Inside Melton Trucking Lines' 8-Day Orientation: My Experience & What You Should Expect!

[@nv-newvision9420]

I work for Melton great opportunity I’ve seen 23 states so far I’ve had my truck for 3 1/2 weeks been gone from the house two months they flew me out. I never looked back never been back.

[@michaelthomas7408]

Yooo I feel this, I’m on the same flow. Stay safe out there 🤙🏾😁

[@nv-newvision9420]

@@michaelthomas7408 yes sir stay safe ya self keep winning

[@TabbFromPhilly]

Are you really enjoying it that much ?

[@Tim-X1]

​@@TabbFromPhillyenjoy it don't enjoy it You got to make money some how so if that is the hustle you have chosen in the trucking industrie deal with it one load at a time now I do think that flat bed drivers should be load a little more but hey.

[@TabbFromPhilly]

@@Tim-X1 I left the orientation /training. I hated it. I'm with FreyMiller.

[@haydenshores7252]

Been in training for 6 days now... she still drives like a madman

[@rob1131]

I did orientation last November and I can tell you we have some stories about her driving 😂

[@michaelthomas7408]

She’s still at it 😂

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@rob1131holding on for dear life 100% of the time 😂

[@__aikaterina]

omg I love this video! enjoy your time on the road!!

[@michaelthomas7408]

Thank you for watching! Will do!

[@mohamedtounkara140]

I am right now in Tulsa , Oklahoma for the training I am on day 4 I just found your video Best video ever , so accurate I was just laughing the whole time I wished I saw your videos earlier

[@michaelthomas7408]

Thank you for watching, Glad it was helpful! How do you like the training so far?

[@Linknelson]

Great video man, I am looking into Melton, this video answered a lot of questions! Look forward to your journey man, good luck out there!

[@michaelthomas7408]

Thanks for watching! Glad it helped. So far I really love the company, it’s a great job 😁

[@dexm8846]

Great job of explaining that. Thanks!

[@michaelthomas7408]

No problem, glad it help and wish you the best 🙌

[@randydinglehopper62]

Not a trucker but this was really interesting, thanks for sharing

[@michaelthomas7408]

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback! 👍

[@AdrianRomeroJr]

really insightful video Chase thanks for making it! I'm waiting to hear back from Melton soon

[@michaelthomas7408]

Glad you liked it Adrian! Melton took pretty long to get back to me but I’m sure they’ll hit you back soon. Good luck!

[@haydenhoffman5077]

Very helpful man I’m heading out next week and was getting pretty anxious as to what to expect

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@haydenhoffman5077 I know the feeling, you got this though👍

[@RedDragonTrucker]

Great video, good content. Thank you

[@michaelthomas7408]

Thank you so much for watching! 🙌

[@JustJV_]

Great video man congratulations on making the cut, I’ve been solo for about 2 months now so we graduated around the same time

[@michaelthomas7408]

That’s awesome man, congratulations to you too! How do you like the job so far?

[@essochannel6098]

I got out to Tulsa Oklahoma this coming Monday I am excited and a bit nervous about it.

[@michaelthomas7408]

I know that feeling, your time there will go by super quick!

[@leagueofotters2774]

How did it go?

[@maryshane8023]

Hello, Thank you for the great content. Would you mind helping me with these questions? 1) Was the food they served onsite good? 2) Once you're done with the 8-day orientation, when you're training with your trainer, are you back to the hotel each night, or are you both overnight sleeping in the truck during the training? 3) Are the showers at the stops individual safe showers, or are they communal showers? 4) After all this and getting a truck, does Melton assist with on-site repairs if the truck breaks down while working?

[@michaelthomas7408]

Hey Mary sorry for the late reply. 1) food was onsite and it was good. I’m vegan and they catered to me specifically. 2) once your with a training it’s 21 days in the truck non stop, that’s the hard part. 3) showers at loves and pilot are nice and are private. With melton we get unlimited showers at loves and the bathrooms are always clean. 4) of a breakdown happened melton is quick to get a tow and get the truck repaired, and on breakdowns you get a hotel room 😊

[@travis3676]

You all should send hime the Referral it is a very informative video a lot of information for free he could of been sleeping Mr Thomas chase that money my guy thanks 😊.

[@michaelthomas7408]

Thanks for watching, glad you liked it!

[@LuckyFoxes789]

The Smith system is real. Ues it dont forget it. I've uesed it for 10 years to massive success. Not gonna lie and say I've never hit something. But uesing the Smith system while driving have never failed me. Been flatbed for 10 years now. Good luck!

