You forgot to mention one BIG factor about TMC , I went to work there 2 years ago and came with trucking experience but none really in flatbed . I spent 2 weeks out in DesMoines and learned more about load securement than I ever dreamed of but I did like it . When I graduated they gave me a brand new at the time 2019 Pete 579 with auto trans . I mean brand new and I was so happy I couldn’t wait to hit the road but what I found out before long and everyone should know this that all of their trucks do NOT have an apu unit , so if you want air conditioning in the truck at night when your sleeping you have to idle the truck which is not the end of the world but by doing so I started getting phone calls from dispatch saying that I’m idling the truck too much and that I need to get the idle time cut down . So basically TMC wants you to sleep in a hot truck at night in the summer time of which I simply refuse to do and that’s why I left . Other than that the company was really good and the equipment was top of the line but for the life of me I don’t know why they won’t put apu units in their trucks otherwise I would still be driving for them .
They said recently they’re looking for the perfect apu. They’re quite picky on equipment so I can see this. I’ve got two years with them and summer is the worst. Never been fussed at for idle time but I’ve also tried my best to keep it low since it can affect the point system. One thing I did was jerry rigged a cheap cooler into an a/c. Cut two holes in the lid, mounted a small fan on one side and a pvc elbow on the other. Fan blows air into the cooler of ice and out of the pipe onto me in the bunk.
TMC didn’t except my app. I’ve haven’t been working the last 18 months. I did just graduate trucking school and get my CDL before I applied. I’ve lived in Tallahassee the last 18 months but have lived the rest of my life in Des Moines. Thinking about trying McElroy next.
Currently in CDL school and I've been dead set on this company because of their reputation in hauling flatbed. They 100% sell the crap out of it when they came to visit for recruiting but, I feel like joining this company is more of an investment in yourself & skills than a quick buck which is why I want to go there.
I'm in school right now and today we had TMC recruiter come in and he was talking about the fuel and idling time, saying it is better for you because you get a fuel bonus. If I dont get a good nights sleep and then go drive thats just not right.....I drove tankers before and also flatbeds I hated flatbeds, not because of the work it was always because of the pay. I will go back to tankers great video man thank you!
I really appreciate you making this video and giving us the truth. I’ve been yanking tanks for 7 years and before that I did dump trucks hauling coal and rock along with frac sand in a bulk tank. I’ve had my Cdl since I was 19. I’ve been debating on tmc cause they seem like a great outfit but after watching your video I’m gonna pass on that. Appreciate the video man
Thanks for the info. I've been on the fence about doing owner/op, or changing companies. TMC was high on my list of companies. I now make TMC pay, and am home every night 90% of the time. New equipment and all benefits. Just burned out on container scene. Going back owner/op route. Thanks, and be safe out there.
Thanks for the video. I chose this company more so for the training instead of the money. I’ll take whatever knowledge I can and move on when I get a lot of experience.
Thanks for this video man. I’m currently in school. Recruiter came from TMC. Now I know their job is to sell it, but he really did make it sound very appealing. I’m still leaning towards them because I do like the level of pride in demanding the level of cleanliness and care of their equipment, and the training seems very thorough. Now this recruiter told us first year drivers make an average of 74k a year and tip earners over 88k. So to hear how the pay really is, kind of discouraging….but I think I’m still going to apply. I am heavily tattooed (hands,neck, face). Do you know much on their stance with personal appearance? Appreciate you man! Cheers!
TMC is an awesome company, if you stay out you can make ok money with these guys. When I was there they were pretty laid back on tattoos. Stay positive!! Best of luck and stay safe.
@@soflodoug when I first started driving real truckers were family men. The psychopaths grasping steering wheels today belong in prison or lunatic asylums. Most aren’t qualified to push a wheelbarrow across a Flying J truck stop. April 1, 1979. Real men driving real trucks.
