TMC All your questions answered.
 

These questions were sent to me by a student considering TMC. I thought they were good so I'll post them here. if you have any questions, email me at [email protected]

In no particular order, here are my questions:

1) Do they use electronic or paper logs? Right now, paper. May convert to electronic in the future.

2) How do I get paid?.by delivery date or is it based on the paperwork I turn in each week? By delivery date on a weekly basis.

3) Do they participate in ?trippak? or a comparable system in regards to getting my paper work in? Trippak

4) What is their pay scale in regards to student grads if I choose cpm vise percentage-based pay? I run percent and am at 29% right now. TMC's percent varies from 23%-32% I like 29%. You'd have to be DEAD to be below 27%. Mileage I don't know but it's on their website.

5) At what increments can I expect to get raises and at what rates (cpm)? I have NO idea, CPM SUCKS in my opinion. With percent, you make as much as a veteran in as little as 1 month.

6) If percentage-based pay is elected, what would it be for a student grad and what would the incremental increases be? 23% for a student 27% for an experienced driver. After first month, based on performance, can be up tp 32% I was at 28% after my 1st month. You are reviewed monthly.

7) When do they pay, weekly, ever 2 weeks? Weekly

8- Do they pay for detention and layovers and if so, when does it start and how much? Yes and Yes. Detention starts after 2 hours layover I'm not sure (never got laid over). I never got paid either as I was never detained or laid over.

9) What is the average weekly mileage a solo OTR driver can expect? As much as you can handle. We NEVER sit. Mileage will be based mostly on YOUR ability to run, not freight availability. You miles will be limited by your need for sleep!

10) Do they reimburse for the use of truck stop weigh scales? Yes

11) Do they allow truck idling for inclement weather? Yes

12) Is there any equipment that a driver is financially responsible to purchase and if so, what is it and what is the average cost? Boots (steel toe) Buy them anywhere you wish.

13) What would happen to me if my trainer is scheduled for his home time during my training period? Am I put into a hotel at company?s expense? If you live far from your trainer, yes you go to a hotel that TMC pays for. If you live near eachother, you both go home.

14) Will I be expected to run like a team operator while training or will the hours be on my log book only? As a solo driver usually the first 4-5 weeks then team weeks 5-6

15) Am I allowed to take the truck home during my home time? Yes.

16) Do the trucks have CB radios and if not, can I install my own or have the company install it for me? Yes they have them.

17) What driver comforts do the trucks have?i.e. XM radio, in cab emails, etc? Sirrus on the newer trucks (if u want to pay for it), cd player, 13 speaker w/subwoofer ASS KICKIN CD radios, email, 2 DELUXE leather chairs with LOTS of controls and a nice bed (2).

18- What accessories are NOT allow in the trucks? Power invertors.

19) Do they allow inverters and if so, what size? No None.

20) What are the rider and pet policies? Riders are immediate family 5 yrs old and up and no pets.

21) What is the average LOH? Depends what YOU like to run. I ran about 2500-3000/week

22) Since I live in San Antonio, Texas, which terminal would I more than likely be assigned to? We are not "assigned" to terminals as there is never a need to visit one unless you get in trouble or turn your truck in.

23) In regards to fuel routes, what is their policy? (I have heard stories of drivers having to go 100+ non paid miles out of route just to get enough fuel to get them to the next approved company truck stop) Fuel when and where you wish. We have HUNDREDS of fuel stops in our network and the include most Petro's, TA's and several dozen other private places. Off network fueling is allowed up to 50 gallons.

24) Do you know what the minimum GPA from Truck driving School that I must have to be considered for employment with TMC? No but I don't THINK anyone above passing is rejected.

Additional question feel free to email or call me anytime. My address and phone number are on my website. :wink:

Is there a reason that no inverters are allowed?

Yes because quite a few "intelligent" drivers thought you could run a microwave, large TV, etc.... all night with the truck off using a 3,000 watt invertor and were confused why the truck didn't start in the morning. TMC got tired of paying for jump starts (and a few burned to a crisp trucks) so they banned their use. Anything you could possible need in a truck has a 12volt version so I guess they see no need for invertors. There are exceptions on an INDIVIDUAL basis if you get approval from safety and the road repair guys.

You mean they turned the truck off; ran the microwave for dinner, watched the movie with the full sub-woofer "theater sound", kept the running lights on all night, and couldn't figure out why the battery was dead???
Guess natural selection hasn't yet had the time to remove them from the gene pool... :)

:lol: :lol: :lol: HAHAHAHA :lol: :lol: :lol:
Guess not!

Hmmm
I did not know that about inverters. I was quite sure that I read that TMC allowed plug in type inverters up to 250 watts, but I must be confused. :? Ebay here I come. :cry: My wife is going to be annoyed that I bought an inverter and now have to also buy the actual power cord for my laptop and cell phone. :evil: Fabulous.

Thanks for the info Fred. Perhaps it will save other newbies some money.

Good deal that I get a hotel/motel while my trainer is on hometime since I know there isn't a trainer in commuting distance of Maine. :lol:

By the way Fred, LOH means length of haul. It is a average of the number of miles per load. I believe that the linehaul division gets 400 to 600 miles trips usually, and the longhaul division has an average 800 to 1000 mile length of haul.

A few other things that could be included in this thread:

Health benefits? and cost?
Tolls reimbursed?
Does TMC offer refresher training if needed?
Does TMC pay for the XM radio service?

Health benefits? YES Health, Medical, Dental, Vision cost me 24.95/week Medical is Blue Cross Blue Shield and cost?
Tolls reimbursed? YES We also have E-Z-Pass/Pre pass for tolls and scales available at $2.50/week cost to the driver if you prefer.
Does TMC offer refresher training if needed? Through approved CDL schools.
Does TMC pay for the XM radio service? No

I know what LOH means and there is no "average". It's between you and your fleet manager what LOH you like. You can take short runs, long runs, or mix 'em up.

Lot of good questions....

Thanks for answering them..........


BTW. Awesome web site!!!!!!!

I am curious about the 23-32%. What are the stipulations to getting an increase?Decrease? Why is all this so secrect on their website? Also, I dont see specifics on mileage pay either. Makes me suspect. Also I live
outside the linehaul zone, how much freight is coming to Florida thru TMC.