I've been trucking since 2003. Very early in my career I had an ol' timer tell me " you can have thousands of boring trips down the mountain. Or you can have one hell of a wild ride!!! The choice is yours. You're driving that truck. No one else. Not the office, broker or other drivers!" I've been lucky enough to drive in every state but Maine and Hawaii. You'll see the country for what it really is and not what any media or even what we're taught growing up. You'll see things that you want to share with people. And you'll see things that you'll never share but can't forget.
These videos are awesome. I'm still a teen, so I can't pursue trucking just yet, but it is great to get the driver's perspective that you provide. These videos are super informational for new people like me, who don't have a lick of experience with semi trucks, period. It's also great to get your opinions and thoughts, being new and young in the industry. Have safe travels!
I love mountain driving. My very first job with my cdl was a heavy haul driver in the mountains, and now I'm a heavy haul flatbed driver that is again always in the mountains lol.
That truck stop was 7 Feathers truck stop in Canyonville OR. That is my favorite trk stp. They have the nice little grocery store, nice deli, and good coffee. Lots of parking and quiet at night. Always good information, good job.
Yeah it’s a really nice truck stop! A lot of good food you don’t usually see otr. I found it funny that they don’t let swift park there lol. Unlucky for them, but it’s kinda funny
when I was in trucking school we used manual transmissions trucks and the rule is whatever gear you pull the mountain in you downshift one gear at the top to go down the other side and use the Jake brake in combination with the foot brake to keep the truck under control and the speed down.
Good advice! I never did any mountain driving, but I got my CDL in a manual and I remember them telling us that. I kinda wish Melton had manual trucks so I could develop that skill more, but the automatic is nice, and less stressful for sure lol
@11:29 nope...not saying nothing mean about u man. I love these videos. Honestly wish u made more and want you to be my trainer when orientation is done
Don't know about newer trucks, but the automatics I've been in have a manual mode. So when going down the mountain you can set the gear you want to be in without worrying about the truck shifting. Have also heard if you set the cruise for 5 under the speed you want it'll keep the truck from shifting. I'm in the midwest, so this is all just internet rumor to me.
Bro, I’m at Melton right now in Tulsa and take my Road test Wednesday or Thursday, is the road test hard? Like do they make you do some hard shit in it? And do they make you back in it? I haven’t drove a semi in 6 months since I left CDL school and I am really worried about it. Would appreciate a reply bro.
It’s nothing too complicated, you’ll just be driving around the city a little bit and following the directions the instructor gives you. And there’s no backing until later on in orientation but they’ll show you how to do the maneuvers first
I’ve found I work best on 6.5-7 hrs of sleep so that’s what I shoot for, you could easily get more if you needed to though. Correct me if I’m wrong but I’m assuming gts means go to sleep, and yeah it’s usually pretty easy for me. If I’m struggling then I’ll just take a melatonin and that works every time
I just use my phone and cross reference that with my atlas and route suggestion that melton provides for each load. I would still recommend getting a truck GPS though just to be safe. But I’ve been okay so far, I just have to take extra time to review my route
How has your experience with Melton been this whole time? Your video editing skills are nice. I start next month and want to start making videos like you do but I have a android shouldn't be much harder.
My experience has been very positive with Melton so far! There’s really nothing that I can complain about. And that’s cool! Making videos is fun, it gives you something to do in your spare time
I've been trucking since 2003. Very early in my career I had an ol' timer tell me " you can have thousands of boring trips down the mountain. Or you can have one hell of a wild ride!!! The choice is yours. You're driving that truck. No one else. Not the office, broker or other drivers!" I've been lucky enough to drive in every state but Maine and Hawaii. You'll see the country for what it really is and not what any media or even what we're taught growing up. You'll see things that you want to share with people. And you'll see things that you'll never share but can't forget.
These videos are awesome. I'm still a teen, so I can't pursue trucking just yet, but it is great to get the driver's perspective that you provide. These videos are super informational for new people like me, who don't have a lick of experience with semi trucks, period. It's also great to get your opinions and thoughts, being new and young in the industry. Have safe travels!
That’s awesome man, there’s a ton of opportunity for you! I’m glad my videos are helpful
I love mountain driving. My very first job with my cdl was a heavy haul driver in the mountains, and now I'm a heavy haul flatbed driver that is again always in the mountains lol.
I been looking to do flatbed coming outta school thanks to you I’ve found a melton in Florida! Start school next week!!
You have a great aura man. Keep having that positive mindset. Stay safe on them roads 🙏🏽
Love watching the videos, im currently in Melton orientation on day 4 and can't wait to get on the road.
