I am new to trucking and have settled on TMC as the place I would like to be. However, I have heard stories about how tough the tarp school is and wanted to hear first hand how that goes. Thanks for all your assistance.

Being new to trucking you probably do not have anyexperience with flatbedding either. I have no first hand knowledge about TMC but fins it amusing that they have a "tarp school"...I wonder, do they confer degrees?? are they accredited??

Having learned it all in OJT from an old hand and seeing that many flatbed companies do have a special training regimen for the aspects unique to flatbedding you had better be prepared to sweat, reach, bend, strain and generally get dirty on a regular basis. Flatbedding is not for the faint of heart nor the weak of limb. I often joke that one of the perks of my job is that I no longer need a gym membership...I get my exercise and get paid for it to boot!!! (Although I would like to see the tarp fee raised above its current miniscule $25)....but I would still never trade my skateboard to be a van dragger...EVER ('lessen it pays a purty penny!!!)

This is just my preference and everyone has their own...good luck and try real hard not to fall off the trailer...it hurts for days!!!

We didn't actually get to hands on tarp a load during orientation. That is something your trainer is supposed to teach you. We did go through load securement class for three days. The third day is where we divided up into groups and actually got to work with the equipment to practice on several loads. Incidentally these are loads that TMC has bought over the years due to improper securement practices. It isn't that hard and gives you a taste of what flatbedding is all about. If you are just looking for a job driving then perhaps flatbedding is not for you. There was one guy who left during load securement after realizing that flatbedding was not for him.

If you pay attention in class and take detailed notes then the hands on portion will be easy.

Jim, look at my website below, go to the diary section and then click "orientation". There you can read and SEE, first hand, exactly what I went through during TMC's orientation.

Feel free to PM or call me at the number below if you have any questions.

Good Luck!