Oh, I know the practices are different. I've seen too many scenarios where several TMC drivers secured differently from a Maverick driver. Don't know if one is better than the other or not, I believe that both are probably over-secured if anything in most cases.

Don't know about TMC, but Maverick preaches one securement for every 8000 pounds of weight. You will have different scenarios as to how to place the chains and when to use a strap with the chains. I can't tell you how many times I've had drivers from other companies, never TMC though, say why are you putting 6 chains on when DOT says your legal with 5? My answer was always, "Well then, they sure won't have a problem with me using 6 then, now will they???".

The number one thing for me is that I know that the load is secure. I'm sure that whether I'm doing it the Maverick way or the TMC way, I will feel assured. I can't say that about all flatbed companies.

Tarpo Mucho Cargo? Does that mean that you've been transferred to the TMC-Mexican division now? :lol: No, seriously though, TMC gets the flak for the acronym, but Maverick does unnecessary tarping probably just as often. They always say, if it says "Y" after Tarp: on the QualComm, you just do it and take the extra 10-20 bucks we're paying you for it. You don't ask why. My best example was tarping a load of pipe in 100 degree Laredo, TX weather only to untarp it the next day outside in pouring rain in Muskogee, OK. Then they transferred it in the same pouring rain onto a company truck and he pulled out, untarped, to deliver it... Left me scratching my head, but they did give me 20 bucks because it took lumber tarps to cover the tall load. I had to spread the tarps out on my driveway that weekend to let them dry out, but didn't see a point in raising hell about it.

HAHAHAHA Deer in the Headlights Look!!!! HAHAHAHAHA Sooooo TRUE and a PERFECT description I would NEVER have thought to use but you are so right!! That's EXACTLY how they look sometimes!

TMC requires 1-1/2 times the weight of the cargo. Chains are figured at 10,000 and straps at 8,000.
I usually overdo my securement. I have been know to put 7 chains on a 40,000 coil and use every strap I own for strap loads; not counting xstraps/chains. What the heck, it only takes a few more minutes to do it right.

Didn't want to come on here as a "Know It All" as I've sometimes been accused of so I figured I'd let another TMC driver explain (what I knew already) how TMC's requirements even surpass Maverick's. Thanks Von!

how do you figure that when we have to use one chain for every 8,000 lbs instead of TMC 10,000.

We require 1 and 1/2 the times the weight. So to illustrate it.

Sample Load weight = 48,000 pounds

Maverick requires 6 chains (6 x 8,000 = 48,000lbs)
TMC secures it as if it were 72,000lbs. or 1.5 x 48,000 lbs = 72,000lbs.
72,000lb load/10,000lb chain = 7.2 or EIGHT chains.

Maveric uses 6 chains TMC requires 8 chains.

Stop it!

Maverick:
Good company, treats and pays their drivers well, most drivers secure properly, are trained properly, and tarp well. They have maroon Freightliners.

TMC:
Good company, treats and pays their drivers well, most drivers secure properly, are trained properly, and tarp well. They have black Peterbilts.

WTF, is this the Crips vs. the Bloods; the Jets vs. the Sharks?

na i don't have any probs with TMC. I would have went to work for them if they paid for my CDL School and provided housing and transportation while I was there.

LOL but HERE's what you SHOULD have said Von:

Maverick:
Good company, treats and pays their drivers well, most drivers secure properly with SIX chains, are trained properly, and tarp well. They have maroon Freightliners.

TMC:
Good company, treats and pays their drivers well, most drivers secure properly with EIGHT chains, are trained properly, and tarp well. They have black Peterbilts.

Personally, 20,000lbs. of extra securement is 20,000 less pounds of crap the fire department would have to remove before uncovering my body in the event of a crash allowing a faster recovery of my remains. Then my corpse wouldn't exceed the hours of service rule waiting, ON DUTY NOT DRIVING, before getting picked up and moved to the OFF DUTY line. No DOT ticket for my loved ones to pay. :wink:

Why didn't TMC offer you those options? They do provide training, transportation and housing for students.