TMC seems like a good company, and it probably is, but my experience feels all too common.

That sucks. I can only say that I didn't think much about trainers not having much experience when I was new. I was fortunate that mine at least had a couple of years under his belt, but my general thought back then (11 years ago) was "what's to driving a truck". Looking back, I can see what a foolish thought that was. There's a hell of a lot more to being a PROFESSIONAL truck driver than simply running up and down the highways and bumping docks, throwing straps, etc... whatever type of trucking you do. And, it takes a few years to figure it all out. Some are common sense and should be figured out quickly. Others take time. Hell, I still learn things from time to time. That's the real key, IMO, and not just trucking, but in all walks of life. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something and to seek guidance from those that do know about it.

But, one thing is for sure. No one that's been driving for 6 months has any business training! Period! End of Story! They can teach you how to drive, but there's no way in hell they can teach you the business and all that goes into to being a truck driver because they haven't experienced half the crap that goes on in trucking.

 

p.s. I'll give you one example of an experience you, nor your trainer, has ever had as a truck driver. Have you ever had some nutcase come up to your truck in the middle of the night, wearing a tux with tails, patent leather shoes and a cape, proclaiming to be over 300 years old and politely asking you to expose your neck to them?

See what I mean? That comes with experience and experience comes with TIME.

 

A trainer with only 6 months experience? Seriously?

-- Lual

 

Unfortunately it's not unheard of in megas. My first trainer at Swift was 9 months, and an "O/O". (Yes I know, not really, but one could never tell him that.)

 

Why are you hanging in the truckstops, Frank? You could be up to the Bluegrass in an hour!

 

You have a point!

 

CDL schools, then trainers, all unlike years ago when a relative or friend took you under their wings and taught you. Now compare the results. The schools are in the business to make a profit, the trainers should be flipping burgers.

 

Did TMC give you a reason why they fired you?

It's very weird that they'd just let you go like that, they're still hiring like crazy right now.

 

There's always more to these stories... the company has time and money invested, they're not flushing that away for no reason.