They almost recruited my ass years ago. All ive ever run is flatbed. But found out about the pay and time out on the road, just wouldnt work for me. I wound up driving for a nation wide company that runs certain regions. I run the northeast, indiana line to atlantic and nc line to candian border. Its still flatbed but im home every other night and still run 2500 miles a week. And my low average throughout the year is still 1300 a week gross. And no tarping! Now where i worked before here i drove and loaded and unloaded trucks. Dealt with a lot of tmc drivers, they were, how do you say, some of the most professional and understanding drivers i ever worked with. When i worked in receiving, they were automatically put to the front, because when they came to check in, load was ready to come off. Never once did i have to wait for them to roll up straps or pull tarps, unless it was pouring rain. Which for me was a huge time saver and got them back out the gate quicker than anybody else. They are definitely sticklers for professionalism, they always had their stuff together.
Hey Brother. I'm living in Indiana and was wondering about that company that gets you home nightly. I would love to research them as well. Was willing to sacrifice being gone all week to provide for my family but if I could make about the same and be home nightly that would be optimal
If TMC paid so well and were so good to their drivers. they would put out an add saying, our middle pay was 130,000 and average home time was 10 days a month. but they dont, i went to their orientation and met 4 truck drivers there. they all were quitting. Always ask about turn over rate. and TMC being 100% tarp no matter the load.
Wait, they are 100%tarp? I have seen tons of TMC drivers channels where they are only tarping for bad weather or if the customer requests it. Am I misunderstanding?
I just got my CDLs I’m more than likely going to join TMC. How long is the OTR training? I’m not much of a team driving fan. Everything else I’ll deal with being I’m inexperienced Thanks for the vid.
TMC is an awesome choice! Thanks for watching my channel. Zero experience I think you OJT for one month (sorry it’s been a long time since I’ve worked there) and a few weeks of orientation training. If I’m incorrect hopefully someone chimes in.
@@Truckingwithtookie_tpl it was definitely an experience lol. I just went to a local job but I loved TMC. The training is something else but I would recommend it. Even the job I went to knew about the reputation of TMC and they liked that. I was there for about 9 months and just left. It was a great starter job but I need more $
@@paulbealsr5637 a lot of complaints from our people and I understood it but it was worth it for me. They strict but they have a good reputation. Averaged about 1100-1500.. it was cool but I wanted more
I worked for tmc for a month about 20 years ago my trainer was the pits maybe got one shower a week. Tarping and straping down loads is very hard work. I have worked dry van ever since I quit TMC.
Yeah I hear that tmc pays low for there truckers. Especially they have the most responsibility jobs in the industry. They have a good program, like I hear that Prime Inc does well. But if your putting your job, and body at risks making sure everything is secured in a tight way, tmc should pay there rookies, and vets more. Good video sir, and thank you for keeping America going 👍🏾 🇺🇲!
Thank you Sir for the information as well as your honesty, I am actually within the process of narrowing down a trucking company with TMC included. I'm still conducting my research, I've my CDL-B and will be obtaining my CDL-A LP along with a tanker-hazmat endorsement within the near future. Any additional information that you can provide and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Great video! So i have a couple questions. Do they really get you home on weekends ? Also can you make the 800 to 1100 a week while getting home on weekends ? Thank you very much for this video ima new subscriber im going to be checking out the rest of your stuff!
Good video. I’m currently waiting for my CDL class to begin. I got in the earliest one I could get and it’s not until the end of January. So in the meantime I’ve been studying trucks, the CDL manual, and trying to find the right companies to apply to. I think TMC just jumped to the top of my list after your video. Appreciate the honesty, man.
Wow and my Friend thank you for this amazing opportunity to not get stuck my school recommended them like they were game changer job Talked me out of a headache
Trailers are supposed to up to maintenance the same as the truck. So why does TMC not take care of this maintenance issue? TMC called me for a job and I'm a new CDL holder, I'm a woman and I most definitely don't mind hard work but if my trailer is going to have issues then that's a big no, no . 🤦 My goal is to get into heavy hauling because I'm also certified in heavy equipment operations. Having a bad trailer can also cause issues with DOT and im most definitely NOT having that especially since its the companies responsible as a company driver.
