[reddragon]

Any information on this company would be welcome. I'm currently slated to start their training program but thought it prudent to at least ask those on the street what the word is. I don't see much "chatter" regarding this company.

[bean head]

I have talked to several of their drivers lately and none of them really had anything bad to say. The only negative I heard was that the miles were really slow right now 1200 to 1700 a week, but none of them were planning on leaving because of it.

[reddragon]

Thanks for the reply. I had heard it was slower because of the nature of the business-building products. I'm hoping that it won't get much worse. Looking forward to getting out there regardless and getting some experience under my belt.

[Mr. Ford95]

Once winter starts to pass, flatbedding will pick back up. It is always slow in the winter since most construction slows down due to bad weather. The only side that moves consistently is reefer with groceries. Everyone needs that all the time, it never slows but the dock people you encounter are pain in the rear's, plus you can sit at the dock for hours on end.

[reddragon]

That's kind of why I chose flatbedding. I looked at the pros and cons. "Down" time at the terminals as one of the cons. The biggest pro I saw was not having to rely on others to keep me moving . Also dispatching-from what I'm reading, a dispatcher can either make you or break you. After researching some of the flatbedding companies (Maverick, LJ Kennedy, Melton) McElroy seemed reasonable (weekend guarantee). I was actually rejected by Maverick because they are particular about work history. I had 4 employers in a 3 year history. Kennedy-need 3 years experience. At this stage of life, I would rather sacrifice quantity over quality and get that critical one year of experience with a company willing to invest it's time in a rookie. In the Northeast I'm at the mercy of mother nature-also the economy right now. Both should get better : > )

[DaveP]

Originally Posted by reddragon

Thanks for the reply. I had heard it was slower because of the nature of the business-building products. I'm hoping that it won't get much worse. Looking forward to getting out there regardless and getting some experience under my belt.

I've been seeing McElroy hauling coils thru Birmingham the last couple weeks....

[DragginMan]

Got a 42,500 lb coil on my trailer right now. Picked it up Friday at SeverCorr in Columbus,MS, drove home to Huntsville, AL, deliver Monday morning to Acworth,GA. McElroy is the "in-house" shipper for this steel mill. Business has been picking up on the steel side, thank goodness, as it has been DREADFULLY slow in the building products side.

[Mr. Ford95]

reddragon, you said your in the NE, have you talked with Melton?

[reddragon]

I did consider them.(Melton) They had a flyer at our school but did not send in a recruiter. I had asked the school's director about them and he kind of swayed me against them since he knew I was looking for some kind of home time on a consistent basis. With McElroy I know what I'm getting. I don't know much about Melton but would be happy to hear what you have to say. I was told to expect 10-14 days out with them.

[DaveP]

Originally Posted by DragginMan

Got a 42,500 lb coil on my trailer right now. Picked it up Friday at SeverCorr in Columbus,MS, drove home to Huntsville, AL, deliver Monday morning to Acworth,GA. McElroy is the "in-house" shipper for this steel mill. Business has been picking up on the steel side, thank goodness, as it has been DREADFULLY slow in the builing products side.

So THAT'S where ya'll are coming from! (I'm in Florence)