Questions from a Student

I'd be concerned that they don't offer any specifics on pay on their website. Its all quite vague As for Tic, you need to get it at the port authority near by. Go to this website to get more info: http://www.tsa.gov/stakeholders/transportation-worker-identification-credential-twic®.

 

when I got my twic card it was like $125

 

Small companies cant get insurance for newbies...at tmc i made around 46 the first week i was in my truck. I would never drive for 33/mile.

 

Its 129.75 for a 5 year card....

If you get hazmat 1st its 105.25 but will expire when your hazmat does ( norm 2 years)

The cheapest / year is to pay the 129.75

 

your best bet is to always be looking outside the box ..apply for private carriers examples: dairy,bakery,industrial gases,grocery,food etc. most of these jobs pay way more than otr jobs and are going to get you home daily or weekly alot of private carriers are represented by unions..you may not luck due to no exp. but dont give up ..keep applying..these are very good paying jobs..you will never regret it....if you could land one of these you could expect to make $18.00-$26.00 hour

 

First off, lets start by saying I am NOT a TMC recruiter. I also don't get any bonus or kickback for encouraging a new driver to come drive for TMC. (unless they have years of experience) Point is, there is no benefit to me if you join TMC. I'm just a happy driver hoping to help other new drivers make a good choice and have a good career.
That being said, my trainer probably weighed 300 pounds. For most of us the first few months are hard, but flat bedding helps get you in better shape. I now am in better shape physically then i ever was.

The only fitness requierments they had last time i checked are:
Ability to get onto the trailer from side or back
Lift a 120 pound tarp
Pass a dot phisical

Now I dont know if a 300 pound guy can pull him self onto the trailer, but if you can, I don't see why they would turn you down. No harm in calling them and atleast asking a recruiter. Without trying to sound offensive, driving a van will probably put you in worse shape, while driving a flatbed will help you get in better shape. I can now lift the tarps when they are soaking wet and real heavy like there nothing and stay in decent shape do to the phisical activity of flat bed.

 

if you stay out that long, you will lose more than you gain... I know you have to make a living for the family, but at what cost? Good luck and chose wisely.

 

I've seen you mention tanker and hazmat endorsements a lot. Will getting the endorsements really do any good for a new driver with no experience though or just nice to have? I see a lot of tanker companies wanting experience like you said.

 

how good is tmc i was thinking about goinh there after my school was done in may