TMC Rookie One Month Down - Experience and Home Time

Been a rough one but I had plenty of time to think and try and put some useful information out there.
GEAUX TIGERS!!!!
Instagram: Ridingwithkev
email:[e-mail]

[@adamswihart8661]

Phenomenal content. Thank you for your perspective and especially your positive attitude. Really helps those of us searching for info.

[@nicholasmays2704]

As you know, there's a lot of tmc driver content out here these days. I appreciate your insight about home time. Informative and something I really haven't seen in other's content.

[@adamsorrell4161]

You do a great job explaining everything. Very well spoken and positive. I start my CDL training @ TDI on 24 Feb. Your videos are really helping me with deciding on what I want to do. I'm really interested in flatbed now. Keep up the great videos and safe driving!

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Thanks. I didn't have this when i started so just trying to help

[@jeremydecker4547]

Hey man! I just wanted to give you a quick thank you. I'm trying to determine the next step in my professional life. Your uploads have really and truly helped me cut through some of the BS out there. You put it out there straight man, much respect to you for that. Peace and prosperity be with you and your family

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Thanks. I appreciate the kind words. That's the purpose of the videos

[@jerrydecker1871]

great content about your starting with TMC . Its hard on anybody that starts a new profession ive been doing this career over 30 years so just stay safe and watch and think about what you going to do before you do it.

[@LeeDfined]

I did buses for 15.5 years(14.5 Greyhound, 1.3 local transit.) In 2021, I finally took a leap of faith and switched to trucking. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. Eventually, I want to try Flatbed so I am going to be bingewatching your videos.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

I'm not flatbed anymore but it was a good time

[@jameshildebrand954]

Thank you for the informational videos! currently trying to get a career started with TMC, and the couple videos of yours that i have watched, have been beneficial in my decision process

[@ridingwithkev5560]

It's a great company to get your start

[@weathdl7155]

Enjoying your videos. Your the first I've heard describe the home time and parking up option. That's good to know TMC allows you the freedom to leave on Monday. Makes it easier on church goers, like me. That would be huge in my book. I've never gotten the impression other companies allow you the option. Be safe and God bless!

[@ridingwithkev5560]

weathdl just have to ensure you are communicating with you fleet manager so he doesn’t give you a load on Friday that delivers early Monday and you can’t make the delivery.

[@bamafan762]

Just found your channel bud and really enjoy the content. Just got my cdl a few weeks ago and TMC has a recruiter Josh Deeds that came and spoke with my class a few weeks ago and they are actually at the top of my list of where Im thinking about applying. Anyways thank you Kev and stay safe.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Awesome and good luck

[@x9cito2011]

Another good one. Thank you Kevin 👌🏽

[@cassandramomenee719]

I'm getting ready to go to tmc my dad worked for them he said they are the best place to go for school and work and I can't wait so me watching u and other drivers that work for them are helping me learn before I go there well hopefully I have always wanted to drive truck now my kids are pretty much grown I can so thank u for your viedos

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Congratulations in advance. 👍

[@bearded_jartrucking2821]

Great video I’m looking to make the jump to trucking and I’ve chosen TMC cause the fits better for my family. My question is does the longer home time cut into you paycheck?

[@DroptineTrans]

Good video, thanks for the information!

[@grovertrucking9491]

Videos are helping me out man. I am looking at TMC to start my flatbed carrier.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Sweet. Let me know any specific questions you have. I'll help where I can.

[@OGElites]

Hope all is well bro , stay safe

[@theartinwoodworking128]

Liked seeing your straps on the inside of the rub rails. Too many times I see them on the outside. Nice tight tarping job too.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Thank you. I can't stand seeing straps over the rub rail

[@aaroncarney5662]

Starting orientation for tmc this monday. Really excited!

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Congrats. It is pretty fun

[@MrJay-kb8xj]

Just got hired and I start this Monday for orientation. Thanks for the content.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Awesome congrats 👏

[@joeladame3974]

How long will you be home?

[@uncleredneck3802]

Nice video man. Hope next week is better. When will u do a tarp and secument video or do you all ready have one.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Hard to film that stuff by yourself. I am working on how I am going to get more "action" footage.

[@allenfolse7114]

I'm from lafitte La. about 20 miles south of new orleans I have a application in with TMC right now hopefully I get hired!!

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Awesome

[@dragunoventertainment1519]

You could use two steel tarps next time for a pyramid load like that.

