I will do it, thank you... :D

nc

You shouldn't have any problem getting a job with TMC and getting home each weekend. NC is full of freight, in and out. You may be a lumber tarping expert though. That is what most of the nc/sc boys tell me.

tcurr, was that you at Hunter in IL?

I'm not sure about the dedicated stuff, but I can tell you that flat bedding with an 80,000 pound truck is VERY different than ANY flat bedding with a wrecker. I've driven flatbed wreckers for quite a few years prior to joining TMC and there is absolutely NO COMPARISON. TMC's loads typically weigh close to 50,000 pounds and some are a single metal coil weighing 45,000 pounds! The securement, risks, and knowledge required are VASTLY GREATER than anything I ever encountered driving a LARGE flatbed wrecker in NYC. BUT..... It is a LOT more interesting AND fun so GO FOR IT!!!
Best of luck to you and if you have any questions, feel free to call me. My #'s on my website below.

I'm not sure about the dedicated stuff, but I can tell you that flat bedding with an 80,000 pound truck is VERY different than ANY flat bedding with a wrecker. I've driven flatbed wreckers for quite a few years prior to joining TMC and there is absolutely NO COMPARISON. TMC's loads typically weigh close to 50,000 pounds and some are a single metal coil weighing 45,000 pounds! The securement, risks, and knowledge required are VASTLY GREATER than anything I ever encountered driving a LARGE flatbed wrecker in NYC.[/quote]




I guess you must have misunderstood my post a little, sure I have driven some flat bed wreckers, but that wasn't the type of flat bed experience that I was speaking of having.

Yes there is a world of difference between using a flatbed "Wrecker" and hauling big "Heavy" loads on a flat bed behind a peterbilt tractor, and that's what I was speaking of having the most experience with, a 1989 Peterbilt day cab truck, pulling either a landall trailer, or a 48' flat bed trailer, I used that landall trailer on many occasions to load brand new Freightliner day cab trucks over at the Freightliner plant in Mount Holly N.C. to deliver to one of our customers up in Greensborro N.C. The reason we used the landall to haul the tractors is unlike towing them with a wrecker, by using the Landall we could take two at a time in one shot on one load.

And we hauled a lot of heavy loads for some equipment rental and sales companies, we would haul oversize loads such as excavators, and bulldozers, very, very, large front end loaders ect.

Yes I totally agree with you, there is a very big difference in flat bed wrecker towing and flat bed trucking, but even though I was working for a wrecker company what I did the most of was flat bed trucking and big truck towing.

I did drive and operate some flat bed wreckers, but not very often, I did more of the big stuff than anything.


Types, of equpment I've made a living with.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a332/hgary2003/mz.jpg

The types of loads we would haul, but there was so much more I wish I could show you.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a332/hgary2003/ht.jpghttp://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ry2003/tra.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ry2003/mwt.jpghttp://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...2003/Wreck.jpg

Whoops, my bad!!! I did misunderstand. Judging by your pics, I'd say you qualify as an experienced driver and then some! Probably just have to go thru a quick orientation period, maybe a couple days with a driver/trainer to learn the TMC system and then pass a TMC road test. I'm SURE you'll do fine! Best of luck to you and stay safe.

Fred

Thanks, and by the way Fred, I love that web site of yours.. You certainly have some great pic's and some great stuff on there, I've really enjoined it a lot..

It Looks Great!

nc,

I am pretty sure that this is how your TMC training would go:

They will test your driving at the beginning of orientation. If you pass and have a certain amount of driving experience (not sure what that is), you would just do the first week of orientation. The first week is paperwork, policy, safety, and watching plenty of dead bodies on accident videos. The weekend after the end of the first week is load securement.

After that you would probably go out with a trainer for 4 weeks instead of 6. It all depends on your driving ability and grasp of the "TMC Way" to secure and tarp loads.

Then back to Des Moines (or Indianapolis, I saw people being tested there) for a road test and 1-1/2 days of stuff. Then you would be issued a truck in Des Moines or Indianapolis.

DO NOT take your orientation in South Carolina, no matter how close it is. Go to Des Moines. I made the mistake and have regretted it since.

I really looks like you have the experience and will be able to go the short route. Good luck.

I agree with von

Thanks nc. Keep us all posted on your decision(s) and adventures!

Why not Columbia S.C.?