Day In The Life Of A Rookie Truck Driver - 6 Months In

[@shawnkelly5374]

That was B.S how that guy told you appointment only. I work at a Lumber yard and I see your company come in by us at times. No matter who it is we alway unload you as fast as we can because I know you guys only get paid by the load or miles. In and out. No appointments We respect drivers. You make this country run. Keep on trucking and drive safe brother Great video God Bless you.

[@rpd97]

Agreed. Total bs attitude. He sees a young guy and thinks he can intimidate him with his macho attitude.

[@michaelthomas7408]

ya the guy was mean but its nice to hear there are others that are nice like yourself. Thanks for watching!

[@Dwaynebaileymusic]

4 months in here,for any new guys in the comments the jobs does get easier. You get better just trust the process.

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@Dwaynebaileymusic absolutely facts, thanks for the comment Dwayne ✌️

[@InterstateRevenue]

Once you create a system for yourself, it’s a breeze. A workout nonetheless though.

[@devinlind2194]

Damn man great job on the angles and footage. You could tell you put the work. Loved watching the video. Great content!

[@t3xac4n]

I was in your spot for a year. I left, and I’m running food grade tanker. I laugh anytime I see a flatbed truck. You should call your dm if you’re going to drop early. Most places require an appointment. Get yourself an orange load bar. It’ll make your life easier. Especially if you run the step deck trailer. You can use the edge protection pole to push up on the tarps. I did replace the pole with a sturdier one from Walmart. You can also roll up the tarps without folding it a third of the way. I found that I could roll them up tighter, and put more crap in the tarp boxes. To the point you could point them up like eye to the sky coils. Good luck!

[@michaelthomas7408]

Hey there, thanks for the feedback! I will definitely try the new roll technique for the tarps, I appreciate the advice! How do you like the food tankers? What do you like most about it?

[@Nattyrute]

First cdl job I had was doing flatbed hauling steel & metal for a company called coastal aluminum…LOCAL gig, now that was a physical job I had 15-20 stops a day no moffet so you can imagine during the rainy season that tarp was coming on and off the trailer ALOT. It was a freaking workout, left after a year lol now I’m running ⛽️ tankers. Not as harsh on the body but still as active.

[@michaelthomas7408]

Wow Tarping multiple times in a day is rough, glad you made it through. I hear a lot of people like driving tankers! How do you like it?

[@johnnymaconny8252]

The road hustle is interesting man! The untold stories of how we move our daily needs 📚💪😤

[@michaelthomas7408]

Its tough but necessary, thanks for watching!

[@MIv-g6l]

Congrats on being very professional in a very unprofessional/confrontational situation. Blessings to you on your extended journeys !!!

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@MIv-g6l I try my best, thanks for the comment and I send my blessings right back! 🙌

[@gonzalezmichael52]

Dang I thought prime inc was the only diamond status members every month lol great video! I often wish I would have gone flatbed instead of reefer at prime

[@victorlucio3701]

Hey,Brother you are doing a great job,just take your time,be safe,and take care.God Bless.!!

[@michaelthomas7408]

thank you!! I appreciate the comment

[@nathanielsexton8912]

Yo, lil tip put one hand on the rub rail when you use the load bar. Saves your back and a trip to the hospital

[@jamesgibson4510]

It was nice meeting you today in Long Beach. Hope you reach your goals. Stay safe driver

[@michaelthomas7408]

It was nice meeting you too, I appreciate your kind words!!! Stay safe out there.