TMC is notorious for trailer swapping out in the field as you probably already know, TMC should be held accountable at some level for discrepancies amongst trailers out in the field but our brothers and sisters drivers are absolutely notorious looking the other way, when a problem arises
Some true but some not I’m in Des Moine, TA rn as a student but TMC is a employee owned company meaning you see all your money on the back end you own a share of the company off rip. A lot people out my class hasn’t dropped out actually everybody still here and passing all the test the test aren’t hard at all but you required to make a 80 to pass yes they take their cleanses serious all the equipment brand new trucks etc. our teachers are cool af not really strict at all they won’t leave you behind if you behind the class a little overall a good company only thing I can say is they could pay driver more expect to see 1500-1600 weekly and if you work weekends about 2400. Percentage pays will easily rise unless you just can’t drive at all then you’ll get fired obviously. But they are not hard on you at all. And you get paid weekly to go though training and all food is free.
TMC is an awesome company and this post wasn’t publish to discredit these guys. People need to remember THIS IS MY OPINION not YOURS. To the viewers please understand everyone’s personal experience will differ Especially where you live and how long you stay out. Please stay respectful and don’t say “SOME TRUTH BUT SOME NOT” you would be actually calling me a liar titling your first paragraph this way. FYI unless things have changed the food isn’t completely free for people who have experience, yes food WAS free if you received from the ground up training with these guys but of course you would have known that because I clearly said this in my videos. TMC isn’t a hard company to work for nor a hard company to Gain employment with BUT everyone’s experience will differ since we all are different lol. I’m sorry driver but I invite you to post your TMC pay right here on my channel to prove me wrong about this $1500-1600 and working on weekends $2400. The Average driver going home every week or every two weeks will not be turning in these numbers. Thanks for the comment I like hearing the voices of others. Stay safe out there!!
went to tmc... I was hella excited but when I got there man they presented everything great and I thought it was a great company but two weeks I left bro instructors was way to rude if you said anything it could be respectful like look I'm a grown man no need to yell at me they would send you home... I knew what I was getting at face value would be how it would be after training so I left and applied to maverick... wish I would had went there off the muscle but tmc trucks had me in a daze.... we trained 14hours 6am to 8pm most days the food at school was little and not enough then you would get a sandwich at 7pm... its a great company but they got a long way to go far as treating a man with respect but they demand respect... nd stay off the grass at the school and hotel...
So glad I was fortunate enough to buy my own truck in late 90’s an been anti mega company since Some ppl like the disciplinary structured living!! me I like to live lol best of luckiness an subscribed an liked. Glad to see another flatbedder you tuber
That awesome, One day I’ll be fortunate enough to own my truck and break free from corporate shackles. Thanks for the comment stay safe out there professional driver
I’m considering going to TMC when I finish Trucking School. Im doing my research and I’ve heard good and not so good things, what is the most difficult part while in Iowa? What does their written test consist of? 9:38
Sorry for the delay in responding but really nothing was to hard besides maybe getting up at the ass crack of dawn to catch that bus, game over if you miss it.
I should be done with tech school and come out with my cdl if everything goes well in a couple of weeks. I am scheduled to go to orientation at TMC the next week. Kind of got me worried so many folks washed out in your class. Is there a better choice you know of for someone coming out of Ga? I hope to be in my own truck in a couple of years but for now I just want to get my feet wet and learn the ropes. Thanks for the videos and info.
Dude, the training is so easy... lots of classroom time and some very basic tests. then very basic physical tests, lifting the tarp... then the driving test (probably in Columbia for you) super easy, I think one turn downtown Columbia is super tight turn but doable... Stick with it, if I can do it with no CDL experience in my entire family history totally new to this, you can also do it.