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@LuckyFoxes789 thanks for the advice, will definitely keep using the smith system 🙂

[@CRILLICD]

Hey bud since driving melton alone for the months after this video how has been the pay like? Also thanks. I attend school soon and video was very educational.

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@CRILLICD they pay varies a lot but I average about 1k-1.3k a week. Thanks for watching the video and good luck with your schooling! Melton is definitely worth it

[@maxcali863]

You guys are so lucky in the United States, I wish we had something like this for New Truck drivers in Canada. There is shortage of Truck Drivers here and yet, there is no Entry-Level Opportunities.

[@royalmac1011]

Do they pay well across the pond?

[@michaelthomas7408]

I am truly sorry to hear that.

[@maxcali863]

@@royalmac1011 It's challenging here, as nothing comes easy despite the high demand for drivers. There is more red tape and regulation than there are businesses, and any money you make ends up going back to the government. Canada is not as entrepreneurial-friendly as the United States.

[@treefrog-treehouses]

melton goes to canada

[@rubensamuelu6111]

Ayeee the Last Turn to the Best Stay tho keep getting crazier and crazier by Friday !!!! We made it tho!!🎉🎉😂😂

[@michaelthomas7408]

Yooo congratulations!!! Omg she hits the curb every time 😂

[@RomulanWarbirdDecloaking-sd2ir]

Good video/information 👍 Question, when you get your truck assigned, is it 3 weeks minimum for OTR, or can you keep rolling for like 6 to 8 weeks out ⁉️...... 🚛🛣️ Cha Ching 💰.

[@michaelthomas7408]

Thanks for watching! You can absolutely stay out as long as you want. I usually stay out for two months at a time so far 👍

[@quarfv]

Excellent breakdown. I am looking at most likely going to melton after CDL training. Do you have the option of paying extra for your own room at the hotel? Also, can you take your own vehicle to drive to orientation?....that bus ride looks pretty sketchy....lol.

[@Bleazzy]

See you there!!

[@michaelthomas7408]

I think you can pay extra for a bedroom, and yes you can drive there and they will reimburse you for gas. bus ride is still sketchy I hear lol

[@jacobbonner8122]

That bus driver was crazy !!!!!

[@michaelthomas7408]

😂 it’s funny to hear that she’s still at it

[@rob1131]

The way she pulls into the hotel parking lot full speed had us thinking she was about to send us through the wall 😭

[@Faithcreatesasolidfoundation]

Hey I don’t know if you still are making video, but how is the drive home for you? Do they pay you for dead heading home

[@michaelthomas7408]

I’m gonna start making more videos soon, broke my camera 🤦🏽‍♂️. The drive home is nice, they pretty much find a load for you going near your home, then you dead head from there. Last time I only dead headed about 30 min, it’s different each time but they make sure to get you home on time. Also sometimes they get you home early with no penalties to your actual home time which is nice.

[@Ode2squatchyy]

Hey! Planning on going to melton, also from CA. Where do they have you park for home time? Also I have a lot of stuff that goes in my truck, like my microwave,TV, Xbox , ect. Do they let you go home before you get your truck??

[@michaelthomas7408]

Hi, yup you definitely go home after you finish driver training. I have a ton of stuff myself and somehow it all fits 😂 so you should be just fine. For home time you need to find a private truck parking lot of you’ll have to park it at a Loves, pilot gas station near your house but private parking is much better. They also reimburse you half of the parking.

[@TheTruckerPilot1]

Hey Chase are you a student pilot as well?

[@1MackTV]

im crying laughing at the bus driver part “whoa whoa whoaaaaa” 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jeremywixx7302]

What happens if you mess up on the driving part they just send u home ?

[@michaelthomas7408]

Yes unfortunately they have no problem sending people home if they make a bad mistake. One person ran a stop sign and went home, but minor mistakes aren’t going to get you sent home only big ones.

[@G20_MD]

@@michaelthomas7408what about backing? Do they send you home if you can’t do 90 degree backing etc? My school only taught me straight back

[@carlitowayz4925]

@@G20_MDfollowing?!

[@jasonshimkus6139]

I just applied to melton today! Im in school right now and one of their field receuiters came in today. Im hoping to be in orientation may 20th!

