Orientation 6/24/13

Yep, I second that. Well, today we lost 2 more due to road tests. If there are any new drivers here who are reading this here's a quick tip. When you're taking your road test and the instructor tells you to turn on a certain street and you forget to make the turn DO NOT stop in the middle of the road and reverse back to the turn. Keep going, and let the instructor figure out where to go next.

Today was a mix between classroom and load securement. I have to say the instructor explained a lot more to us than the Swift instructor did. It was very hands on and I had a good team of people to work with. Log book and trip planning homework tonight means I'll be busy, but that's fine. The staff are super, and I haven't had any problems with the other drivers either. So far so good.

 

BDJ, I think you'll be happy here. I wish I had started out here instead of Swift. Well, day 3 down. One more and I'll have my truck. I can't wait. Today we did paper work, videos, quizzes, and finished up tarp securement. For homework we have a couple of take home quizzes. The good news is we didn't lose anybody today. I get the impression that those who are left have made the cut. For all of the dry van drivers out there who are on the fence I found out today that Melton will allow you to go through orientation to see if you like flatbed, and at the end if you decide flatbed is not right for you they will pay for your trip home and it does not go on your DAC. This is important because most companies will report that you left during orientation, but Melton doesn't, so there's not much to lose.

I've been trying to present as complete a picture as possible these past few days. Admittedly, it's probably sounded pretty much in Melton's favor. I can say that I'm genuinely impressed with what I've seen, and I look forward to a long career here, however, today I learned a few things that I need to put in the minus column.

1. The weekly average mileage for all Melton drivers is down from 2500 to 2200. As the instructor put it freight has slowed down due to the economy. Tarp pay and bonus' help to offset this. Melton pays $40.00 to tarp. Swift paid only $23.000 ... that is when they remembered to.

2. Melton gives only 1 day of home time for every 7 out. This is below the industry average in my view. At Swift it was 1 to 6, and I know some places even do 1 to 5. On the other hand Melton gives guaranteed home time up to twice a year and at Christmas. They also do not reassign your truck even if you take the maximum 14 days off, and they allow you to deadhead home.

3. Melton makes it's company drivers pay for some of the equipment required to do flatbed. At Swift everything was covered. To their credit Melton sells the stuff at cost. For example a strap roller costs $12.50.

4. Detention pay doesn't start until the 4th hour. At Swift it started after 2.

Like I said no company is perfect. To me these things are not so critical, but I know drivers all have their priorities. The pay and benefits package is great, and so is the equipment, and so far orientation has really been above and beyond. I'll probably have a better picture of the company once I start pulling loads. More tomorrow.

Edit: P.S. I also found out today that Melton pays for their driver's showers.

 

The instructor and the handbook both say it starts after 3 hours have gone by.

This is a nice benefit in my opinion.

The instructor said they don't like to approve it because they sometimes don't get their tractor back.

I am enjoying it. I might have a load as early as tomorrow.

 

BDJ, I'm sorry to here the news. Get yourself fixed up.

 

Noggin, I was seriously considering doing that. I have a standard driveway that probably most tract houses come with. Do you think it's strong enough to hold the weight of a tractor, or will I end up cracking it?