What's the truth

[Frogman]

TMC advertises on their web site:

We have had new graduates achieve the 32% pay level in as little as 6 months and go on to earn $60,000 their first year with our company!

Is this one guy out of a hundred thousand or is this typical? What is the real story?

Just sounds too good to be true when all other companies are saying new drivers only earn $37-40K first year.

Any TMC drivers that can verify this (besides all you recruiters that is!!!)

[BanditsCousin]

37-40K is the upper end of the spectrum for new van drivers, IMO. Flatbed guys usually (nd should) get paid more than van guys. I think Melton's lower average was 43K?

When I drove past the Maverick HQ they had a huge banner facing the highway saying most drivers make over $50K (Thats $50,000 GMan :wink: )

I suppose this could be true, but the driver probably isn't home every weekend. I dunno, my .02

Theres never anymore hhg questions anymore

[dpatt]

FlatbedFred said in another thread:

I'll make over $60,000 this year and plan on making more NEXT year.

Fred's (GoldiesPlating) in his first year with TMC. And I believe he said he said he's at 29% but I'm not certain about that...

[devildice]

Theres never anymore hhg questions anymore

ok, I'll bite....tell me what it's like in the HHG business.

[sweepwing]

I'll bite too.

Is there any truth to this ad in my local paper? Prime does not seem to have the greatest buzz on the street.

DRIVERS - Flatbed Recent Average $1,443/week. No Experience? On the Road Training Available. Late Model Assigned Equipment, Great Benefits. 800-771-6318 www.primeinc.com

[Tony]

I'm a dispatcher for TMC, started a few months ago and most of my guys are newer so I can give you a good, honest idea.

My new guys start at 23% (experienced guys at 27%). After about a month most go to 27-28%. Any good driver, who's responsible and has some endurance can be at 29%. 30% requires a very solid driver. 32% is doable but it's almost impossible before becoming a trainer (which means 6 months in the truck).

An average driver can make $3,200 to the truck (in linehaul) average per week and at 28% average about $900 gross. My really hard working guys average $1,200-$1,400 per week gross but they work very hard.

[Frogman]

Thanks, Tony.

That's a much more detailed estimate than others I've read.

Two questions:

1) What does "they work very hard" mean? I understand what it means if you're discussing construction (like a laborer) . . . what does it mean here, in this context? I've heard that flat-bedding is "not really" that hard," but then I read a post where a guy said the physical part (strapping) just "wasn't for him?"

2) I noticed that you specifically mentioned line-haul. What do the numbers look like for long haul? Any estimate?

Thank you

[Adam9315]

where does TMC run linehaul out of?

nermind. I was thinking terminal to terminal runs. I guess TMC linehaul is the regional account ro whatever.

[san415]

seems like even the very hard working drivers are sitting a couple times a week? I only know the long haul division. But we wish they would work us harder and hire less new people. Why hire when there isn't enough work for everyone now? Several drivers say the same thing.

[Rev.Vassago]

I'll bite too.

Is there any truth to this ad in my local paper? Prime does not seem to have the greatest buzz on the street.

DRIVERS - Flatbed Recent Average $1,443/week. No Experience? On the Road Training Available. Late Model Assigned Equipment, Great Benefits. 800-771-6318 www.primeinc.com

I am guessing that is a team average.

[GoldiesPlating]

Just to keep all "informed". I'm on a "home daily" run now for TMC dedicated and get paid "salary" of $1100.00 a week and am home daily plus weekends. This was a slight pay cut from what I made OTR, but now I get home every day. This is a PUBLISHED, well advertised job. It is not fantasy or an exaggeration it IS what I make.
In ENGLISH, that's $57,200.00 or
FIFTY SEVEN THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS.
GUARANTEED weather I get loads or not.

[GoldiesPlating]

FlatbedFred said in another thread:

I'll make over $60,000 this year and plan on making more NEXT year.

Fred's (GoldiesPlating) in his first year with TMC. And I believe he said he said he's at 29% but I'm not certain about that...

Correct, when I wrote that I was at 29% and averaged $4000.00/week to the truck. or $1160/week = $60,320.00/year
Add to that number $100.00 every time I drove a load to Long Island or the five boroughs of NY. (called borough pay)
$10.00 per tarped load
$20.00 additional pay PER STOP on multiple stop loads.
PAID "bounce miles" whenever I had a long bounce in ADDITION to what the load paid.
And let's not forget all the recruiting bonuses a few on here think I get rich on. lol

[nrvsreck]

1) What does "they work very hard" mean? I understand what it means if you're discussing construction (like a laborer) . . . what does it mean here, in this context? I've heard that flat-bedding is "not really" that hard," but then I read a post where a guy said the physical part (strapping) just "wasn't for him?"

It means not slacking off in truckstops. Not showing up at noon for deliveries. Being efficient while loading and unloading (having a routine, thinking before acting, planning what to do next, working smarter not harder). And keeping two logbooks. :wink:

[san415]

My husband is at 27% and he wishes he could be working harder.He has only recently switched to TMC. He doesn't find the strapping or tarping a hardship at all. He looks at it as at least he gets a small amount of physical exercise most days. At home we work out at a gym. He doesn't feel securement is a very hard work-out. Shouldn't stop most people. Just invest in good outdoor wear. As soon as hunting season (in our area) is over there will be lots of overalls, gloves, etc on sale.

[richey94]

Jeff doesn't see the strapping and sure "hard work" but he had a very physical job before this one. Jeff just got to 28% and has been with the company for 4 mos. IMO, the ones that are at 32% do some cheating to their logbooks to get the Out of Route down or tweak other things to get there. We are happy with the 28%. His gross was rarely at $1000 a week at the 23% and we are hoping that changes now with the raise of percentage.

[GoldiesPlating]

Jeff doesn't see the strapping and sure "hard work" but he had a very physical job before this one. Jeff just got to 28% and has been with the company for 4 mos. IMO, the ones that are at 32% do some cheating to their logbooks to get the Out of Route down or tweak other things to get there. We are happy with the 28%. His gross was rarely at $1000 a week at the 23% and we are hoping that changes now with the raise of percentage.

Has he taken the online, open book, multiple choice tests yet? Also has he done the "TQM" class in Des Moines yet? Both of these will boost his percentage. BOL