Comments By Philly Fan

Great work Brian. Any close calls during that year that you learned from? How does one become a patient driver?

Are able to transfer from the temp control to the glass division? Is the process difficult?

Razor, Thanks for your posts please keep them coming. This is a great forum. Where are attending Roehl training? What division are you getting on with?

I recently finished TMC two week orientation. I did not get a 5 week position with a trainer, I had difficulties with the 13 speed shifting. I put way to much pressure on myself and I let myself become frustrated. I progressed some but not enough. I was disappointed that the different instructors for the road portion were not more consistent and helpful. I am not trashing TMC, they have there methods and obviously are very successful. Their operation is very squared away. It's just that I really wanted this and am extremely disappointed. I will make a good employee for another flatbed company so I need to make a decision to move ahead. I am not in Maverick's area for flatbed, only their climate controlled and glass division. So that leaves Melton Roehl and some others. I am considering Maverick with the hope of their flatbed expanding and being able to move over to it from the glass or climate divisions.

Will not being hired by TMC affect my chances with other companies? If any one needs advice on being successful with TMC I would be glad to answer question from my experience. They are strict but fair, but in my opinion do not do enough to help you if your struggling. Basically I think they have the sink or swim attitude with their students. For example before going out on the road, I struggled with the simulator shifting session, surely the instructor realized it but made no effort to straighten me out. Extra time help or attention did not seem available or an option with them. Is this how other companies approach orientation? In the end though I could have done better so have no one to blame but myself and need to move forward. And land a job I've got a mortgage and family!

Thanks Guys, I went with TMC. It did not go well they train and test on 13 speeds. I had four times out on the road with no prior experience except CDL school. I put a lot of pressure on myself and did not relax. Each time out you had a different instructor with different methods to help you get better. Two were real stern and put out some serious negativity if you slipped up so the pressure only increased. This may have been part of there process but it certainly increased my frustration. They were very experienced but not good communicators. It made for a stressful situation, TMC was very regimented right from the start and it did not ease up at all. The class started with 22, two were sent packing, two dropped, two went home during the second week, and two including myself were not offered the 5weeks with a trainer. I am highly disappointed of course and feel I was very close to getting it together with the progressive shifting. I am not trashing TMC, I just wish they could have helped me along more because once I get it, I am going to be a very valuable employee. So now I need some guidance on my next move. I really want to be with a flatbed company, I want the activity of securing and tarping loads. Maverick is not in my area for flatbed. I could consider Maverick's other lines and hope to transfer if things change.

So that leaves Melton and Roehl as my choices. Will being sent home by TMC jeopardize my future? Will it be a blotch on my DAC report?

Thank you Errol. This idea is strictly to gain experience. The CDL driving hours are spread over the next two weeks and I am looking for an additional comfort level for when I go to a company for Orientation.

I am considering all Flatbed companies and have not ruled out any. I will list them in preference but truly none have been ruled out. So many factors to consider, tomorrow I am creating a poster board spread sheet to help get it sorted out. I have applied to Maverick TMC and Melton. Do you think that there is wrong with applying to them all?

Here is my preference list

Maverick Melton McElroy Tmc Roehl.

I am curious if a student driver with a permit in PA, could ride along with a willing owner operator who is home each night, in order to gain experience. I have 11 four hour training sessions with my school from now till FEB 20th, then take my test, and the next one is not for couple days. Maybe I could find a driver willing to let a newbie ride along. I of course would pay something for the experience. I imagine there is some sort of insurance necessary. I don't necessarily need to drive but that would be a plus. I live in the Lehigh valley.

Or is this completely not possible?

I am attending a private school in Allentown PA. One week complete of general knowledge, mostly very easy except for understanding the different types of air brakes. Trying to line up a company to go to as soon as I pass the driving test. Considering TMC and Schnieder flatbed or tanker, strictly for the tuition reimbursement. Is there Tanker only company that offers tuition reimbursement.

My only complaint with the school is they are not doing very well at preparing us to work in the industry. What to be aware of and avoid pitfalls. How to be prepared etc. This may come later though.

I would like to have coffee with a veteran driver in the Lehigh Valley that drive flatbed or tanker, I'll buy!

Your forum is absolutely awesome.

I wanted to add that the audio visual materials that Sage uses are horribly dated. I really think the guys in the videos may be taking dirt naps. My class is 6 people $5435.00 you would think they would have the latest decade material. The videos are from the 1980s and transfer to dvd.

I am attending a private school in Allentown PA. One week complete of general knowledge, mostly very easy except for understanding the different types of air brakes. Trying to line up a company to go to as soon as I pass the driving test. Considering TMC and Schnieder flatbed or tanker, strictly for the tuition reimbursement. Is there Tanker only company that offers tuition reimbursement.

My only complaint with the school is they are not doing very well at preparing us to work in the industry. What to be aware of and avoid pitfalls. How to be prepared etc. This may come later though.

I would like to have coffee with a veteran driver in the Lehigh Valley that drive flatbed or tanker, I'll buy!

Your forum is absolutely awesome.