Grumpy1, you will do just fine. Make sure you keep us updated here if you can. If you don't have a laptop to take with you there is a computer for you in the lobby by the front desk. But if you have a laptop they have free Wifi at the Baymont, which is what I used to update this thread while I was there. Anyway I'll be leaving out for the OK-TX panhandle with my trainer and first load tomorrow. If I can get Wifi somewhere like a truck stop or something I'll post it here. And socal or whoever thanks for putting the picture up there. Good luck to all and take care. Oh and Merry Christmas to all and have a happy NEW YEAR!!!

Thanks in advance for the updates DXER. Safe Travel and Merry Christmas to you. Good luck on your run. I have thoroughly enjoyed your posts

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If it Sounds like a Truck, Looks like a Truck, and Drives like a Truck... It's probably a Truck!

..by the looks of the Dec.19 graduating class from Columbia, SC they had a much nicer climate to complete their training.. aaahh short sleeves in Dec., I could handle that!
Grumpy1, if a woman can complete the load securement portion of the training it shouldn't be a problem for you..

Terrylamar,

We no longer have the vans available to us anymore. The van was seen at bar. This has been for about 6 months now. The guys in orientation get taken to Walmart,etc. during the week on the short black bus.

Drive-A-Mack... Now thats gonna make me feel real good if I get up there and can't even tote the tarp around. I'll have to drive all the way back to Texas with my head hung low! Now I have seen a few women around here though that I wouldn't want to tangle with, at least I think they were women.

Yeah I could sure handle the weather in NC a lot better. It's 45 outside right now and I'm freezing! I dug out my extra heavy work coat and will have me some thermals also, I should be able to handle it. I'm just ready to get started. I've been sitting on my butt for the last few weeks and I'm about to go crazy, not to mention I'm driving the wife crazy.

Don't they still give the warnings about alcohol on company property. There are always those few who think the rules don't apply to them.

I made a personal decission when I got my CDL. I haven't taken a drink since then. I'm not saying drinking is wrong, but I decided that my CDL was essential to my job and I wouldn't risk it.

I was never a heavy drinker and I don't miss it at all.

Even you don't stop drinking, surely you can restrain yourself while you are at oreintation.

I suspect everyone in that van were fired.

Grumpy1,

If you are concerned about your conditioning, you need to start working on it right now. You can make major improvement is the first month. Your most dramatic improvements will be when you first start working out.

Working out and getting in shape gives you all kinds of benifits. It will lower your blood pressure, reduce your heart rate, stop diabeties or at least reduce the effects, in most cases, lower your blood sugar, help you sleep better and the list goes on and on.

The tarp portion of the test is not that difficult. It is more technique than a display of pure strength.

Try lifting a lumber tarp up onto a 13' tall load. Or lifting tarps full of snow, water or ice, even tarps you were unable to roll properly because of adverse conditions.

In other words, lifting tarps can be a daily part of your job. There are some loads you have to climb on top of many, many times, despite your best planning. Loads from Berridge in Sequin, TX come to mind. The are a real challenge just to secure, then you have to tarp. Try tarping while it is 100 plus outside with high humidity. Or when it is windy and the tarp keeps falling off.

Flatbed work is challenging, orientation is just the first of many challenges. It will only get harder after orientation, not easier. You need to get in shape, you need to get started now.

I heard that before in the TMC forum that some getting let go from orientation cause they were seen at the bar. I think that stupid and it surprised me some were that dumb, I assume you are being watched the whole time there as its a 2 week interview too. Most sane people wouldn't goto a interview drunk, so why drink there. I'll wait till I'm on my own time to have that beer.

True, The are a 0 tolerance company. when you are at orientation you are not allowed to drink. If you can't follow the rules drive for someone else.

Wow, this looks a lot different then Ankeny. here's our photo.....if I can get this to work.