Thought about going to TMC because they have a terminal in Brownsburg Indiana where i currently work for Amerigas hauling propane in a Class 8 tandem bobtail. Instead i'm going to stay with hazmat and am going to Al Warren Oil and I'll get my Class A through them and their sister company Altom Transport
Good info! Though having to ride the volume through-out is painful. In editing, you can match volumes and make it even. Stay safe out ther and thanks for the info!
@@oldrookie266 Evolving is a beautiful process, some never experience it. I'll be over at TMC in about a month for training. Just getting out of CDL school, closing out my apartment, selling off most my stuff, and selling my car. OTR full-time. Taking some time to learn more before i get out to 'boot camp'. Be safe out there.
Who do you think makes the better money for the lesser loads TMC or Maverick It just seems Like Maverick doesn't do as many loads as TMC and get paid a hell of a lot more. Any truth to this? I don't know personally myself it just seems that way. When I hear TMC drivers and Maverick drivers talk about loads and pays and miles
Good question, I personally never worked for Maverick but I do know people who have work there. TMC line haul does pull more loads per week, both sides of the aisle makes about the same amount of money. Both companies are really good to work for gaining that flat bedding experience.
If you do the sponsored CDL program do you take your test in manual or auto because I don't want restrictions on my CDL if that's what it is because most of their fleet I heard of automatics
What would happen if you fail your tests? I've been looking into the trucking path but can't find anywhere what would happen if you fail. Do you get another chance, or do they just send you home? And what about the cost? Do they cut their losses with you or make you pay since the deal would be you get the training for free if you work for them for a year?
These guys really do all they can to make sure you pass your test even if they have to recycle you. I wouldn’t worry about it and TMC is an awesome company to let help you break out into the flatbed industry.
I'm stuck between TMC and Roehl transport, I'm hard hearing and I already get my learner permit so do you have any good advice for my first time to get training necessary for CDL out of those two companies?
Does the physical agility test include hauling the 8' tarps? And do you feel their training program got you a leg up on other flat bedders because of the intensive training?
Well I have watched these guys strap shingles and they go way to far with securement .These guys have to climb on the trailer and move shingles into different positions. My opinion unless u have to don't climb on product .These pallets are put on secure enough no need to go through that crap throw your straps and leave them the way they lay I have never moved the shingles in 2 and a half years and they have never moved or have I lost a single bundle and for anyone arguing that it keeps the shingles from getting smashed in the middle well i got news for you I have never paid for a single bundle and no one has ever said anything or refused the load . We are not Hauling death coils here folks and definitely not hog tieing lol Sorry but Tmc is a start your career company they already know the turn over rate and their plan is based on it . Tarps are hard work and if I'm tarping twice a day I'm moving on good to Tmc and drivers but tmc take care if your drivers better . We are looking to make u money so let your drivers run the a/c that's ridiculous. And give them time to shower I have seen your employees work and they are some of the hardest workers in the business other than operater owners .It's not always about money .
Thank You for this crisp video. I am currently trying to start a whole new career. Do you have any pointers on how to practice all the DOT exam driving? Just practicing my boat launches currently. Thanks again
Im retiring from the military this summer and considering TMC. We are moving back to the east from Washington state. I just finished CDL school with troops into transportation, will be doing the Washington state CDL test to get my license. What advice do you have for me? Thanks.
It sounds like everything your doing is right on track, TMC is an Excellent option. You’ll do great their, thanks for your service!! Shoot me a message if you need anything.
Be careful if that’s the only reason for joining. Remember that even if you join as an 88M you still have to do a CDL course now a days it’s not like it use to be prior to February 7 where you could get a memo signed by your commander and take it to the dmv and get your CDL
I’m turning 70yrs this year would they give a chance? I’m in good shape, no meds or medical problems. I’ve been driving a bout a yr and a half niw and currently driving OTR
Good info. I don't need a thank you. I do this job for my family and me. It's nice to have a job that keeps the economy going and give people jobs. But I don't want or need a thank you. People wanna thank us? Ok, how about not cutting us off, learn what yield means, don't speed up and try to block us when we need to get over on the interstate. Etc...
