Starting with Melton

What are you nervous about?


I will say this pulling a flat isn't for everyone.

 

I'll just say I wish you luck

 

I think you will find that fellow flatbedders are very helpful. If you have questions about how to secure a load when you are solo ask someone. Often the forklift driver can tell you how others do it.

Read through the entire load securement thread on the flatbed forum. Purchase a copy of the load securement handbook.

You'll find that shippers and receivers are happy to see you, unlike the world of dock banging.

 

You be fine. Ask lot of question on securement. That is one of most important thing in flatbed. I used to
work for them yrs back. My DM was very nice. I quite, because back then freight was slow, maybe due
to recession. If you enjoy physical work, this maybe for you. I find out that most of flatbed driver out there
are very nice. when I was at shipper or receiver. If I don't think I don't think I do it correctly. I usually ask
flatbed driver next to me and they usually be glad to help you out. I think the first they do is have you take road test. Flatbed back up is a little different because of rear tandom. Then they would have you take physical test,
of which you have to lift 90 lbs tarp. Other then that., just try to enjoy your orientation and put on the learn hat.
If you enjoying it, you learn a lot more than if you were to be nervous. Good luck on your venture.

 

I work for Melton, and if you are not afraid of working you'll be fine. You don't need to be nervous at all, you already know how to drive, so you are ahead of most of the guys in the orientation.
In Dallas they will teach you the basics and as you get out there you'll learn the rest.
Securement shouldn't be a problem if you are not sure and there is no other driver around to ask, then there is a manual that Melton gives you, if that still doesn't help, you can call safety and they will help you. Tarping this time of the year it's going to take longer with the cold the tarps will be frozen and the bunjee's will loose some of their elasticity.
So welcome to Melton and trust me you'll be fine, if you ever need any help out there just PM me and i'll give you my phone #.

 

Have warm clothes

-melton guy in the snow

 

The green book will be your friend