So much of it depends on where you are, freight in that area, time of the day and whether an ant just got stepped on. There are so many variables you have to just go with what comes down. If there is any pattern, I find that if I get a few "long" ones at some point a few shorties come along. Requesting home time appears to have some impact, but not always. Three days before Christmas I got a long one south (800 miles) and then back north for a drop and snatch 300 miles home for Christmas eve and a delivery Monday.
Just don't irritate your DM. I haven't figured out if the planners get to know your truck number or not. Bottom line: I have yet to see any kind of pattern. I'm averaging about 2500 miles a week, roughly, and I can't remember the last time I got a 34 and I have been out 8+ weeks. Makes you really watch those numbers though.
Sometimes I think they are testing me, but then again, I tend to think too much about that which I know nothing. The life of a trucker I guess.
My blog with Melton Truck Lines
Discussion in 'Melton' started by Army91W, Mar 28, 2014.
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Thanks guys. I'm not mad, I came from sales career and was pretty good. Translating in to truck driving I like to push of course legally, ethically, etc. Sales and driving are similiar if you're not moving you're not making money. I haven't had an hourly job for 12 years.
Being overweight killed my wknd. I had 3 or 4 hours left to drive on my clock when I scaled. Instead of heading north I had to go back to the shipper. Next morning I had to twiddle my thumbs waiting on the load to be fixed.
I don't blame the planners for not booking a load for me because they weren't sure I would get unloaded.
I haven't tried the 8.75 hours a day. Doing that seems like you have to wake up early. lol
I forgot to say when I loaded in Houston another Melton driver and myself helped each other tarp. The tips he gave me helped me so much. Not anything new just different ways to cut the cake. But I noticed the Michelin man wasn't riding on my trailer lol.
My experience so far says I'll pick something up for the Carolina's on Monday and then pick a load up for Laredo on Tuesday. I don't like going home so soon but my daughter is two and it's her first Easter that she's old enough to do stuff.Last edited: Apr 12, 2014
Gunner75 Thanks this. -
Sounds like your gonna make it Army, Im so looking forward to Melton. I made my decision with your postings and robot's posts that Im gonna go with Melton to get myself started and then go from there. Im told once I get 6 months in I can get on with Clopay and make loads more money, but that the work isnt easy as the driver unloads all their trailers at $75 per unload and that each trailer load can be 10+ unloads. Not sure Im up for that. I just want to get my permit passed on Tuesday and get on with my CDL class come next month.
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I don't regret my decision to go with Melton. The pay is good. I didn't want to go with a company with lite weight small trucks. Every truck has an apu. 30% of the freight is into and outta Texas where I live. I know some people will give me grief but it's not 8 weeks on a trainer truck. When you do train there is no teaming. Other then my trainer making a sandwich while I was driving he was always in the passenger seat.
Melton says minimum of 3 weeks with your trainer and your trainer will have no less then one year experience, realistically all the trainers I met are Blue Knight which means 3 plus years with Melton alone. It's up to your trainer at the three week mark. Melton really does listen to what your trainer's opinion is.
One more thing is they let you bank your hometime. Some companies say 2/3 wks out 2/3 days home.
With Melton if you stay out say five weeks, you'll have 5 days hometime. Normal like everyone else but then you can go home for two days come back out and bank the other three days. I'm taking a week off in July but I don't plan on spending 7 weeks out to get the hometime, I stay out three weeks go home for 2 days and by time July is here I'll have seven days, I can take. it's not a huge difference but with having kids and a wife it's nice to have that option. -
My recruiter told me that since I have 5 months OTR exp I won't be going out with a trainer, is that true?
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T_TRUCKER, with your 5 mo. you don't have to go out with a trainer. You will do orientation, get some hands on securement in their yard and then get your truck. I had minimal driving time, but made their cutoff so I didn't go out with a trainer. By yourself, the learning curve is pretty steep, but you will have a mentors phone #, can call safety anytime for assistance and they give you a securement manual that has lots of pics/examples that is pretty good. Most of it is common sense and following Melton's rules. Other Melton drivers are usually more than happy to assist you if you ask and are willing to learn. Those first 90 days are tough, but after that you pretty much have a handle on it. Then they give you some bizzare load to do.
T_TRUCKER⢠and TruckinDrummer Thank this. -
Do you guys stay running fairly good? I've been hearing about some drivers sitting waiting days on loads.
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Awesome blog Army. I'm thinking I'm going to go with Melton later once I get my CDL A. Was wondering, does your assigned truck come with a CB or do you have to pay for that yourself?
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I concur with Flatbdn. I rarely wait more than an hour. There have been exceptions based on location or time of the year,but those are not the norm and I have never sat for "days". Now, if you do something stupid/dangerous, get in a peeing contest with your DM or safety, I'm pretty certain you could have some difficulties. Follow Melton's rules, be courteous and work hard; you will have no problems.
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