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Seriously considering TMC but....

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by bigtimepeter, Oct 19, 2011.

  1. Oct 19, 2011 #1
    bigtimepeter

    bigtimepeter Bobtail Member

    5
    0
    Aug 22, 2011
    weedville, pa
    0
    Hey everyone, I'm seriously considering going with TMC. I've been with CRST Van Expedited now for 7.5 months and it has been on of the worst experiences of my life. I've had 2 co-drivers so far, both of which as far as I can tell have mental problems. I can no longer take the low paycheck's (less than 500 a week) and trusting my life with someone I wouldn't trust to do my laundry.
    Anyways, I'm 22 Years old I've pulled dry van, some reefers, and now I think I may as well try flatbed. My biggest concern is I'm 6'2 150lbs. I've been in college and sitting behind the wheel for the past 5 years, and I'm not sure if I can accomplish the lifting the 120lb tarp to shoulder height. Actually, I'm fairly certain I can't. They seem like a good company, but after hearing that, and reading a lot of posts on this forum I'm beginning to change my mind and consider Con-Way Truckload or Crete/Shaffer.
    I made a terrible decision with CRST and I don't want it to happen again. If you have any advice or input I would GREATLY appreciate it.
    Thanks for your time!
     
    bigtimepeter, Oct 19, 2011
    bigtimepeter, Oct 19, 2011
    #1
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  3. Oct 19, 2011 #2
    dirtyjerz

    dirtyjerz glowing beard pouty kid

    722
    360
    Jun 7, 2011
    Playing in Traffic
    0
    Sorry bout the crst. With the tarp lifting, ask a tmc driver if you can try with one of his. Also there are rigyt and wrong ways for lifting. Hand loading n unloading 50lb feed bags for years pre-cdl, id know. Its mainly using legs, squat and popup. Using back muscles only is a really, really bad idea. Weight training is also a good idea, if you can find the time/equip to do so.
     
    dirtyjerz, Oct 19, 2011
    dirtyjerz, Oct 19, 2011
    #2
    bigtimepeter Thanks this.
  4. Oct 19, 2011 #3
    bigtimepeter

    bigtimepeter Bobtail Member

    5
    0
    Aug 22, 2011
    weedville, pa
    0
    Well weight training is out for me, since I'm still a driver and it's team and the truck never stops. That's a great suggestion though about asking another driver to try their tarp. I guess all I can do is try it, if they send me home during orientation at least I tried.
     
    bigtimepeter, Oct 19, 2011
    bigtimepeter, Oct 19, 2011
    #3
  5. Oct 20, 2011 #4
    Low side

    Low side Bobtail Member

    19
    3
    Oct 18, 2011
    Joplin missouri
    0
    Conway truckload good company for me I run team with a buddy an they run us as much as we can
     
    Low side, Oct 20, 2011
    Low side, Oct 20, 2011
    #4
  7. Oct 20, 2011 #5
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

    14,963
    29,155
    Oct 3, 2011
    Longview, TX
    0
    I don't recall having to do the "lumber tarp up the ladder" drill when I came on board as an experinced driver/inexperinced flatbedder 4 years ago. Maybe they do this but I suspect they don't or at least it's not a task only a very fit weight trainer could accomplish. TMC has some "smallish" women there. Go for it. They're a good company, will provide you with a challenge, good experience, good for resume, pretty decent equipment, and home time program is pretty good in most areas. Go for it and don't look back.
     
    STexan, Oct 20, 2011
    STexan, Oct 20, 2011
    #5
  8. Oct 20, 2011 #6
    Sensei2006

    Sensei2006 Light Load Member

    73
    62
    Mar 5, 2011
    Effingham IL
    0
    The 120 pound tarp thing shouldn't scare you too much. For one, unless you live in an area that puts you near lumber yards or (god help you) hay on a regular basis, you don't use those big tarps too often. And if you do have to use them, the shipper will put them on top of the load for you. Or if you're really lucky, the shipper has a gantry for you to use! (Weyerhauser <3)

    Seriously, I haven't used my lumber tarps in a month. Not including a load out of Lowes where they had a tarp already on the pre-loaded trailer before I got there.

    I can't speak for Con-Way and Crete, but I will say I'm the only one of my friends that's happy with his carrier. Well, other than my TMC friends.
     
    Sensei2006, Oct 20, 2011
    Sensei2006, Oct 20, 2011
    #6
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