Some questions on Flatbed vs Reefer

I'm not a fan of autos either but you're going to be severely limited if that becomes a pre-requisite. Autos make vast improvements just year over year, plus they can be updated via software to take care of many little issues. Once a company starts to transition to autos, don't expect them to revert back to manuals. You'll need to get on heavy haul or with a few smaller carriers if you're looking for stick in the short term.

Otherwise, it sounds like you have a better handle on these topics than most "well seasoned" drivers here do. Sounds like you know what you want, what your options are ... you just gotta make a decision that balances your wants, needs, and preferences as they exist today. But they will change over time.

 

At melton you just stay out until you put in home time request. They don’t ask or care if you never put it in. I like to stay out 6 weeks at a time. Currently I’m out for 8 weeks. Melton has an orientation for experienced drivers who are new to flatbed. It’s 4 days of paid securement and tarp training. Then you go out. If you need more training they have a longer one, paid too. I often go 1800 miles and more. And sometimes I go 400 miles. It’s a mixed bag.

 

I was just going to echo Iluvcats. Melton loves their drivers that stay gone. My shortest run with them was like 300some miles, my longest was 3200something....from just west of Seattle, WA all the way to just north of Trois-Rivieres, Quebec. Our average is between 500-1800. (I know, a pretty large average, I'm just saying not too many runs are shorter or longer). As far as running over the weekend, if you stay busy enough and manage your clock right, you'll burn most of your 70 during the week running your tail off, then you can get near your Monday morning receiver on Saturday, get your reset on Sunday and start all over again on Monday after you make your delivery. This whole summer I've managed to average over 3,000 miles every week.

 

If you want to avoid companies that use autos, then flatbed with a company that also hauls high, wide, and heavy. I don't know of any company that pulls heavy that uses autos. I certainly wouldn't want to risk blowing up a drive line pulling a steep dirt hill with over 130K gross weight.

Regarding getting long hauls, yes if you make it absolutely clear you want to "run and gun" I bet flatbed dispatchers are going to love you. With my gig I fairly frequently need to find my own backhauls off load boards. There's always long hauls available. Not all flatbedders want them. But if you score a nice 1000-2000 mile run on Friday it's nothing but driving (AND stopping to check your securement along the way).

Regarding OSOW, you might just learn to love it. The added responsibility of knowing your routing on your permits and provisions, especially curfews, can be a fair amount of fun. Besides, it gets might just turn you into a solar powered daytime driver. Having a printer in the truck is a necessity.

 

Yea man, it kinda looks that way. I'm not totally against autos, it's just something I'm going to be aware of when choosing a company. I've talked to a few small flatbed companies but a lot of them don't want to train me on flatbed, and then to top it off the smaller ones around me only run regional and I'd prefer to run more wide open.

Thanks for the tips man!

 

What i find with this is your just looking for a reassurance to do what you've already decided cause ultimately its your choice. In the end its what your going to be happy with. I hauled reefers all the time have done a little flat bed i think the negatives with reefer are the noise factor, and having to wait in que's (am : lines) however if your wanting more miles and to be out on the road more often then reefer would be the way to go. in the end its all about being satisfied with what your doing and above all earning a proper wage to pay for all your bills and costs of living.

 

Hey CATS I'm looking at Melton as my best option to drive flatbed out of central Florida so I'm looking for the truth in some areas. I get the safety bonus, tarping and detention pay-that's all good. How many miles can I expect to get (if I'm always on time and don't screw up) as a newly minted rookie? I am not overly excited about being out 3 weeks and in only 3 days but I can suck it up if the miles are decent and reasonably steady if I keep up my end of the bargain. I heard even newbies get 2015 or 16's and those KW's look nice-is yours an auto?

I have completed the whole app with references and employment and I was invited to the casting call/bull ride/orientation in late January by Janice my recruiter, so I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger. Appreciate any info you can offer.

 

I’ve had a few weeks where I got a bunch of 400 mile runs that only added up to around 1600 miles. Other weeks can be 3000. I’m not sure what 2018 will offer but the economy is getting better. That means we will be busy.

Melton doesn’t lie about pay or home time. You will get home when you request it. This is for sure. But because they have to route you to your home even if inconvenient, this can negatively affect your miles. They end up routing you only near your home as the date gets closer. I now stay out 6 weeks at a time but it’s my choice.

I originally went with Melton just to get 6 months experience and then I was going to go with a better carrier. That was in 2016. 18 months later I still like it there. I have received every raise, bonus, and school reimbursement that they promised. I never left.

Melton’s training for new CDL graduates is excellent. It’s pretty intense and 2/3 of the people from day 1 don’t pass. Some just quit. But you will learn how to secure loads correctly and legally. Just don’t act like a big shot, don’t act loud, and most of all don’t lie about your past drug use or your criminal record. Remember exactly everything you said to the recruiter and regurgitate it to the orientation interviewer. They want to see if you lie. Nothing wrong about once using drugs years ago and now you don’t. I did. I have a criminal record too but I was younger then, and very stupid. I’m an adult now. That’s how I laid it out to Melton and they accepted it. They still hired me.

Everyone has an issue with their company. I have had several. Mostly communication issues with my DM. That all ironed itself out with time. So I absolutely do recommend melton. And I am not a recruiter. I do not want a referral bonus from you. I’m just being honest. Good luck!

Oh ya. You will get a newer truck. Most likely it will be automatic. You can request a manual. You will still need to pass a short road test in a manual. It was easy. Melton’s trucks are nice and usually brand new.

 

Trip six would you recommend Maverick at all for getting otr experience? I have local flatbed experience but I'm fixing to go otr and the options so far are Maverick, Prime and Schneider as I do not have otr experience. Any otr flatbed company's that pay percentage, I live in Oklahoma.