Multiple Mention Thread

don't let the "boot camp" comment discourage you. While it was hard work for a newbie wannabe flatbedder to learn how to handle chains and boomers, and having to throw heavy tarps around and learn to fold them correctly, I'm sure you would have no problems whatsoever passing with flying colors. I was somewhat out of shape when I went through TMC's load securement, thus it seemed like a bootcamp to me.

 

I tried the links provided. They either don't have schools, or they don't accept students from Florida. Think I'll end up going with FFE and make sure my paperwork is well documented. Do my year and if it works out with them, great, and if not, I'll have a year of OTR experience and hopefully be that much more attractive to another company.

 

They do hire graduates from approved schools, as far as I know. You need to contact them to inquire as to what they may or may not be able to offer you.

Hey...it's only a phone call. The worst thing that can happen is that they will state that they cannot help you. They are all big in Florida, which was why I offered them as suggestions.

 

Yeah the problem there again is that I can't afford to pay for school, even if it were a situation where the company would pay it all back immediately upon hire. I've looked into all the schools available in this area and none will finance me.

 

well i do believe someone mentioned some sort of "state program" which you do not qualify for. and you have tried just about everything/anything else as well. you're going to have to go with FFE for now, do your time (no pun or insult intended), then go out on your own after your training with FFE. but, just because some people have had bad experiences doesn't mean that you will have bad ones. you may actually like FFE to the point where you might "lease-to-own" a rig from them. one never knows his/her future, let alone the present. give it your best shot and just do as told to do. make sure all your ducks are in a row, make sure you always remember to cross your T's and dot your I's.................let us know how you're doing when you can........best of luck to ya.........

 

Thanks much, Pro. One of the things near the top of my list of things to buy after I get going is a laptop, so I'll be sure to check in once I've grabbed one. Thanks for all the help.

 

I just graduated CDL school. One of the guys I graduated with called me this past Sunday and was at the hotel in Columbia SC for TMC training. Even the recruiter told us to go to Des Moines. The Columbia facility, from what I have been told, is nothing compared to Des Moines.

My buddy chose to go to Columbia anyway b/c it is closer. It should have been a 6 hour drive. It took 12 on a bus. The hotel, a Fairview Inn, from what he told me just a couple of days ago, is a hole. The ceiling was falling in in the 1st room they put him in, and then they tried to blame it on him by asking him "what did you do to the ceiling?". They got him another room, but gave him a bunch of stuff about it.

I'll keep you posted about his experience so far.

Good Luck,

Dave

 

Unless things have changed, they put you up in their onsite hotel in Des Moines which is like a Holiday Inn- nice rooms, pool, shop for TMC stuff. Nothing fancy, but clean and comfortable. They even let trainees drive a company shuttle bus into town at night.

 

I agree with Roehl. Their drivers seem content and in this industry that is a big plus

 

I started with Stevens for Training and as soon as 3 month are done, I am thinking Roehl just for that 7/7 , nothing Wrong with Stevens Great Training just want to be home more...