My blog with Melton Truck Lines

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.

 

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.

 

My recruiter told me that since I have 5 months OTR exp I won't be going out with a trainer, is that true?

 

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.

 

Do you guys stay running fairly good? I've been hearing about some drivers sitting waiting days on loads.

 

I have definately not heard that.

 

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?

 

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.