Profile For Larry E.

Old School,

Absolutely zero complaints. A certain amount of luck and a whole lot of hard work made retirement a reality recently (Dec '16). Was really happy with Melton and I think they were happy with me. Have a couple of jackets for top mileage and another for becoming a Melton Blue Knight. They even thought enough of me to give me the 500,000th KW off of the Chilicothe line that was provided to Melton. Loved my work and was OK with being gone. But when you have checked the boxes and the accounts say you don't have to, then it was time to be home. Intended to drive part time, but after putting my brewery together in the pole barn, decided full retirement was sort of nice. I brew for me and my friends, mountain bike and trail run so I don't compete with the Goodyear blimps for advertising space. Can visit the kids and grandkid(s) when I want, too.

I can't help it, but I always critique flatbed loads when I'm out on the road and am as courteous as I can be for all those guys and gals that are keeping America supplied.

You (and any other flatbedders from here) that are in West Michigan, drop me a line since I lurk here and get notification of updates on this thread. I'll buy you a cup of joe or, if you have a reset, treat you to something a bit stronger from Airedale Brewing.

Life be fantastic. Live it without regret! Be safe out there.

This thread might've scared me right out of flatbedding I was thinking of TMC or Maverick some of these pics are overwhelming!

Flatbed is the only way to go. 1) You have to think about what you are doing, 2) you get a workout which is helps keep the weight off, 3) in general, the hours are better, 4) you go to places most others don't go; fields to major plants that are bigger than small cities. Melton is another option you might look at for excellent training. I think flatbedders are still more of a cadre working to help each other. It is a challenge and can be pretty strenuous. The rewards are there. Fear is something to be overcome with education and experience. GO FOR IT!

I lurk from time to time and I follow the flat bed thread. But I find that at the end of the day, after catching up with the family on FB, I don't have too much left. I have been working hard and enjoying my time out here on the road. I even got lucky and made driver of the month a while back, so Melton thinks I am adding to their bottom line; which is good for both of us. I haven't been to a SAPA plant in quite a while, but I will be looking for that Knight truck the next time I hit one.

All in all, life be good for this one!

Hey Scooter,

I've been with Melton now for 2 yrs. I am certain that Melton would snap him up in a heart beat. If he doesn't have recent OTR experience, then he may have to go out with a trainer for a short period. With his driving background, he would basically be getting some experience with securement, working the logs and general procedures. They won't give any credit for military truck experience, to the best of my knowledge. For veterans, they do have a sticker that goes on the truck.

I have found Melton to be a great company. Everything that I was told by recruiting has been spot on. Great health insurance a good 401K and performance bonuses. They do respect their drivers and have a variety of ways to show that appreciation. It really is like a big family. They will tell you that you can expect 2000-2500 miles a week average. That is going to be lower when you are going home or coming off of home time. If he has hazmat endorcement and a passport, then there is extra money to be made, too. It is OTR, so there is a lot of time away, but if that works for your situation, it is a great company.

Let me know if either of you have specific questions and I will do my best to answer them. Mind you, all of this comes from a Navy guy, so as long as that isn't an issue....

Depends on what you mean by part time. I worked part time as a rookie while transitioning careers before going OTR. I worked weekends, holidays and summers for a small regional outfit. Hopefully, I can do the same thing in reverse in a couple of years. I would work as many weekends (out Friday evening/early Saturday morning and back on Sunday midafternoon) as they need me and would make my self available for when drivers go on vacation. They had one driver that was in his mid 70's doing the same thing. Allows the company to earn some extra $$$ while I do the same and still have plenty of time to be home. It may take a little work to find a company like that, but they are out there.

Melton has a flag system that lets the planners know who has a pet and/or rider. That being said, I picked up at a steel place where there were no riders allowed. The Melton driver who arrived before me kicked his SO out while he loaded. Didn't realize that or I would have offered her a place out of the wind and cold while I waited for my appt time. Having those "restrictions" may make an impact on your earnings since the planners have to work accordingly.

How about gut/belly wrap the ends with alternating pull and a regular strap (or two) over the middle? The belly wrap should prevent the twisting since the alternate pull would tighten with any shift pressure. Issue might be the length of the strap, but then you could use two straps hooked together.

Split axles are bit more difficult because they tend to respond a tad slower. You also have to be careful about how sharp a turn you are making. It puts a lot of pressure on that front tandem and when loaded can make things real difficult. You'll get it without too many problems. I drive by the hole/mark and turn hard to the right until 45* to the spot and then bring the tractor back to parallel or farther until I am set up. It looks different for a 48' and 53'. First day of switching from one to the other is interesting. Some days I can do it without a pull up and others I just have to laugh at my self. Don't let a spread worry you.

Been there several times myself, Wilson. Have to be careful and follow the signs otherwise you will be pulled over by the locals. By the way, how do you like your new truck? I have, for the first time ever, a drop and hook flatbed load. Reading truck bodies that they secure with special straps and no tarp from Reading, PA (without the ice) to Albuquerque, NM. I am certain the load gods will pay me back for such an easy load.

I'll keep an eye out for you.

Retired Naval Flight Officer (E-2C Hawkeye). Thought mentally abusing young children would be fun, so taught middle school math and science for 18 years. They thought I was costing them too much so they paid me to leave. Running skate boards for Melton last 18 months and loving it. Don't get on here as much as I should. More lurking, but the job keeps me busy.

Nice new look, Brett.