I start orientation on Monday Dec.8 2008 at the Des Moines location. If all goes well I'm looking forward to joining the TMC family. I'll update as I progress thru training. Special thanks to Rawlco for answering some of my questions and directing me to the TMC posting for info. Take care everyone see you all soon!

You will love it, provided you don't; have unrealistic expectations of the job you should get along just fine.

Remember, be diplomatic. Alot of people i've talked to that have had problems with TMC is because they were just aholes to their Fleet managers and whatnot. If you havfe a problem with something, they're more than happy to listen and try making it better for you, just explain in a polite manner, don't call them swearing and yelling.

Good luck to you my friend, we'll see you out there.

eckz, Thanks for the response. I think I'll be fine as far as the attitude goes. I've been with the likes of UPS and DHL. I realize how to work together, which in fact makes it better for everyone involved. I'm sure that the FM is not much different than the dispatcher's I've worked with before. I alway's helped them out when I could and in turn they were there for me when I needed a favor. Now the 13 speed will take some getting used too. lol. Well eckz I'm actually leaving here for Iowa in about 1 hour. It takes about 6 hours from here, so thanks again and take care. I'll keep you posted as training goes along.

Good luck, remember not to walk on the grass or litter. It sounds silly, but theres more involved to it than just being a stupid rule. The way it's looked at is that if you cannot follow a simple request while in DSM, how are you going to act at our customers when you're on your own?

You should have a good time. Just remember it's still a standard "H" pattern, the only difference is the range selector for the last 5 gears, and you should be fine. Best of luck to you, and keep us updated!

eckz, will do. I'm here at Des Moines now hittin the sack gettin ready for tomorrow (1st day). Will keep you posted. Thanks again for the help and support.

DXER64,

I'm glad you've let us know you're off to orientation. If you are able to chronicle the events, it will be a big help to those of us who consider following you. Best of luck to you in the coming weeks.

Regards,

Andrew

andrew5184 and everyone else interested. Day one of orientation is in the books. Class size 33, down to 31 after 1st day. All paperwork today (direct deposit, W-4 info). Physical and drug test also. They went over company policies, accidents on road, overweight loads. Basically all of their stances on policy (which seemed logical to me) no problems with what they had to say. We were given 2 test on computers to do by Thursday (Math and General Knowledge) which you can do at hotel like I am if you have a laptop or computer access. You can do this by logging on to the web-site and using your username and password that we created today in class. As far as the hotel goes (Baymont in Des Moines) it is very nice, big clean rooms. All I can say is that you wont be disappointed. At training center the lunch they served (which is only free one you get) was very good and plentiful. Good food not processed. As far as the way we were treated, let me just say it was to the point but very professional. With that being said, so far from what I can tell if you aren't serious about working for TMC or have problems with doing things their way don't bother coming. That is not a knock against TMC at all, just the message they conveyed and they are serious. Well that's all I have for now, I'll keep you all updated day by day. Take care and be safe.

Thanks for the update. Sounds like a pretty good first day. It's nice that they provide at least one meal a day. And you probably get free breakfast at the hotel, albeit probably not much.

$3.18 for breakfast here at hotel. Update more tomorrow. Take care.

How is it people make it to orientation and don't make it through the first day?