[Rawlco]

I am back at the Baymont for the weekend, or 34 hours actually. I am swapping trainers since my trainer needs to unexpectedly take some time off this week due to some personal things.

I have had an interesting first week, including driving on some mountains, narrow twisty roads, and snow. :shock: What a first week. :lol:

[Roadhog]

Sounds like you are really enjoying the experiance. What did you haul, and where did you run? What's your rig like? How many weeks of training will you have? Being from Maine...I can tell you are not intimidated by snow!
Right on Bro...another Top Hand in the saddle!

[JBenson2]

Rawlco - good luck with your new trainer. I hope he is closer to your home than your first trainer. Upstate Maine to Pennsylvania is a long trip.

Finished week #2 with my TMC trainer. I got home early this morning (around 4am). My trainer is 4.5 hours from my home (a mere stone's throw compared to your trainer). I could have stayed at a local hotel, but my anniversary is this weekend.

On Thursday, I drove 11 hours from Knoxville, TN to Warrenton, MO (which included 3 hours through the center of St. Louis with the snowstorm at it's peak. I was in 3rd and 4th gear a lot. Each time I got to 5th, someone would hit their brakes and slide and I'd have to downshift. It was very intense!

We dropped a load off on Friday at a job site for a new shopping center. Some job sites really suck, because no one knows who the head guy is to sign the papers. (also, yesterday the tarps and straps were covered in ice from the storm - it is really tough to roll a tight tarp or roll the straps when they are frozen in ice)

I'll post some photos later today on Flickr of my week #2 loads.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbenson...7594390549938/

[yellow wolf]

hi guys im new!!

im going to columbia sc for my training starting on monday the 4th!!

just finished the isothermal school and heading to my new job!

thanks for the tips and hope to see ya on the road!

[vonSeggern]

Originally Posted by GoldiesPlating

Firearms are prohibited in any TMC vehicle and on the grounds of most of our shippers so it's a "no-no".

There are a couple of shippers that deserve to be shot. Just kidding. Sort of. No, really, just kidding.

[BoyNextDoor]

Good luck buddy... You definetly chose the right company. Go TMC! :lol:

[vonSeggern]

Originally Posted by Rawlco

I am back at the Baymont for the weekend, or 34 hours actually. I am swapping trainers since my trainer needs to unexpectedly take some time off this week due to some personal things.

I have had an interesting first week, including driving on some mountains, narrow twisty roads, and snow. :shock: What a first week. :lol:

Dang rawlco I was going to stop into DSM get some stuff done. My trainee's wife went in the hospital and he had to take the week off so I didn't make it. Perhaps next weekend. Glad you got someone a little closer.

[GoldiesPlating]

Originally Posted by shadowsknight

Some advise for drivers going to DSM.
1) Don't ride the bus. Have TMC rent you a car. It costs them the same as the bus. They give you a PO and all you have to pay for is gas, and you'll get that back in your first or second paycheck.

2) take swim trucks. There is 1 indoor pool and 2 indoor hot tubs.

3) take laptop. Free WiFi .. woohoo!! :lol:

4) Don't drink, smoke dope, or do anything to get into trouble while in DSM. You are being watched and you will find your own way home.

5) take your won pool cue. There are 2 tables but no cues when I was there.

6) take extra cash, cigs, water, sodas and snacks. The terminal is a few miles from the nearest store. The Baymont has room service. The food is good, hot, fresh, and reasonably priced. The TMC burger is huge.

7) STAY OFF OF THE GRASS!!!!!! Unless you want to walk home.

Most rooms don't have fridges or microwaves. You can find nukers in the halls. If you get a suite with extras you will share with 2 others. Other wise you will only have 1 roommate.

As far as I know TMC won't rent you a car to GO there, only come home. If you use your own car (you can) the gas reimbursement is only up to $100.00. Going there for far away will cost well above $100.00.
They now have about 8 pool cues.

[Rawlco]

Actually my new trainer is in KENTUCKY. :lol: It doesn't matter much since we will be out until Dec 22nd, and then take a week off. TMC will get me another rental car to go home and back again for Christmas. My Wife was happy to hear that I will be home for a week, too bad it will start three days after her birthday.

I was the second trainee ever for my first trainer. He was great at telling me what I had done wrong after the fact. He will be a good trainer once he learns how to be a teacher, not a critic. My new trainer is the guy who trained my first trainer.

[yellow wolf]

guys that work for tmc,do you do the % or the mile pay?

which is better or worse or does it matter?