I just passed a TMC truck westbound on the Creek Turnpike in Tulsa, OK at about 5:30pm. Had palates of something called timberline, I believe (nice to know not everything is tarped). Anybody we know?

The road testers are very fair in south carolina, they really worked well with the ones that had problems. I floated the gears and did not have too many problems, missed a gear but not familiar with the truck so that can be expected. They were a good group of teachers and i learned alot from them, i will be going out with a trainer on sunday and after that i should be on the road.

I'm quessing these drivers were on longhaul?? And were they on percentage or mileage?

Thanks for all the info Eckz.

Good evening everyone. Well day 3 of training at TMC is over! Today we went over logs and the proper use of them. Also took test on logs. Had more test on defensive driving skills. They also came in and ask everyone if we had any questions about rumors or anything. Ask us if anyone felt that they were promised anything by a recruiter that wasn't so and if that was the case please come see them anytime doors are open. Then the speech about what to expect as a driver in this industry and as a TMC employee. Now realize I'm only 3 days into training, and I have alot to learn yet. But I can tell you that in no way have I yet gotten the impression that anything out of the ordinary is going on or has been said. This is in reference to cheating on logs or anything else, so far (everything by the books). Again I say, everything is professional to this point. They even went as far as to explain that not everyone is cut out for this work and if you feel that your not, please say so and they wont blame you they would rather you did this then quit out on the road later. Anyway, at the end of the day we had more simulation training and backing out in the yard. About the questions that were ask by coonass and andrew5184 it looks like 2 other more qualified then I, answered you already. So I thank them both for that. If I can be of any help let me know. Thanks again all, and take care.

Well dexr you must be in the newbie class, I hope everything goes well for you and just pay attention and study and the tests are a snap. Good luck to you

Thanks bangngears, yes newbie class it is for me. Definitely paying attention and studying. So far test are no problem (repetition)and practice is key to everything else. Hopefully I'll be out with trainer on Sunday 21st or Monday 22nd. Thanks for the good wishes.

Yea i dont see that with christmas and everything but i hope you get out as soon as you can, good luck and let us know how things go. I was in the exp class and we lost 12 or so by friday

Well I forgot about x-mas good point. I agree soon as possible would be good. So far we lost 3 out of 33. I'll keep you posted.

sounds good, it is funny to watch the exp drivers who brag how they are trucking superstars and have drove for 10 years and then go and fail the road test because they ripped off the mud flap in the parkinglot on a curb.

The people that you lose during the first day or two are the people that fail the physical or drug test. During the next couple of days sometimes people are sent home for not having paperwork in order, such as one guy in my orientation was sent home because his drivers license had expired. You will lose a few whose wife or girlfriend can't stand to have them away from home. Some will quit because they just don't like the job once they realize what it is, expecially once they do the hands on load securement and realize that it takes work. There are a few that can't drive or back but they usually get enough time to become comfortable and don't get canned until the last few days.

The people that gross $2200 one week don't tell you that they spent from Wednesday to Monday on one load from Idaho to New Jersey plus the rest of that week all being on the one paycheck. Your paychecks include all loads delivered during that pay period no matter how many days you spend on that load in the previous pay period.

__________________
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.

-- J R R Tolkien