TMC

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by newhorizions469, Jul 10, 2023.

  1. newhorizions469

    newhorizions469 Light Load Member

    52
    158
    Jun 20, 2023
    0
    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.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. drvrtech77

    drvrtech77 Road Train Member

    13,868
    134,727
    Mar 20, 2010
    0
    Good luck…soak as much information as possible…
     
  4. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

    21,214
    143,731
    Apr 26, 2013
    Gettin' down westbound
    0
    Nice . Congrats on making it. I don't think I would pass their test of picking up a lumber tarp. Those things are heavy and there's no reason to pick them up in the real world. Other than after done folding them to put them on the trailer deck. But I see some YouTube videos of companies making new hires pick them up and walk around with them. No reason a guy ever needs to do that. Just roll them on the ground and save your back.
     
  5. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

    3,805
    19,896
    Jan 23, 2016
    Eastern Iowa
    0
    Good luck! Feel free to check back in and let us know how things go.
     
  6. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

    3,701
    8,977
    Jul 12, 2017
    0
    What the heck takes 6 weeks. Seems kinda ridiculous. You are funding the stay in hotel for those 6 weeks. What if they tell you to kick rocks on day 29?

    Good luck to you. I hope you learn a lot for what you’re investing.
     
  7. newhorizions469

    newhorizions469 Light Load Member

    52
    158
    Jun 20, 2023
    0
    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.
     
  8. Lazer

    Lazer Road Train Member

    1,743
    2,756
    Jan 22, 2017
    0
    Worked with a fellow years ago, that said his first otr job was at TMC. He said owner is a former Marine, and very anal on how his drivers needed to maintain the interior of their assigned tractor. Beds needed to made unless you were sleeping in it, your personal belongings were to be folded, and stored in certain cabinets at all times, socks were to be folded/rolled at all times. You were given a list on what items go in which cabinet/drawer. Last I have heard(10+ years ago) the owner has mellowed a bit over the years.
     
  9. 50WT

    50WT Road Train Member

    2,127
    18,559
    Dec 26, 2015
    0
    I worked there 1990 91 92 they were strict about keeping the truck clean and tidy. I have always made the bed when getting up.Mr Harold was the owner, he's dead now his brother Mr Walt ran the shops when I was there he's gone also. They were both good men always approachable always friendly. I had to leave because my Father had cancer and I was needed at home or I'd probably still be there. But mind you it was a different company back then not a starter company. You needed a year or 2 of flatbed experience, no trainers 3 day orientation and give you the keys. All W900 KW when I started T600 KW when I left.
     
  10. newhorizions469

    newhorizions469 Light Load Member

    52
    158
    Jun 20, 2023
    0
    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.
     
  11. newhorizions469

    newhorizions469 Light Load Member

    52
    158
    Jun 20, 2023
    0
    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.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.