[@phernandez942]

I totally agree sir I work for tmc and live In Dallas it's the perfect company for me

[@Jreddygo]

phernandez942 why is it perfect for you? Can you elaborate.? What makes this company so great and what’s better to get paid by percentage or mile? Thank you

[@dlane5384]

Roll... you finish. Lol Good video. Thinking about getting back out there.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

It's crazy but right now I can't imagine doing anything else

[@wesalemond2810]

I just got accepted to start at TMC, I’ve been plumbing for 26 years and needed a change. I see you aren’t with TMC anymore but just curious what you think of starting a career there? I was also considering Maverick just because the have a hub 20 miles from my house. I don’t know if that would matter, this is all brand new to me. Thank you brother.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Love TMC. Heck even I've thought about going back. Great place to start without a doubt.

[@ygtcbee23]

Hey, thanks for channel and the info. I recently got my CLP and looking for Flatbed training to get my CDL. TMC has e facility 60miles from my house and I would like to get your feedback if you have time to talk on the phone. Appreciate you! Yancy

[@markjlly]

Semipermanent Fi Brah! Do you have an email I would like to get your take on some things. Thanks man! Love the videos keep them coming!

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Mark J [e-mail]

[@myownspiritlevel]

LOL! The Cypress recruiter, trying to explain to me why TMC gives rookies nice new trucks, said that they never get their drivers home so the get a nice truck instead. Cypress puts new drivers in 6 year old trucks, but he said to me, “we get you home.”. All other things being equal, I’ll take the new(er) Pete. I see TMC trucks parked in my area all the time (Pensacola). I take that as a good sign regarding getting home. One was parked at a lumber store down the road. 😊 I’ve only seem one Cypress truck.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

myownspiritlevel lol. Yeah that’s why I got a new truck🤣

[@garfieldthomas8118]

@@ridingwithkev5560 How much torque the engine produces

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Garfield Thomas 1850 ftlb

[@LongIslandHobbyist]

I know this vid is old but thanks. Im hoping to start with TMC late April after my wifes dental procedure.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Congratulations in advance

[@LongIslandHobbyist]

@ridingwithkev5560 thanks. I was a bit nervous to quit my crappy as it is it's still a paycheck job when I started hearing people say they try to wash people out at orientation for any little thing. Again, if they washed out are they being truthful or are just bitter came to mind. Makes you a bit gunshy to make the jump being afraid to wind up unemployed. I spoke to Lori there and she assured me(I know, she's a recruiter) that the people who wash out are mostly ones that either fail the drug test, can't lift the tarps or didn't listen and learn while there thinking it was going to be a job basically handed to them and didn't listen how they should. I'm still a little nervous but I have to take the gamble. The gig I have now(school bus driver) is horrible and along with my pension(im a retired FDNY fireman and a vet)still doesn't pay the bills with any money left at all pretty much. Its no life for my wife. It was just me it'dbe easier but i have to take care of her better. Time for the make or break in my latest part of my life. My end goal is to get into ups as a cdl feeder or sleeper team driver. I have respiratory shit from 9/11 and my wife's a cancer survivor and you can't beat their benefits that cost the employees nothing. So now that I got that novel out of the way, it's time to jump in with both feet into the deep end and pray I can swim. If the UPS thing doesn't seem like it'll pan out I'll try Amazon or at that point finance a used truck and go owner operator once I do the research and am sure about how to do it the right way to not fail at it. Thanks again for the vid and the reply.

[@robertesposito9871]

Does TMC hire drivers in SW Florida, Ft. Myers

[@wsfree1]

Thanks for the Vids man. Can I ask - do you take truck home with you? Trailer? If so where do you park? Or do you leave it at a hub? Or whatever they’re called. (I start orientation Feb 10)

[@ridingwithkev5560]

William S you can park it anywhere you have permission. I park mine at a couple of different truck stops by my house just depending on where my load is going. But you take your truck with you there is no set place you have to go. Just note if you get towed it’s on you. Truck stops are a good bet or there places you can pay.

[@wsfree1]

RidingWith Kev roger, thanks man.

[@chrisribant92]

Would you recommend TMC's training program for someone with no trucking experience at all?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

I would. That's how I started out

[@RichieD405]

New sub here. Thanks for the info!

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Thank you

[@detroitdiesel249]

Tmc gives Referral bonuses... the reason they probably have that up there is cause they try to keep your load as close to the deck as possible...could have used steel tarps to.. stay safe

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Cool. During orientation they told us they only give referral bonuses for experienced drivers. If someone doesn't have cdl or doesn't have experience then we don't get one. Could have changed I guess.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

If you look in the tmc app under driver referral it only mentions experienced drivers?

[@roberthart4160]

I haven't gotten my CDL, yet. I'm doing as much research as I can before making the jump. What is "parking up? That you mentioned.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

You are parked the night before at the place you are delivering in the morning. Meaning if I have a 0700 delivery on a Wednesday I want to be parked at that customer on Tuesday night.

[@roberthart4160]

@@ridingwithkev5560 gotcha! Thanks for the response. Makes sense. TMC is one of the companies I'm considering.