[@maryshane8023]

Chase! This video was great! How's it going? I've felt so encouraged to hear how you're doing this to save to finish flight school. I wish I wasn't so scared of flying pr I'd also apply. I loved my discovery flight. I'm 26, and now I'm trying to figure out what my next goal/step is, as for the longest time, it was to have a stable remote job. Now, I think I'm going to chase my dreams of acting. It's about to get messy af

[@michaelthomas7408]

You’ll never regret chasing your dreams is my belief 😊, you got this. How long have you been into acting? Things are going good over here, always busy with melton which is great so I can’t complain 😁

[@maryshane8023]

@@michaelthomas7408 I've actually dabbled in acting since middle school, so around 14 is when I started. What excites me the most is the adrenaline rush that comes with performing. I would also get this by being cast in a reality TV show, as that is its own performance. If there's something I realized, it is that it's important to constantly create movement around oneself. I'm in the best shape I've ever been and only getting better. Also getting my nose done this year. Movement! That's good! How long have you been out on the road? Have you taken home time?

[@rpd97]

I applied at Melton and found your channel doing searches. You have a well thought out system and its great. Keep it up. 👍

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@rpd97 I appreciate your feedback 😁and thanks for watching!! Good luck with your application, melton needs the drivers

[@Jaythetruckerr]

Awesome video man! Flat Bed looks raw! I’m in the household goods industry and relocate people! 💯

[@GabrielGonzalez-kp4li]

I worked for White Mountain Trucking at 21 years old definitely a good experience rebar lumber loads coils steel beams

[@silviatxr]

Amazingly hard work!!! 💪🥴🥰 Congrats!!!💙

[@michaelthomas7408]

Thank you!

[@Porch06489]

Dude thanks so much for this. I have been a dedicated dry van driver for 6 months, and I’m starting my first flatbed job this week. Makes me less nervous to see how it’s done!

[@michaelthomas7408]

You got this! its gets easier each load.

[@GOATDispatcher]

Do u need good loads am dispatcher?

[@prod_vello]

damn bro life is crazy, i'm getting my cdl right now and i gotta test for my a&p, never thought i'd find a channel with someone in both aviation and trucking

[@michaelthomas7408]

Wow that's awesome, ya trucking is a good Segway to the aviation industry in terms of saving money. Good luck with your endeavors!

[@bowhunter0762]

I H8 climbing on ladders to I feel ya

[@chrisbaines9206]

Salute bro just found your channel 🤣🤣 Welcome to the trucking fraternity... Crazy how times flies when your new... I'm almost at my 2 yr mark... doing oversized loads and securing heavy equipment in Florida... Keep trucking and be safe out there..

[@michaelthomas7408]

Time is definitely flying, glad to be in the fraternity :) Oversized sounds fun, how do you like it? Also thanks for watching!

[@michaelo1267]

Great content man! I know it ain’t easy to make. Good job!

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@michaelo1267 thanks for watching 😁✌️

[@ELMPACHE]

Cant wait to work for melton my start date is this 4th of november. Thanks!!

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@ELMPACHE congratulations, you got this!

[@leagueofotters2774]

Heading in the 11th.

[@juliuslee1668]

Your content is awesome love the sense of humor 😂

[@michaelthomas7408]

thanks for watching!

[@justinwilson6411]

Good quality work 👌

[@michaelthomas7408]

thanks for watching!

[@Linknelson]

Dope video man, should do how you prep food over the road and how you get it. God speed.

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@Linknelson yooo say less, I appreciate the video idea 🙏🏾

[@StoicVee]

Start Orientation With Melton Monday!! wish me luck! love the videos!

[@michaelthomas7408]

How did orientation go?

[@StoicVee]

@@michaelthomas7408 great !!

[@ronnievida300]

My brotha hustling! Love it big bro! Keep doing your thing! ❤️💯👍🏽

[@michaelthomas7408]

Yoooo thanks for watching brotha!!! More to come fam 🤙🏽

[@georgecook1374]

just tip talk to the fork truck driver and ask him if he can tell you when its the batch he is loading and ask if you can put the tarps on that before he puts it on the truck then you don't have to muscle the tarps up there. stay safe out there

[@Ruthless0320]

Respect to you sir 💯

[@ericabruski6573]

I start at melton pre hire on July 29th!! Thank you for posting!!

