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Day 2 is done... More classroom stuff and going over the different types of loads on practice trailers. Tomorrow will be the securement test. Not too worried about it, I've done flatbed before and it wasn't so long ago that I don't remember. I'm more worried about old habits getting in the way of the Melton way.

I'll let ya's know.

 

Sorry I haven't been here lately. Got out of orientation, drove a retired truck pulling two retired trailers to Tulsa, OK terminal then picked up a new KW. Then sat..... From Friday to Monday morning. But, everyone either sat or dead headed to somewhere else.....to sit. But, as an experienced flatbed driver, I know the weekends are never good for us.

So anyway, I was issued a 2013 KW T660. Nice truck. Comfy. Stocked with all brand new equipment other than the tarps. I'm not complaining. My last company, PGT, gave me all used crap that I was supposed to make due with. At least here I have dependable equipment. But, sitting at a Pilot now waiting to deliver my first load. Consignee is taking me 12 hours early, so I'll be good and ready for my next load tomorrow.

 

Yup.

No, been going for 3 weeks now. I could complain, but that would senseless. Not doing too bad so far. Been to the house once to get some crap and now running the country. It does suck, after a year of being home most weekends having to stay out, but I'll survive. For now

Anyway, sitting in Ontario, CA (not Canada) waiting on my next load. Guess I should turn my paperwork while I wait.

 

Welp, 3 full weeks completed. Happy to be back in with a flatbed company. I'm a big boy and the van life only makes me bigger LOL... I'm liking it here more than the last flatbed job I had simply because Melton hauls more than just steel products. I like the challenge of securing odd loads properly and trying make the tarps look as good as possible.

I'm liking Melton policies. I like that I can have a pet with me to keep me company on the long hauls. I like that going from Texas to Pennsylvania, that my DM said it was ok to add 75 miles to my trip, change my fuel stops, and completely change my route so I can swing by the house for a day without effecting my home time And when I say he said it was ok, it was more like "hell yes you can go home, enjoy. Just don't be late". I like that I was provided with a very nice truck with plenty of securement equipment to make sure my job is done right (all but the tarps were new). I like when I call about getting something fixed on a trailer, that there was NO hesitation. I like that they provide a way for me to stay comfortable in the truck while at the same time saving fuel to earn my fuel bonus by not idling (my idle percentage is at 1.3%).

I'm sure that there will be things I won't like, but so far I'm thinking the PRO's will outweigh the CON's...