TMC the beginning.

What are you going to do in the middle of winter? Let the truck idle all weekend or just hope it doesnt freeze up and it starts?

 

Isn't the TMC requirement to idle the truck only if its below 15F? If so then he should be alright with the truck in Philly. I'd be curious to know the percentage of TMC drivers who can park their truck right next to their house.

 

Do it. These are items that you will not regret getting. They will come in handy whether for TMC or another company. Besides a passport lasts 10 years and the costs will be almost doubling for 2011 and in the future.

 

I did not need any of these things at orientation, or while out w/trainer. Trainer will have atlas, and you can pick one up at any truck stop. In fact, for the next couple of months, most truck stops will have the 2010 available at a pretty decent discount. I always used the Rand-Mcnally Motor Carriers Atlas. This is the industry standard and has much more needed info than just maps. Spend the extra few bucks for the deluxe w/laminated pages, it will last longer. I got a new one every two years.

As for the TWIC & HazMat, if you have the funds available go ahead and start the process of getting them now (each will cost $100+, & take around 60+ days). If you can't really spare the cash now, then don't worry about them until later. If you get your HM first, you'll be able to save about $25 on your TWIC, since the background check will have already been completed.

You should be able to get a passport CARD for (IIRC) around $40, and can do that in just a few hours. The real passport is much more expensive, and the card is fine for border crossings, just not air/sea travel. Since previous poster states prices are going up, I'd get that asap.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

Sorry, I can't help you there. I was on mileage.

 

As for getting more percentage with hazmat, not that I would know, but it could mean more runs probably.