My first year at TMC

My husband is thinking of going to TMC. He's been driving a truck for 10 years...7 years van/reefer and 3 tanker. Linte..you've got 3 years at TMC. We are a small family of 4..two kids. Would you recommend this company?

 

Hey Loco,
I know its been 3 years, but do you remember how was the TMC equipment familiarization period of training? I am doing CDL school, and my driving is improving (with the Mack 10 speed). I could be better if I drove every day, but it's a weekend course. What do they teach you during the equipment familiarization and simulators?? What if i can drive the 13 speed truck after the 2 weeks orientation, but I still suck shifting?

Thanks.

 

Don't worry about sucking at shifting. I sucked during orientation, I sucked with a trainer and Sucked the first few months ( good thing is no one to see you in your own truck), those pesky teeth on the gears were giving me the most problems.But you eventually get it. first six months in your own truck is very trying on the nerves. but it DOES get better. Been in my own truck nine months and having a good time. Things that bothered me months ago and made me want to quit are just things to deal with now. Still have some rotten days but a LOT less of them.

 

SMK Shoe.

I got my CDL this week. It was really a silly question, more to see if anyone would give me detail about the equipment familiarization and the driving simulator, if is like a test and you need to do all in a certain level/grade to move to a trainer.
Are you with TMC?
I guess most people want all the details they can find about a company (TMC). I don't get anxious, or nervous when I am driving with someone, unless is screaming and annoying me. I am sure I can do good after few weeks driving daily, minus the normal headaches here there, missing gears etc.
I notice nobody ever thank you, let me click a thanks.
Thanks

 

Signed for my truck Last year with TMC. Been busy. First six months flew by. Learning the job and everything else that goes with it. But it really does get better as time goes by. Just accept all the head aches the first 1/2 year and dont do anything drastic ( like quitting and burning bridges). Flatbeding isn't for everyone but once you get a feel for it and get comfortable you'll laugh at all the FAT box drivers. Other drivers DO look at skateboarders different. They do realize you are not just a steering wheel holder like Swift and Prime.

 

Oh, to respond to the first part of your question. If you look like you will eventually get the driving down, TMC will move you to a trainer. I was so bad during orientation, I don't think I would have hired me. But they do know when someone is just new, inexperienced or is a unsafe driver. New and inexperienced will get you to a trainer. UNSAFE will get you a bus ticket home.

 

Like I have tried to tell everybody on here that goes with them. The first 6 months is headaches, they are testing you and you have to deal with the crap end of the stick. Your new, deal with it. I did and it got a lot better and after 12 months with them I was on the Specialized fleet. Not home as much but pretty cool pulling all that Deere equipment around.