TMC from the inside

Discussion in 'TMC' started by riverrat143, Dec 30, 2011.

  1. Carlnix30

    Carlnix30 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 4, 2013
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    I have completed my school! Tested out today. My god was I nervous! This examiner was strict! He watched every move I made..(I know he's supposed to) kind of challenging course! I did my third turn through an intersection stopped at the red light and feel a very faint...bump! I look in my mirror and there it was.. A truck was backing out of a parking spot into the street and bumped into the back of the trailer! So my first accident was during my CDL test! Lol the guys tail lights exploded! We were in Philly so guess what!! He drove off real fast! Didn't even have the decency to sweep up his glass! The trailer had a small smudge of red plastic.


    I put on my flashers and the examiner went out looked and said this is a first! "Proceed" flashers go off.. Almost run the red light! Okay third gear... Slow off the clutch and get it in fourth... I take another city turn to the left.. (Don't take your CDL test in Philly!) There in front of me is a wide load with chasers.. Okay out if seventh.. Down to sixth.. Splitter splitter splitter.. Fifth... Controlled stop.. He says... Hmm... Dang I forgot the flashers! My test is going south... No not literally.. Metaphorically... Lol they get where they are going.. I have already had an accident.. Now stopped.. I forget my flashers! He says "proceed" hey I haven't been turned back.. Maybe I'm still okay.. Third.. Fourth.. Fifth.. Splitter splitter.. Sixth.. Seventh.. I'm really moving along.. Eight... Weeeee.. 35!!!! Weeee... Mirrors.. Have I been in them enough?.. EeeEek mirror mirror..mirror.. TRAIN!! Eight.. Seventh.. Sixth.. Griiiind.. Griiiind... Eeeek.. Splitter splitter....fifth?.. Fourth?... Cram.. Fifth.. Yaaay!! TRAIN!!!!! controlled stop.. He said.. "Train never crosses here" the train is moving about 1/10 of a mile.. Not really but I am sitting here mortified.. Next to a guy that has not hinted at any emotion what so ever! Train finally gets past.. Probably 2 minutes.. Felt like an hour and a half.. So to pass the time.. I ask him if he's going to put the accident on my DAC. I laughed he looked at me and said "no. Proceed" eeeeek... I finish the course.. Interstate merge.. Speed control.. Exit.. Eight.. Seventh.. Sixth.. "Turn right here" splitter.. Splitter fifth.. Wow.. This exit ends in 30 feet!!! Merge merge.. Shift to sixth...grind.. Grind... Splitter splitter splitter.. Sixth.. Eeeeeeeek!! I return to the yard.. He looks at me.. And says.. "Well... There are a few things you need to work on..." He gives me really great advise! How to improve.. MY GOD!!! CRAP.. I CAN'T TAKE THIS.. I have to go back to my wife as a failure!! Emotions... Control... Must... He then says... Congratulations.. You have passed!!!
    I leave for orientation with TMC next week! Splitter splitter splitter!


    thank you all for the great info I feel if I can make the cut.. I will be working for a top notch operation!
     
    MrsZ Thanks this.
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  3. riverrat143

    riverrat143 Light Load Member

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    Jul 14, 2009
    Brodhead, Wisconsin
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    Ummmm, Huh?:biggrin_2556:
     
  4. baha

    baha Road Train Member

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    Jul 25, 2013
    ga
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    have U ever seen TMC on a GOV. load not USA owned
     
  5. American german

    American german Bobtail Member

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    Aug 7, 2013
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    good job. Nice story
     
    Carlnix30 Thanks this.
  6. MrsZ

    MrsZ Bobtail Member

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    Aug 28, 2013
    south
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    Great Write Up!!!!
    Congratulations on your testing!
     
    Carlnix30 Thanks this.
  7. Carlnix30

    Carlnix30 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 4, 2013
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    Alright!! I leave for orientation tomorrow.. :biggrin_2552:

    All you "don't take the bus" naysayers... I say yay! I'm heading from pa to New York to pa to Ohio to Indiana to Illinois to Iowa! I could have gotten a plane ticket! But I would have flown from Philly to NYC to Des Moines. Not an adventure at all! Also they allow you to leave so that you can get there at a decent hour. I get an adventure and get to rest up! Going through those security lines getting ripped off past security for a bottle of water.. Not for me!



    so can anyone tell me what I should NOT bring with me? Also what are some good off the wall things I can't live without when or if I get on a trainers truck?
     
  8. FirNaTine

    FirNaTine Light Load Member

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    Nov 12, 2008
    South Jersey
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    Good luck and hope your bus ride isn't too long. How many hours is it? A flight should take 3-6 hours from the east coast depending on layovers. A bus ride is usually 26+hours on a Greyhound which is horrible usually. The group I was with were on it for almost 32 hours since the bus broke down, no thanks. I'd rather deal with TSA and get rest in the hotel room then a bus seat.

    As for what to bring? Bring the basics obviously but not too much bulky stuff. Laptop if you got one is great to have. With a trainer it will be up to him how much stuff you can bring as its his truck his rules usually. They will make Wal-Mart runs during your time at orientation so if you forget anything or need something you can buy it.
     
    Carlnix30 Thanks this.
  9. Carlnix30

    Carlnix30 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 4, 2013
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    appreciate your response! Believe it or not I don't mind taking the bus. From Reading to Des Moines with layovers is 29 hours. With the start of my trucking career I am getting a head start. 29 hours on the road is an adventure for me! I know I am going to be dealing with stinky people and a long ride but from what I understand I am going to be dealing with that from now till I retire. Lol. I truly could have taken a flight, cheaper!

    If I bring my laptop can I do the computer assignments at the hotel after hours? I am bringing my Ipad for movies and netflicks.
     
  10. InYourDue

    InYourDue Bobtail Member

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    Aug 23, 2013
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    I brought clothes, toiletries, and my laptop. Still here, which is a good thing. Only lost 3-4 people i think so far.

    I think you're crazy for taking the bus but to each their own.

    You can do assignments from your hotel room with your personal laptop.
     
  11. aholtz

    aholtz Bobtail Member

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    May 5, 2013
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    I will be arriving on Sat. I was not going to bring my laptop. What type of assignments are you talking about.
     
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