TMC Flatbed..Load percentage or .30 per mile??

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Viking84, Jan 7, 2009.

  1. Viking84

    Viking84 Light Load Member

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    Dec 27, 2008
    Valdosta Georgia
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    I am currently in school to get my CDL, and have been pre-hired by TMC.

    After training with TMC, I have to decide if I want to be paid .30cents per mile or 23% of the load.
    Recruiter stated that 23% of the load has been averaging to about .34cents per mile. But I don't put much into what recruiters say.

    Anyone got experience with TMC and their type of pay, and which is the best for a newbie trucker.

    Does dispatch give priority to drivers that take the % or the miles? Or does dispatch give priority to the driver that will make the least amount on this particular load.
    For example,if I am a 23% driver and my buddy is a .30cents per mile driver... I have been waiting 10 hours longer than him for a load.
    A load that is valued at $5,000 and only has to travel 250 miles comes available.
    I would stand to make $1,150.00 for that load. But my buddy at .30cents per mile would only make $75 for that same load.
    Even though I am 10 hours ahead of him, would the company give him the load because he would be cheaper?

    On the other hand, if a load was a cheap load with a long distance to travel, the .30cents per mile driver would make more than the 23% driver...

    Any advice on whether to take the 23% or .30cents per mile??

    Thanks in advance...
     
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  3. Rawlco

    Rawlco Medium Load Member

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    Aug 13, 2006
    Central Maine
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    Dispatch at TMC does try to avoid giving you a raw deal like in your example above. Although in a tough area you will be offered the loads on a first empty = first available load basis. A good FM will notice things that are out of wack and steer you towards a good load.

    I recommend percentage pay. I outline why in this thread:
    http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...04-percentage-or-milage-pay-whats-better.html

    For other TMC questions check out our section of this forum:
    http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/tmc/
     
  4. Winchester Magnum

    Winchester Magnum Road Train Member

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    Jan 4, 2009
    Alaska highway
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    I'm not with TMC, never have, never will be, however were I in your shoes, I'd ask (not the recruiters) if you have any control on where you go IF you opt for percentage - ie if you can run in the good freight lanes. For example, I see empty TMC trucks northbound on I-75 every time I get into Florida. The few that are loaded are hauling cheap freight like sod. OTOH, I'm sure the rate pays well going in, just like any Fl bound freight does. Something to think about.

    The other big thing to consider now (Jan 2009) is I belive TMC cut their rates bigtime. Slightly over a buck/mile would not surprise me.

    I guess if it were me, I'd probably ask to see their freight bills, before I chose per mile vs percentage, but that is just me. Or I'd further throw 'em a bone and tell 'em I wanted percentage, and for them to toss on LTL with truckloads as much as possible.

    Good luck!
     
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  5. Winchester Magnum

    Winchester Magnum Road Train Member

    1,492
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    Jan 4, 2009
    Alaska highway
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    viking84,

    I re-read your post again, this time a little closer. If you opt for percentage, you get 23% of the linehaul (no fuel sursharge in it) NOT 23% of the value of the freight strapped to your tailer, as your post indicates. Nothing out there pays $5,000 to go 250 miles. Maybe you know this?, sorry to post if you did.

    The other thing that shocks me is they only pay .30 cpm.
     
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  6. Rawlco

    Rawlco Medium Load Member

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    Aug 13, 2006
    Central Maine
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    Those are the base rates 23% or $0.30 per mile.

    If you choose the percentage plan then each month your performance is evaluated and your percentage rate may be changed anywhere from 23% to 32% depending on factors like fuel economy. Most people earn 28% or more.

    The mileage pay plan starts at $0.30 per mile for inexperienced drivers. Again each month your performance is evaluated and you can earn several cents per mile in bonuses, possibly up to $0.05 per mile. After 6 months with TMC your base pay becomes $0.32 per mile, one year jumps to $0.38 per mile. Two years earns $0.39, and 5 years gets you $0.40.

    Experienced drivers start at $0.37 per mile, or with one year flatbed experience that earns you $0.38 per mile. The same bonus structure and time with TMC applies like above.
     
  7. Viking84

    Viking84 Light Load Member

    197
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    Dec 27, 2008
    Valdosta Georgia
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    Thanks for the info...

    What would be your suggestion for a rookie driver right out of school such as myself? Should I select the 23% or the .30 cents per mile???
     
  8. wyldhogg

    wyldhogg Bobtail Member

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    Dec 12, 2008
    Orleans, VT
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    I'm an experienced driver that started with TMC in september. the first 6 wks in my own truck I averaged about $150 more running %, I started at 27% and went up 1% at first snapshot. After that 1st month difference wasn't so big, even went the other way, where mileage was better. Though was more to do with the economy. Many of the "old Timers" with TMC that I have spoken with ( 3 yrs and longer) say mileage is more reliable long term. Any way you can change back and forth from % to per mi.
     
  9. Rawlco

    Rawlco Medium Load Member

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    Aug 13, 2006
    Central Maine
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    I recommend percentage to start as I stated in my first post in this thread. During training you will get to track what you would make on those loads with both pay plans and make your decision.

    You can switch pay plans twice per year. I found that in the northeast there were too many short loads that wouldn't pay squat on mileage, but paid better on percentage. Flip a coin either way.
     
  10. fx4wannabe

    fx4wannabe Light Load Member

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    Oct 26, 2008
    Chattanooga, TN
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    I bet at the end of the year you will come out really close either way
     
  11. chunk5207

    chunk5207 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 12, 2008
    Ashland, OH
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    u sure they r still hiring? TMC just laid off 250 drivers.
     
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