TMC

Well today I started my journey into flatbed trucking. I got my CDL a couple weeks ago and have been hired by TMC. well i guess I cant say hired completely until this long 6 week job interview is over with them. Today wasn't too bad down in Des Moines at the Baymont. I find it surprising that in such politically correct times that they still have some good ol boys doing orientation without a care in the world with what they say. We lost one person from our class of 30 already. He was not able to pick up a wood tarp and complete the physical agility portion of the interview. I wonder how many others will leave as the 2 weeks progresses. Tomorrow will be more classwork and some simulator time as well as straight line backing practice. George our instructor is an odd fellow thats for sure. Hopefully I'm not one of the ones going home on my own dime during this. as far as securement goes I'm fairly confident about picking it up quickly. I built grain bins for years and all our equipment was hauled on a stepdeck, so i'm fairly familiar with some securement at least. I do know for sure though that TMC is just the first stepping stone for me in this new part of life.

 

0 investment in the hotel. my only investment is my time and travel. i day 6 weeks because we are in the classroom for 2 weeks and then with a trainer for another 4 weeks. its not final until they give me my truck in my eyes. im taking it for what it is right now... experience.

 

Day 2 down. Lots of videos and tests. Tonight half the class stays untill 8 for extra time to finish videos and tests as well as simulation time and straight line backing practice. Overall Im fairly satisfied with everything. Granted that can change. From what I've seen this place isn't as military as others make it seem. yes they are strict, yes you are on a very long interview until you get a truck and can truly call yourself a TMC driver. I dont see what the issue with the training is as far as that is concerned, unless you have thin skin and everything annoys you and gets under your skin. the instructor is very brash, but hes an old school Marine, he has no problem telling someone who is late that they are failing the interview. if your a ##### when it comes to words then this isnt the place for you. But if you can see it for what it is- a means to an end. and who knows i might end up staying longer than my planned 6 to 8 months.

 

one thing that was discussed today was hometime, and it really clicked in about how weekends affect your bottom line for the year.... averaging 48 hours off every week comes out to almost 3 months of missed miles during the year.