Originally Posted by vonSeggern

Turning and backing a split axle is way more difficult to master initially but once you do it for a few months the split axle is kind of fun. It actually dumps the rear axle and the truck pivots on the front axle.
Good luck.

Originally Posted by EasyRolln

The more that I find out about TMC, the more I'm unimpressed with the company. Freight is picking up, and we're (me & trainer) are getting loads quicker with just a little lag time here and there. However, I've never liked the overall attitude of the people at the Des Moines terminal. I was there today to get some fuel, truck washed, and my trainer had some things to pick up. He was showing me around the place and all the friendly people must've taken an early lunch. Two words describe most of the people that I've come across - rude and unprofessional. You need to move, instead of excuse me, could you step over here please. One girl just looked at my trainer and said, is that your trainee? How about, hello, how are you, and is that your trainee _____________? I was introduced to one person that knew my trainer's name, was polite, and actually smiled. Perhaps my trainer isn't well liked in Des Moines, but I've seen this kind of behavior before.

"Destination Exellence" is pretty far off as far as I can tell. I'm not here to bash the company, but how is that we as drivers are held to such a high degree of professionalism, and the people at headquarters act like a bunch of spoiled brats?

Originally Posted by Frogman

Just out of curiosity . . . how old are you? How old is your trainer?

Personally . . . I wouldn't use "rudeness" as a criteria for judging any company. It could be that the workers are so busy that they just don't have time for chit-chat.

Or, it could be they're just rude, uneducated, unmannered, a$$holes who were brought up in a barn.

Call them on it. If someone is rude, point it out, nicely. Like in the case of "that girl" . . . I would have stepped forward into her space, thrust out my hand, looked at her eyes and said "Yes, I'm Joe Smith's (your trainer) trainee. My name is Bill Jones. I'm please to meet you. And you are?"

You don't have to take $hit from anybody. If they're being rude to you it's because they think they have a higher personal status and can get away with it. Part of that may be your role . . . and part may be how you project yourself (dress, appearance, age, posture, mannerisms, etc).

It's like in the animal kingdom. It's the size of the fight in the dog that earns respect. Growl back.

Originally Posted by shadowsknight

There still a few of the purple KTL trucks on the road. They are all owned by their drivers. When KTL sold out they offered their drivers the ability to buy their truck and a trailer cheap....plus they get paid 80% of the gross.

Fred, I was told that they were going to stop buying the T-800. Can you confirm that?

Terry, What did you think about Rotan? I always hate going there myself. Rough road, crappy parking, and poor tarping service. I just call it home. It's 1 of the 2 sheetrock companies that I am dedicated to.

Last week was a good change of pace. I got out of Texas on a run to d/l sheetrock to a jobsite in NM and then pickup copper in AZ coming back to Dallas. This week even I'm not looking forward to the ice in Texas.

Originally Posted by nrvsreck

There's no way you could get it out from under 49000lbs of drywall anyway! Not to mention our tarps are 6' (I think, maybe 7'). Not as long as TMC's tarps, but also not as heavy. I did think about salvaging the straps, but I got too many straps as it is. :lol:

Poor dumb SOB probably got a new truck out of the deal. :shock:

Originally Posted by vonSeggern

I often help other drivers, they often help me. I have helped other drivers and when my truck got loaded they said "See Ya" and left. I shook my head and went on.

I have a great relationship with my fleet manager; it might be considered a friendship. I communicate with him to a fault.

The dreaded safety department? My safety guy is great. The other safety guys are always polite and respectful. Even the dreaded Todd is decent to me.

Human resources, medical, logs, training department, night dispatch. No problems; they are always respectful and courteous.

The shop guys and road repair can sometimes be gruff. That's their problem not mine.

Sorry that you are seeing the bad side of the company.

Originally Posted by bowslap

Hey all!

Well, made the call today.....Des Moines will be sending me an employment packet ASAP.

I'm not new to trucking or flatbedding.....6 years....it's a start :lol: ...

I have a few questions if you all don't mind to answer.

1) I live in Indy, you have a terminal off of Exit 4 on I-465. Anyone here based out of there?

2) I realize I'll have to do my "training" in Des Moines. Just gotta figure out how to get there.....I don't fly.

3) With being an experienced driver, how long should I expect to be with a "trainer"?

4) Percentage pay: Is this a fixed percentage of the load gross, or does it vary; i.e. 25-30% ?

5) What are the main areas of operation(Midwest, southern, western, etc.)?

These are just a few off the top of my head. Swore up and down I'd never run for another "large" company after my first experience....I've stayed with smaller companies since, but I'm ready to give it another shot.

Not to mention I'm a little older and wiser....that helps!

Thanks to all in advance......Bowslap.......