New Career at McElroy

**Blue_Knight** · 03.14.2012

I started my new career in trucking at McElroy Truck Lines this past Monday (03/12). So far this has been a very good experience.

My career with them actually began a couple of weeks ago when I called. I spoke with Kasey who treated me great. Within three hours of speaking with her and applying, I was invited to attend orientation. She stayed in contact with me and was very friendly and easy to talk to.

Since I only live about three hours away from Pleasant Hill, NC, I drove to orientation. All of the newbies are staying at the Days Inn in Emporia, VA (this is the worst thing about my experience--Days Inn).

There are only six of us in class and one has previous experience. Our instructor is Brent who is also the Safety Manager. From the beginning he has made the atmosphere very relaxed and informal. He is very friendly and he seems to sincerely want each of us to succeed. We were in the classroom all day Monday. Tuesday we were in the classroom as well as having our DOT physical and the physical agility test. This morning we were in the classroom in the morning and went in the yard in the afternoon to get our first experience removing, folding, and covering a load with a tarp. We also had to climb on top of a load and walk lengthwise across it. Tomorrow we will have our road test and start learning how to strap loads. If all goes well this week, I will get my employee number Friday and officially start training on Monday.

If the rest of my training is as good as my experience so far, I will enjoy this company.

**123456** · 03.14.2012

Good outfit.

Enjoy !!

**RedDirtDriver** · 03.15.2012

Good Luck! Will be following your thread with interest since I am very interested in this company. Seems like a good outfit.

**lilsister** · 03.15.2012

I was very interested in them also, since I'm only a half hour away from Cuba, AL, and their rep is outstanding around here (especially for new-driver pay). But I read on their website that they tarp everything and that the tarps weigh 100lbs. No way I could lug that much weight around everyday.

So I'll continue my search for the right fit for me. Good luck to you!!

**RedDirtDriver** · 03.15.2012

Originally Posted by lilsister

I was very interested in them also, since I'm only a half hour away from Cuba, AL, and their rep is outstanding around here (especially for new-driver pay). But I read on their website that they tarp everything and that the tarps weigh 100lbs. No way I could lug that much weight around everyday.

So I'll continue my search for the right fit for me. Good luck to you!!

I've seen some very petite women flatbed, it happens. Since you are so close, it may be worth a visit to talk to them in person. They may even show you what their physical requirements are on the truck if you show them some interest. Could be worth a shot!

**lilsister** · 03.15.2012

I think I'll speak to my instructor. McElroy recruits out of our class, so he may know who I should talk to (at this location). And you're right!, it wouldn't hurt to ask! Thanks!

**Cyclesdalecummins07** · 03.15.2012

Originally Posted by lilsister

I was very interested in them also, since I'm only a half hour away from Cuba, AL, and their rep is outstanding around here (especially for new-driver pay). But I read on their website that they tarp everything and that the tarps weigh 100lbs. No way I could lug that much weight around everyday.

So I'll continue my search for the right fit for me. Good luck to you!!

I see their trucks coming throught the I-12 where I'm and and I see alot of loads that aren't tarped. I dont know if I am just seeing untarped loads that are few and far between or what but they seemed to run alot without them. Also just because you are small doesn't mean you cannot lift a 100 lb tarp up. If you use the right lifting techniques and use the load to rest the tarp on you should be able to tarp anything and the more you do it the stronger you will become and the more tricks you'll learn to help you tarp your loads, and being a female especailly in the south there are bound to be a lot of other drivers that will be willing to help you out. Fianlly don't quote me on this but I have heard that many places you go now have tarp spreaders that hook onto a forklift and just lift the tarp over your load you just have to strap the tarp down.

**Blue_Knight** · 03.15.2012

Originally Posted by Cyclesdalecummins07

I see their trucks coming throught the I-12 where I'm and and I see alot of loads that aren't tarped. I dont know if I am just seeing untarped loads that are few and far between or what but they seemed to run alot without them. Also just because you are small doesn't mean you cannot lift a 100 lb tarp up. If you use the right lifting techniques and use the load to rest the tarp on you should be able to tarp anything and the more you do it the stronger you will become and the more tricks you'll learn to help you tarp your loads, and being a female especailly in the south there are bound to be a lot of other drivers that will be willing to help you out. Fianlly don't quote me on this but I have heard that many places you go now have tarp spreaders that hook onto a forklift and just lift the tarp over your load you just have to strap the tarp down.

According to their manual, all loads must be tarped unless the driver gets approval from their fleet manager. However, they advertise that 65% of the loads are pretarped. Of course you still have to take them off and fold them.

**Blue_Knight** · 03.15.2012

Originally Posted by lilsister

I was very interested in them also, since I'm only a half hour away from Cuba, AL, and their rep is outstanding around here (especially for new-driver pay). But I read on their website that they tarp everything and that the tarps weigh 100lbs. No way I could lug that much weight around everyday.

So I'll continue my search for the right fit for me. Good luck to you!!

You should apply. I was told today that they don't have any female drivers. But lifting the tarp really isn't all that bad. So far I've only had to lift it once during the physical agility test. We used a fork lift to hoist it on top of the load we tarped yesterday.

**Blue_Knight** · 03.16.2012

I'm finished with orientation and now home for the weekend. The road test was pretty easy and after that we spent the rest of the time Thursday and Friday in the classroom. Training starts Monday and it will be much more yard and road time.