Excited to be attending TMC Orientation on 2/25/2013

Thanks TruxRus.

 

I arrived at TMC in Des Moines, IA at 4pm CST today. Got settled in, met my roommate, and took a walk over at the corporate parking lot next door. Took a picture of a truck parked there. Not sure who's it is, but it sure looks awesome. The fun begins early tomorrow morning.

 

Day 1 Orientation 02/25/2013:

Orientation started today. There were 24 people in the inexperienced group.

We started off filling out paperworks, and then went and got our DOT physical and did a urine drug test. I was surprised that we didn't have to do a hair drug test as well. Maybe that's another day. We were also assigned some tests on computer that we had to finish by Wednesday.

After that, we went out to the barn to do the physical testing.

The physical therapist started us off with some basic stretches. I've heard some of the drivers refer to this as the "Richard Simmons" or "Jane Fonda" routines. lol.

The Test:

When doing the test, the physical therapist grades each person.

1. I had to stand on each foot for 30 secs without losing balance. Most people had no problems with this. There were about 3 in our group that lost their balance, and was told that they would be able to retest after all the tests are done.

2. I had to lift a lumber tarp weighing 120 lbs from the floor, lift it onto my shoulder and carry it about 40 feet and place it onto the front of the flatbed trailer. Then, I had to lift my upper body onto the trailer, and swing my leg to get the rest of my body onto the trailer. I cannot use anything to help step onto the trailer. It was explained to us that while we're not usually climbing trailers this way in real life, TMC is testing us to make sure that we can do it. After climbing onto the trailer, I would again pick up the tarp and carry on my shoulder and place it on top of the steel coil on the trailer. I am about 5' 9" and the top of the coil is a couple of inches higher. Then, I walk to the other side of the coil using a 3-point contact. At the back side, I pull the tarp off of the coil and let it slide to the floor standing up. Next, I need to place the tarp at the edge of the trailer and climb off the trailer at the back using the correct procedure to climb down the back bumper. I then walk over and carry the tarp on my shoulder about 10 feet away to the starting point and drop it. Again, most did OK. A couple of people had problems getting the tarp onto their shoulders.

3. I had to climb a ladder up to the top of a container sitting on a flatbed trailer and stand at the edge with my foot slightly sticking out from the edge. Once I get the OK, I climb back down the ladder. Everyone seemed to do fine on this test.

That was the the orientation physical test. The balance is easy, but for some, a little practice may be necessary. The tarp wasn't too bad. It was just awkward carrying the dead weight of the tarp

After that, we went in for lunch. On the menu was: Country fried steak and mashed potatoes, with gravy on both of course , corn, a salad, and pudding for desert.

After lunch, it was more paperwork, and we had a Wells-Fargo and Allstate rep. come in to talk to us. Also had a short discussion on shifting a Eaton 13 gearbbox. We'll learn more about it in the simulator either tomorrow or wednesday.

Unfortunately, 3 people was sent home today. I am not sure the reason, but I suspect it had something to do with the physical testing earlier today.

That was it for today. More fun tomorrow.

 

Are you staying at the Baymont? I apologize I don't know all the names of all the places here yet. Hopefully, I'll be able to meet you while you're here.

 

Hey Oompa, it was great to meet you.