Flatbed Training TMC Vs. Maverick

[DannyM]

I already have a CDL and have a few months experience in driving Van OTR. I am looking to make a change due to pay issues and miles with my current co. What I would like to know is what is the difference in the training that I would recieve between TMC and Maverick flatbed co. What I am looking for is location of training (i live in NC), duration of training and pay and accomadations while going through training. I have read alot of the other threads about both co. but not much covering someone who already has driving experience, just needing flatbed training.
Any help would be appreciated.

D

[Sealord]

For info on Maverick, there used to be a poster named "Skills" who posted here and on a blog at truck.net. As far as I know, he's still pulling for 'em. Do an archives search, something will probably come up. BOL

[sbruner305]

Maverick specialzed division trains in Laurinburg NC and TMC trains in Columbia SC. They both have outstanding programs just need to decide if you want a manual or autoshift, other than the transmission they are two top notch companies.

[redsfan]

Define a few months? If you have less than a year verifiable experience, Maverick will most likely put you through the entire training program (driving with a trainer included, unless you do well enough on the driving test and simulator to prove them otherwise. They do put a lot of trust in their trainers' discretion however, so even if you went out with one it may only be for a week. Call a recruiter to find out for sure on this though.

If all you need is the flatbed training you will probably spend at least a week in the barn working on that. It really all depends upon how well you catch on. You will have to test out and show proficiency on virtually every load scenario that they teach you in the barn and the testing part will take 1-2 days in it's own if you are testing by yourself. If you have to go out with a trainer you probably won't do as in depth training because you will get some training on the road and then test out when you come back for your truck assignment.

Training is held in Little Rock. They have their own hotel on the premises, not the Hilton but very well kept. You won't spend a whole lot of time in your room anyway. They do buy your lunch for the first few days and they will give you 50 bucks cash on the first day of orientation. Once you are officially hired on Wednesday you will be able to draw up to $200 per week in cash advances just like if you were already driving for them. They have a few vans and a couple of cars that trainees can sign out to get something to eat, run to Wal-Mart, etc... You're not trapped there during your free time which you won't have much of for the first few days of orientation/training. Pay during training both in the barn and out with a trainer is $100 per day. You'll make 600-700 per week during training. Nothing to base your sole decision on, but it gives you an idea of what to expect. The recruiter will tell you $500 per week in training, but it is 100/day. You will most likely spend both Saturday and Sunday in the barn so it's really 700.

Don't know anything about TMC's training, perhaps Fred will reply soon. My guess is that you will still have a pretty elaborate training program with them also just for the securement side. Both companies will want you thoroughly trained before they cut you loose.

Good luck.

[vonSeggern]

I already have a CDL and have a few months experience in driving Van OTR. I am looking to make a change due to pay issues and miles with my current co. What I would like to know is what is the difference in the training that I would recieve between TMC and Maverick flatbed co. What I am looking for is location of training (i live in NC), duration of training and pay and accomadations while going through training. I have read alot of the other threads about both co. but not much covering someone who already has driving experience, just needing flatbed training.
Any help would be appreciated.

D

TMC has a facility in Columbia, SC. I went there and would recommend Des Moines for all aspects of training. In SC you stay in a not-so-great hotel. In Des Moines you stay in a nice hotel with sauna, pool, hot tub, etc., that is right on the TMC campus.

Both companies are REALLY into safety, securement, and quality service. The differences are small.

The training for experienced drivers is different. TMC will test your driving when you go to orientation and either put you on a:
1. Regular schedule of 2 weeks orientation and 6 weeks training @ $350 per week while training.
2. 1 week orientaion and 2-4 weeks training @ $500 per week while training.

I don't know how they will feel about "a few months experience". It is best to call Matt in recruiting.

Good luck.

[arky]

I am pretty sure that Maverick is doing some training in NC now, but may be for specialized drivers only. I'm not sure...you definitely need to ask a recruiter. Since your in NC, you might want to look into the specialized division anyway. Personally, I think it would be a pretty cool job part of the time. The rest of the time, well, it would be j.o.b. LOL.

As far as quality of training. I think both companies will offer excellent training. I know Maverick does.

Best of luck!

