Question On TMC Physical Test.

I will be starting at tmc on November 5 for their cdl program and had a question about the physical portion and how easy it is. I'm 5'7 and I like to think I have average strength for someone who doesn't work out regularly or much. I'm not to concerned about lifting the tarps although the 120 pound one might make me struggle a little but I'm fairly confident that I can lift it without much trouble. I'm more worried about lifting myself into the trailer from the side since I'm not too much taller than the trailer. The other portions of the test I'm not worried about. Anyone have any insight on how easy the physical test is or any advice on it? I'm sure there are people shorter than me that have passed. I'm just a little nervous about it. I want to succeed and not get sent home because of one thing.

I don't know anything about TMC except they have pretty trucks lol but as for climbing up on to or into any trailer, just climb up the ICC bumper.

Nate, I'm fairly certain you'll be fine. Honestly, lifting the tarp is probably the hardest part. They are going to show you exactly how they want you to lift it, and it is basically the best way to do it. As long as you follow their directions you'll do fine. The first time lifting a tarp is an eye opening event for most people, but once you get the lifting techniques down it's not so bad.

They're going to have you do several things like stand on one foot for a certain amount of time so they can see how well your sense of balance is. They will have you climb a ladder that is leaned against the wall to see how well you handle heights and climbing. Basically they are looking for any clues that might indicate you will have problems executing the daily functions of a flat bed driver.

I think your concerns about climbing on the trailer are going to prove unwarranted. Again, they will demonstrate the technique they want to see you use which is basically the easiest and safest way to get yourself up onto a flatbed trailer from the side. At 5' - 7" you are plenty tall enough to do it. I've been to two TMC orientations and I witnessed a few vertically challenged overweight fellows who had trouble getting up on the trailer, but even though they sort of looked like a Walrus flopping himself up onto the beach, they still managed to get it done and land a job.

The main thing is that you pay attention, obey any signs on the campus, always be early for anything, and be respectful of the personnel and instructors. Remember they consider this whole time of orientation and training as one very extended interview. They are way more interested in your character than they are your physical prowess. If you are the type person they are interested in then they will help you understand what they need to see in the physical and agility tests.

my thoughts exactly but for the physical test at tmc, they want you to climb up from the side of the trailer. After that, I'm going to use the safest and easiest way

I don't know anything about TMC except they have pretty trucks lol but as for climbing up on to or into any trailer, just climb up the ICC bumper.

thank you for your words of wisdom. I feel much better knowing a little more. I'm going to give it my absolute best and prove my worth to them. This isn't going to be just a job for me. I've been wanting to do this ever since I was a kid and I want to provide for my family and doing something that I love is the perfect way to do so. Like that saying, do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.

Nate, I'm fairly certain you'll be fine. Honestly, lifting the tarp is probably the hardest part. They are going to show you exactly how they want you to lift it, and it is basically the best way to do it. As long as you follow their directions you'll do fine. The first time lifting a tarp is an eye opening event for most people, but once you get the lifting techniques down it's not so bad.

They're going to have you do several things like stand on one foot for a certain amount of time so they can see how well your sense of balance is. They will have you climb a ladder that is leaned against the wall to see how well you handle heights and climbing. Basically they are looking for any clues that might indicate you will have problems executing the daily functions of a flat bed driver.

I think your concerns about climbing on the trailer are going to prove unwarranted. Again, they will demonstrate the technique they want to see you use which is basically the easiest and safest way to get yourself up onto a flatbed trailer from the side. At 5' - 7" you are plenty tall enough to do it. I've been to two TMC orientations and I witnessed a few vertically challenged overweight fellows who had trouble getting up on the trailer, but even though they sort of looked like a Walrus flopping himself up onto the beach, they still managed to get it done and land a job.

