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

Exactly. They NEED drivers badly right now, and almost every week I get a load out to SSAB Iowa (where they send new guys for their first load) and they're jam packed with fresh drivers from all walks of life.

Even when their systems went down 2 months ago they did their best to get back in contact with drivers and try to keep them rolling, they don't often fire guys just because, most quit because the average work week is 75 hours and the load planners push drivers to the limit of their clock most days. And of the guys that are fired, it's because they were caught speeding, driving distracted, or under the influence. Any CSA points gets you on the short list to be fired at TMC, they have far too many right now.

 

You wouldn’t think a company like TMC would use a new driver as a trainer. Seems fishy to me.

 

You’d be surprised, with those guys. Their arrogance takes precedence.

 

They’re not what they used to be.

 

Their criteria for being a driver trainer is: 6 months in the truck on their own, a full winter in the truck (90 days) under their belt, attended TQM (mandatory driver training after the first few months), approved by operations manager, and completed the train the trainer class.

Basically to qualify to be a driver trainer the bare minimum you will ever see is someone with 6 months OTR, but more often than not they have 8-10 months. And old farts like my driver trainer do nothing but train new guys.

And right now not only is TMC in need of drivers, but also driver trainers. I've been asked to be a trainer more times than I can recall. It's not worth it for the most part too, I've heard horror stories ranging from trainees completely totaling the trainers truck, to guys that don't shower, and a story of a trainee bringing bed bugs with him into the truck. I'd rather haul OD loads out of John Deere every day than have to train a new guy.

 

Don’t cry over TMC, they’re cool but nothing to cry about. Saddle up and get after it again.

 

Sheeeeeeeeit,that’s Western Express on a good day!!
On a bad day, the trainer might only have 3 months experience!lol

 

So that's how it happened...