Arky

[recurve]

talking with angie from maverick she said training in NC is for specialized and that a deal were u are out for two weeks at a time
if u want reg flatbed u have to go to little rock
lol may be i going to go to LR once i finish TDS
keep us posted ok

[JBenson2]

Here are a series of photos I took during my two week orientation at TMC in Des Moines, Iowa.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbenson...7594380781687/

[stevedb28]

I think both companies have great training programs. I know that we have a very good safety rating, I dont know where we stand compared to the rest, but with as strict as Maverick is, I know we are up there.

[DannyM]

Well, looks like I'm going to TMC in Columbia, the recruiter said that they would give me a road test and if all goes well I'll be on the "yard" for 1 week and out with a trainer for about 4 weeks. I dont think I'll have any problems with a road test, I'm used to driving 53 foot vans and have not had any problems driving, I've drove in New York, Jersey, Chicago and other stresful places, I just recently was in the middle of the big storm that closed I81 in Penn and had no real problems. I've never had any big problems with backing either. The only difference is I'm used to a 10 speed and I think the petes have 13 speeds.

D

[GoldiesPlating]

Well, looks like I'm going to TMC in Columbia, the recruiter said that they would give me a road test and if all goes well I'll be on the "yard" for 1 week and out with a trainer for about 4 weeks. I dont think I'll have any problems with a road test, I'm used to driving 53 foot vans and have not had any problems driving, I've drove in New York, Jersey, Chicago and other stresful places, I just recently was in the middle of the big storm that closed I81 in Penn and had no real problems. I've never had any big problems with backing either. The only difference is I'm used to a 10 speed and I think the petes have 13 speeds.

D

CONGRATS DANNY!!! Call ANYTIME if you have ANY questions!!!

[Bill44]

Does Maverick or TMC hire drivers who live in the Greensboro/Triad NC area :?:

[redsfan]

Does Maverick or TMC hire drivers who live in the Greensboro/Triad NC area :?:

I'm sure they both do.

[GoldiesPlating]

Does Maverick or TMC hire drivers who live in the Greensboro/Triad NC area :?:

Yes we do. Call me and I'll get an application in for you if you like.

[DannyM]

Training went real good in Columbia, I'm set up with a trainer and will be going out next week for 3-4 weeks with him. TMC is a very "up front" company, everything that I was told by the recruiter is exactly what happened. I was at Columbia for 1 week, was given a road test, orientation, and a weekend securement class, set up with a trainer and now waiting to go out with him next week. So far, So good, I really think I made the right decision in joining TMC.

D

[inmate1577]

If you can survive being in a festering rathole like Columbia, then everything else should be pretty easy for ya.

[GoldiesPlating]

If you can survive being in a festering rathole like Columbia, then everything else should be pretty easy for ya.

A recruit alway has the option of taking his orientation in Des Moines, IA if he wishes. DesMoines is MUCH nicer than Columbia, SC.

[Grimm]

Hey guys, always enjoy dredging up old dead topics, but recently I've been talking to my wife about going flatbed. I've been hauling dry vans and refers for 1.5 yrs now, but I'm wondering if the 2-6 weeks out with a trainer (depending on who posted above) applies to exp. drivers? I'm still in my research stage so any info would be greatly appreciated. My biggest concern with going out with a trainer is that my wife would then need somewhere to stay, seeing as we gave up our house to drive full time... and sadly she no longer drives rigs, even though she keeps her cdl current.

Thanks!

Grimm

[Mr. Ford95]

Last I heard, exp. drivers was 2 weeks. Could be more could be less was what they used to say depending on how quick you picked up the securement side of it along with showing you can drive. This could have all changed though since it's been a good 4 years since I last talked with both. Have you checked their websites lately to see what they say? Maverick used to have people who you could chat with right on their site live to get the info your looking for. Both are about the same to drive for.

[rkeck]

If you have no significant, verifiable flatbed experience, you WILL go out with a trainer and it is worth it as opposed to having no idea what you're doing with regards to securing and tarping loads of all types and being out somewhere with no one to look to for assistance or help. You can pick it up fast if you're a good study and watch someone who knows what they're doing. Problem is, many trainers do things the hard way themselves and don't know many of the "tricks of the trade" that can make flatbedding much easier. Large coils are where you need to pay the most attention to from someone who'se well versed on tarping large, single coils. Throwing and rolling/storing straps is easy to pick up but I see many who still do it the difficult way.

In this economy, I'd think seriously about moving from van/reefer to flatbed and most of your flatbed freight is "regional" meaning those 2,000 mile loads and 3200 mile weeks will be far and few between.