Profile For Tony M.

Hey Zen, I recently started my truck driving career and I jumped straight into flatbedding. The company I drive for provided me with 3 tarps. . 2 weigh 90 lbs each.. the "little" one weighs 70 lbs. over 70% of what I tarp requires all 3 tarps.

I use my leg strength to lift each tarp onto my drive tires... then I climb up on the cat walk and lift the tarp onto the trailer. I can not lift straight from the ground to the top of trailer. I also carry 2 ladders so if I do not have a forklift driver available to place the tarps on top of load, I can use my ladders.

I agree with Gladhand...if you have back problems now.. stay away from flatbed.

Hey Christopher, I just received my bus pass today to head to Melton. I start on the 11th of April. I also read a lot from here and U-tube video's and I also think they are a great company.

If you can, get a passport and your hazmat endorsement before you head to Tulsa.

good luck!

I started to study for my Hazmat and Tanker endorsement last night just using the sample tests here on Trucking Truth. I just passed both tests! those are very helpful study guides and sample tests!

thank you again!!!

Tony M

Grind it till you find it!! Ha ha, jk. I'm in week 3, up shifting is easy, the down shifting is tough. You'll get lots of practice though

I just graduated from a driving school on Tuesday, here is what my trainer taught me about down shifting

10th to 9th, brake till 45 mph shot of fuel to hit 1500 rpms. shift 9th to 8th, brake til 35 mph shot of fuel to hit 1500 rpms... shift 8th to 7th, brake til 25 mph shot of fuel to hit 1500 rpms shift 7th to 6th, brake til 15 mph shot of fuel to hit 1500 rpms.. shift 6th to 5th... ( flip that dang switch ) brake to 10 mph shot of fuel to hit 1500 rpms shift 5th to 4th brake to 5 mph shot of fuel to hit 1500 rpms.. shift.

did not grind on the final drive test with the examiner.

Good luck Blake!!

Tony M

I don't know either. I have been with my trainer though for a week today. It is cold in north Dakota. I did my orientation in Birmingham, Alabama. Good luck to you sir. But they usual have somewhere set up for you though. And the recruiter will call you a lot. Be ready to share a room with another guy.

thank you Jeremy! good luck!

I will be graduating soon and will be headed to Tulsa Ok in April, does anyone know where or what hotel Melton puts their new hires for training?

Thanks!

Tony