[@jacobbrady8800]

Start with tmc on the 26th. Live near Tulsa, OK, do you know if I could stay busy close to my home?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Yes. They have a ton around there

[@calebmaynard1037]

Do I need my learner's permit before I start the CDL schooling?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Yes you do.

[@davidmartinez3723]

How much are you averaging net pay during the slow season a week?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

$700 - $900 gross the last 2 weeks, just over $1100 this week. Impossible to judge as this is my first year. It goes up and down it seems. I don't really talk in net because I have 4 kids health insurance and no state tax so it's very hard to determine who makes what after taxes.

[@Keltek95]

🔥, do you know if I'd have problems getting home in GA?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

I know we have a lot of guys from GA but I can't speak from experience but I don't see why not. In training I went to ga several times

[@RandomPerson-re2hv]

I am looking at TMC as a brand new driver. How hard is it to learn how to secure the load and how physically demanding is it? Thanks.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

It’s not hard. There is actually a pretty simple process. Just following procedure. The weather can make it physically demanding it is definitely not a cake walk but keeps life interesting and is completely manageable

[@RandomPerson-re2hv]

@@ridingwithkev5560 Thank you sir. I appreciate the feedback.

[@jimwatts4901]

That leaving at one o'clock on Sunday isn't a full weekend at home bub ??

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Correct

[@g3auto795]

When you picked tmc as the company you wanted to work for .how long did it take to get into there program? I have heard other company's have a waiting list ? Thanks

[@ridingwithkev5560]

I would say the process took about a week because tmc does as much of the background and paperwork prior to you getting there. Once I decided on tmc after they had all of my paperwork I decided on Thursday and was at orientation on Sunday.

[@myownspiritlevel]

LOL! The Cypress recruiter, trying to explain to me why TMC gives rookies nice new trucks, said that they never get their drivers home so the get a nice truck instead. Cypress puts new drivers in 6 year old trucks, but he said to me, “we get you home.”. All other things being equal, I’ll take the new(er) Pete. I see TMC trucks parked in my area all the time (Pensacola). I take that as a good sign regarding getting home. One was parked at a lumber store down the road. 😊

[@wvmtns6400]

myownspiritlevel I have been thinking of becoming a driver for TMC and spoke to a few local. They are home the majority of weekends unless they want to stay out and make some extra $$$. Mind you they might not get home till late Friday night and back out Sunday by noon to park up for Monday mornings delivery.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

WV Mtns it is possible it could work out that way. Every week is different and that can drive you crazy not knowing.

[@venomjku127]

Hey bud I was wondering what the cost of tuition is if u don't stay the whole year of the contract

[@ridingwithkev5560]

I dont actually know. I got my cdl through the VA before Ibgot there.

[@brentmartin6616]

I just applied to TMC today.

[@luciferianjesuslover9453]

Care to share your experience?

[@oakdaddy3676]

Does TMC offer cdl training , or do i need to go to a cdl school ? I want to learn & earn my cdl's , and drive .

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Yes they do offer cdl training.

[@TheMoneyRide]

Can you show us the money 💰?

[@ssgsilverback1053]

Any TMC trainers you recommend in the east Texas area..? working on my CLP (waiting on birth certificate), I plan on applying to TMC driving academy when I have CLP in hand.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

To be honest I don't know many trainers lol. Every company obviously has a bad egg here and there but most of the ones I bump into seem pretty cool

[@joelee3060]

Im in tyler myself bro i talked to a tmc recruiter this past Monday. They're gonna get me in training in 3 weeks. Wishing u the best dawg

[@sethq3676]

@@joelee3060I’m in tyler did you go? How was it? I leave this week.

[@tylersantos2647]

How long does it take tmc to reach back to you after you send a application? I sent mine last Thursday

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Couple of days. That being said I would make sure you call and don’t just do it online. I think if you call (and you may have) you get a better response

[@tylersantos2647]

@@ridingwithkev5560 thank you brother ! I’m a new sub !

[@BaseballIsntReal15]

Did you ever haul anything out of silver grove KY? I’m 27 miles away from there

[@ridingwithkev5560]

I did in training. TmC has a drop yard there and I think a dedicated division

[@BaseballIsntReal15]

I talk to the recruiter and he said there is a regional dedicated route out of there home on weekends and possibly home one day out of the week. Haven’t been able to get back to him to see how often that one day throughout the week is.

[@BaseballIsntReal15]

Hey, I saw someone say the TMC Dr didn’t allow them to work for them due to have knee surgeries. I had a knee surgery a few years ago but I shoe horses now with it so was just curious if you thought it would be the same for me. Thanks!

[@mykebill9402]

Do you think tmc would be a good fit for an overweight guy? Willing to work hard but...

