Recent cdl grad looking at swift or stevens

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by GettingRolling, Sep 3, 2018.

  1. GettingRolling

    GettingRolling Light Load Member

    166
    140
    Aug 30, 2018
    0
    I know I will obviously be out my time and travel expenses but I don't see any other real way to get a taste of actually securing a load to the deck and tarping. Only question is will I get anything hands on before I commit to the job?
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    68,417
    143,467
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Flatbed securement & tarping is very intensive at Melton and Jones Bros. When they get through with you at orientation and time with a trainer, you'll be well prepared for flatbedding.
    System Transport also hires new cdl grads for flatbed.
    [​IMG]
    I know for sure Melton and Jones Bros. are true 48 state carriers.
    System Transport may be also, but they do have lots of regional dedicated routes also.
     
    GettingRolling Thanks this.
  4. GettingRolling

    GettingRolling Light Load Member

    166
    140
    Aug 30, 2018
    0

    I have no doubt their program is great, I'm just wondering if I will get to be hands on before committing I don't want to waste their time or mine if I'm still questioning if I could handle that lifestyle. I think I could do it but I kind of want to know if it's for me, know what I'm saying?
     
  5. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

    14,753
    31,571
    Dec 17, 2010
    Williesburg, Virignia
    0
    "will that be noted somewhere" Absolutely, in fact there is a great chance the carrier will report orientations to DAC. If you ever leave an orientation I highly recommend you list that as a part of your job history.

    "and count against me" It should not. However you might be asked about it. Just be honest and say I did not think skateboarding was my cup of tea.
     
    GettingRolling Thanks this.
  6. GettingRolling

    GettingRolling Light Load Member

    166
    140
    Aug 30, 2018
    0
    I'd have no issue telling someone I was testing the waters and it wasn't for me it's just due diligence. I just dot want to sign on then leave down the road. Ideally I want to go otr for a year or two then go local or regional and throw down some roots somewhere
     
  7. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

    14,753
    31,571
    Dec 17, 2010
    Williesburg, Virignia
    0
    I highly recommend you DO NOT express any comments like "testing the waters" to a company even past tense like that. Most carriers it don't really matter. However if that carrier is going to be out money with you they might want a better commitment and "testing the waters" does not instill confidence. Honestly no matter where you find yourself. If you don't like it just leave. Be like sgt Friday! Stick with the facts, just the facts!
     
    GettingRolling Thanks this.
  8. larryh31

    larryh31 Light Load Member

    131
    72
    Jul 24, 2006
    Washington, DC 20032
    0
    Have you checked out companies like Prime that have Flatbed, Tankers and Reefers or Maverick that has Flatbeds, reeders and glass, that way, if flatbedding doesn’t work for you, there is the option of changing what you’re hauling without changing employers?
     
    GettingRolling Thanks this.
  9. GettingRolling

    GettingRolling Light Load Member

    166
    140
    Aug 30, 2018
    0
    Up until a day ago I wasn't really considering flatbed much but I am going to expand my search a bit now from what I've heard so far it seems like a decent option for me
     
  10. IluvCATS

    IluvCATS Road Train Member

    4,091
    8,973
    Dec 1, 2014
    Seattle, WA
    0
    You can go to Melton’s orientation and do the 8 days and quit. You can also do the 3 week training with a trainer and quit. You absolutely have no obligations to them or anyone else after going to orientation. Bring your own cash to take greyhound home. No biggie.
     
    GettingRolling Thanks this.
  11. IluvCATS

    IluvCATS Road Train Member

    4,091
    8,973
    Dec 1, 2014
    Seattle, WA
    0
    I found melton to be a good company for me to learn. Learn everything. I also found them incredibly irritating at times. I often posted on here about stuff that was maddening. I stayed 2 years. I’m not disgruntled at them and feel my time was worth it. They also aren’t the only game in town.
     
    GettingRolling Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.