Should I bring tools with me?

Just got an offer from TMC and decided to scratch my local cdl school plan and join the black and chrome. I'm excited to start flatbedding and deciding on what to sell as I empty my apartment.

I have some power tools (drill, impact, leafblower, grinder, etc.) and a toolkit with some basics and am curious what you guys carry over the road- I've heard TMC is strict on a lot of things so maybe this is a question for the recruiter but thought I'd ask here. Thx.

 

Are you going to work for them as a mechanic?

If no, then no.

 

Jeez...

 

Might as well sell it all. Once you go into OJT there will be limited space on your trainers truck and hopefully they will carry everything they need to show the job. After training and getting your own truck then you can decide what tools you want and/or need. Which will not be too many. The forum is full of posts about what different kinds of tool/gadgets drivers carry around with them to make life easier.

Good luck in training!

 

Just leave it all at home for right now, or rent a small storage space. And just take what you know you'll need for survival.

Formulate a plan for when you get your own truck after the process.

Good luck!

 

So you're never in a situation where you go "Crud if only I'd brought my tools..."

Thanks Blair I'll take the advice. I've been planning and have grand visions of millions of dollars and a fleet of heavy haulers- knock on wood I make it through training!

 

Well you are, but as mentioned there will be no room in the trainer's truck, and as I understand it some companies frown upon driver's working on the truck, and after seeing what some people do with wiring for example I understand that policy.

 

Hammer for frozen brakes. Small star bit set for the screws that hold the interior of the truck together. Six in one screwdriver. You won’t need much as companies don’t want drivers trying to “fix” anything on the truck.
Best of luck ~

Edit ~ while you on trainers truck you won’t even need the above. Maybe some pepper spray for persistent ladies of the night lol

 

I just think if new drivers are told the truth, their lives would be so much easier.

Just imagine, taking a lot of tools and equipment, then being fired in the middle of Idaho and you need to get back at Port St Lucie (my wife's favorite place).

 

Agreed. Get your own truck first, then we’ll talk flatbed tools like
1. Three ft crowbar for pulling nails out of the deck
2. Framing hammer and 16 penny nails ( you never know when you may need them, but some times you do.
3. hand saw
4. A come-along. Some times you may have to pull something to a better position.