[@michaelthomas7408]

That’s amazing, congratulations! Let me know how orientation goes 🤙🏽😁

[@jasonshimkus6139]

​@@michaelthomas7408I will bro! One question for you since you are the most recent video I've seen about Melton. The tarp lifting test. Do they care how you get it on the flatbed or do they just care that the tarp makes it on the flatbed "somehow"? I know a super easy way to do it but not sure if that method is allowed. The one where you use the drive tires of the tractor to "walk" it up to the top of the flatbed.

[@405ruben]

Did you end up getting on with Melton?

[@Duffinhusterr]

I spoke to them today, I've already been driving step deck for almost a year local in Washington but want to try otr. I just dont know where I'm gonna park the truck for my time off. How do you figure the parking situation out? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@michaelthomas7408]

hi there, if your referring to parking at the end of each day it can a little stressful if you plan bad or if you have late night runs especially on the east coast but its overall manageable (trucker path has option that shows you how much parking is available at each gas station) . If you're referring to going home and finding parking then I've never had an issue, I live in California and I pay for parking (private truck parking) when at home and the company reimburses you back half. Hope that helps!

[@Duffinhusterr]

@@michaelthomas7408 super helpful! An yes I was referring to driving back home with the rig. I'll look up private semi parking and see if I can find anything near me

[@casperz33]

Do they provide GPS when you get your own truck? I start orientation Oct 7th 2024

[@michaelthomas7408]

our tablets have GPS but I definitely would download TRUCKERPATH or buy your own Garmin

[@michaelthomas7408]

also congrats on orientation, good luck

[@mrbrown6418]

Melton was the first company I started with 6 yrs ago

[@AliSherAwan47]

So how are you doing now after training? Driving on your own?

[@michaelthomas7408]

I’m doing great, I love my job! Been solo for about 2 months now and I’m learning a lot. Are you thinking about coming to melton?

[@AliSherAwan47]

@@michaelthomas7408 Yes I’m planning on joining them but I’m from Massachusetts. I have 10 years of dry Van experience but no flatbed experience but at the same time I don’t want to hang out with the trainer for 3 weeks. I wonder if they have short training period for experienced guys.

[@Bigmike773]

I’ve been talking with a recruiter as well I’ve been doing van for 6 years it’s just the 8 day orientation for experienced drivers no going with a trainer

[@AliSherAwan47]

@@Bigmike773 Ok thank you!

[@jaimegalan7362]

I have no experience just got offer

[@TabbFromPhilly]

Is it easy to do ? Im new to flat bedding. Im not worrying about the driving or physical.part. I'm asking about the different ways of securing the loads.

[@michaelthomas7408]

Yes and No. it's easy to do when you get a traditional load such as lumber or air conditioners but I will say there are some loads that take a little more time to secure which can be exhausting. Overall the job is easy and the training teaches you a lot to be prepared for the road. To me the tarping is the most difficult part because whether it's raining, humid, windy, or snowing when the load requires a tarp that is when things can be difficult. Hope that helps!

[@jaimegalan7362]

I go to training july 1, im nervous cuase im just put of schoool. But i really want the job.

[@michaelthomas7408]

Congratulations and that's exactly how I felt too! Soak everything up like a sponge and treat orientation like a 8 day job interview and you'll do great. I was new too and my best advice is for the driving portion, watch all signs, swing wide, and take it slow and you'll do fine. securement gets easier and when your with a trainer they will guide you as well. You got this!

[@RicardoAaronGutierrez]

Is the tarp difficult? And you think people a little overweight can handle the climbing up the loads?

[@michaelthomas7408]

Tarping can be difficult but overall it gets easier. There are plenty of overweight people Tarping but I’m assuming it just takes a bit longer to do so. Hope I answered your question 😁

[@Issa_Alkubi]

Flatbed for how much a mile .50 CPM ?

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@Issa_Alkubi 52 cents starting, then it goes up from there.

[@Issa_Alkubi]

@@michaelthomas7408 Do they pay bonuses for tarping the load?

[@flackomacho3890]

I have orientation the 10th what all should i bring to be good cuz if all goes well I’ll be out 6+weeks initially at first , & u have any tips on what to bring n have to b prepared. Most likely getting a flight

[@flackomacho3890]

Also when you’re out with your trainer will we be sleeping in motels ? Or in the truck for the three weeks ? I’m hoping motel lol if not hope my trainer don’t stink n snores loud asf

[@michaelthomas7408]

hey there, good luck on the upcoming orientation! List - ( sleeping bag, pillow, plenty of light clothes since its super hot, hat, all travel sized soaps, steel toed shoes, glasses, reflector vest and gloves, simply bring enough clothes to last you 4-5 days at a time and then do laundry at the gas station. also bring ear plugs for sure because my trainer snored.)

