off my contract in one payment when I leave I have no problem with that they gave me a chance and took me when I had no experience so I have no problem fulfilling my commitment. Cr England does pull pods but the contract wouldn’t stop me getting hired with Melton. I’m excited I’ll be 22 in February and this industry is exactly what I expected it to be, I hopped right in when I was 21. Even though CR England gets a lot of negative reviews they were nice to me and wished me the best at my new company. I have no problem starting off slow in flatbed I have been wanting to pull over size and overweight loads since I was kid.

Good on you for doing the right thing and arranging to pay off the contract at CR England. Best of luck at Melton I talked to a lot of their drivers before and they all seemed pretty happy. Flatbed is a whole different animal but if you have the right mindset and time management skills there is no reason you can't succeed.