Don't follow this thread

So, sitting here contemplating doing my orientation paperwork, reading Melton threads, I noticed that most are older threads. Or, at least, started years ago. So here is a new one from a driver getting ready to start with them tomorrow morning. I'll be honest though, I'm not good at keeping up on a daily basis. My other main thread that I have started is 59 pages long and has been being posted in since 2007 (last post is a week ago) and I rarely post in that anymore. I also haven't worked for that company in over a year LOL. Anyway, that being said, let's get on with it.

I came to Melton on a recommendation. I would much rather be working for a company that get's me home every weekend since I have a wife and kids at home. But, I'm always talking to a friend of mine that works for Melton (noggin on this site) and hearing all the long trips he's getting, never really sitting, and getting to the Seattle area quite often. I decided to give up the weekends, that was normally only a 34 hour reset because I'm the type that likes to get where I'm going and have a fresh 10 hour break after being unloaded on Monday mornings. That and a .04 cpm pay hike from my last job.

I figure, if the runs are as good as he gets and with the better pay per mile, it's worth it to me to spend more time on the road. My last company was good to me, but was sold out to another company that actually tried to break my bank, or so it seemed. So that finally pushed me the rest of the way to Melton. Not only in hopes of a better paycheck, but also to get back into flatbeds which I miss.

Being experienced with flatbed, I know what to expect although my last flatbed job dealt mostly with steel and never with home building supplies. So Melton can only add to my flatbed experience for later use.

I do have a couple of questions from you Melton drivers, others that drive the KW T660, and 53' trailers:

• What is the work week?
• Can you put your own CB antennas on their trucks?
• Can they be mounted on the mirrors?
• Do they allow mounted laptop stands (no drilling involved)?
• Where do you figure the center point is on the 53' trailer?
• Has anyone here paid the pet deposit and got it back?
• What is the coolest load you've gotten?
• Do they do much oversize?
• Is it worth it to me to take the time to get my hazmat with Melton?
• Do they pay layover in area's where there is a yard (Laredo, Tulsa, ETC.)?
• Do they pay layover if the truck is in the shop near the house (within 50-100 miles)?
• Do they look down on heavy set drivers? (I weigh 300 lbs, but I'm tall so it doesn't look like it)
• And finally, what are your thoughts on Melton and their equipment?

I realize I could just ask that friend of mine all this stuff, but I figure answers here will help others looking at Melton. So, that all being said and asked, I guess I should do this paperwork before bed. Have a good night and see ya's tomorrow.

 

Uhhh.....

Yup.

 

This doesn't really answer the question. I've seen other companies that will actually not hire you based on your weight. I guess I should have worded the question differently...

Will Melton NOT hire a driver because of his/her weight?

 

Good to know... I'm healthy enough to earn a 2 year medical card every time. Just a tubby ####'er... And on that note, HOLY #####, you're shorter than me too.... You must be HUGE!! LOL

 

Welp, the first day is behind me. Got my 2 year med card, passed the driving and backing with flying colors. The orientation guy I have is a great guy. Tall as hell and an ex-pumpkin driver, but I won't hold that against him.

My starting pay is 4cpm higher than my last job and if Melton matches the crap miles I got at my last job, I'd say I'm doing much better. But, talking to a few of the drivers that have been through there, I'm guessing the miles will be better. Even during the "getting to know you" stage I'll have with my fleet manager. Luckily, I'm the sort of guy that can get along with just about anyone and I also realize that it's better to figure out a way to work around issues that I find with a company rather than sit at the BS counter contemplating another job jump. As long as I can pay my bills at home and put a little extra in my pocket at the end of the week, I can deal with just about anything.

So, tomorrow is day 2. I'll try to get in here and talk about it. Or not. Who knows LOL. But I will be back soon.