TMC

I only dealt w/a few of those. In my limited experience multi-stop loads were a crap-shoot. Sometimes well worth the extra work/time, but sometimes not.

Once upon a time I consented to a Friday trailer swap (so this fellow could get home to his brothers' birthday), and I took his 3-stop load of mixed pipe to CA. 1st stop in LA, Mon AM. Final stop in Sacramento area Mon afternoon. These days, I tend to think of that trip as... less than ideal, but still... it was a learning experience. LOL

 

LOL This one that I had was a breeze. Got to the first stop and was in and out in 45 minutes. The second stop was about an hour thats just because that last 15 minutes was trip planning on my next trip and looking through everything. Easy one right there. It was all single pallets 3 wide front to back and was organized the rear for the 1st stop and the front for the 2nd. All I had to do was take the straps off and roll them and put em away. I only had to have him move one stack center and re strap it. Easy 20 bucks

 

There are several places that pay much better than the $10-15 tarp fee to company drivers, but TMC was still the better deal (over-all), at least for me.

The prices I heard for O/O tarping were in the $80-120 range for a full, 13.5' tall load of lumber, etc.; sometimes more for "odd" loads.

Lumber is usually pretty easy. Don't worry. In 4-6 mo. from now, that load you spent 2 hrs tarping today, will only take you 30-45 min., and... it'll be easier, you'll sweat less, & it'll look better. As your skills develop it becomes MUCH easier.

Everyone quits their new job 13 times a day, when they're new to it. Hang in there!

 

O its all good. I dont mind the work and the sweat. I think my problem with it taking those 2 hours is because I make it look very good. Not as good as some but better then most. It keeps the loads dry and my tarps are not flapping around so its good to me. I just wish I had more then the 100 bungees the give us. I could use about 120. Also I bought a few extra 2 inch straps with rachets since I had a load that I needed more. It never hurts you know and plus it is all a tax write off even though I am a company driver.

 

Yeah, I hear ya on the extra straps. I bought a 3" one for myself. I din't trust those wimpy 2" jobs. Unneeded? Probably, but it made me feel better, and I've never had second thoughts about that purchase... even tho it's collecting dust in my garage as we speak.

Tarps? I think you got it! As long as it protects the load, is not flapping in the wind, (and does not cause you any embarrassment as you pull into the truck-stop) you've got it whooped.

 

Its mostly taking long because I am stuck with this crap 96 inch trailer. Would be easy with a 102.

 

I hear ya on that one, too. They really oughtta retire those 96" trailers. They're not very useful, and they're difficult to work on & (to a lesser degree) haul.

It's a business tho, so they're not really concerned too much with what us "worker bees" think.

 

Yep as long as its not costing them money and is not rotting away they are going to run it.

I hate it since it does not have the winches the newer trailers do as in the amount of them. Along with the fact the newer ones have a dump axle and are also 102.

 

Well I appreciate everyones post since I have no experience. I am still waiting on a letter of approval for schooling then after four weeks I am still considering TMC. I look at other companys then end up back at TMC website. Does anyone know if they try to get you home some during training on road. For example I live in northern west virginia, I did read on the site they try to get you with someone that heads me towards home. Any advice would be great. thx.

 

Tmc is an awsome place to work. As long as you Are not affraid to work.I make great money and enjoy the work
everyone I have come in contact with in the management has been great and helpfull in my time here and yes I've been here awhile.all you have to do is what is ask of you to get the job done and do the best you can they will help you and keep the wheels rolling and money flowing.my safety man tom rubo is great he helps and understands all my log lady jen out of sc wow she is great.