My first year at TMC

Discussion in 'TMC' started by Linte_Loco, Apr 24, 2011.

  1. Linte_Loco

    Linte_Loco Road Train Member

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    Apr 24, 2011
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    Went through orientation 02/01/10 - 02/12/10. 5 weeks with a trainer. Got my truck 04/13/10( I think, somewhere around there)
    Considering I was in school all year until then, I still grossed 49k for 2010. Didn't do the per diem thing, so thats what I made.
    Better than average. They told me I would be lucky to hit 40k by years end. That was the wrong thing to tell me. Had to make a point about it to beat that:biggrin_25525:

    Home every weekend was not a problem. I stayed out more towards the end of the year to make more cash. My choice. Usually got home Fri night, sometimes Sat morning. It`s not perfect, just the way it goes. I always left Sun to be at con with hours Mon morning. That`s the one choice that can determine the week. You can leave Mon as long as you deliver on time. That`s an option you have. You won`t get fired. It`s "your" choice.

    Only 1 layover during the year. Wed. before thanksgiving.

    Now the brutal truth...

    I don`t wanna brag or come off as egotistical, but what separates the top 20% is work ethic and time management. Losing sleep is a choice some make. In my "personal" opinion if your truck is still for more than 10 hours( other than service or a breakdown obviously), you're lazy. Thats just me:biggrin_2554:
    You will find that TMC will give you all the support and help you need. But you gotta help yourself. They will NEVER ask you to run illegal. I personally have never had an issue with TMC. I take care of them and they take care of me.

    Running 62 mph can be a pain, but that`s life. Equipment is great. Minor breakdowns and delays are part of trucking.

    Tarping is just a mindset. It`s not hard. Just accept it, don`t think about it, just do it and move on. If you dwell on it too much, you`ll drive yourself crazy. That`s flatbedding. If you wanna chill out with your PS3 half the day at a dock waiting for a measely check, go to Swift or such.

    % or mileage...

    Most of my loads averaged about $750 aload. There are better and worse. Alot depends on how soon your empty. Also wether you plan on going home that wekend. Meaning.. if your FM has to find you a load that will get you near home, it might not be the best load in area. But if your FM has no worries about where your going, they can get you best load. Soo many drivers don`t understand that. They have to plan you ahead of time to get you where you need to be at weeks end. For those that don`t matter can get better loads. Doesn`t mean you`ll get a bad load by any means, just that your FM is limited on choices at times based on your plans that weekend......understand that:biggrin_25519:

    I prefer % because the potential is greater. If you can`t get 27% after first month you`re worthless:biggrin_2554: Sorry just my opinion.
    Mileage would be good for those who wanna stay out on weekends. If your FM doesn`t have to worry about keeping you close to home near weeks end, you can run like a mug:yes2557:
    HazMat helps. Lot of good loads requiring it. Had a hazmat load from Philly to L.A once paid $4700 to truck. They want your truck to make something like $2700 in revenue (I think thats it), or like 2500 miles. depending on what pay your on. My best week in revenue was $6900 to truck. (30%)
    So % has more potential, but there are so so weeks where mileage can be better. Once you can get your mileage pay around .38 it can be a better choice. I know drivers at .44( I thinkl that`s max not positive)

    My FM told me once that they auto switch you from % to mileage or vice versa if you will make more by switching. Never had it happen, but that`s what he said:biggrin_25511:

    One nice perk is going just about anywhere on a weekend. If you wanna spend the weekend in Vegas( don`t forget to tarp it:yes2557:) tell your FM Mon and he will get you there. You can request a city or area to be if you want to. Some places are harder than others mind you, but a good FM can do wonders. I spent 2 weekends in L.A in Jan. OMG It was heaven considering the -40 on Vail pass :biggrin_25524:

    If you wanna work and make as much money as you can, TMC is great. I just got a dedicated gig in East TX. So I`m just chillin now

    Any ?`s about TMC I will be glad to give you an honest answer.
     
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  3. chirp63

    chirp63 Bobtail Member

    I was wondering about TMC training and road test. I have my license but no experience. I live in NY now, but am moving to Huntington W.V in the next 4-6 months. Is their any difference in starting now or waiting untl I move. Thanks
     
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  4. Elendil

    Elendil Heavy Load Member

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    Mar 27, 2011
    Ottawa, IL
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    What about APU's or inverters? It would be more easier to spend more time in the truck with those items available......
     
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  5. Linte_Loco

    Linte_Loco Road Train Member

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    The training is great. They will give you what you need to know. Your trainer will give you what you need to be confident enough that you will be fine on your own. Any ?`s when you get your truck is a phone call away.

    Their road test is when your done with your trainer before you get your truck. Not much different than taking a cdl road test to get your license. Very easy.

    Moving is not an issue. Go now if you want. when you move just tell your FM your new address and roll on:biggrin_25520:
    Trust me, not a big deal at all. As far as time off for moving, you may need to do it on weekends. You might get a fri. to help give you time. But don`t expect a week or 3 weekdays to move. You`ll have to figure that out.
    But if you can move on your time...then it`s not a problem.
     
  6. Linte_Loco

    Linte_Loco Road Train Member

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    LA (lower Alabama)
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    Some newer trucks have apu`s. The senior drivers will get them first. As a new driver, don`t count on seeing an apu:biggrin_25513:

    You can get an inverter. There is only 1 TMC approves. They install it, you keep it if u leave. $180 i think. Somewhere around there.
    They can only be installed at service time. So you will have to wait a few months before getting one unless something changed and new drivers have an option, not sure. Didn`t have that option when i started
     
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  7. tbrad03

    tbrad03 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 14, 2011
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    You do still have to wait until your first service to have an inverter installed...unless you get a truck that's already been wired for an inverter, then you just buy YOUR inverter and connect it.
     
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  8. Flattbedder

    Flattbedder Bobtail Member

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    Nov 13, 2011
    jacksonville, Fl
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    If they assign you a truck without an APU, do they let you idle with out them complaining about the time your where idleing??
     
  9. Linte_Loco

    Linte_Loco Road Train Member

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    LA (lower Alabama)
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    They have a 25% idle policy.
     
  10. dirtyjerz

    dirtyjerz glowing beard pouty kid

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    Jun 7, 2011
    Playing in Traffic
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    25%? News to me. Im at 47% and my fm never says anything to me. Also being dedicated outta the nyc area id say 42% is sitting in traffic idling along in first gear. Plus i gotta daycab so i never have to idle to stay warm/cool at nights.
     
  11. DC804

    DC804 Light Load Member

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    Oct 31, 2011
    Richmond, VA
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    Im thinking about going to TMC as my first tractor trailer job...Im in my last week of truck driving school and we had a TMC Recruiter come in and filled us in but i know some recruiters can blow smoke up your ### but i have talked to a few drivers that delivers to my job and they like it, the experience and pay. Im trying to get a local gig but experience is what most of these companies wants so TMC is on my mind heavy.
     
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