2 weeks or nah?

Your schedule is about like mine, if I have nothing to do but drive. I go light on fluids, but eat bananas, apples, and oranges during my shift. In a 62 mph truck with Swift I could run 620-660, traffic depending. Now in an ungoverned truck I'm disappointed to run less than 740.

From your earlier post, I've talked to a few drivers from Melton and they all seemed pretty happy with the gig. Since you aren't shy about working hard and you have a keen interest in making money, I would recommend flatbed or tanker. Flatbed gives you the option of moving up to HWH (High Wide and Heavy). Melton seems to be a decent outfit for getting your feet wet in flat decking.

Regarding your aspirations to get your own truck, you are correct to give it some more time learning the ropes, especially if you transition to flatbed or tanker. Read some of the threads in the Owner Operator subforum, especially Doubleyellow's and Blairandgretchen's threads. LOT'S of information there, one going dry van with his own authority and one going cold turkey into flatbed with Landstar. Know your costs and break even, and "Just Say NO to Cheap Freight".

 

Since you'll be OTR, look for companies with diesel apu's so you can be comfortable when you're shut down for breaks, etc.
Holland Enterprises Inc. trucks are set up right for the driver; apu, refrigerator, satellite tv hookups, xm radio.
cpm isn't as high as some companies but the accessorial pays make up for that.

• 100% Lumper Reimbursement
• Extra Stop Pay up to $25 per stop
• Paid Layovers
• Paid Detention
• Paid Vacations

You're in an excellent position now; so many good outfits to choose from.

 

Abilene Motor Express drivers stay busy.
@JohnBoy can explain that.

 

You're adventurous enough to jump with CRST and that worked out just fine, so jump again.

 

you said in a previous posting that you do not want to buy a truck yet. that is good, get more experience first, and learn more things about trucking.

further, if and when the time comes and you do buy your own truck?

make sure your bro is in no way a part of your operation.

seriously.

let him go on his own, if he can even handle it. i actually see him quitting when you leave soon. i think he needs a babysitter, of which, you have no time for that crap. and he will surely bring down your profits (which are slim), to begin with, for a future o/o.

 

http://m.wikihow.com/Cut-the-Umbilical-Cord-of-a-Baby