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TMC Orientation Start 3/17/14

Discussion in 'TMC' started by jbrewer87, Mar 12, 2014.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Mar 12, 2014 #1
    jbrewer87

    jbrewer87 Light Load Member

    68
    10
    Mar 23, 2013
    Cleveland, Ohio
    0
    I am starting my orientation at TMC on March 17th I wanted to start this thread to give others an idea of what the experience is like at TMC. I am very excited but also very nervous at the same time. This is my first truck driving job, but I have to say that TMC was my first choice as far as trucking companies go. I wanted to do flatbed I knew that even before I got my CDL. My father hauled flatbed for 45 years before he passed away this past July. He loved and I really enjoy driving. I really enjoyed going through trucking school and I was the first one in my class to pass the CDL test and passed first time too. I am a phenomenal with the pre-trip and I was even so good the other instructors wanted me to help the others in the class with theirs. I am pretty good at shifting in a 10 speed I can double clutch well. I know my downshifting needs some work still but I am not bad at it I would say. But enough about that I have been working out diligently for the past month to get ready for the strenuous work of load securing and the tarp test. I don't think I will have any problem lifting the 120 lb tarp though. I am not so excited about the 15 hour greyhound ride out there from Cleveland, but didn't want to drive my car out there in case I get sent out with a trainer right away. I am very excited though to have the chance to prove myself that I can be part of TMC team. I will be posting as regularly as I can as to update my experience.
     
    jbrewer87, Mar 12, 2014
    jbrewer87, Mar 12, 2014
    #1
    TwinStickPeterbilt and Drac1985 Thank this.
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  3. Mar 12, 2014 #2
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    76,867
    179,234
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    After reading your post, I believe you're going to be one of the successful new drivers. Doubt you will be on here in a couple of months complaining about $120.00 or even negative paychecks. You will probably be in the thousand dollar a week club.Take care.
     
    Chinatown, Mar 12, 2014
    Chinatown, Mar 12, 2014
    #2
  4. Mar 12, 2014 #3
    001

    001 Bobtail Member

    1
    0
    Mar 12, 2014
    Cin,Oh.
    0
    forgive me for asking but what does this mean ChinaTown / guys? maybe i missed something? ...and yes i am trying to learn and understand....thank you!
     
    001, Mar 12, 2014
    001, Mar 12, 2014
    #3
  5. Mar 12, 2014 #4
    TwinStickPeterbilt

    TwinStickPeterbilt Heavy Load Member

    707
    910
    Mar 16, 2013
    0

    Lots of drivers don't make it because they expect the company to handle everything and are more worried about how new everything is and not wanting to work to hard.

    Best of luck Jeff!! Can't wait to hear your experience.
     
    TwinStickPeterbilt, Mar 12, 2014
    TwinStickPeterbilt, Mar 12, 2014
    #4
  7. Mar 15, 2014 #5
    Silversurfer1022

    Silversurfer1022 Bobtail Member

    20
    2
    Mar 15, 2014
    Chiraq, IL
    0
    hey jbrewer87 I'm 2weeks behind you I will be joining TMC on the 31st im super excited as well TMC well have our work cut out for us...no pain no gain good 2 c i'm not the only1 who has the mind set of working hard not only hard but smart n most importantly SAFE.
     
    Silversurfer1022, Mar 15, 2014
    Silversurfer1022, Mar 15, 2014
    #5
  8. Mar 15, 2014 #6
    Silversurfer1022

    Silversurfer1022 Bobtail Member

    20
    2
    Mar 15, 2014
    Chiraq, IL
    0
    Can u give me as a student some overrall advice coming into the industry im all ears?? anything.... i have zero experience but im a very hard worker and i know what it feels like not to have a job so with that being said TMC is giving me a chance to work i would like to make a good lasting impression.
     
    Silversurfer1022, Mar 15, 2014
    Silversurfer1022, Mar 15, 2014
    #6
  9. Mar 16, 2014 #7
    jbrewer87

    jbrewer87 Light Load Member

    68
    10
    Mar 23, 2013
    Cleveland, Ohio
    0
    Just got to Des Moines about an hour an half ago and checked into the hotel. The hotel is alright the rooms are a little outdated but nothing terrible. They have a small heated pool and a fitness center. The front desk staff is very friendly and receive an orientation packet when you check in. They have 3 tarps in the fitness center a 80 lb and 120 lb lumber tarp and a smaller one too not sure the weight. I picked up the 120 lb tarp a few times and put in on my shoulder and carried it around a little bit.
     
    jbrewer87, Mar 16, 2014
    jbrewer87, Mar 16, 2014
    #7
  10. Mar 16, 2014 #8
    TwinStickPeterbilt

    TwinStickPeterbilt Heavy Load Member

    707
    910
    Mar 16, 2013
    0
    Good luck to tomorrow!!

    Silversufer1022

    Carry an up to date Rand McNally
    Get a GPS
    Dont trust said GPS
    Always call ahead to consignee for directions
    Dont make uneccasary stops
    When you feel like it's on your deck good, throw another strap or chain
    Untarping in the wind, leave your bungees on one side then pull it over do a crappy roll up job or rub rail it and throw it on the deck till you can do it right
    Straps on the inside only no over the tarp unless you have to
    Dont route your strap over the rub rail, always between the rub rail and trailer deck
    Never hook chains to the rub rail
    Best grab on a chain is around a spool through the middle of a stake pocket and rebook to the chain
    Never be afraid to ask the guy running the fork truck to put your tarps on top of your load
    Never drive faster than your guardian angle can fly
    Keep the shiney side up rubber side down, and keeper tween the lines.
     
    TwinStickPeterbilt, Mar 16, 2014
    TwinStickPeterbilt, Mar 16, 2014
    #8
    Suptrkr, Silversurfer1022 and Battle Born Thank this.
  11. Mar 18, 2014 #9
    Silversurfer1022

    Silversurfer1022 Bobtail Member

    20
    2
    Mar 15, 2014
    Chiraq, IL
    0
    TwinStickPeterbilt thank you for all your knowledge and know how i'm it will come in handy i will definitely let you know how things are going be safe out there.
     
    Silversurfer1022, Mar 18, 2014
    Silversurfer1022, Mar 18, 2014
    #9
  12. Mar 18, 2014 #10
    Ex88m/Het

    Ex88m/Het Light Load Member

    128
    36
    Jan 30, 2012
    NC
    0
    jbrewer87 do not let George get to you , he is a ex marine and his joking is to see who thick skinned enough to be a trucker. like it or not there is a method to his madness.
     
    Ex88m/Het, Mar 18, 2014
    Ex88m/Het, Mar 18, 2014
    #10
    jbrewer87 Thanks this.
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