The main thing is that you pay attention, obey any signs on the campus, always be early for anything, and be respectful of the personnel and instructors. Remember they consider this whole time of orientation and training as one very extended interview. They are way more interested in your character than they are your physical prowess. If you are the type person they are interested in then they will help you understand what they need to see in the physical and agility tests.

thank you for your words of wisdom. I feel much better knowing a little more. I'm going to give it my absolute best and prove my worth to them. This isn't going to be just a job for me. I've been wanting to do this ever since I was a kid and I want to provide for my family and doing something that I love is the perfect way to do so. Like that saying, do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.

Nate, I'm fairly certain you'll be fine. Honestly, lifting the tarp is probably the hardest part. They are going to show you exactly how they want you to lift it, and it is basically the best way to do it. As long as you follow their directions you'll do fine. The first time lifting a tarp is an eye opening event for most people, but once you get the lifting techniques down it's not so bad.

They're going to have you do several things like stand on one foot for a certain amount of time so they can see how well your sense of balance is. They will have you climb a ladder that is leaned against the wall to see how well you handle heights and climbing. Basically they are looking for any clues that might indicate you will have problems executing the daily functions of a flat bed driver.

I think your concerns about climbing on the trailer are going to prove unwarranted. Again, they will demonstrate the technique they want to see you use which is basically the easiest and safest way to get yourself up onto a flatbed trailer from the side. At 5' - 7" you are plenty tall enough to do it. I've been to two TMC orientations and I witnessed a few vertically challenged overweight fellows who had trouble getting up on the trailer, but even though they sort of looked like a Walrus flopping himself up onto the beach, they still managed to get it done and land a job.

The main thing is that you pay attention, obey any signs on the campus, always be early for anything, and be respectful of the personnel and instructors. Remember they consider this whole time of orientation and training as one very extended interview. They are way more interested in your character than they are your physical prowess. If you are the type person they are interested in then they will help you understand what they need to see in the physical and agility tests.

As you say, there are surely plenty of people your height that do it. I'm sure they will show you how. I wouldn't sweat it

I'm trying not to think about it too much but it's hard not to think about the unknown. I've been trying to get my cdl for almost 2 years so I'm worried about something not working out again. I'm not giving up on this dream so I'm trying to know everything I can ahead of time to make sure I'm fully prepared.

thank you for your words of wisdom. I feel much better knowing a little more. I'm going to give it my absolute best and prove my worth to them. This isn't going to be just a job for me. I've been wanting to do this ever since I was a kid and I want to provide for my family and doing something that I love is the perfect way to do so. Like that saying, do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.

Nate, I'm fairly certain you'll be fine. Honestly, lifting the tarp is probably the hardest part. They are going to show you exactly how they want you to lift it, and it is basically the best way to do it. As long as you follow their directions you'll do fine. The first time lifting a tarp is an eye opening event for most people, but once you get the lifting techniques down it's not so bad.

They're going to have you do several things like stand on one foot for a certain amount of time so they can see how well your sense of balance is. They will have you climb a ladder that is leaned against the wall to see how well you handle heights and climbing. Basically they are looking for any clues that might indicate you will have problems executing the daily functions of a flat bed driver.

I think your concerns about climbing on the trailer are going to prove unwarranted. Again, they will demonstrate the technique they want to see you use which is basically the easiest and safest way to get yourself up onto a flatbed trailer from the side. At 5' - 7" you are plenty tall enough to do it. I've been to two TMC orientations and I witnessed a few vertically challenged overweight fellows who had trouble getting up on the trailer, but even though they sort of looked like a Walrus flopping himself up onto the beach, they still managed to get it done and land a job.

The main thing is that you pay attention, obey any signs on the campus, always be early for anything, and be respectful of the personnel and instructors. Remember they consider this whole time of orientation and training as one very extended interview. They are way more interested in your character than they are your physical prowess. If you are the type person they are interested in then they will help you understand what they need to see in the physical and agility tests.

As you say, there are surely plenty of people your height that do it. I'm sure they will show you how. I wouldn't sweat it