2020 Peterbilt 579 - TMC Rookie Truck Setup

I apologize for the crappy video at the end and little shakiness. Still learning about doing good videos but I think you get the idea.
Instagram: RidingWithKev
Email: [e-mail]

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

Very smart setup for the truck and you have the extra stuff setup pretty well too. This companies trucks and KZbin video describing EVERY SINGLE DAMN thing really makes me want to go with them. They answered everything that a recruiter needs called and pried out of them

[@Lightning7474.]

TMC TRANSPORTATION has some of the most beautiful trucks out there. & This man busted his back, working hard to get on of these trucks. Much respect

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Thank you

[@halcyondigitalresources7705]

The Swift shade 😂😂😂😂

[@Aaron3Ni]

That swift shade was amazing, that’s like talking bout mustangs at car meets 😂

[@kpatrol]

Hey there, first I just want to say nice video. Also, I am almost finished with CDL school in Kansas Vity, and I plan to go to TMC. I have heard only positive things about TMC. Thank you for posting this video.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Awesome

[@jsublett8871]

GPS I got the Garmin 785 with the built in dashcam. Love it and had no issues at all. It was around $500

[@Broken-Nation]

How are you liking your GPS so far?

[@robertallred2368]

I owned a 2016, so it's cool to see the updated version.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Yeah I really wanted to do a video on a 2022 but there really aren’t a ton of differences. I don’t have a 22 but got to look at one the other day

[@robertallred2368]

@@ridingwithkev5560 the dash and the lane control stuff is all new, compared to my 2016.

[@BrandonBalderas]

Beautiful truck

[@Rrrakanishu]

SO much better than the Cascadia I have to drive!

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Lol

[@johnleepettimore5336]

I'm sure you will but looking forward to a video on how you are doing on their percentage system and how quick you can maximize it. Great content!

[@ridingwithkev5560]

About to hit my 30 day mark so I should be getting my first "raise" as of last weeks snapshot I would be at 29% but last week was rough so I may only be going up to 28. We will see. I do like that it changes every month so if you need to fix something you are doing wrong you can. I'll talk about it once it happens.

[@johnleepettimore5336]

@@ridingwithkev5560 Right on man, always been curious how you guys get it up to 32% right off the bat, that's the immediate goal.

[@ctboy788]

Brand New truck with all the bells and whistles but no fridge or carpet installed?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

ctboy788 carpet is in the back I would not want carpet up front too much dirt and crap, the rubber is way easier to clean. Also TMC doesn’t install fridges anymore. I get their reasons. Some companies do install them but tmc does not.

[@billyhall5836]

@@ridingwithkev5560 how much are you making now?

[@CajunWon1]

Great video, Thanks! BYO Accessories? What electronics are (are not) provided? Looks like you bought the GPS, Is it also a camera? You bought the CB Radio, or just the bt headset? Nice the inverter handles a small (800w) microwave. Thought I heard 'company cell phone' will it teather to provide in cab WiFi ? That bed looks short, taller folks must sleep in fetal pos?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Trimble (Elogs and maps) and cb provided by company. There is an outward facing camera that is triggered by activity. Company cell phone is my llc and I teather to it for wifi. Bed is a twin xl. I'm 6'2" and can stretch out with room.

[@nathankraehenbuehl]

The t.v. runs off the c.b. antenna. So if you get bad signal problems check your c.b. antennas. P.s. wait till the truck slams the brakes on you and you get a mark on your tmc certification.

[@azahiroshi]

Nice truck...greeting from malaysian truckers ..

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Awesome thank you

[@josecenteno483]

Hey bro where you guys park your trucks when you go home. Where you guys leave your equipment

[@DavidMunera98]

Nice 🚚

[@TheBigOrangePumpkin]

I do have overdrive 8 pro 2 and otr 1000 and honestly i love the overdrive

[@steniofernandez824]

Hi!nice video though..did you have any experience before tmc or driving truck and n general?thanks

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Stenio Fernandez no I did not. I was brand new to trucking when I started.

