My 1st week at Melton!!!!

My first week on the road is about over at Melton and its been an adventure so far. 1st though I would like to start out by talking a little bit about their orientation. I went to orientation in Tulsa where they put us up in the Park Inn. The Park Inn was pretty nice but there was nothing within walking distance to eat, which was ok because they provided a shuttle to get you where you needed to go. The staff at the hotel was pretty cool as were the shuttle drivers. Although one shuttle driver and us students didnt really get along, but it was just a misunderstanding really.

Anyway, orientation was pretty nice. We started each day around 7am and did the usual during orientation, movies, paperwork, cut up in class, etc. Our class was pretty full with I think 18 to begin with. After a few days though we ended up losing five guys I think. One couldnt pass his physical, I wish he had though, he was my roomy and a good guy. We had three quit....one didnt know it was a flat bed company and ended up leaving, one had a family emergency,and the other decided to take another opportunity. The last guy got kicked out due to being stupid and getting into trouble. He wasnt Melton material and wasnt that great a guy either. So we ended up with 13 of us that passed and all got our trucks, except for the ones that had to go out with trainers. Yes you heard right, Melton is now training. But, its only until they feel you are safe enough to drive and secure properly. In reality though, the ones that go out with trainers are at a advantage I believe. They get to get 1st hand knowledge of securing and tarping. The rest of us they just throw into the fire for a learn as you go crash course. I kinda wish the securement class was a little bit better. Its not to in depth but I guess its sufficient to say the least. Melton has a pretty decent safety score so they must be doing something right. The training staff were all great guys and I really enjoyed what they had to say and teach. Everyone I met seemed to be pretty good people and so far I am happy, but its only been a week so we will see.

Anyway my 1st load was a lumber load out of Mansfield Arkansas at a mill I assume it was. I saw trees being hauled in and boards coming out, so I guess it was what it was. Anyway, my appt was for 1200 sat, I arrived at 1145 only to be told that the loaders had went home around 11, and that Melton knows this. I showed the guy my qualcomm so he seen what I seen. Well I had to wait till monday to get the load which sucked cause I wanted to run that weekend. So monday rolls around and I get loaded, strap her down, which I was having issues with until this nice trucker came up and showed me a simple way on how to fold the straps and secure them correctly. He also helped me with tarping and gave me some pointers. Without him I wouldnt of made it and I say thanks for your help if you happen to read this. Anyway, it took me about 4 hours to get her strapped, tarped, and bungeed, but I had a couple breaks in there as well...lol. After I got her all ready to go I did a thorough inspection and off I went, stopping every 150 miles to do a LCTC. Well today I arrived at that big Menards place in Ohio and got unloaded. Took me about 1.5 hours to untarp, unstrap, and unbungee and roll my tarps. Im going to need more practice with rolling them up. I could only fit one in the side box, the other I strapped to the trailer in front of the bulk head. It was fun, tiring work, and I cant wait to get another load so I can do it all again and get more practice.

So far I love flat bedding and Melton. Hopefully things continue to go the way they are and I cant wait to learn more out here. Right now I sit at a Pilot off I-69 exit 157 in Indiana...if anyone is around that reads this come give me a holla. Thanks guys reading this...ttyl