Location-related question

Discussion in 'TMC' started by Aralakh, Feb 1, 2014.

  1. Aralakh

    Aralakh Bobtail Member

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    Jan 29, 2014
    Omaha, NE
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    Firstly, as this is my first post made outside the "Welcome" section, I'd like to say hello to all

    I have a question for the TMC drivers, as I am all but clueless about the trucking industry…in fact, what little I do know has all been learned over the last couple of weeks reading this forum. But based on what I've read, my current feeling about my driving future is that I believe I would enjoy driving for TMC at the completion of CDL training (which incidentally, starts Monday).

    On to my inquiry: I see from the handy TMC "hiring area" map, that I am close to the western "edge" of said hiring area, as I live slightly outside the city limits of Omaha, NE. From your experience(s), will this present an above average challenge in regard to getting freight "headed this way?" I'm guessing "no," simply because of all that goes on in and around the city of Omaha that could be serviced by the flatbed industry, but obviously this is purely conjecture on my part. Adding to my concern, I've seen many many truck companies represented on the street and highways out here, but have yet to see a TMC rig (although I've only lived here for 2 months or so).

    Thank you for your time, and any and all comments welcome. From "yes, you're going to have issues," to "get your CDL first noob, lol," and everything in between, share your thoughts and criticisms, I can take it :biggrin_25519:

    Also, if it matters, the school I am attending does "partner" with TMC in regard to the recruiting/pre-hire aspect…and yes, I am aware neither of which are a guarantee of employment. Despite this, I am willing to admit that my hopes are a bit high for TMC, admittedly probably too high (that will probably get some silent chuckles, us bright-eyed beginners, right?), and this forum has aided in helping shape my view of the larger companies in the area that "partner" with this school…Roehl, Swift, and of course Werner is huge here.

    Thanks again
     
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  3. teqntexas

    teqntexas Medium Load Member

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    Jan 25, 2012
    Ft. Worth Tx.
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    keep your attitude and i think you'll be fine. and congrats for making it through cdl school. as for tmc, can't really help ya, but from what i've read you've prob made a good choice.
     
  4. Green Machine

    Green Machine Medium Load Member

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    Jul 23, 2009
    Ohio
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    Well out of Roehl, Swift and Werner... TMC is better then any of those lol.

    I can't speak for sure, but you should be alright on getting home either every weekend or every other weekend. Being you are located about 140 miles away from the main terminal I wouldn't see why you couldn't get home every weekend if you wanted.

    If you do decide to go to TMC as your first company, be prepared for a thorough orientation. Make sure you follow all the rules they give you and do anything they say. If you show a bad attitude (at orientation or to hotel staff) you will be gone. Like at any company, keep your opinions about certain things to yourself. Less you say the less someone could possibly report you.

    I wish you the best in your new career. We may not live the most glamorous lives out here on the road, but at least we can make somewhat of a living.
     
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  5. Aralakh

    Aralakh Bobtail Member

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    Jan 29, 2014
    Omaha, NE
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    Appreciate the well wishes from you both

    GreenMachine, your point is well taken…I've gathered from several other posts here that are similar to yours that TMC has rules, and it's their way or no way...and I would be on my best behavior (provided I were to even be hired). At the risk of sounding "been there-done that," which isn't my intention, I spent 12 years in the military and a few subsequent years on various government contracts that demanded a high degree of professionalism. You don't want me on the grass? You demand I strap and tarp a certain way? I'm good with that…I am a "your house, your rules" kind of guy. Might seem like brownnose-ing to some; seems like common sense to me.

    And thanks for your response to my question, I would be happy if you turn out to be correct in your assumptions. I've been away from the wife plenty, so honestly, even every other weekend would be fine…but I wouldn't tell them that, at least not in the beginning :biggrin_25519:
     
  6. Green Machine

    Green Machine Medium Load Member

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    Jul 23, 2009
    Ohio
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    TMC enjoys having former military :). Remember with whatever company you go with, you are not officially hired until you complete orientation.

    I had a trainer based out of Des Moines, he was a very good trainer and knows his stuff. He was also one of the highest paid drivers in his fleet, and that isn't from taking advantage of his students because he does teach anything that is needed. Whether it be shifting, backing, strapping, tarping, etc...

    If you want his name I can PM it to you. I believe you may be able to ask for a specific trainer if he/she is available.
     
  7. Aralakh

    Aralakh Bobtail Member

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    Jan 29, 2014
    Omaha, NE
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    Well I could never turn down an offer of true "inside information" such as that :smt001

    Thanks, I look forward to your PM
     
  8. yessir

    yessir Medium Load Member

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    Apr 17, 2013
    queens, ny
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    Less you say the less someone could possibly report you, i went to make a delivery to a city about 30 miles from the terminal of the company i drove for i was waiting to get unloaded at the dock and a saw a nice toyota camry pull up and a saw a guy came up and knock at my door when i open my door and he asked me how do i like working for this company he told me he is a truck driver and he was interested in working for them but he needs advices and i started telling him how the company do his business but i was lucky i didn't say anything bad and guess what his t-shirt says safety in the back i saw that when he went to his car to get his fuel gauge and came back do a safety check on my truck and trailer that's when i know it was the safety dept and the company is JB HUNT i shake my head nd say ## it
     
  9. BUMBACLADWAR

    BUMBACLADWAR Road Train Member

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    Dec 5, 2013
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    Don't know much about TMC. Used to drive to Omaha about 8 or 10 times a month. There is a ton of truck traffic up there on I-80. Should be able to pick thru and find the driving job For You. Theres a ton of freight heading to and coming out of Omaha daily.Good location to live by.
     
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  10. 1300busa

    1300busa Bobtail Member

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    Jun 10, 2010
    statesboro ga
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    Hey i drove for tmc for a while. They are a pretty Decent company relly nice equipment and they want it to be clean once a week also. They have rules for everything from keeping the truck clean and right down to the way they want your loads to be secured. I hauled flatbeds before i went there and thought i knew a pretty good bit about load securement well just say i learned a lot more. The only reason i left is one the trucks were just to slow governed down to 61 1/2 and the home time i got it wasn't that great i would get home late friday almost saturday morning and would have to leave sunday morning or afternoon so i got tired of that. Now with that being said you live in a completely different area than i do and one thing i know is there power lane is the midwest and central u.s. So i think you should be fine. Also if you decide to work for them stay away from the knuckleheads that will be orientation b/c they will send you home faster than you got there. Hope this tid bit of info helps out.
     
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  11. FirNaTine

    FirNaTine Light Load Member

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    Nov 12, 2008
    South Jersey
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    Yep when they say 46 out of 52 weekends off they don't tell you a weekend can a lot of the time mean Saturday morning/afternoon to Sunday afternoon off. There are times where you get home early Friday afternoon and times when you can leave out Sunday night but I had more shorter weekends than long with TMC when I was there. Also some where you didn't get home at all but it comes with the job.
     
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