I have a few questions

I am still listed as an "Apprentice" driver after being with TMC for two years. Don't read too much into the labels.

 

I have a question concerning load securement training in Des Moines. I understand during the spring, summer, and fall that the load securement instructors pull the various loaded flatbed trailers outside for seurement training. Is this also the case in the winter months when it is so cold there and it could be snowing as well? I realize this would be the case when your out on the road. Does this go for yard training as well doing the serpentine and 45 degree backing? Just curious.

 

Winter load securement is always inside as far as I know. During cold weather there is a bus where you can hide from the wind while waiting your turn doing yard maneuvers, but those go on rain or shine, day and night.

 

That is really good news Rawlco, we've been doing yard maneuvers all week at the local school here and it's been 10-20 degrees out, 4 hours at a time. On the plus side, your pretty much numb at the half hour mark. With any luck I'll be in Des Moines on Dec. 29th to start training.

 

Good luck and stay warm

 

Your trainer is supposed to ride shotgun for the first half of your training unless you are an experienced driver just getting the load securement training. You have the power to call your training coordinator and complain if you are unsatisfied.

I am unsure of the shower thing now. last I knew TMC was only going to reimburse for showers for trainers/trainees and in like layover situations. Most truckstops will add a shower credit to your driver rewards type card with every fuel purchase over 50 gallons. You can redeem that shower credit at any truckstop in that chain.

Truck washes operate by requesting a truck wash PO number over the qualcomm. That PO number along with your truck number and your signature counts as payment for the truck wash. In the unlikely event of you getting a truck wash at a place not on the network you will pay cash and get a PO from your Fleet Manager to submit the receipt for reimbursement.

It sounds to me now that there are two. You definitely will have a road test when you finish with a trainer before you are given the keys to a truck. When I went through there was an evaluation of your driving skills all the time you were driving, but they were only interested in improvement, not perfection.

Iowa.

 

rawlco has been a information super highway. I got alot of good info from him and a few other tmc drivers off this forum. I could not thank these guys enough all the info is true and accurate

The only full service terminal they have so far is in iowa, they have a hotel and gym pool truck wash fuel repair shop. I dont think any of the other terminals have them yet. I know columbi dont i was there a week ago.

 

Not in the real world, it most assuredly is NOT!