What's the truth
 

TMC advertises on their web site:

We have had new graduates achieve the 32% pay level in as little as 6 months and go on to earn $60,000 their first year with our company!

Is this one guy out of a hundred thousand or is this typical? What is the real story?

Just sounds too good to be true when all other companies are saying new drivers only earn $37-40K first year.

Any TMC drivers that can verify this (besides all you recruiters that is!!!)

37-40K is the upper end of the spectrum for new van drivers, IMO. Flatbed guys usually (nd should) get paid more than van guys. I think Melton's lower average was 43K?

When I drove past the Maverick HQ they had a huge banner facing the highway saying most drivers make over $50K (Thats $50,000 GMan :wink: )

I suppose this could be true, but the driver probably isn't home every weekend. I dunno, my .02

Theres never anymore hhg questions anymore :)

Fred's (GoldiesPlating) in his first year with TMC. And I believe he said he said he's at 29% but I'm not certain about that...

ok, I'll bite....tell me what it's like in the HHG business.

I'll bite too.

Is there any truth to this ad in my local paper? Prime does not seem to have the greatest buzz on the street.

DRIVERS - Flatbed Recent Average $1,443/week. No Experience? On the Road Training Available. Late Model Assigned Equipment, Great Benefits. 800-771-6318 www.primeinc.com

I'm a dispatcher for TMC, started a few months ago and most of my guys are newer so I can give you a good, honest idea.

My new guys start at 23% (experienced guys at 27%). After about a month most go to 27-28%. Any good driver, who's responsible and has some endurance can be at 29%. 30% requires a very solid driver. 32% is doable but it's almost impossible before becoming a trainer (which means 6 months in the truck).

An average driver can make $3,200 to the truck (in linehaul) average per week and at 28% average about $900 gross. My really hard working guys average $1,200-$1,400 per week gross but they work very hard.

Good laydown
 

Thanks, Tony.

That's a much more detailed estimate than others I've read.

Two questions:

1) What does "they work very hard" mean? I understand what it means if you're discussing construction (like a laborer) . . . what does it mean here, in this context? I've heard that flat-bedding is "not really" that hard," but then I read a post where a guy said the physical part (strapping) just "wasn't for him?"

2) I noticed that you specifically mentioned line-haul. What do the numbers look like for long haul? Any estimate?

Thank you

where does TMC run linehaul out of?

nermind. I was thinking terminal to terminal runs. I guess TMC linehaul is the regional account ro whatever.

seems like even the very hard working drivers are sitting a couple times a week? I only know the long haul division. But we wish they would work us harder and hire less new people. Why hire when there isn't enough work for everyone now? Several drivers say the same thing.

I am guessing that is a team average.