I thank all professional drivers, implying team work and understanding the frustrations. It’s not easy being a professional driver. The responsibilities are Huge, The lives of others depend on you being successful in all inclement situations. From an economic standpoint truck drivers can make or break the situation, people depend on you whether you like it or not. YES, stop cutting drivers off please. Thanks for the response, stay safe out there. Happy holidays
@@oldrookie266 no problem, thanks for your info. Merry Christmas, happy new yr etc ..yeah it's definitely a huge responsibility out there.. stay safe too. You have to drive for everyone bc most people are all about me on the road and in every aspect of society. People just don't care about anything but themselves overall.
I am an Air Force vet with a stickler for attention to detail and I feel like TMC is a great first stone (I start CDL-A Training 5th of July 2022). I wasn't interested in flat bed at first, I was looking at getting into tanker and hazmat (I moved 6000 gals of jet fuel between aircraft and have felt as well as understand the movement of liquid) but after consideration I feel flatbed offers diversity and I am getting a little excited about the idea. What advice would you give to someone about to start a new journey with knowledge of how loads shift and a background in trucing? I know some carriers take advantage but yet there are opportunities for non idiots... I am a non idiot, grew up around trucks... I don't believe I fall into the 4 wheeler looking for an easy check. I fall into the guuy who can shift a manual car without a clutch (done it many times). I am not the 21st century rookie
Hi there Old rookie! How are you? I have a question for you about TMC? I've been driving Van/Refer/Tanker for the last 5 years or so. I wanted to get on with ATS, but after a 600 mile drive to orientation the instructor failed me, and wouldn't allow me to move on. So now I'm looking for somewhere to learn flatbed. Can you tell me about what will happen in Orientation? What are the tests like? Agility test remind me of what Prime did. I should mention Im 42 right now.
Hi Ben, hopefully your having a great Sunday. TMC orientation isn’t complicated, lots of class time and test. Physical agility was a breeze, if your active I wouldn’t worry. With your current experience O.J. T shouldn’t be more than two weeks with an instructor, there is a driving test and from what I remember you either get an automatic or a manual depending on what it says on your drivers license. Sorry to hear about your experience with ATS, TMC Is a great choice. Good luck!!
TMC hauls cheap fright, that's why there pay suck's. I know as an O/O, because a place I won't say , we were hauling tractors for around 2.75, to 2.39 and TMC came in and took it for 1.95 a mile. 2015. Just speaking truth. I will say it was just north of IL.
I drove a truck for about 8 years got dui back in 08 .now im a good boy wanting to get back into trucking. Drove flatbed for few months when it first got my cdl.then went to dry van and refer.
I did inquire on this but they didn’t offer it me for whatever reason, they did try getting me to purchase a truck in Ankeny but I didn’t have enough money for the down payment so I passed.
I am a driver with CDL-A but no experience driving Semis. I got my cdl on my own and have only driven class A bucket and dump trucks. Was looking at TMC to start my career. Is there any other companies you would recommend?
Is it really regional I live in Chicago and was curious to know where the loads I would be getting and is the home time leave out Sundays home Fridays?
@@oldrookie266 will they give me the option and I been talking to a recruiter she said yes home every weekend but she hasn’t said otr regional or dedicated
Considering going to the Columbia SC School. You state Jumping but do u ou mean climbing up? and down. I have had both knows replaced no jumping for me with plastic knees. Also how heavy is those 8 ft tarps and do you have to manually lift them to the top. I use to have the fork lift guys buss them up for me years ago.
@@stevewildman1045 you jump from the ground up, the 8 footers are 100 pounds and sometimes you do get the pleasures of the Forklift operators to put them on deck for you.