[@cockneyboy7620]

Hi kev from over the pond does you curtains rap around the doors and window screen or just the sleeping quarters ?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Our trucks just have the curtain that goes between the sleeper and driver. I'm in Texas so I have some reflective screens that are made specifically for the peterbuilt that I b put on the side windows and windshield. They work great will probably add a video on it.

[@scwyldspirit]

From a former TMC driver, take good care of that pretty truck. Hey ask around to find out when they went with Automatics??? I had a manual 13 speed when I drove for them.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

It started in about 2017 -2018. They have some 10 speeds floating around but my buddys truck is a 17 with an automatic

[@chopy5046]

@@ridingwithkev5560 do they still let you choose to get a manual transmission or is it strictly automatics now

[@colinr6912]

If anyone can tell me. How the heck do I clean the rubber floors in the truck? I don’t work for tmc. I have an international. The rubber floor is dirty.. Can I just use water and a rag?

[@nawaffisher3714]

My 2019 579 has it on the wheel as well

[@ianwalker8210]

One question kev, I’ve seen you talk about hometime in other videos. If you choose to stay out for 2-3 weeks at a time, do they allow extra hometime. Say if you regularly get 35-50 hours on the weekend after 1 week out, could I take 4 days after staying out for 2 weeks?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

I don't think so. I never had the situation but I never heard of anyone getting 4 days off. I am sure you probably could once in a while but not regularly. I could be wrong but don't think so

[@ianwalker8210]

@@ridingwithkev5560 oh no biggie then, just curious. TMC seems like a good company to get good experience.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

@@ianwalker8210 very good for experience

[@timblanchard8687]

Thinking about coming on to TMC - are all the new trucks automatics? Looks like they’re treating you good so far. Any issues? Stevens was horrible and Knight was only a bit better

[@ridingwithkev5560]

All of the new trucks are automatic. They do still have some older manuals but they are not ordering any new manual trucks. It is definitely trucking so I have had issues but nothing terrible and not even necessarily TMC just the nature of the business. They take care of us.

[@lisabradley7668]

So with all automatics are they not doing 389s anymore or are 389 automatic

[@Concrete_pilot]

I just pulled that trailer 2 days ago. 😂😂

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Lol

[@jburgess0104]

2020 Pete and no fridge. I had a 2018 Pete 579 and the fridge was right under where you hung your clothes. Is that standard in tmc trucks?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

That's correct tmc does not put fridges in them. 1. Thought is if there is a problem it can be hazzle to get fixed 2. If you vot a truck that someone else had would you want a used fridge. That's their thinking anyway.

[@RandomPerson-re2hv]

Does the TV have USB support so you could plug in a thumb drive with a movie on it?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Not sure lol. It’s a smart tv because I just stream everything

[@treypelham5515]

Can you talk (on the phone) using your headset or is that against company policy?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

All phone use while driving is against company policy. It sucks sometimes but it honestly is 10 times safer.

[@youbastrds231]

Been off the road since last December and been thinking about flatbed. Mostly drove van and reefer. How’s the pay and environment at tmc?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Pay is steady depending on location. TMC is great. Its a big company so they have lots of policies and stuff but I enjoy ut

[@youbastrds231]

I don’t think they hire from California or Michigan so guess I’m out of luck on that one

[@ridingwithkev5560]

@@youbastrds231 went to orientation with 3 guys from Michigan. California is a no go. They can't get you home

[@youbastrds231]

Maps must need updating. I just moved to Michigan a month and a half ago and the next appointment for the Secretary of State office isn’t until December so I can’t get a Michigan license. Don’t care about going home often either. I don’t have anyone and I’m trying to retire as early as humanly possible. Thank you for the videos and info. Stay safe out there

[@G5smoke]

how did you hook up the cb mic to your head set? Thanks

[@G5smoke]

Never mind I see it is not hooked up LOL

[@DanielSmith-sd1up]

Cannot tell but is there forward only or forward/in cab camera? What is the rig governed at? Looking at other companies to run with by end of the year.

[@malikcutchin]

Daniel Smith 62 I believe

[@DanielSmith-sd1up]

@@malikcutchin ouch...

