Work in southern Florida

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by sprayed150, Jun 11, 2015.

  1. sprayed150

    sprayed150 Light Load Member

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    Jun 1, 2015
    Fort Lauderdale Fl
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    I will be starting my CDL course at Sheridan tech in 2 weeks, course takes about 3 months since it is a night school. I want to get a head start with looking for what is available in southern Florida as a starting driver now, so i can send out applications while I am completing the course. I am, 28, Have a good work history, clean MVR and obviously not concerned if its OTR, because i know it will be.

    My current plan is to put in time for the next year based out of southern florida, as me and my gf are planning on moving out to austin Tx when our lease ends here, At that time I would see what is available out there.

    From digging around on here I would like to get into flat bedding eventually, I am no stranger to hard work or sweating/freezing my ### off so im not worried about the work involved, the pay seems to be better and the loads more interesting.


    So who is good and bad down here for a new driver that likes to work hard?
     
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  3. stevez57305

    stevez57305 Medium Load Member

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    Jan 8, 2015
    Florida
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    Well if you have that attitude you should be able to find a gig pretty easy. Im also a soflo boy. Good luck on getting your L's. There are alot of companies to pick from. First you need to kinda have a idea on what you want i.e. solo vs. Team home time. Rider program. Pay of coarse. Talk with different companies and when you can drivers also. Just to give you heads up look at being out at least 3 weeks starting out down there. You can find some 2 weeks but do your research. Florida is a big consumer state. Without much being produced. So alot of companies lose a little getting us home and back out. I am currently with SNI. They are alright so far. Been here about a month and a half. Been driving 9 yrs. Ifnyou are planning to move to austin. You will find alot more opportunities. Good luck driver.
     
    Dan-FL Thanks this.
  4. sprayed150

    sprayed150 Light Load Member

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    Jun 1, 2015
    Fort Lauderdale Fl
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    SnI has some team slots open down here according to their website, are they a good choice for a starter? What has your overall experience been, ups and downs?
     
  5. stevez57305

    stevez57305 Medium Load Member

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    Jan 8, 2015
    Florida
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    Havent been here long enough to give good critique on Sni. But alot of guys i have met 15 20 30 yrs in. They are a good starter company with plenty of options. Otr regional local. Im planning on sticking with them a while. Seems so far so good
     
  6. hunted

    hunted Medium Load Member

    I think South Eastern Motor Freight is hiring trainee drivers now. They Florida and Texas they have a lot of options too
     
  7. sprayed150

    sprayed150 Light Load Member

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    Jun 1, 2015
    Fort Lauderdale Fl
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    I sent an app to sni and they called me to let me know a recruiter would be contacting me when I start school next week.

    I sent a few others out but haven't gotten anything back yet on them
     
  8. sprayed150

    sprayed150 Light Load Member

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    Jun 1, 2015
    Fort Lauderdale Fl
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    Just had Melton call me, claim they could start me the monday after I graduate. 3-4 weeks out if based in fl, 4 days home, .41cpm start, +8 for OD, if running to Canadia, +6cpm retroactive to pickup. Seems like a decent gig for starting out. The only actual downside Ive really seen to melton is the driver cameras
     
    123456 Thanks this.
  9. HorseShoe

    HorseShoe Road Train Member

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    Jun 29, 2015
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    Melton will be good for you. They haul a variety of loads. The company has a good reputation and the drivers seem happy. You'll even be able to stay with them when you move.

    Some people hate cameras but I dont see the big deal. It'll save you when a county bear tries to write you a BS ticket for no seatbelt or texting when you werent. And when that 4 wheeler break checks you on a steep grade and you plow them off a cliff you'll be cleared of any wrong doing.
     
  10. ira1377

    ira1377 Light Load Member

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    May 10, 2011
    Bradenton, Fl
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  11. sprayed150

    sprayed150 Light Load Member

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    Jun 1, 2015
    Fort Lauderdale Fl
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    This is what they sent me today after the phone call


    JOHN,


    ** ASK ABOUT OUR NEW PAY INCREASE! **


    2 cpm increase for all drivers.


    1cpm – July 17, 2015

    1cpm – August 14, 2015


    Thank You for Your Interest in Melton Truck Lines!


    As one of America’s leading flatbed carriers, Melton Truck Lines delivers the best pay, a comprehensive benefits package, exceptional equipment and a staff dedicated to safety. We believe in treating our drivers like family. We have a commitment to quality and safety that keep drivers productive and healthy. We take a personal interest in our employees that results in a long standing tradition of employee success. www.meltontruck.com



    1-800-635-8669



    Our Pay and Benefits Packages

    Melton strives to convey appreciation to our drivers through various recognition programs, pay and benefits package, and profit sharing. We are strong believers in rewarding our drivers for their diligence and developing their skills on the road. www.meltontruck.com/pay



    Our Driver Pay Scale: ** pay effective 7/17/15 **

    .40 cpm for students

    .42 cpm for 1-11 months

    .47 cpm for 1 to 4 years

    .48 cpm for 5+ years

    Additional .06 cpm for Canada and Hazmat and an addtional .08 cpm for Over-Dimensional. Further incremental base pay increases will be given based on productivity with Melton.



    Paid Orientation

    $40 Tarp Pay (one of the highest in the industry – earn $$ without driving a mile!)

    6 Paid Holidays at $30 each

    Paid Vacation – 1 week after 1 year / 2 weeks after 2 years

    Monthly Fuel Bonus -- up to 4 cpm

    $1,000 Referral Bonus

    $25 Clean Inspection Bonus

    Profit Sharing

    401(k) Matching Retirement Plan

    Security of Health Care

    – BCBS Health

    – Vision provided (at no cost) when enrolled in health insurance

    – Dental (optional) can have Dental or Medical/Vision or Both!

    – Life Insurance -- free $20,000 policy on driver / $1,000 on each dependent




    What Makes MELTON Different from Other Companies

    Security, Stability and Consistent Freight

    VIP Healthcare - Free Onsite Clinics & discounted Dentistry with Same Day Appointments

    Extensive Securement Training – Hands-on training during orientation, in-cab materials and we

    provide a 24/7 safety hotline for questions or concerns you may have with your load

    Assigned Driver Managers that know you by name

    Growth Opportunities – Road Trainer, Road Recruiter, Blue Knights, Road Ambassadors

    Quality Hometime – you may accumulate your days out and stop by the home if you are

    within 75 miles* – You never lose days with us *some restrictions may apply

    Late Model Kenworth Tractors – providing reliability, security and comforts of home

    2012 thru 2015!

    100% APU Equipped

    1500 watt Inverters (already installed)

    Assigned Trucks – No Slip Seating

    Trucks Stay with YOU even on hometime

    Average Length of Haul is 800-900 Miles

    Liberal Rider Policy – anyone 18 and over / children 10 and older (some restrictions may apply)

    Pet Policy – 1 dog, 50lbs or under (some restrictions may apply)

    Melton Recognizes Veterans www.meltontruck.com/military


    Watch our Recruiting Video



    Our Headquarters are in Tulsa,OK. We offer orientation in Tulsa, OK; Dallas, TX; Youngstown, OH and Birmingham, AL, depending on experience.


    I hope you will consider joining our Melton Family and become part of a great heritage!
     
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