Comments By Dave I

Hello all,

Just had a great conversation with a PGT recruiter. I don't no much about the company but I'm interested in anyone who has knowledge of their flatbed division. Thanks.

Jake,

Diesel mechanics can be a great trade and applies to a broad range of industries. It's a stable job and you can live almost anywhere. I've continued working throughout COVID. I'm currently a diesel mechanic transitioning into trucking. I'm a little older and the job can be very rough on the body, I've had an interest in trucking for awhile and have my CDL A so I decided to go for it. I went to a community college for my diesel training and I think it's the way to go. The programs are cost effective and connected with community employers. Less expensive programs= more money for tools. Regardless of where you get trained, the real leaning happens on the job so try to get into a shop as quick as you can. To answer your question, is it still worth it? I think so. It's never a bad idea to learn a trade. Even if you leave the field for a different opportunity, you can always fall back on it. Hope this helps.

There may not necessarily be more home time at TMC when you consider you're only home long enough for a 34 each weekend, vs Prime where you'll be home 4 - 5 days in a row once a month.

Hmm, I hadn't thought about home time that way. TMC recruiter advertised average home time between 48 and 52 hrs, but I think I'd rather be home longer than more often....maybe??

I think staying out for longer duration's as a rookie might help build proficiency and a better foundation than being home every weekend??

Maybe look for more home time options after the first year?

Thoughts?

That's a decision only you can make. Either company is top notch, especially on the flatbed side. Both run the same type of freight, often picking up from or delivering to the same customers.

Prime:

I like the fact that Prime's orientation is 3-4 days, then out with a trainer for 50K miles. I learn by doing and I think this type of training would suit me.

Pros: shorter orientation and more on the job training.

Pros: different freight divisions available in case my body has had enough of flatbed

cons: less home time

TMC:

TMC's orientation is 12 days, then 5 weeks with a trainer. I've heard their flatbed training is top.

Pros: specialized flatbed training from multiple instructors during orientation

Pros: more home time

Cons: No other freight divisions

Thoughts? Thanks for the help

Hello all,

I just got off the Phone with Prime. I really like how their flatbed training package sounds. I've been accepted by TMC but prime's training plan is appealing to me.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

Congrats!!!

Thanks!

Congratulations. I had a friend that worked there and he really liked it.

Thanks! I’m looking forward to it.

Hello all,

I'm headed to TMC orientation (Iowa) in mid July. Really looking forward to it. Will try to provide updates when possible.

From the cb conversation I overheard it sounded like they are very busy.

There's no downside to starting now. Opportunity in trucking is almost always there.

Thanks for the guidance Old School! I’ve wanted to give flatbed a shot for awhile and finally have the opportunity. The recruiter emailed me asking when I wanted to get started. I’m excited, nervous, and need to pick a start date.