Heading to Tulsa--few questions for current drivers

Discussion in 'Melton' started by alexan33, Oct 17, 2014.

  1. alexan33

    alexan33 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 15, 2014
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    Hey guys,
    Love all the info given around these forums. I'm a 11 yr military vet, now 10 yr laid off firefighter who is trying to find a new deal in a working career--chose flatbed because I like to work. Graduate CDL this coming week, researched and applied to most of the flatbedders out there. Went with Melton after getting the breakdown of all of the info for dentention, tarp, etc, etc. The recruiters have been great to answer my questions, but of course want to talk to the guys who do the actual job.

    I'll be based out of reno, nv area, all live loads--no drop for the bed. Anyone out here on the west?--How are your runs, all over the 48 and Canada, or more in a certain "region", I know its otr, but just wondering.
    How are the fleet managers to work for? How attainable is it to actually get home when you ask 2 weeks ahead?
    Are the rand macneilly miles (the way they pay), semi comparable to the practical like some other companies pay by.
    Is the fuel economy bonus attainable?
    For my "hometime", yes I realize it will be minimal, but I'm fine with that. Can I ask for my hometime to be somewhere other than my home(reno)--as in see if he/she can find me a run to end up in blah blah to spend my 3-4 off?

    The biggest concern to me is the layover/breakdown pay policy. For you current drivers out there, how often do you get layovers. Melton paying 0 for the 1st 48 hours, 25 for the 3rd day, and 50 thereafter is sort of nuts. Other companies I've looked at start pay after 24 hrs usually at a rate of 60ish. I do understand it happens, but how often is huge when it comes to paycheck. If youre not moving with this company, you definitely aren't making.

    I like the way melton looks, seems like I might have found the right one to go with. Just wanted to say hi and get some info from the guys and gals that are on the ground doing it.
    thanks
     
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  3. jsprocket

    jsprocket Heavy Load Member

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    Nov 4, 2013
    Columbus, GA
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    Bunch from out west there, you are hardly sitting and they'll do best to keep you moving. Home time at home you give them. Get the right dm and you'll be fine. I've never had to have lay over pay as I've only sat to do a reset. I've been home on time, only time I was late was out of their control, long story. Great equipment they will repair problem fast. Like today I drove 650 miles and I was only loaded for 320 of those miles, they will send you to get u a weekend load.
     
  4. jsprocket

    jsprocket Heavy Load Member

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    Nov 4, 2013
    Columbus, GA
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    You get paid empty miles as well.
     
  5. bnrobot

    bnrobot Light Load Member

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    Jan 17, 2014
    So. CA
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    ive had layover/breakdown pay twice. once was for an actual breakdown (starter went out) and kenworth that i was at was backed up with a bunch (70+) trucks to work on, finally got out of there after 4 days. the other time i didnt break down, just load was pushed from a thursday delivery to a monday delivery, i also got an extra 75$ added to it from my dm for that. you shouldnt have much layover/breakdown though.

    as far as west coast im from southern cali and i get home usually a day before the date i ask to be home. i guess it really depends on your dm but ive been home every time ive asked. as far as taking hometime somewhere else i think they want you to take hometime at home, but its not 100 certain on that, ask the recruiter. as far as loads, i go everywhere but they usually keep me east and they tend to do that for most west drivers, however i have been sent west a few times. i dont have my passport so i cant answer about canada.

    mileage is sometimes off by 10 miles, sometimes its off by 60 miles, just depends really. for the most part mine seem to off 10-40 eachload. i love my dm she takes care of me and doesnt mind talkin if she has the time. she seems nice.

    fuel bonus is attainable with these trucks. ive met quite a few that have gotten it. i havent yet, i seem to get close then my apu has a problem and i have to idle and it kills it for me hah. otherwise i would have gotten it already.

    thats pretty much it. our week pay ends on mondays, so whatever loads you deliver by monday youll get paid friday for. whenever i plan for hometime i try to get home wed/thursday so i have a load or two while im off for pay. just expect those weeks to be a lot lower.
    for the most part though i am happy with them. hometime is my only complaint since i have a 3 yr old daughter. other than that the pay, atmosphere and everything else is great
     
    Loginfailed Thanks this.
  6. alexan33

    alexan33 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 15, 2014
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    thanks guys, sounds like a good deal to me. hope to see ya out there. yea I've got 3 kids, but divorced and they live with mom, sucks but all good.
    thanks
     
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