McElroy Truck Lines, Inc. - Cuba, Al.?

Seeing as how you are waiting to make the move, consider the best time to get into flatbedding is early spring, reason being (for me anyways) the weather is more co-operative and condusive to tarping, and the freight volume is on the rise from the winter slowdown. Also, learn the Eaton 10 speed, theres no autos in the McE fleet. Basically, the pattern is your standard 5-speed with hi-lo range split. Shifts on the low end come fast, but once you get into the high range the shifts spread a bit, abt every 7-10 mph increase gets you a higher gear.

 

What is the orientation process like/what does it consist of with Mcelroy?

Also; their web-site states, 1 week orientation, week of yard training/6 weeks training; is the training 6 weeks total or 7 weeks (1 of yard/6 driving).

Is it possible to finish driving training sooner than the 6 weeks if skills prove one is able to do so?

During training; is any part of it run as team driving?

Does Mcelroy expect you to run within the HOS rules "I hope so" and give you runs that can be done within the HOS rules?

Thanks and God bless.

 

The 1st week is paperwork, drug test, D.O.T. physical, strength and flexibility test, and safety videos with tests after each video. Pay attention to vids, no problem there. Also a primary driving test on road, just to see if you can shift and turn and such. 2nd week is spent mostly in the old Macks with an empty old 45' trailer in the "skills" yard, backing n2 various situational "loading docks". After week 2, they find you a compatable trainer, then 4 weeks (always 4 wks) with him. Out Sun night/Mon morn, back Fri night/Sat morn. Always weekends off. Hopefully they have a trainer near you. Final week is back on Cuba yard,more videos/tests/ and more Mack truck backing. Then final road test, you will go thru York, Al, 2 tight turns, don't hit curbs nor cars. As far as logging legal, most loads run 200-500 miles a day, I try to be at consignee 1st thing in morning, then deadhead to nxt shipper, then on to next consignee for morning drop. Easy to stay legal.

 

Once again, thanks DMan; few more questions "hope you dont mind; as I may may be making this move as early as July, and hopefully it being with Mcelroy/make it through orientation/training".

After training; during the last week of training; videos/tests/final road test, etc...are these tests a daunting task or just a matter of employing and putting into play the things you have learned; anything one could do to prior prep for such?

What kind of attire is acceptable during orientation and are steel toe boots required?

What kind of miles could one expaect after training? what kind of bring home pay could be expected "not yours in particular" just in general?

Any other advice or helpfull information you could provide "or anyone else that is currently driving for Mcelroy" would be very much apprciated.

Thanks and God Bless.

 

Any new guys out there with McElroy right now? Just curious as to how many miles you are averaging per week....especially with the home every weekend thing. I live in Northeast Ga....just wondering what kinda miles you guys are getting right now? Stay safe everybody.

 

Hey Timeweasel how much driving exp do you have? If you have two years I have a company you should look at!

 

The tests are just something that goes in your file, more for insurance purposes showing that you were properly instructed. Not much that you could plan ahead for, it's all industry related videos the general public has no access to. EZ stuff tho.

Attire, they want polo-style shirts, pants (jeans are good), and work boots, steel toes not required. Above collar hair (had to cut mine this go-around, was too long for flatbed work anyways), and presentable facial hair. No earrings, peircings, or things of the sort, also if any arm tattoos bring long sleeves. Keep in mind once you are on your own, you can wear whatever style shirt you want, just keep a polo or 2 in truck for appearances at a terminal.

Look for abt 2000 miles/week average, some weeks more, some less. Have talked to drivers with high/low miles, a lot depends on how you work, and work your logbook. As I stated before, it's easy to run legal with McE, just keep in mind that the better you manage your time the more time you have available to drive.

Any other advice would be that flatbedding is NOT FOR EVERYONE. It's a physically demanding sector of the trucking industry. If a person is not up to the task of tarping/untarping in the elements, then dry box (van) is the way to go. Some loads take less than 1/2 hour to strap/tarp, some can take up to 1.5/2 hrs. You are gonna sweat, you are gonna bleed, as I did this last Thursday. A bungee snapped back, caught my forearm, ripped a 2-3" gash. It happens. I'll live. It'll happen again.

 

Thanks d-man. I graduate friday and am gonna call tommorrow to confirm goin on may 3rd. How are the trainers? What area do you run. Last sunday I passed about 6 McE trucks headed north on i95 in northern VA. DC traffic was rough! Thanks for the info and hope to see yall out there soon!

 

D-Man; true thanks to you for taking the time to respond 2 ?s; "Lords Will" school July, Mcelroy/orientation June > training/etc. if get through it all cup of coffe on me.

May have a few ?s to come; any other advice or update always great; thanks again brother and God Bless.

Camofrawg; God speed and good luck; post as you can during orientaion/training etc.

Thanks 2 all & God Bless.

 

The trucks you seen run out of the NC terminal. I run out of the Cuba,AL home terminal, although I live closer to the S.Pittsburg,TN terminal. I-10 through I-40, I-49 through I-85, MOSTLY. Occassionaly a strange run to middle of no-where, but mostly what I stated. As far as trainers, some you get along with, some you won't. I got along fine with mine, but have heard stories from other drivers about theirs. Just like life, you either get along or you don't, for whatever reason. Keep in mind, however, if you can bite your tongue for 4 weeks, you will get through it.