Thanks! Good luck at orientation!
Great video and thorough explanation with mountain driving, including the PSA.
That truck stop was 7 Feathers truck stop in Canyonville OR. That is my favorite trk stp. They have the nice little grocery store, nice deli, and good coffee. Lots of parking and quiet at night. Always good information, good job.
Yeah it’s a really nice truck stop! A lot of good food you don’t usually see otr. I found it funny that they don’t let swift park there lol. Unlucky for them, but it’s kinda funny
I like your explanation of mountain driving. Textbook tactics. Sure appreciate you
I've decided to get my CDL because of your videos!!!
Let me guess… Michael Tracy also wants to get his CDL because of my videos😂
Stay safe out there my man! Enjoying the content 😁
when I was in trucking school we used manual transmissions trucks and the rule is whatever gear you pull the mountain in you downshift one gear at the top to go down the other side and use the Jake brake in combination with the foot brake to keep the truck under control and the speed down.
Good advice! I never did any mountain driving, but I got my CDL in a manual and I remember them telling us that. I kinda wish Melton had manual trucks so I could develop that skill more, but the automatic is nice, and less stressful for sure lol
Knock off all the crop man. I also can't stop looking at the bug goo on the windshield. It's making me hungry.
@11:29 nope...not saying nothing mean about u man. I love these videos. Honestly wish u made more and want you to be my trainer when orientation is done
Haha thanks man. I’m still a newbie too so I wouldn’t make the best trainer lol, I’m gonna be working on some more videos soon though!
Good crop brother!keep the shiny side up
Haha thanks!
I've started to pursue my CDL thanks to your videos!! Keep up the inspiration bro!
Awesome! Good luck man!
Join they navy as a philosopher
Really nice video!
Do you stab break for 3 seconds going down hill ?
Don't know about newer trucks, but the automatics I've been in have a manual mode. So when going down the mountain you can set the gear you want to be in without worrying about the truck shifting. Have also heard if you set the cruise for 5 under the speed you want it'll keep the truck from shifting. I'm in the midwest, so this is all just internet rumor to me.
For the first 2 weeks do they give you a prepaid card ? Or the only pay you for training with a trainer
They give you a prepaid card before you get out on the road
Bro, I’m at Melton right now in Tulsa and take my Road test Wednesday or Thursday, is the road test hard? Like do they make you do some hard shit in it? And do they make you back in it? I haven’t drove a semi in 6 months since I left CDL school and I am really worried about it. Would appreciate a reply bro.
It’s nothing too complicated, you’ll just be driving around the city a little bit and following the directions the instructor gives you. And there’s no backing until later on in orientation but they’ll show you how to do the maneuvers first
@@ianelbert appreciate the reply bro
Ive been thinking of trucking but i dont know if its worth it. i just hate the idea of never being home. Also merging lowkey seems tricky in a semi
How much do they pay for orientation/ training?
600 a week bro
How many hours of sleep do you get ? Do you find it easy to gts ?
I’ve found I work best on 6.5-7 hrs of sleep so that’s what I shoot for, you could easily get more if you needed to though. Correct me if I’m wrong but I’m assuming gts means go to sleep, and yeah it’s usually pretty easy for me. If I’m struggling then I’ll just take a melatonin and that works every time
@@ianelbert lmao yes gts means go to sleep, thank you man, answering all these questions, I’ll have more later today lmao
What are you using for GPS and how do you do your route planning?
I just use my phone and cross reference that with my atlas and route suggestion that melton provides for each load. I would still recommend getting a truck GPS though just to be safe. But I’ve been okay so far, I just have to take extra time to review my route
@@ianelbert sounds good. I'm scheduled for orientation the beginning of November
"I might get something besides coal for christmas".. Hilarious....
melton has drivers facing camera?
Yes
@@aanyway3haiti593 merci
Ohhhhh the company still wants to get paid even if you die lmao 4:37
You use google as your gps
I think you are full of oatmeal lol keep trucking Ian peace out
Sorry to be an aggressor but this video is crop free. I didnt see one single crop 🤬
😂 I will do my best to bring more crop to the channel
@@ianelbert you better because I'll hold you to that crop! if you don't then that's a bunch of bull crop!
How has your experience with Melton been this whole time? Your video editing skills are nice. I start next month and want to start making videos like you do but I have a android shouldn't be much harder.
My experience has been very positive with Melton so far! There’s really nothing that I can complain about. And that’s cool! Making videos is fun, it gives you something to do in your spare time