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@flackomacho3890 definitely going to be in the truck the whole time and that is the hardest part of the training. you don't know what kind of trainer you will get. hotel is only for orientation and only if the trainer takes a vacation or if the truck breaks down. I over packed a little knowing that after I finished training I would be on the road for a couple weeks.

[@flackomacho3890]

@@michaelthomas7408 thanks preciate it !

[@ShannonJordan-qu3fo]

Flying into Tulsa Today to start the 8 day orientation process.

[@michaelthomas7408]

Congratulations, melton is definitely worth it! The 8 days will fly by quickly!

[@Swiift1000]

Did they take the hair from your head for the hair follicle test? How long does your hair have to be?

[@michaelthomas7408]

Yes the hair follicle was mandatory and they take it from the root of your head (100 strands). If not from your head your arms pits or legs

[@alparslangok5990]

How many loads are you taking in one week and what the gross amount. I try ti make decisions flat bed or dry van.

[@michaelthomas7408]

Overall is about 3 loads a week, but sometimes it’s 2 depending on distance. Pay range seems to be around 1-1.5k a week. I hear people getting more but for me that’s about as much as I seen so far. I do have my TWIC, hazmat, and passport which puts you at the top of the load board so I’m never sitting long. Hope this helps you! ✌️

[@trace8888]

Do students have to wait for a Trainer to be availablr after graduation, or do you typically get a Trainer immediatley after graduation?

[@michaelthomas7408]

90 percent of my class was sent out immediately and the rest had to wait at most 2 days in a hotel.

[@trace8888]

@@michaelthomas7408 oh, perfect. So at max from start to finish is aboit 5 weeks?

[@moderngunguy3666]

Do they teach you how to do all the maneuvers again if you're a brand new driver that just graduated?.. I barely got past that stuff and I cheated because my instructor didn't care examiner didn't care lol

[@michaelthomas7408]

That’s a tough one, they give you a little wiggle room to make some errors but i have seen them send drivers home that were not good drivers. They teachers are patient and if you show progress they will give you a chance. Hope that helps

[@heatherromero7030]

Were there any women during your orientation? Thinking about it but have to wait a few months if they do hair follicle. Flat bed seems a bit tough though 😅

[@michaelthomas7408]

There were no women in my class but there are a decent amount of women driving for melton given the industry. Flat bed is definitely tough but it’s pretty worth it. Good luck and can’t wait to see if you pursue melton!

[@Ode2squatchyy]

Hey! Does melton pay for half parking on home time ?

[@michaelthomas7408]

@@Ode2squatchyy yup, usually reimburse on the following check

[@Ode2squatchyy]

@@michaelthomas7408 thank you man! I’m currently out with my trainer rn and wanted to confirm! (I have xp in dry van, but requested to go with a trainer for more securement practice) appreciate the fast response!

[@jorgevillalpando4365]

Thanks 🙏🏽

[@michaelthomas7408]

No problem, thanks for watching 😁

[@L.a.m.e.n.t.e.r.s]

does melton hire people with absolutely no work history, i was in college most of the time and i didn't work during high school, just wondering

[@michaelthomas7408]

That’s a good question, they definitely checked mine but I would submit an application just to see anyways. They are always looking for drivers so it couldn’t hurt to try, but a concrete answer I don’t have. Hope that helps 😊

[@cynicaltexan9639]

Bruh 3 weeks with a trainer....kill me...i did 4 months with schneider and was with my trainer for less than a week and only slept in the truck 2 times the rest was in the hotel... lol

[@johnsouza5562]

Wow! They cut the orientation to 8 days. When I was there 3 yrs ago, orientation was 3 weeks and 3 weeks with a trainer. I guess a 3 week orientation was to costly specially with a big class, my class was 62 people.

[@michaelthomas7408]

Wow 3 weeks orientation 😮😅, I believe they changed the two week orientation about a month before I started. I’m glad they did because I learned a lot quickly but the 3 weeks with my trainer was definitely the most beneficial for that really world experience. 62 is a big class 😂, I believe we had about 36. I love the job a lot though. Are you still with melton?

[@kipro251]

Ayo the bus driver still whipping that bus like a super car?💀 she had us shoook

[@michaelthomas7408]

Angie don’t play she be slidin😂 but it’s fun after awhile 😂

[@jaimemota4209]

Very good

[@michaelthomas7408]

Thank you!

[@Detroitking02]

What’s the pay system cpm or percentage of the load ?

