Newbie For TMC HELP!!!

[greg3564]

Well lets see indeed.

Maverick
.39 x 2000= $780

TMC
$780 divided by .30= 2600 miles.


Hmmm. I can drive 2000 miles and make the same money as a TMC driver doing 2600. Where do I sign up?

Ok, I'm really not one to get into arguments, especially on here, but it seems to be you're comparing apples to oranges, since the vast majority of TMC drivers, especially linehaul, run on percentage. Since you did not provide percentage numbers, its really unfair.

However, even at the newbie rate of 23%...at $4000 to the truck each week, you're way ahead of 2000 miles, at $920. The crazy thing is, its very possible that IS for 2000 miles.........

I'm sure if I were in Maverick, Melton or Passmore's orientation there would be lots of ex-TMC drivers too. That's just trucking in general. Lot's of hopping around. So I really wouldn't put much faith into who's in orientation.

On this one I have to agree. I know a certain amount of comparison is required for this industry, but it sure seems to have more than its fair share of company bashing...

The only thing with the percentage is that it can change. Making cpm you're not going to fluctuate because you missed a goal like you do on percentage. Plus , with percentage you make nothing of you have to deadhead, which is common in flatbed.

I don't work for TMC and I don't work for Maverick. All the people I've talked to at both talk highly of both. I do however, find that the TMC guys have this sort of elitist view over Maverick. Why? I don't know, but suspect that it's coming from their leadership. With the exception of CAD, TMC isn't spoken of very highly on other boards. Take that for what it's worth. Both campanies get you home and make you the same money.

Me personally, I don't like being told I have to make my bed or that you'll get sent packing if you walk on the grass in DM. How ludicrous is that? We're all adults and should be treated as such.

[madii'swife]

The only thing with the percentage is that it can change. Making cpm you're not going to fluctuate because you missed a goal like you do on percentage. Plus , with percentage you make nothing of you have to deadhead, which is common in flatbed.

I don't work for TMC and I don't work for Maverick. All the people I've talked to at both talk highly of both. I do however, find that the TMC guys have this sort of elitist view over Maverick. Why? I don't know, but suspect that it's coming from their leadership. With the exception of CAD, TMC isn't spoken of very highly on other boards. Take that for what it's worth. Both campanies get you home and make you the same money.

Me personally, I don't like being told I have to make my bed or that you'll get sent packing if you walk on the grass in DM. How ludicrous is that? We're all adults and should be treated as such.

Personally, I think they're both good companies, and to be honest Maverick was hubby's first choice. I'm definitely not trying to portray TMC as any better or worse than Maverick, from everything I've seen and heard they are very similar.

The deadhead does factor in some, although I know with TMC, hubby gets mileage on deadhead over 150 miles I believe, it might be 100 miles. Either way it is not my intention to bash or argue, just saying the percentage plays in, since even though its fluctuent, the lowest it can go is that 23%.

My guess is there are happy and unhappy drivers at both companies, as there are just about anywhere, even in other industries. All I can say to that at this point, is that TMC is a definite improvement over hubby's first choice :wink:

As far as the grass goes...well...I don't see how its a big deal either way, but then again I'm guessing my view of it is too simplistic, as my husband accuses me of that often. And re: the bed making, as far as I know in the 11 years I've known/been married to my husband I have yet to hear of him making a bed :wink:

[greg3564]

[ And re: the bed making, as far as I know in the 11 years I've known/been married to my husband I have yet to hear of him making a bed :wink:

I think my wife would say the same about me. I just don't see the need to make the bed if I'm going to mess it up again.

[countryhorseman]

OK, as far as the grass at DM - they spend enormous amounts of money keeping the landscaping around the DM office, terminal and hotel looking good. I do not blame them whatsoever for asking, or if you wish demanding that you walk on the concrere and pavement, which they have also spent large amounts of money to ensure a safe and clean environment for all. 1 it is a pride issue, 2, the ability to follow guidelines, and 3, Mr. Annett is a former Marine Officer, so yes, he has extremely high standards. As a former Marine, I can relate to that.

Many of TMC's policy's and guidelines have actually been structured by the Drivers Board, not all, but a good majority. So when you see something, it is not always the Annett family that made them. Again, it comes down to pride and a attitude of success. Many drivers that have the attitude and pride to follow TMC's guidelines, want/desire to be successful at all things in life. Is TMC's way the only way to be successful, no, not at all, but it is a good framework to go by.