Definitely making me think twice. I was a fan based on their speech at my school and info on their site but the pay, trailer stuff and other negatives changed that. Too bad a good company does not exist these days. All smoke and mirrors.
Just remember TMC is awesome for Beginners, people who need to break out in the flatbed industry to gain their experience O.J. T. You will never go wrong getting a job with this company. Thanks for the comment.
im talking to Melton and tmc right now. I'm a little concerned about you saying making 1k a week isnt likely in any consistent matter. What do you know or have you heard about Melton? I like that they have APUs, but I like that TMC at least says they can get me home weekly. I'm driving out of San Antonio texas.
so What would you say pay range is for working one week and coming home on the weekend , trying to see if maybe sacrificing a weekend or two so that i can actually see the good money
Going to school for anything ! ...I will not be treated like I'm in boot camp...forget it !! That just says instructors with attitude, don't need it ...period !! Treat me how u want to be treated and we'll get along a ok ! 👍
TMC is a great company to work for fresh out of school, you will learn valuable information with these guys you’ll need to create that foundation for future goals.
I’m currently looking at options I was leaning towards tmc but I may shoot maverick a message I just received my cdl , and being away not clearing at least 1000 consistent with all the work that includes flatbed load isn’t it for me lol
@@oldrookie266 I agree! I just don’t know where to start 😂 I see a lot out here but don’t want to choice wrong , I just graduated trucking school yesterday
Maverick is a good one too but they are like a prison almost outside the classroom and even then its very structured and forced. 1 slip up and theyll send you home, and you better be fit too lol. But other then that theyre a great comapny too
Recruiter wants me to Des Moines. The temperature is -17 there. I'm from Texas and not use to those conditions. Do they train indoors except for driving?
My question is, does tmc pay you during their training and if so, about how much did they pay during training? I have youngins and I have to make a paycheck lol
I believe it was $5-1k per week, sorry it was so long ago. I have a few comments here other people who work for TMC talking about it, look their. Thanks and best of luck.
Man, we really aren’t going to be able to hit $1000/week? I’m watching a video right now of a guy showing his pay. Making well over 1k a week. 🤷🏻♂️ I don’t know who to believe
@@oldrookie266 wow my comment was only 2 weeks ago! I can’t believe how much I’ve learned in those 2 weeks. Quick question: if I’m willing to stay out 4-5-6 weeks at a time, and do my “home time” in the truck or hotel, I should be able to make well over 1k/week right? Single, no kids and looking to run! Thanks man
@@oldrookie266 I should also say, I understand the importance of the experience I will get at TMC. My plan is to learn as much as I can and move up to Over Dimensional or Heavy Haul. But money is also important to me lol 😉
@@TheDrewjirby you should be able to make bank staying out for that long. Soak it up because TMC is an awesome company for training and getting into OD. Thanks for the question and stay safe.
I went to TMC‘s trucking school last year and I left because a teacher would never help me with my paper log in class only thing he want to say was don’t do that shit again man and I couldn’t go to a different company that had a school because of them Because whistling logistics told me that it showed I took test I didn’t take my CDL pre-I didn’t take my offset my blind sent parking my parallel parking. I didn’t know of that so now it’s hard for me to go to school because of TMC and flatbed because the teacher never help me with my logs, do say don’t do that shit again man they are pathetic They put on my paper that I didn’t like flatbed. All their recruiters are smart asses
I swear if TMC could hire strictly ex-military folks, they would be ecstatic. Lol it’s trucking!! Let the military be the military! Don’t need to treat trucking that way.
I have my permit, & I leave for training in Iowa on Monday. My question was about the truck specifically if we train on a automatic or standard? Because I keep hearing the fleet is changing over to automatic & they're training on autos now.
When I was working for TMC I did my test drive in a 10 speed, my trainer had an auto. Yes the fleet does have automatic trucks but not sure if the Entire Fleet will switch over.
