Future Melton driver

I have no idea what Melton has in their store but the winder below is by far the best I've ever used. I've tried all sorts of options over the years but this one works and works fast no matter the environment. I highly recommend it...

Kinedyne Premium Strap Winder

 

You shouldn't need to spend a bunch of money on tools. I went out like ten years ago and bought a cheap knock off set of hand tools for less than a hundred bucks and still have the same tool set today. Nothing fancy but it has saved my butt a bunch of times. No need to go crazy, all you need is your basic wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, tape measure, zip ties, duct tape, vice grips, etc. I also carry a leatherman multitool and a small flashlight on my belt that I use all the time. As a company driver it's not like you'll be rebuilding an engine on the side of the road or anything. But often there will be small things you can knock out yourself to save time.

As for pocket winches, everyone either loves them or hates them. Personally I hate them. If I ever need an extra strap here or there and I don't have any more winches, I will just use a ratchet strap. I'm sure the company will give you few of those, but you can never have too many of them, so try to get a few extra.

You will find once you are in a truck that you will have very limited space to store stuff and it fills up fast.

Good luck!

 

Before spending your own money on things, find out what the company provides and what you need to provide yourself. Things like strap winder, winch bar, pry bar, etc., companies usually provide at least some of that stuff.

Also, make sure you read and understand their policy on drivers "working on" their own equipment. This may sound silly but some companies are very strict on this and some of them will even fire you for attempting to do your own repairs.

 

It will boiling hot while you're there. The heat is no joke when you do orientation outside in Tulsa. I suggest you figure out what PPE gear will help you survive heat. I suggest the Walmart dickies package hi-viz shirts in long sleeve they are thin and block the sun. For foot wear get summer breathable safety shoes and thin socks. Hard hat should be white. That's just my opinion of course, but I started my career at Melton 9 years ago and I also started in summer in their training program. It was brutal. Melton teaches you good fundamentals and I don't regret going there.

 

The non-laminated atlas is better, especially when you operate where the pages meet in the middle (no-gap vs big gap), non-laminated is easier to store, it's cheaper $30 vs $70. You do need to replace it every few years. Plus pages rip out of the laminated if you try to use it one-handed while driving.