Newbie Looking For First Job

No worries. You will make 100k your 2nd year.

 

I work for Melton and can tell you that you're in a great location for them. I delivered Friday in Hiddenite and took my reset in Mocksville. I'm not saying you'll see home in between home times but you'll have no problem getting home. Any other questions please ask or check out the Melton threads.

 

When my husband worked for Melton, we were up and down and all around I-95. Run smart and you can make some money.

The only company I can think of...off the top of my head that would hire without actual tanker experience is Indian River, I'm not saying I recommend them. I've heard good and bad about them, but that's most companies, no one I know well has actually worked for them though.

Look up some of the food grade hauling companies, might have a better chance with them than fuel. With no tanker experience.

 

Avg. length of haul, Avg. miles per week, APUs in the truck, if they are on E-Logs or on paper, how old their equipment is (can make a big difference in how much money a guy can make a week if their equipment is broke down on the side of the road all the time), where are there main running lanes-if you have would like to stay outta the NE that's a real helpful one for finding the right company. And the last one that I would have to say is their fleet size, you may not have very many options as a new guy but, generally the medium trucking companies(150-350 trucks) treat you better.

 

Ummm.... there's the things they will say... then there's the reality of it.

You seem to have a pretty decent assortment of companies picked out. I know you'll probably tell me, "no, no... read too many horror stories", but Swift also does a lot of flatbedding out of Greer, SC (they used to have a small yard in Eden, NC, but that's been shut down for some time now). Lots of stepdeck loads, especially out of Freightliner Custom Chassis in Gaffney, SC. Wasn't a perfect experience for me, by any means, but I don't regret it.

 

what toll's do they have passes for, which ones would you get reimbursed for and which ones to avoid.
detention pay.
Fueling: specific T/S's for each load, your choice of a list or "XXXXX" fueling places take your pick.
Inverter, it matters so you know what you can run in your truck
For flatbedding, I'd ask what kind of equipment is assigned to the truck when you get it. What you might be expected to buy and what you can get re-imbursed for.

Training...how much training they provide. Very important IMO.
How long do I have to stay "in training" with another driver/can I switch trainers if we don't get along. ( may not have to train with someone)


I hate to sound like a "fan boy" but for a rookie, Melton, I think has the best training ( some would even say over kill). They give you a book as a reference point, but also you would have the phone number of a "mentor" that you can call after you get out of "school" ( orientation/ securment training, paid BTW). Who will help you with any securment or tarping questions or really any question in general.You get everything you would need for most load's and IF you need anything you can buy it, keep the reciept and get your money back. Good yard's, good equipment. We never had a problem getting home to Florida and that isn't always the easiest thing to do.

I could go on and on...