Hang in ther mrgrim and keep me posted. I applied for TMC as and start my cdl training but at a local school. I'm hoping to ther in Nov. if everything works out. If you were in the Marines then this training should be a cake walk for you or anyone who went thru basic training. I've been reading alot of posts on this site and heard alot of good things of TMC. Maybe it's just their way of trying to weed out the week. Agian, keep me posted, look forward to hearing how you make out.

 

One of the jokes I was told about what TMC stands for was The Marine Corp and that seems true so far.I was never in the service my dad was a DI in the marines so I feel I should have some rank based on that as he never took The DI hat off even at home.I would say so far dont do any dope or drink at all to be sure you are clean.I dont drink or do any dope at all myself but seems lots of guys get the boot as soon as the piss test comes back.Make a copy of any app you give to TMC as you will have to do it again and it needs to match.The grass is not a joke that is 100% true stay off the grass,its not a big deal to avoid the grass so do it.You will bunk with atleast 1 other guy and there is a 3rd bed in the rooms so it could be 3 to a room.The place is not close to any thing but I drove myself in so I have my truck here so Im all set.The Baymont is not bad at all and the wifi works like a champ.My problem is I dont know what they think my skill level should be and lots of guys are getting sent home.

 

If all goes well I'll do the same and bring my truck. You sound like you have your head on straght, like some guys said, keep positive attitude, and don't let other influence your attitude. It's easy to get caught up in a clik. Hopefully I'll see you out there.

 

I know they take pride in the petes but why no pups?I would be glad to put up a deposit of some kind for damage if I could take the dog along.I think that the pup would help keep me in line.I would have to stop and rest to tend to the dog and such.All can do is hope that they will change at some point down the road.

 

I think you are working yourself up for nothing. My class had about 40 starting out and about 35 finished. Those who left were let go either for failing the drug test, failing the written tests on the FMCSA and math, or for health related, mainly high blood pressure. One had come over from CRST and was a bit of a know it all. He hit a sign post while going around a corner in sixth gear. They require you be in third. Just listen and follow instructions and you'll be OK. The driving instructors will work with you. They are not there to throw you out but to help you drive better. Most are pretty good at what they do and Phil is a wonder to watch backing up. Driving school got you a CDL. TMC will teach you to drive. As was mentioned don't screw around in class and do what they want. You'll get by with few problems.

With large class sizes the securement training suffered though. Too many hands trying to secure a load so no one got to do it by themself. The tarp training consisted of folding a lumber tarp. That was it! The instructor Don has a crappy personality but he did the best he could with the training. But once you get out with a trainer you will learn to secure and tarp very well.

 

Watch out for number 5. There were a few guys in my class that were real cut ups. The class clowns of TMC and always whispering and giggling. They performed the work OK but were a distraction. On the last day of class they were joking and giggling when the instructor, Austin, told them to get out. The look on their faces was priceless. They nearly broke down in tears and were begging Austin to forgive them and let them stay. He let them stay but they were subdued for the rest of the day and also on the range. Point is don't screw around but also that TMC isn't as harsh as it could be.

 

Once you get into a 379 Pete you'll be glad you don't have a dog with you. They are so small inside that you will want all the room for yourself. I can't imagine how some trainers use them with trainees. I trained in a 387 and when I got a 379 it was claustrophobic.

 

I plan to do the best I can and stick to the rules and if they send me home so be it.If they are willing to teach I am willing to learn and thats the plan I am going to stick with.

But:

There are a ton of drivers here for all kinds of reasons and every one has a different story to tell.I dont know who is for real and who is full of BS.

 

Grim,

Chill out man. You will do fine on the testing, etc. The company only cares that you give a crap, not that you are perfect in orientation. They want you mostly not make the instructors pee themselves. Many people had trouble shifting and backing in orientation, me being one of them. If you can't do either after 8 weeks of training, then you have a problem.

No one is going to execute you for making a mistake on your resume/application. It all sounds petty but if you knew how many jacka$$es, lie on their apps you would understand why they do that.
Good luck.

 

Would be nice to know if any of the better trainers were from my area.It seems that so far none are in the Philly area.I just hope I get a good one who is about teaching and not givin me a firm kick in the junk.I want it to work and im a fun person but im also a thinker and it tends to get me stressed at times.Its crazy I have not even started yet and Im waiting on the boot.