[@michaelthomas7408]

Thanks for watching, good luck at orientation!! 🤙🏽

[@bonafidesmooth]

Salute to you brother. Keep doing your thing 💪🏾

[@michaelthomas7408]

I appreciate it, thanks for watching!! 🙏🏾

[@theovida6453]

Not all heroes wear capes 🫡

[@michaelthomas7408]

On god! lol

[@jaredlake3964]

this video was dope asf im thinking of joining melton as well thank you

[@michaelthomas7408]

Wow thanks for your positive feedback!! Melton is a great company

[@georgeclark2554]

Great content brother ✊ keep um coming

[@michaelthomas7408]

I appreciate ya, thanks for watching ✊🏾

[@belezamiche]

Awesome video bro! Keep it up!

[@michaelthomas7408]

Thanks for watching! will do

[@isyshernandez7]

Very good🎉

[@jackwagon4313]

I worked for Melton years ago. I really liked it until i fell off of the load of pipe going from Tulsa to Canada. When i got back from Canada, i could barely walk. I had to call flatbeding quits, and I made good money with Melton.

[@michaelthomas7408]

sorry to hear about your injury, Ive have a few scares myself. Its a great company

[@robertwilliams5475]

I might be getting a job doing flat bit. I'm hoping I get it. And i'm fifty two years old and i'm out of shape and I wish I had somebody I could talk to

[@michaelthomas7408]

about half my class was well over 40 and I believe most of them are still working now. This job will get you back in shape quickly.

[@MikeBibiStewart]

Hey brother, good job with that strap and tarp. What was that total time did it take to strap and tarp? When you get tired of the low miles with the low pay plus the high stress and manual labor. Hit me up and get paid to drive (2,500-4,000 miles) with no touch freight! But only if you like to run and make money. I too worked at melton in 2023. I already know your troubles and what’s to come.

[@michaelthomas7408]

Hello Mike, thanks for watching! To fully tarp and bungee I took about 1 hour only because I was filming but usually take about 45 minutes for 3 tarps. Strapping I would say 30 minutes as I was strapping as it was being loaded 👍. Still learning everyday and getting more efficient. I’m getting pretty good miles honestly but I would love to hear where you work if you don’t mind 🙂

[@MikeBibiStewart]

Indian River Transport (IRT), food grade tanker. There’s about 7-10 ex-melton drivers here now. Ask any of us and we’ll tell you the same, Life is better at IRT.

[@t3xac4n]

Mike is not wrong! So much better over here!

[@michaelthomas7408]

Thanks I’m going to look into it! May I ask what a new driver (6 months exp) would get paid per mile?

[@MikeBibiStewart]

@@michaelthomas7408 .60cpm

[@jeremyhunter5954]

keep making content!

[@michaelthomas7408]

Thank you! 🙏🏾 more coming soon

[@bezsonz2]

Does every load have to be tarped? DAMN!😓

[@michaelthomas7408]

no actually but unfortunately we do a lot of trapping 60/40

[@Toughluv]

@@michaelthomas7408who does your drone shots when your driving?

[@schirrawoody4544]

Great video I enjoyed it

[@Orandy_908]

Driver at Melton does not complain because it’s $100 every time you tarp 😅

[@ZNX05]

Autopilot hover mode with follow camera. ​@@Toughluv

[@adamayala]

Quick question bro, I’m from Cali as well. I know Melton has no terminals here, so do you just drive the truck straight home during home time?

[@michaelthomas7408]

Hey there, no they will find you a load going near your home and then from there you can go home. They do a great job at it!

[@dgk_93]

What happens with the truck do you leave it at a truck stop when you're on home time? Looking into melton but I live in Florida. I Don't think they have a terminal here.

[@dannystranahan1004]

I'm also from California, and when I worked for Melton. I found a yard near my house that charged $150.00 A month to park my truck there on hometime. It was a secured area with cameras, So melton allowed me to park there and they covered fifty percent of the cost. If I had a truck stop closer to my house I could have left the truck there on my hometime. Or if you have a house with property, you can park your truck there as long as it's a secured area.

