My TMC experience.

Thanks for the info. I knew that some units auto start drive time based on different events. Just didn't know how TMC's were set up. That's good to know that one can move around a terminal or shipper/receiver without it auto-starting the drive clock.

 

I find it's around .75 miles for the clock to start. I just stop a second, let it reset, and go. Works real well for 30 minute breaks. Red river depot in Arkansas is a tough one. It's a military facility so of course everything is on desperate sides of the facility. But you learn too as you go. Little fixes and such.

 

This electronic stuff is all new to me. A family member taught me paper and how to run 2-3 logs at any given time. I'm not an advocate of that, but, it was wild seeing how all the math worked out. This e-log stuff looks so much easier. And with the change in the 34 rule, I won't be as stressed about time management. Apologies for the hi-jack there. Thanks for all the useful info guys. Keep up the good work!!

 

Did you end up getting paid for those 2 extra days you ended up having to wait??

 

I really had no idea what to expect. I was put in the experienced driver class in orientation with 3 years of part time regional experience.

Randy got in my face during orientation (all part of the character he played at TMC) and said how many years of OTR do you have? I said none. he repeated the question, not being able to figure out what I was doing in his experienced driver class with no OTR experience. I should have run then at the mention of those three letters.

no one should have to reduce themselves to having to live the OTR lifestyle, and I have found I have nothing in common with those that embrace it. I did enjoy seeing the country with TMC. I didn't have a family at the time so in hindsight OTR wasn't a problem for those 2 years. I've since found success at a much smaller regional carrier but can't stand being out even 3 or 4 days. I have never adjusted to having to live in a truck for any amount of time, never adjusted to having to associate with OTR truck drivers at truckstops. OTR is simply beneath me, no other way to put it. I hope this puts my general animosity towards OTR into perspective, sorry if come off as rude.

quite the opposite, I fit in much better at a smaller company where I am left alone. I've met plenty of immature entitled adult children truck drivers who expect to be catered to and they are the exact reason I am leaving the industry. I don't have any needs other than making it home as much as possible and making $50k a year. my post wasn't directed at you and I'm glad you found success at TMC, I admire anyone with the willpower to stay there and be successful.

 

"OTR is beneath me" so you're god? Or do you just think you're better than everyone else? Seems like an ego issue. Must have a wife who is the meal ticket as well.