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Melton or System Transport for a rookie?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Feanor, May 27, 2017.

Page 1 of 5
  1. May 27, 2017 #1
    Feanor

    Feanor Bobtail Member

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    Hi, I am a newbie working on my CDL right now. For some reference, I am single and hometime is not an issue. I live in North Idaho, right next to Spokane, WA.

    So I have been doing a ton of research and narrowed down my choices to a couple companies I hope to work for: System Transport based out of Spokane, WA, or Melton Truck Lines, out of Tulsa, OK.

    Melton pays significantly better after 1yr experience, but System is right next door to me, and also pays pretty well, especially in the first year. So here are some questions I had for drivers who work/have worked for these companies.

    What are your average miles as an OTR Flatbedder? What about Regional? Does Melton have Regional options (I know System does)? Do you have to deliver to NYC/Northeast alot with Melton? The more details the better, I would really like to know how much I could expect, realistically, to make as a young single male who doesn't mind running hard and has no hometime issues. Both as a rookie and going forward.

    Also very important is, what pay method do these companies use? Hub, practical, or HHG? I am having trouble finding any info on that for either of them.

    Any input would be much appreciated, tia!
     
    Feanor, May 27, 2017
    Feanor, May 27, 2017
    #1
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  3. May 27, 2017 #2
    Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    This is what I know about those two companies. Melton runs east of I-35. System runs the west coast.
     
    Dave_in_AZ, May 27, 2017
    Dave_in_AZ, May 27, 2017
    #2
  4. May 27, 2017 #3
    Roberts450

    Roberts450 Road Train Member

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    They both run blue t660's too.
     
    Roberts450, May 27, 2017
    Roberts450, May 27, 2017
    #3
  5. May 27, 2017 #4
    TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Melton is a stick and brick hauler. Systems has more options for today and tomorrow. Systems for the win.
     
    TripleSix, May 27, 2017
    TripleSix, May 27, 2017
    #4
    TheDudeAbides Thanks this.
  7. May 27, 2017 #5
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Did you also look at Leavitt's Freight Service and Jones Bros. Trucking in Missoula,Montana?
    They both hire in your area. Most new grads haven't heard of either of these.
     
    Chinatown, May 27, 2017
    Chinatown, May 27, 2017
    #5
    Bluedew, fargonaz and Feanor Thank this.
  8. May 28, 2017 #6
    nate980

    nate980 Road Train Member

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    Well I'm stuck in post falls for the long weekend and I have seen more system trucks than melton so I would say system.
     
    nate980, May 28, 2017
    nate980, May 28, 2017
    #6
    passingthru69 and johndeere4020 Thank this.
  9. May 28, 2017 #7
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    High cpm is a red flag to me. Why do some companies have to pay an above average cpm to attract drivers and still have a high turnover rate in drivers? Some drivers only make in the low 30 cpm's but still make a thousand or better a week.
    Don't pay much attention to the cpm. Look at the length of hauls and freight lanes, etc. to get a better idea if you'll enjoy the job and still make a decent living.
    Experienced drivers will tell you; don't pay attention to high cpm or sign-on bonus, because that's usually just a cover for something going on that's making drivers quit after a short period of time. Those sign-on bonus are stretched out in monthly installments over 12 - 18 months hoping the driver will stick around long enough to collect all of it.
     
    Last edited: May 28, 2017
    Chinatown, May 28, 2017
    Chinatown, May 28, 2017
    #7
    Rollr4872, Airborne and TripleSix Thank this.
  10. May 28, 2017 #8
    TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    I agree with you. I'm not interested in any BONUS. No sign on bonus, no fuel bonus, nada.
     
    TripleSix, May 28, 2017
    TripleSix, May 28, 2017
    #8
    cnsper, LoudOne, johndeere4020 and 1 other person Thank this.
  11. May 28, 2017 #9
    Jumbo

    Jumbo Road Train Member

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    But if you were in Tulsa it would be the othere way around....
     
    Jumbo, May 28, 2017
    Jumbo, May 28, 2017
    #9
    fargonaz, Orangees, johndeere4020 and 3 others Thank this.
  12. May 28, 2017 #10
    passingthru69

    passingthru69 Road Train Member

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    Yea, they use the Flying hook for the backing portion of their road test. Saw that one day sitting there. Same truck 5 different times. Back into a spot. Set brakes, get out walk around and then leave. 20 minutes later. Same truck, different driver
     
    passingthru69, May 28, 2017
    passingthru69, May 28, 2017
    #10
    DDlighttruck, Razororange and johndeere4020 Thank this.
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