[@MW-nOttawa]

how do you check your lights from outside? Do you have some sort of remote?

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@MW-nOttawa there’s a button on the inside that does that

[@raquelpassos2745]

God job!!!

[@michaelthomas7408]

Thank you!!! Also, Hi Raquel! 😁

[@RoyceAubuchon]

Whats a good company to start and train with?!?!

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@RoyceAubuchon I would definitely recommend my company melton trucking lines. 85 percent of my class had 0 experience when they got hired. If you do consider melton as a company, use my referral code “THOM15” when applying. Hope that helps

[@yo_284]

What camera and mics do you use. Also how many cameras do you even have.

[@michaelthomas7408]

osmo pocket 3, 1 dji mic that came with it 👍

[@luisquinones6100]

Not if you know from the month is sep-January of next year your most likely going to sit for more than 3-5 days due to freight in cold weather

[@SonicUmami]

So is it not a good idea to go into it within these next few months. Im currently considering Melton, and was wondering if now would be a good time to get into it or flatbed in general.

[@michaelthomas7408]

I feel like its only slow when you don't have all your endorsements, im literally always busy even now in October

[@batman6749]

you only needed 9 straps for that load new jack

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@batman6749 thanks Batman 😆

[@__aikaterina]

Awesome video Mike! 🔥

[@michaelthomas7408]

Thank you!!!!

[@Toughluv]

As a flatbed worker we deserve more pay. The lumber tarp can make or break your driving

[@michaelthomas7408]

I agree 💯, it’s a tough job

[@briany8394]

Hello, just wondering how long it took from applying to flying out to orientation?

[@michaelthomas7408]

Good question, in my case I believe it took about a month from apply, to phone orientation, drug test, and the flight out. Everyone’s time may vary though, hope that helps.

[@CityBoyQuelz_]

How’re the miles over at Melton ?

[@michaelthomas7408]

im averaging 2500 at this point

[@ericabruski6573]

Do you get enough time to eat and have healthy options ?

[@michaelthomas7408]

Plenty of time, it just comes down to planning. I go to Walmart all the time to shop which takes a long time and I’m never late to appointments.

[@awp_shazbot]

2:05 lol

[@rl5879]

Looks like you barely have 10 lbs of pressure on your winches

[@kh.6534]

❤

[@jamariquai01]

Loves and Pilot. Usually have some clean showers. If all else fails, I go to Planet Fitness or 24hr fitness. To take a shower.

[@michaelthomas7408]

Ima on a try that out next, thanks for the feedback!

[@Peterpickle2009]

I work at Burger King should I get my CDL

[@michaelthomas7408]

I would recommend it if you don’t mind being away weeks at a time 👍

[@cardinals845]

How’s the pay

[@michaelthomas7408]

its pretty good for me, I would say average around 12-14 a week once you average everything out.

[@MohamedbambacamaraMohamedbamba]

Why not a fridge driver Salary of régional driver per week-end

[@michaelthomas7408]

I honestly took the first job that called me back since my CDL was new, it’s a great company

[@jeffroskey3966]

This sh!t ain’t worth it. I don’t care how much they’re paying to do it.

[@Enriques-zh9ko]

good job, but you let that clown walk all over you. Dont let them speak to you that way.

[@michaelthomas7408]

I get you 👍

[@jamariquai01]

Lol, 'imma read 2 verses from the bible' Genesis ch1 v1-2.

[@michaelthomas7408]

😂

[@bowhunter0762]

I H8 climbing on ladders to I feel ya

[@bowhunter0762]

I H8 climbing on ladders to I feel ya

[@bowhunter0762]

I H8 climbing on ladders to I feel ya

[@bowhunter0762]

I H8 climbing on ladders to I feel ya

[@bowhunter0762]

I H8 climbing on ladders to I feel ya

[@bowhunter0762]

I H8 climbing on ladders to I feel ya

[@bowhunter0762]

I H8 climbing on ladders to I feel ya