Hey yall, I will be starting school at roadmaster in a couple weeks and my application has been accepted at TMC. It only took like 24hrs to be approved, from everything I read thought it would take longer. So here are my questions for current or former drivers for TMC. 1. What is really expected during orientation? Heard they are really strict, just want someone to tell me the do's and dont's. 2. Life with the trainer. I know hometime is not guaranteed during the 5 weeks but realisticly I should get some hometime, right, no big deal just want to be prepared. Do they pair you up with a trainer living nearest you that you can meet? Any input you can give me about my training would be helpful. 3. The truck. Do all the trucks have fridges, microwaves, satelite radio, tv, etc..., or does the driver furnish these things? Any insight on this company would be great, I have read the threads but some of them are old and things may have changed. Thanks for all your help, and stay safe.

Different people have different opinions on whether TMC is strict or not. I was in the United States Marine Corps, I also went through OCS in the Army. Compared to them I do not believe TMC can be called strict.

They do expect you to be professional. Come to orientation prepared to learn. If you drink, don't. If you are the class clown, it will be a very short orientation. Don't walk on the grass. Do your best and show improvement. You don't have to be perfect, just try. If you do drugs, I hope you get caught.

You will be a guest in your trainer's truck, act accordingly. At the same time do not allow yourself to be abused. Every trainer has his own personality and training methods. Don't sweat the small stuff. Two grown men will get on each other's nerves. Overcome that. You can stand on your head for five weeks.

You should get the first available trainer within 150 miles of you if you agreed to travel up to 150 miles. If not, you may have to wait for a trainer to become available. If you smoke, you may have to go out with a non smoker or vice versa. If you are not flexible, you may have to wait longer. Trainers get your information, a brief history, description, test scores, etc. They can refuse to train you.

The trucks are equipped with satalite radio, '06 and later have the receiver, '05 have a satalite capable radio and you will have to provide the receiver which plugs into the back of the radio and an antenna.

You cannot have a converter of any type or size. You will/might be fired if one is found in your truck. Consequently, you do not have AC power, which means you won't have a refridgerator or microwave. Everything will be DC. In other words you will have a cooler, not a fridge.

I have a cooler, coffee maker, television, computer power, phone charger and fan in my truck. If we ever go to APU's we will have more options. I use Idle Air in the really hot months. I have to pay for it.

What's the big deal with a an inverter (assuming you meant a 12V to 110v inverter) say for charging your laptop or something? seems harmless.
Dan

Yes, I meant inverter. Mine, is not to question why, but to do, or die. Supposedly, in the past, incorrectly wired inverters caused a fire, which destroyed the truck and trailer with load. Now the rule is no invereters.

can you tell me what idle air is and why do you have to pay for it and what is the price

Idle Air is an independent company that provides a service at some truck stops. The have a seperate parking area and offer a connection with air conditioning, heat, phone, internet, television connections and many other. I usually use it as a treat after a particularlly long hot day. I'm a gold member so it cost a little less than $2.00 per hour. Some like it, others hate it because it takes up parking places. You can do a search online for Idle Air for a complete description.

Terry, I'm looking for a good school to go to for my cdl. I'm in Dallas. Any recommendations?

Any school that is on TMC's approved list will do. Look for one locally and call TMC recruiting to see if they approve it.

I use to be of the opinion that a CDL school should provide the best training possible. I still think they should, but my expectations have dropped considerably. Now, I would look for the cheapest, closest that fulfills what TMC's insurance carrier will approve. I believe that to be 160 hours, I forget what portions of that is driving and that it is a recognized CDL school.

If it meets all the requirements and is cheaper than dirt, you are ahead of the game.

Why?, you ask. Because your tuition will be reimbursed and you will get all the training you need during your two weeks of orientation and five weeks of training. Unless, you are a complete spas, you will pass.

During training, all you have to do is show improvement. None of the newbies come in being 100% prepared. Worry, but don't worry so much it prevents you from learning. Take training seriously, but have fun.

My best advise is to find a school close to home where you can commute back and forth each day. You will be able to sleep in your own bed each night, be better rested, have more study time and won't have to deal with the other knuckleheads in you class any more than necessary.

Good luck and if you have anymore questions feel free to ask.

Thank you, sir.

i have about a year flat bed exp. and just wanting to know what to expect the first week, i start May 12. Recruiter stated that i would probbly not have to go out with a trainer if that is true.