TMC Transportation, Inc. - Des Moines, Ia.?

There have been previous posts about TMC in other sections of these boards with some positive and some not so positive feedback. The main gripes heard about TMC arise from the fact that they haul alot of "cheap freight" in the way of building materials etc. This causes them, from what Ive heard (both on these boards and from other TMC drivers Ive talked to on the road) to push their drivers extremely hard. Heard stories about drivers being pushed to fudge their logbooks + run over hours in pursuit of the preferred "5 loads per week" the company/dispatch want to achieve. Yes, they have new Pete rigs outfitted with top notch interior packages, new trailers, etc. and their pay isnt bad, but like I said, the opinion seems to be mixed. They have one of, if not THE best training programs in the indrustry as far as Flatbed training goes, so I would at least reccomend talking toboth some other drivers/recruiters in the company as well as read some of the previous threads about TMC in the best/worst trucking companies sections to make a more educated decision for yourself... I haul flatbed myself as an O/O and if I were to become a company driver again, I would be considering TMC, but first, I would be talking to ROEHL from what Ive heard about them....

 

If you are serious about learning flatbedding as a new driver, then TMC is a good place to start. Their load securement training is second to none. It's been 7 years since I went through it, and although I didn't actually get to drive for them due to some issues we couldn't agree on, I was very impressed with their training.

 

check out TMC's safety rating they dont look very good to me. I chose Maverick, they have much better safety ratings and will invest in you in the form of training and equipment.

 

Does anyone got any info on TMC? I was wondering about the pay and how you are treated. Thanks

 

there really are numerous threads about TMC. check the "bad trucking company" board. in all, however, TMC is pretty much at the bottom of the barrel..............

 

I have to politely disagree with your Pro1driver. In talking with several drivers I believe that TMC is above the bottom of the barrel. There are peoblems at any trucking company and the problems that I have found with TMC are minor compared to some.

TMC pays usually on a percentage of the load. Your percentage rate is based on how good your performance is. If you are late often you will have a lower percentage rate. (Some drivers claim that you get better loads when you are at the lower rate) You will find that some loads pay good and some do not. If you have only recently acquired your CDL you will spend two weeks in orientation at a salary rate of $300 and then six weeks with a trainer learning how to secure a wide variety of loads. The pay during training is $350 per week. After that you are guaranteed a minimum pay of $650 per week for the first 6 months. You start out at 23% of the load, so for loads that pay the truck $1.00 per mile you get $0.23 per mile (which is already better than some companies. If a load pays $2.00 per mile to the truck the driver will get $0.46 per mile, which is far better than any other carrier will pay first year employees. If freight is slow some weeks you will still get the minimum $650. You can always earn more. Many drivers claim to make over $1000 most weeks, barring holidays and such.

At any company you will be treated only as poorly as you let yourself be treated. If you are not getting along with your dispatcher then you request another. I will say that generally flatbed customers are at least happy to see you. They don't usually (with the exception of a few steel plants) make you wait pointlessly for hours until they decide to load/unload you. With refer or van you always run the risk of delivering to a dreaded grocery warehouse.

If you have any other questions just ask.

 

The other posts refer to safety violations and forcing drivers to work illegaly. All said the pay was good.

So, before you disagree perhaps we should actually read the other posts.

I too consider them a "Bad Company" and that is sad because I can remember when they were one of the best.

 

LOL! TMC does no such thing! You get a roll of paper towels, window cleaner and a can of upholstery cleaner... You want the tanks polished there are plenty of willing people at truck stops! For a price! lol

 

are they good to work for? i've seen some posts on here where they push their drivers to the extreme. ii was supposed to go to their sponsored training in tenn. but i have to tell you, recruiting dept. leaves alot to be desired. they wouldn't return calls or e-mails. last time i talked to rec. was 2 weeks ago. he said all that was left was to schedule me in class and i was ready to go. i left 2 messages but haven't talked to him since. several times he couldn't find my file etc. makes me wonder what's going on.

 

[FONT=&quot]Well it’s a good company but well gotta call them up there they won’t call you in recruiting... A lot of new people in that department… They are looking for a LOT of drivers!!! Look you have like 3500 drivers and 6 people in recruiting! Lol Don’t look to be WoW’d by ANY company… A dispatcher is going to push you… My game plan was after I got handed a few ill words from them I went to Iowa and met them in person when they find out your almost 2’ taller than them and demand respect you would be surprised at what you can accomplish! It’s like any relationship you should always be in control and remember they could be even greener than YOU! You drive them don’t let them drive you! You have a top of the line ride it takes nothing but time to take it all in and learn all the ropes… Trucking is NEVER black and white… Sometimes you have to eat a little sometimes they do… It’s all part of the game… Hope this helps in some small way[/FONT]