Thinking of TMC

LOL no matter how much you polish this time of year they still look bad. I hope mine will shine bright.....maybe i can stay south

 

You are required to run your TMC truck constantly when the temperature is below 15 degrees F. That means that my truck has been idling here at home since 4 pm Friday and will idle until late Sunday night after the snowstorm goes through.

As far as idling above 15 degrees that is up to you for the most part. You should not idle more than you need to in order to remain comfortable. Part of your pay rate is determined by your fuel economy and idling burns fuel at an alarming rate when you are trying to make the miles per gallon count.

 

Thanks for answering my idling question Rawlco. I'm going to Columbia orientation on the 29th. I think I'm going to be happy with TMC. I was with Roehl and very happy until they assigned me an 05 International that was soooo nasty inside I was scared I might catch somthing if I left the yard with it. I was told to take it or leave it, so I left it. Still a great company, I blame the prior nasty driver. My only consern is the 13 speeds in the Pete's. Recruiter told me I would be tested to see whether I would be classed as a Student or Experianced. I'm guessing not knowing the 13 speed with harm me during testing. Can you or can you not drive the 13 as a 9 around the city?

 

If empty, yes. Loaded, no. You can, also, cheat when going down hill, loaded or unloaded. It is best to learn to shift with 13 speed. Testers will make allowances if you can't shift perfectly. Just show improvement. Of course, it may cause you to be with a trainer longer if you don't get it down. If you need the extra training just go with it. It won't be long.

 

I have posted the good and feel compeled to also post the not so good. As everyone is aware "or should be" freight is very slow right now. I am surprised they have not closed the school for awhile as they are not able to keep the current drivers they have busy. For the last 4 weeks my pay checks have not reached $300.00. I have spoken to several other drivers in the field and they are all saying the same thing, making around $240.00 a week. I pulled into a pilot truck stop last week waiting to get a load and was surprised to see 26 TMC trucks setting in the same location waiting as well.
I went to the Indy terminal a couple weeks ago for service and have never seen so many empty trucks where drivers are leaving the company due to unable to survive on the pay. I have to admit I am in talks with Roehl transportation as they were my other choice before starting with TMC.
On a lighter note, the trucks are nice and are kept in good shape. We are still required to submit a Purchase Order each week for a truck wash.

Double R

 

i think you will find everyone is in the no freight boat. TMC is a good company so i would not jump ship because i cant see that roehl or maverick will be any better. The grass my friend will not be greener.

 

Rob are you long haul or regional? Percentage or CPM? The other drivers you talked with, does this seem to be across the board? I'm scheduled for orientation on the 5th and I'd like to know what I'm looking at before it's to late, thank you for speaking up.

 

The 13 is a little different but you will get use to it quickly. The truck I drive now is an auto 9 "booooo" but i still catch myself trying to split gears on the up hill. lol I truly miss the 13.
Nefram

 

Roehl is a great company but I just left earlier this month. Freight is slow with them also. Flats, Van and Curtain are slow.