Cannot find anyone to hire me?

Why would one have to be smoking dope? All truck drivers don't want the same thing you know......

 

Ignore that comment man.... pick what you feel is best for you. Truckers are always going to have opinions about companies. The think everyone should work for Western Dairy, do LTL, haul fuel, drive for Walmart, or something local. I'm in the minority that actually prefers OTR over local, and vocalize it. Here's some advice....if you seek truckers' opinions too much, you'll end up job hopping or in this case here, delaying getting started. Create your own story, and do it with conviction. Be careful of who you talk to because drivers can sour one's view of the industry. If Swift or Melton is what you want, go for it. If it's Western Dairy, go for it, but do what's best for you, absent of others opinions. You can take it in to consideration, but if dry van is what you want, the. Swift makes sense. Either way, I am rooting for you to do well.

 

This is why I didn't recommend Melton to him.
Read all 57 of his posts.

 

Melton Truck Lines Tarp Lifting Test
Melton Truck Lines’ tarp lifting test is part of their pre-hire physical and agility evaluation to ensure drivers can safely handle the physical demands of flatbed work, especially lifting and securing tarps.

What the test involves

• Lifting tarps: You’ll be asked to lift tarps onto a trailer, simulating the weight of real cargo. Melton notes that this is similar to lifting 35, 50, and 80 pounds — weights common for tarps and other flatbed loads
  
  
• Balance test: Standing on one foot for 30 seconds to assess stability.
  
  
• Duck walk and squat: Demonstrating controlled, safe movement for load handling.
  
  
• Climbing on/off the trailer: Showing you can safely board and exit a flatbed without injury
  

Purpose
The goal is to confirm you can perform the repetitive lifting and maneuvering required in flatbed operations while maintaining proper form and safety. This is especially important because tarps are often heavy and must be handled carefully to avoid injury.

Preparation tips

• Practice lifting: Use household items (bags, boxes) to simulate lifting 35–80 lbs.
  
  
• Work on balance: Stand on one foot for 30 seconds without wobbling.
  
  
• Practice squat and duck walk: Ensure your movements are controlled and safe.
  
  
• Practice climbing: Get comfortable with climbing onto and off a trailer without strain.
  
  
• Focus on form: Keep your back straight, use your legs, and avoid jerking movements.
  

Context in hiring
This test is done before orientation and in addition to the physical at orientation. Melton emphasizes that you should be able to complete these movements successfully before starting your training

If you’re applying, aim to be physically fit, have good core strength, and be comfortable with repetitive lifting and balance work — these are key to passing the tarp lifting test and succeeding in flatbed trucking. Melton Truck Lines

 

Western Dairy is also ok, if he can keep the same truck. He wants to avoid paying rent by living in the truck.
Ask Western Dairy if you would have an assigned truck.

 

That's just one guys opinion. He might have had experience with one part of Swift that had a s h i tt y attitude. In general, I dealt with them as a contractor and it was good.
I was at a DC near I think it was Chicago. Had to disconnect the trailer when at the dock. I reconnected. Drove most of the way through the lot. The trailer dropped. Swift had the distribution there. They called the Swift mechanics to help. Would have been easy to take their forklift and lift the trailer so I could wind down the landing gear. Nope...these mechanics were complete s h i t mouths. No help. I had a couple experienced drivers offer to help. You can work that trailer back up and get it on the 5th wheel. You use the frame at the back where it drops down at an angle. I appreciated the help. ..... BTW: Especially with these large companies and cheapest trucks. Watch that 5th wheel. You connect. Get back there with a flashlight and make sure those jaws are closed all the way. Sometimes they won't. Always do an extra and hard back against the trailer once you think you're hooked up.
Melton is a division of Crete. I worked for Crete. Didn't see anything bad on Melton?
I don't know Western Dairy.
I like to take the humorous view of things. When I was in Crete Orientation in Lincoln. I and the other orienters were in the cafeteria. I told them; You see all the people in here who look like they're homeless? Those are the drivers.
EDIT: Those Swift mechanics. Said they weren't responsible. You know why? They weren't responsible people.
One thing that attracted me to Crete. Responsible Mechanics. I was at a DC in Chicago. It was 30 below zero. Trucks breaking down left and right. Crete had the distribution. So Crete mechanics. I watched a Crete mechanic bang on the brakes of a Prime truck to get them to release. Now that's a responsible mechanic.
Also beware if you drive a freightliner. During winter you can get the brakes freezing up overnight. You'll bang on the brakes. Free them. But the truck still don't wanna move. The disc brakes on the steers will be locked up.

 

Just saying……. I wonder if his BMI might have something to do with trying to get hired.

 

Not enough ballast for the cab?

 

Melton is a good outfit and I frequently recommend the company to new drivers.