[@malikcutchin]

Daniel Smith yep but prime worse they governed their trucks at 59 mph But I’m sure the pay is good at tmc though it’s just flatbed work

[@DanielSmith-sd1up]

Yeah, im at J.B. Hunt (dedicated) currently. 65 here and I was at Saia before, upped it to 68. Im debating on going o/o and doing my own thing.

[@malikcutchin]

Daniel Smith it’s up to you bro you could also lease the truck you want and still work with the company because we know some of us want older trucks that can run and not struggle up a hill

[@allenstout1]

Have you made a video about pay? Don’t mean to be nosey but rough numbers what to expect right out the gate. Thanks.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

I've mentioned it. Its so hard to narrow down because there are so many variables. I would say gross number $800-900 starting off per week. $900-1100 after a couple months. Getting your percentage up is easy and helps a lot. But so much depends on freight

[@allenstout1]

RidingWith Kev thanks for the information. Be safe in your travels

[@musclemania30]

Can you choose between and automatic and manual when starting out with TMC?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

I’ve been gone to long to really say. They were only ordering automatics for the last several years. They may have some manual ones floating around.

[@airbornetrucker9464]

Nice setup minus the automatic lol.(joking) I’m in Missouri heading to Kentucky tomorrow. Training a moving along well... safe travels out there

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Airborne Trucker sweet. I’m in Kansas City for a delivery. Keep it up

[@yosthamsandoval2034]

Where did you get that headset stand from?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

They are called "the hook" I've looked all over and have only seen them at petro truck stops.

[@Broken-Nation]

Hey buddy, what GPS brand are you running, and how do you like it?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

I have the garmin dezl 1010. I love it. I had the 1000 first. I got the upgrade, but it really isn't worth it. Only difference is the 1010 shows a Google maps type image for your delivery

[@Broken-Nation]

@@ridingwithkev5560 word!

[@jordanparker5214]

Did you just leave shippingport pa?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

No sir. I'm from texas and don't get that far north very often

[@johnkorhonen40]

What size tv fits on the factory bracket?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Not sure actually. It has a 22" installed but I'm sure you could upgrade it.

[@ArturoMartinez-sz1my]

How fast do the TMC truck go on cruise control?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

62. Only way to go faster is neutral down a hill lol

[@jonathanferguson8280]

How's life in the slow lane

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Steady

[@ziaahad6869]

Does tmc company give automatic trucks to all employees

[@zaidchalabi1599]

u getting that 34% ? looking nice bro

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Lol. No I'm at 32% but that won't last to long lol

[@zaidchalabi1599]

RidingWith Kev awesome i appliedo for tmc yesterday and will call today hopefully i get it i talked to their recruiter and he seemed super cool

[@WRR689]

Are any of the new trucks manual?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Not at Tmc. Almost all mega carriers (and medium carriers) are going auto.

[@justinm5725]

Did you go to school in Iowa??

[@ridingwithkev5560]

I went to tmc orientation in Iowa. I went to college school in dallas

[@myownspiritlevel]

When you use the trailer dump valve, the trailer pivots around the rear axle?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

myownspiritlevel pivots on the front axle so the trailer acts shorter

[@myownspiritlevel]

@@ridingwithkev5560 Okay, good. Makes it easier to back and more like a dry van with tandems all the way forward.

[@bill7778]

@@myownspiritlevel Except when you are backing uphill, like if there is a ramp to get inside the building. Also if the ground is wet it behaves different.

[@dequandaniels9317]

Hey do TMC hire CDL holders fresh out of school?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Yup that's what I am. Went to orientation 3 days after getting my cdl

[@davidmatute7830]

I got accepted and only have my permit

[@mlitteral3971]

Did TMC go to all automatics?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

They are making the switch. Still a few manuals running around

[@GasMonkey101]

Monkey see monkey do. Everyone going auto now. Drivers are going to have to buy their own trucks in order to see a manual.

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

@@GasMonkey101 Once you drive a good auto youll never turn back...manuals suck ass now that i went to the dark side and opened my mind up. Constantly distracting you and putting you in situations where you can mess up and costs more for maintenance as well.