[@michaelthomas7408]

Cpm, plus $100 tarp pay, also hazard endorsement and a passport gets you +6 cpm when you get those loads and +16 when you get an oversized load. Cpm is .52 when your a brand new driver and experienced drivers get 58cpm if you have 6 months experience I believe. Hope that helps 👍

[@Landen_Ragan]

Bus driver is no different even today now that I’m going through it

[@michaelthomas7408]

😂 she’s wild

[@ModestFades]

Did they have all of your background and work history verified before you got to orientation, or were they doing that during orientation?

[@michaelthomas7408]

Currently they do the background/ drug test/ and work history before they consider flying you to orientation. From what I remember I did a phone interview first, then waiting to do my drug test. After successfully passing the drug test they coordinate the flight for orientation.

[@ModestFades]

@michaelthomas7408 I got a conditional offer. I just wanted to make sure. My current job did that to me and its not cool. Thank you for the info.

[@hello520111]

how much will u be making, gross, a week?

[@michaelthomas7408]

To be honest if I was to average it out a week it’s about $1250. To clarify though, Im not pushing it hard at all and if I did I could get more loads and more money. I’m Still getting used to things and I have a dog so I tent to stop more often. I know others making more for sure as a new driver.

[@hello520111]

keep it safe and master your driving skills and develop your ethic and well liked personality, then apply for Walmart. I have been drving 15 years until I applied. Average NET 2700 for 2 weeks. 5 on 2 of. My last company in trucking world.@@michaelthomas7408

[@hello520111]

how long have u been on road?keep it accident free for 3 years. @@michaelthomas7408

[@lamatenzin8756]

@@michaelthomas7408hey bud, I have two small dogs. They have a 1 pet policy I am aware, would they ever find out I am keeping two dogs? Hush hush… lol

[@ellecarritahkucera4633]

Net after taxes?

[@DAVOY2]

Thanks brother

[@michaelthomas7408]

No problem 😁thanks for watching

[@angeliaodell1408]

I still drive fast and do the curbs

[@michaelthomas7408]

😂 elaborate

[@fth293]

Still at Melton?

[@michaelthomas7408]

Yup, still going strong. I actually made a video I will be posting soon!

[@conquest7563]

Wait until you have to tarp a full load in Houston, tx

[@thebestgameplay6278]

😂

[@michaelthomas7408]

done that many times and I don't like it lol

[@Spdadon87]

Do you get paid for orientation?

[@michaelthomas7408]

Absolutely, on day 5 you get paid during orientation and then when you’re with your trainer you get paid weekly.

[@Shah-z7e]

Hi brother

[@michaelthomas7408]

Hi there 👋🏽

[@naoufelalimoussa7259]

Do they hire from LA ?

[@michaelthomas7408]

Yup, they hire all over! I’m from Sacramento and a friend of mine is from Inglewood so they will definitely hire you 👍

[@sakiyahs3howard]

Yea, I just got hired so thanks for this video ❤

[@shanehartman878]

Why the hair test, what are they looking for.

[@michaelthomas7408]

drugs lol

[@ellecarritahkucera4633]

A longer history. Urine test shows last 24 hours, follicle test shows any drug use last 3 to 12 months

[@royalmac1011]

Do they buddy you up in a hotel with someone else?

[@michaelthomas7408]

Yup for the 8 days

[@michaelthomas7408]

If your really lucky you won’t have a roommate

[@royalmac1011]

@@michaelthomas7408 yeah I just read the offer, it says $30 a night for no roommate

[@Forerotrucking]

She was crazy😂😂😂

[@michaelthomas7408]

😂

[@GeoffreyStewart-c2b]

Considine Route

[@charitygarrett5588]

Any girls in your class?

[@michaelthomas7408]

In my class there was not but I have met a handful of women driving and I’ve also seen a few commenting on our Facebook group so there’s definitely some out there.

[@TabbFromPhilly]

That bus driver is still there driving fast and she doesn't care about what anyone says about the way she drives. Nice lady though.

[@michaelthomas7408]

She standing on business 😂 I’m driving fast and nobody gone change nothing (type energy)😂

[@Therealtruth96]

100 strands… nah I’m good

[@michaelthomas7408]

I felt the same way, wasn't happy.

[@hondagoal]

This job better pay $40.00 / Hour or it is a .......

[@Bryan-wu1ss]

You’re not paid by the hour

[@treefrog-treehouses]

great company horrible job

[@pointnIaugh]

Minimum wage job.