Starting with TMC

Military Apprenticeship with TMC

I have been reading these forums for a few months and have been looking forward to contributing with my own experience. As stated below, I will begin with TMC in less than a month and will post weekly with anything I think our group might like to know.

Fast facts below:

Me: Military Vet, obtained CDL "A" 6 months ago and no tractor trailer experience outside of schoolhouse, HAZMAT, Tanker, Double/Triple, TWIC, Passport, 1 moving violation in last 3 years

Applied online- application is a little more in-depth than other transportation companies I had applied with but will likely still take you less than 25 mins to complete

Waited 48 hours and called the recruiting number listed on the TMC website- (google TMC transportation)

The recruiter said: my application would be viewed by the "hiring committee" the next day, inexperienced new TMC drivers are currently grossing between 42 & 46k / year, home 46/52 weekends, come with a good attitude and they will work with you through orientation

The recruiter also said, regarding the Military Apprenticeship Program: ensure you are eligible for benefits by contacting the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (google contact VA education), bring DD-214 to orientation, paperwork will be completed at orientation, assuming you are eligible for benefits-pay = 6 months at $1100 per month, 6 months at $800 per month, 6 months at $500 per month

Waited 48 hours again and called back: recruiter said the hiring committee wanted to know why so much time has passed between school and my application, I said I have been in a good paying job but the hours will be falling off soon, I also offered to take a refresher course if necessary

Waited 48 hours and called back: recruiter said I had been selected and we arranged a date for orientation, recruiter told me to call back a week before my orientation date to arrange for travel etc., recruiter forwarded me a "what to bring to orientation" checklist

I have benefitted already from info in this forum and will do my best to post the facts and be available for questions. This Military Apprenticeship Program could be an excellent option for Veterans finding themselves making much less in the civilian sector than they did in the military. I'll keep you posted. Thanks all.

 

I will be starting with TMC in less than a month. I attended truck driver's training following an honorable separation from military service. I have all the endorsements but no experience with tractor trailer outside of the schoolhouse. I will be sure to keep everyone posted. Thanks to everyone for the information.

 

Haunting...I'm currently in school for my CDL. I'm heavily leaning towards TMC. We have a recruiter coming to visit on the 21st and I'll be bugging her with questions left and right. I would like to hear about your experiences while going through orientation. I'll be hopefully following you in a couple of months. Since you hve been researching this company and reading the threads there is not much i could add. I too have been reading these threads for a number of months before joining. I like to do research and KNOW what I'm getting into since it is a lifestyle change and not just changing jobs. Thanks for starting this and keep us updated as you go through training.

 

They run a tight ship there. Do not take ANY shortcuts,EVER.
People there are conditioned to report bad behavior to dispatch.
They have great equipment, keep your nose clean and you will have a great job.

 

If you can afford to drive your self there do it they pay for the cost of fuel
i drove from chicago to des moines and got $ 120 for my fuel cost
dress like a man no baggie pants with holes all over no long hair
respect females at the motel as they are all employed by TMC
no drinking alcohol at all allowed in the time you are there
the tarps are 120 lbs make sure you can lift that much atleast as you will be tested
make sure you are clean or dont even go first thing monday morning will be drug test and medical card test
bring money for meals as you only get lunch for free the myth about stepping on the grass is not real but be respectfull at all times and stay off the grass anyway
aftrenoons at the motel hanging with the guys smoking cigs only on the northside of the motel watch what you say as the motel does get regular people staying there with kids
so you dont need to get busted for talking like a trucker lol in front of regular guests
if you have any question i din't answer here feel free to ask good luck

 

Basically, keep it clean and don't do dumb stuff. Be respectful. I don't know if he still does it, but Harold Annette (the owner) was at one point quite fond of wandering around the terminal in work clothes, so watch your mouth, you might be talking to the owner. You'll be sharing a room at the hotel, unless you pony up for your own room. If you can bring your own car, do it. Physically, they'll test you out a bit. They want to see that you can pick a lumber tarp from the floor and place it on the trailer deck. When I was there they also had us climb on top of a container on a flatbed, just to see that you're not gonna freak being on top of a 13'6" high load. If you're in reasonable physical condition you shouldn't have a problem.

I had a good stint with them, left for work closer to home, but went out on good terms and honestly I'd go back if my family situation would allow for OTR.

 

I remember my Bus ride to NLR for Maverick, yeeesh! Keep a close eye on your stuff! Good luck with TMC and hope to see you on the road!

 

I'm leaving out Sunday morning be there for orientation the 20th lookin forward to it comin from knight transportation in memphis tn new to flat bedding