[@scooby0006]

The truck doesn’t have a spot for a fridge?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Not on this model

[@ridingwithkev5560]

This is the midsized cab so its cabinets on both sides. But since we are solo drivers we have room.

[@scooby0006]

@@ridingwithkev5560 would a smaller profile frig fit in the top bunk area if you removed the mattress? and other question, in the summer months since TMC doesnt have apu's how do you stay cool if there is no idling. especially if your in the south and its 90 and above 70% humidity.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

@@scooby0006 we idle. They just ask if it's possible to shut the truck off you do. There isn't a no idle policy for sure. They just don't want you to do it unnecessarily. I am not 100% sure but I don't think they want it up there. I just slide mine between the two seats at night to make room if I need it.

[@scooby0006]

@@ridingwithkev5560 appreciate the info.

[@michaelshoopman763]

Does tmc have automatic truck

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Yes they have automatics

[@michaelshoopman763]

Is TMC truck automatic

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Yes

[@charlesgenaro6778]

You still working for them?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

I wish. Great company

[@ZEROMARS22]

Company phone? TMC issues company phones??

[@ridingwithkev5560]

No i've had my LLC for years. My business phone.

[@terrellupshaw1433]

I'd rather have a manual love the truck though

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Absolutely. Everyone has different taste. Manuals definitely have some advantages

[@ridingwithkev5560]

@Mike it really does make life easier but you know the whole "your not a real truck driver" mentality is real

[@ricochetey]

@Mike Yeah when you only bump docks twice a week and only drive down south in the dry states Auto is fine. Auto is also good for companies who are trying to get a heartbeat in the cab.

[@davert2676]

Do you train?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

I do not I don't have near experience. Tmc has a Set of guidelines but even when I meet those it will be a while if I do it at all. I like driving too much lol

[@davert2676]

How much home time do you get?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

@@davert2676 all depends. I only got about 40 hours last weekend. I'll get over 50 hours this weekend.

[@crazytrucker1014]

Are you still working for them

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Yes I do

[@billyhall5836]

@@ridingwithkev5560 how much do you make

[@myownspiritlevel]

TMC recruiter will be by school in a week or so. Schneider recruiter was mocking the "home every weekend" claim that TMC makes. He said you'll only get a 34 hour reset, but Schneider gives you guaranteed three 24 hour periods every two weeks, and you get to pick them. He also said don't believe anything he says. Didn't you say you were thinking about Schneider?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

myownspiritlevel I looked at them but not seriously.

[@326th]

If you do that math Schneider is giving you 72hrs. TMC 68 hrs every 2 weeks. Those 4 hours/2 weeks can easily be made up.

[@chrispbacon7568]

TMC is definitely the way to go, IMO

[@cwstreeper]

Remember two things; there is no such thing as a guarantee in this industry & recruiters for mega carriers are nothing but used car salesman whose job is to put meat in the seat.

[@326th]

@@cwstreeper 1000% correct. They don't recruit they don't get paid.

[@srastafari369]

No freg

[@mikegallow720]

They don’t have standards?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Some older trucks all new trucks (last several orders) are automatic and they are going full automatic.

[@hareemobduljawon]

@@ridingwithkev5560 Do they pay pretty good ? I gotta make at least $500 a week after taxes.

[@Tc-ev9dd]

@@hareemobduljawon you should make alot more than that after taxes. Sorry for late response.

[@cwc8979]

TMC has better looking Trucks than Maverick does.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

OTC 😂 you’re not wrong

[@326th]

The only downfall to TMC is 62mph. When Maverick is running at 65mph.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Irish Man 3mph ain’t that big of a deal and around towns it doesn’t matter and as a rookie it is safer. Now those trucks going 68-70 they get there quicker. We rag and make fun of it because we can. Maverick is a good company though

[@cwstreeper]

TRUTH

[@326th]

@@ridingwithkev5560 This is very true. I never thought about it that way. Thank you.

[@kelseywedge7167]

Big deal