TMC Up to date orientation thread. 2013

Discussion in 'TMC' started by Hsauer87, Aug 4, 2013.

  1. tpeep

    tpeep Bobtail Member

    17
    3
    Mar 9, 2013
    Waxhaw, NC
    0
    Yeah, I'm sure that you'll do great!
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. bs64507

    bs64507 Light Load Member

    279
    110
    Jan 25, 2009
    St Joseph, MO.
    0
    Still do. Been with them for 6 years. I've go no complaints, at least not about the company anyway. The loads I have to deal with on the other hand, geez. I'm Lowe's Dedicated, so my view of the company is a little different than the linehaul driver. And I would encourage drivers to look at a dedicated account. They have several different accounts. Read somewhere that 2-3 out of 5 TMC drivers are on a dedicated account of some sort.

    But, I have been in the industry for 20 years. I have dispatched, been a trainer and have been a companies Safety Officer, it was a very small company, only 30 trucks. If you want to check my numbers on the amount of drivers TMC puts out, look them up on Facebook. They post pics of every graduating class. I don't know how many are from the experienced class or from new drivers. They average about 20 a week. I read somewhere on their website or they could've posted it on Facebook that the turnover rate at TMC is less than the industry standard, around 70% I think. There are some companies, like Werner, that the turnover is 120%. It's not hard to get sent home from orientation. Bad attitude is about the easiest. Guy in my experienced class wanted to argue about running legal logs. He didn't come back from break.

    You can read thru the threads here and find drivers that lasted less than a year. They started out strong and pumped about getting hired, making it thru orientation and training and 3 months into their own truck they are quitting. Some can't do the away from home thing, others can't figure out how to work the job and make money. Most want to blame the company. Maybe true, maybe not. I always told my drivers and trainees to give it 6 months. That lets you learn the job and get in a groove. It's an adjustment to punching a clock and working 9-5. Some can't do it. Some can. I didn't really like OTR and won't do it again unless I have no other choice.
     
  4. Aowens732

    Aowens732 Bobtail Member

    26
    1
    Aug 7, 2013
    0
    Thanks for the advice. I'm definately a new driver I was a chef for 7 years. And trust me that is a tough job when your on your feet 8-12 hrs a day. I know I can make it to be a really dedicated driver for TMC. And thanks for the advice about the 6 month slump to figure out your routine. I don't give up that easy and I know I can make it work after a couple months to get settled.
     
  5. maddogmick

    maddogmick Bobtail Member

    8
    23
    Aug 30, 2013
    0
    Hi all
    quick question please about orientation.
    At the main training school where I would be taking my orientation, who knows if Verizon has good coverage there if so is it 4g or lower
    Also is there free wifi?
    just want to know if I should bring my laptop?
    thanks

    Mick
     
  6. indianaEMT

    indianaEMT Medium Load Member

    477
    108
    Dec 18, 2011
    Crawfordsville, IN
    0
    The hotel you'll be in has free wifi
     
  7. maddogmick

    maddogmick Bobtail Member

    8
    23
    Aug 30, 2013
    0
    Thanks indianaEMT
    But has anyone got info on the cell signal for verizon at the hotel.

    I have a special needs child and want to know I can call home

    thanks

    Mick
     
  8. Aowens732

    Aowens732 Bobtail Member

    26
    1
    Aug 7, 2013
    0
    Sucks for verizon
     
  9. machineman4223

    machineman4223 Light Load Member

    92
    20
    Dec 15, 2012
    Nashville TN
    0
    As long as your outside of the hotel Verizon works just fine
     
  10. Johnjohn

    Johnjohn Light Load Member

    69
    41
    Sep 2, 2013
    OK
    0
    Great info, to those whom have posted, thank you. Question: Is there any advantage to driving your own vehicle to orientation as opposed to "ridin' the dog"? It sounds like there isn't too much spare time to really need one, is that correct? And related to this, what is the procedure/timeline for getting with your trainer upon graduation? Do you and your trainer roll out of Des Moines together or how does it work?
    Thanks!
     
  11. FirNaTine

    FirNaTine Light Load Member

    280
    84
    Nov 12, 2008
    South Jersey
    0
    You do have some down time at night. And if you drive you'll be one of the popular guys as you can go to the stores/restaurants as you wish, lots would ask for a ride and such. Theres nothing within walking distance of the hotel so having a car is great.

    As for getting on with a trainer there is a chance you would be hooked up with one at the end of the two weeks. I had to wait a week for a trainer so I went home afterwards. I'm not sure what the ratio is for guys getting hooked up with trainers right at the end is, I guess it depends where you live and who is available. My bet is most go home afterwards and wait a week or two.

    If you did get hooked up with a trainer having a car would be difficult as you would leave it there for someone to pick up, depending on how far you live from there would determine if its worth it. Or you could request to get hooked with a trainer afterwards, but best to take what they give you.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.