Going BACK out on the Road

[Westsideconnect]

Hey, I'm fairly new to this board and so far it's been very helpful in getting some of my questions asked. What I'd like to know is some information about a company called TMC Transportation? Is this a good company to start out with?

[madii'swife]

Great company, if you can get on with them. Flatbed Fred (goldiesplating) on here can tell you just about anything you want to know about them.

Also, there's quite a bit of info on this thread:
http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...ic.php?t=16152

[Westsideconnect]

Thanks for that info. Can you or anyone suggest any other companies out there that are good to start with? I know my first year I won't make much, but I just want to get it out of the way, but I don't want to run with a company that's going to treat me so bad I want to quit.

[Westsideconnect]

I drove with USXpress years ago and for the most part it was okay.

[madii'swife]

What company you start with (or stay with) depends on a lot of factors. I also am not really in a position to answer it real well, as I'm not even a driver myself, just the other half of one.
Hubby is currently with TransAm, and they have been ok, although now that he is 6 months in they are starting to be a bit of a pain in the rear.
If you're interested in flatbedding, either Maverick or TMC would make great starts, and the pay is not so limited there.
Also, for places to start and stay, if you want dry van either CFI or Crete seem to be great companies.
Presuming from your statements you would basically be coming in as a newbie, or with no recent experience thats what I can think of if your work history and driving record are decent.
My disclaimer is I have no personal experience with any of them except TransAm, and that only through my husband. I have a thread on here dealing with all our experiences there if you're interested over in the what about this trucking company board.
Generally you can find out a fair bit especially about the starter companies by searching the company names under search on here, just remember to take everything with a grain of salt, and that every company has its drivers that find something to complain about.

[Westsideconnect]

Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it. I'm currently in the mortgage industry and I'm sure you know how well that market is going across America. So I've decided to go back on the road and make this my career. I really enjoyed it the last time I was out but had to quit because of who I was married to at the time. Now I'm single and have no ties to anyone. I have a clean driving record and a clean background. So I'm hoping once I get experience that I can become a trainer with a good outfit. I'm also looking for topics on that on the boards but haven't found any. One recruiter told me I have a really good chance at being a trainer because of my history and I don't smoke! So I guess I added something else to my resume!! So I'm going to check out the thread on different companies and see what I come up with.

[BigWheels]

Here's another thread regard a person in a somewhat similiar situation:
http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...ic.php?t=27086

BOL!

[Westsideconnect]

Thanks for sending me that link. So far I've been in touch with Central Refrigerated and Schneider. Central pretty much says that they can get me home every 3 weeks, which is no big deal, with 3 days off and have been talking to them about leasing one of there trucks and becoming a trainer. Central says the money will be really good if I take that option, BUT from reading the message boards I don't think that's the way to go. Schneider wants to give me a regional route where I'll be home every other weekend, sounds pretty good, but not sure if I want to run with them or not. OH WAIT!! Just got an email from CRST, I guess I'll do my research on that outfit too. So getting a job won't be the problem, getting a GOOD job will be though. So hopefully the more I talk to you all I'll be able to make the right choice.

[BigWheels]

You may want to review this CRST thread:
http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...ic.php?t=26933

Make sure you do your research if you are really serious about leasing a truck from the company you will be running for.

In addition, search this board and read up on the pros/cons of leasing from those who have been there, done that.

BOL!

[Westsideconnect]

Hmmmm, CRST sounds interesting. I called the recruiter but had to leave a message. So we'll see what he has to say when he calls back. And I'll keep up on what truthtalker1 is doing, and from what he's saying it sounds pretty good. I know it seems like I'm all over the board with different companies, but I just want to get this year out of the way with less drama as possible.

[madii'swife]

From what I have heard and seen CRST is the definition of a bad idea. If I'm remember right spencerian from the board was at CRST before he transferred to TransAm because of all the issues. Just make sure you research well, as I've heard nothing but bad about them.

[Westsideconnect]

I think what I'm going to do is take a full day and hang out at the truck stop here locally and talk to the drivers. Spoke to a recruiter at TMC and he seemed to know what he was talking about. VERY nice trucks, I can definately see myself driving one of those.