Melton Truck Lines or Maverick?

Hey all!

I’d like to make the transition from dry van to flatbed. I’ve researched some companies and I’ve narrowed my search to Maverick or Melton. I understand

Melton does mainly OTR, which is fine if the miles and money is there. I’m talking 2000-2500 or even 3000 miles a week. Their orientation is more beginner-friendly for flatbedder and they’re not looking to just send you home for any reason, like what I’ve heard from Maverick and their orientation process, especially agility test.

Maverick has a regional position in my area, the Regional Atlantic Coast account (eastern side of the US), I know this has more home time, but I’m concerned the miles wouldn’t be there because they’re trying to keep me to where I’m home by Friday night. I understand they’re more regimented with their orientation and it’s more like a long evaluation rather than an orientation.

I’m extremely torn between the two because nowhere really says “yeah on the Regional Atlantic Coast account I got 2500 miles on average a week and was still home every weekend. Pay was really good for a new flatbedder” but a lot of people are open about the OTR home time and pay with Melton.

Anyone have any advice?

 

I’ve heard some say there is a minimum guarantee and that it’s $1,100. My current company has one and it’s a nice safety net. I asked the recruiter about it yesterday via email, but I won’t hear back until tomorrow about it. If there is one I will probably go for it.

 

I think I’d prefer OTR because I can get out of the east coast, plus I’d be almost guaranteed to make $1200-$1500 a week because of being coast to coast.

I want to just get experience then find something more local that’s still flatbed because my fiancé wants a little one soon. But, I’m trying to save money for a home and OTR would be the best way to make home ownership a possibility with these home prices nowadays.