As far as the attitude over Maverick, well, that could come from many areas. But as the pecking order in the truck world, Peterbuilt, Kenworth, Mack, Western Star, International, and Freightliner - well, that could play a role - who knows! I choose TMC, well over Maverick for many reasons - flexibility in pay structure, performance based pay, no-forced dispatch (I can refuse a load without reprecussion), guaranteed home time, Equipment (a biggee), and a well structured system which encourages success, too name a few. Oh, Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance is another good reason.

I am technically a long-haul driver, but have choosen this week to take mostly line-haul runs that are available to stay in Texas. Have actually enjoyed the short runs, it is a challenge to say the least. A linehual driver can also reverse the role, and request a longhual run if there is a certain area they want to see or be in for whatever reason. Lots of flexibility in the system has been a big plus as far as I am concerned.

Maverick cold not guarantee my home time, and the average pay was much lower than even my shortest weeks. Taking home a 1000 or more a week and only driving 2200 -2500 miles a week works good for me.

I am sure Maverick has its advantages, such as to some the Autoshift tranny's are tempting, but when I checked into Maverick, I could not find any.

Enough for now, time to get loaded. Bye

[RamstaR]

I was told today that pay is .30cpm or 23% seems low

Thank you SlingBlade07 I heard that as well. Is that low for a new driver?

I have to agree with MadIIwife's answers, he and I went through orientation together, and both of us are doing well.

.30 cpm is above average for most fleets for new drivers out of school, as is the 23% of gross. As I posted on another thread, a new driver, wet behind the ears out of school can easily be in the range of 26 - 30 % withing the first 6 weeks in his/her own truck. First snapshot is typically around the 5th or 6th week.

If you have a year or more verifiable OTR experience, you will be started at .38cpm on the mileage scale and 27% on the percentage scale. Mileage is not the way to go on linehaul, but on longhual it depends on your primary running area and the time of year for freight. Also on mileage, with OOR and MPG bonuses, as well as over 11000 miles per month, an experienced driver could actually be at .41 cpm after 6 weeks.

Mileage is definitely not recommended for new, fresh out of school drivers, percentage is the best pay scale there.

As far as South Carolina Terminal, if you are new out of school you will be required to do orientation in Des Moines. Drivers with prior flat-bed experience can do orientation in SC, unless something has changed in the last week.

well I will be fresh out of school and I suppose they did make changes because they know I am out of school and I am scheduled to go to SC. I think it has to do more on the lines of where you live not experience. (just my 2 cents)

[RamstaR]

they tell you to make your bed lol what a joke. Next they will be tellin you not to forget to wipe your azz.

Do they really?? Interesting.... At all times?? Thats sounds a little extreme.

Well, I have made my bed since I was a child, and take pride in making now. Would do it even if it was not a requirement. Actually had a DOT officer comment on it one day during an inspection.

So if you choose to be a slob, be a slob, if you choose to be neat and professional, it will reflect in all you do in life.

Have a nice day!

I have to agree, I make my bed as well at home so in a truck sleeping over night?? what would be the difference? Nothing.....

[RamstaR]

I was told today that pay is .30cpm or 23% seems low

Thank you SlingBlade07 I heard that as well. Is that low for a new driver?

Maverick will start out new drivers at .39 cpm.

Let's see, .39 cpm @ 2000 miles per week equals what? There were 9, count them 9, Maverick drivers in orientation at Des Moines 2 weeks ago, the all quit at the same time and came over to TMC. Since they were not getting miles.

Well lets see indeed.

Maverick
.39 x 2000= $780

TMC
$780 divided by .30= 2600 miles.


Hmmm. I can drive 2000 miles and make the same money as a TMC driver doing 2600. Where do I sign up?

I'm sure if I were in Maverick, Melton or Passmore's orientation there would be lots of ex-TMC drivers too. That's just trucking in general. Lot's of hopping around. So I really wouldn't put much faith into who's in orientation.

I have to agree with this quote. I have heard from a recruiter that they have lost more in orientation that with an instructor. I wonder why that is???? Its not boot camp lol. So what gives??

[RamstaR]

Thank you for all your help guys and anymore advice to come. It has been great to be able to get an Idea of a company before stepping in the door.