Ask A TMC Driver

When ever I'm being shown something I go as I know nothing so I can learn more. Wether it be new ways to do something, or tricks to make things easier

 

I will be going down for my release class and picking up my truck in Gaston this coming Sunday. I have had a CDL for nearly 20 years and there was no wavering on the 2 week rule. It does still pay $500 per week during training and orientation so you are getting a paycheck every Friday after your second week.
In my case, I did not get out of orientation until 12DEC and my trainer had just been routed to Indy for a full service so I did not meet up with him until the following Tuesday. That was a short week, followed by the holiday slow down. Even though I ran flatbed for Alro Steel for some time, I still requested to just hang out and train until the end of the year to make sure I saw a variety of loads and felt comfortable with securing them. I have no love of the thought that something I may secure poorly could end up killing someones wife or child. That is how I look at my job and if it cannot be done safely I will stop and call Safety to get a better handle on what needs done.
As you are prior service, you should enjoy the company structure. They expect you to take pride in yourself and your equipment. Many drivers consider their rules strict.....they are. I personally like that sort of thing. Clear, concise direction and rules to build on.
Good luck with your decision. I am going to give it at least 3 months to decide if this is my kind of thing. I have a lot of driving time but no OTR time until this last 3 weeks. It will be somewhat of an adjustment for my wife of 28 years. lol

 

I don't mind being in training for 2-5 weeks with a guy, I just don't like the idea of OTR training... Being with a local guy for training is one thing... I don't like being stuck in a box with someone I have no clue about... Also, while your in your training period, do you drive while he sleeps and he sleeps while you drive? Or are you both up in the front at the same time?

 

Your trainer will be hit and miss as far as personality conflicts. I was fortunate that I only had small personality peeves with mine. Also, being prior service as well as a former EMT/Firefighter, I am used to being stuck with "that" guy for long periods of time. lol
As far as team driving, it depends on the situation and who you are with. We did not drive team the first week or so but we started getting some REALLY good paying loads that required it. (Ie, NW PA to MN next day when it was already afternoon). TMC does not like to have their trucks on the road between 1am-4am, although it does happen when necessary. They like to run team training 18 hour days so that both drivers can get some rest and the trainer can actually work with you on company related specifics. This company, like all companies, have their own twist on certain things and how they are done. While Qualcomm is pretty common these days, the things like the anti-roll system, the collision mitigation system, the alarm system and such as well as just learning the TMC way of doing such things.

 

Does anyone know the size of the bottom bunk mattress in a standard TMC 579 configuration? Along with that, does anyone know if it is the same size as the mattress in a 388? I am considering picking up a bedroll for my truck while I have time this weekend but am not picking it up until Monday in SC. I forgot to measure the one in my trainers truck before we parted ways yesterday.
No biggie, I can wait until I get the truck and buy them in a week or two just using my sleeping bag until then. Just thought I would check.

Thanks and Happy New Year all!!

 

I've just herd horror stories of trainees going to sleep and the trainer goes and almost throws them on the ground from a rough drive or rough road. I under stand somethings happen, ie a car pulled out in front of me, so I had to slam on my brakes. I've never trusted anyone except maybe 4 people to drive while I slept... Plus I want tips on my driving.

 

The trucks all have the safety net that can be put up so you do not have to worry about falling out in the case of an emergency stop. That said, running the mountains through WV, MD, NC you may find it pretty hard to sleep from the constant rocking. I know I did and on the days we had to run hard we were both pretty tired and miserable because it was almost impossible to catch a good sleep.
Again, that is only a 2-3 week thing after your orientation so I would not think it should be a deal breaker either way. All companies require some training in their procedures, and if they do not.....not sure I want to work for them anyhow. lol

 

why not try another tanker outfit?
How did all 4 hoses fail at once?

 

All 4 hoses had product in them for 3-6 days before they were able to get cleaned because of holidays. That's that only thing I can think of. They had holes in the lengths of hose. And I am wanting to work to heavy haul because I need/want a challenge, hauling liquid isn't as hard as I was wanting.

 

For sheets I get the twin xl. I think the mattress is a bit larger than normal mattress. I also have a mattress pad that is twin size.