[@ridingwithkev5560]

And I say this very carefully they are a few overweight guys at TMC. Flatbed is hard work no way around it but overweight and physically unable are different things. I wouldn't use it as a reason not to come to tmc but be honest with yourself and your capabilities

[@mykebill9402]

@@ridingwithkev5560 thank you

[@joaovictor0798]

Hey, I applied for TMC yesterday hopefully everything works out !

[@MSPD135]

Joao Victor I applied last week. Supposed to here something back tomorrow. Pretty excited to be honest. I’m nervous leaving my family for 3 weeks straight but I know we’ll all make it just fine. I’m pumped for the new experience. Thanks for the videos Kev, you’ve helped me make my decision a little easier. Great information buddy, keep it up

[@MSPD135]

Hear*

[@joaovictor0798]

MSPD135 that’s awesome man! I need 3-4 weeks to get everything ready, I still need to get my permit

[@caipiranaamerica4289]

@@MSPD135 fala irmão,moro em milford ma ,como faço pra falar com vc ,queria saber se você fez escola pra tirar sua CDL,e onde foi!

[@326th]

TMC does offer a referral bonus. I don't know how much it is, but it is offered on their website.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Irish Man should have specified that is only if you refer an experienced driver. If they do not have a cdl or just got it without experience you don’t.

[@326th]

@@ridingwithkev5560 Oh, it definitely does not state that. That is good to know. They really should make that more clear on the website.

[@326th]

@@ridingwithkev5560 Could you possibly do a video explaining how TMC can be trusted on percentage pay? We all know alot of companies aren't honest about what a load pays.

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Irish Man it would hard to do a video on it. I would tell you that we have 2500 drivers and if they weren’t being honest it would come out pretty quick. I have spoken to other drivers on the same load and our pay was the same. I believe TMC is a reputable company if I thought they were lying I wouldn’t be here. They have operated this way for years so they probably would have been sued several times as someone has left unhappy and would have for sure turned them in.

[@44MHughes]

Irish Man If the money you’re making satisfies you, it really doesn’t matter. I’m not saying you should stay if you found out they were screwing you over. That’s a decision you have to make for yourself. But any company can only pay so much and any job is only worth so much. If rates got to where your percentage made you a ridiculous amount of money, then your commission or your method of payment would change. It’s all going to work out about the same. You’re going to make $1,100 to $1,600 on normal weeks doing that kind of work. Sometimes $900. If it drops below that very much, examine yourself to see if you can correct it. If it’s not you, look elsewhere. Does it really matter how that number was derived if you’re good with the result? That’s a decision for you. I am paid commission. Every load pays the same rate. It’s an amount per mile per ton (“X” x miles x tons = load revenue). I’m 100% certain that my employer is lying about the rate he gets. I have inside knowledge that he is. He’s paying me the correct percentage, but he generates a false revenue settlement for the truck and pays the commission on those numbers. What happened is he raised the percentage really high at some point because the rates were too low to keep drivers. When rates went up, they went up too high to keep us at the same commission. Drivers would leave if he lowered the percentage, so he just never told us the rate went up. But the rate that we get is good, so I don’t care. Maybe you do. If you do, then commission isn’t right for you. Go with a mileage company. You’re still gonna run more miles than you get paid for, though. 🤷‍♂️

[@johnnybarahona5989]

I'm thinking about applying to TMC. I'm from Houston Texas. Do you think TMC is good company for drivers who live in Texas?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Yes there is plenty of work in texas. It can get slow in the winter but that's everywhere.

[@johnnybarahona5989]

Does TMC do third party cdl testing or you have to test at the dmv?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

@@johnnybarahona5989 I believe you test at tmc

[@Dj-om7gt]

Nice

[@BrandonTheTrucker]

What ap u use for your intro

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Panzoid

[@jimbeland2678]

i’m in massachusetts can tmc train me and forward my test to the dmv here ? i know other companies say they can but in actuality they can’t! by law ...just curious if anyone knows

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Great question i honestly have no idea. I know the guys from Oklahoma passed their class and then went back to Oklahoma to get their license.

[@jimbeland2678]

scheduled to arrive 1/4/21 mass sucks they say in demoines iowa i can train and test there recruiter she says they can forward the results to mass

[@ridingwithkev5560]

@@jimbeland2678 sounds good

[@kervinbonilla8406]

How many times they drug test before hired? Urinalysis or follicle hair?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

So before you can go to orientation you have to at least have your permit or like me have your cdl. That requires a urinalysis. When you get to TMC day one you have to do another DOT physical which is urinalysis. This was 8 months ago so it may have changed but those are the only 2 I have had

[@pitbulltrucker783]

What is your average pay a week?

[@ridingwithkev5560]

When things are normal i take home a little over 1K.

[@jonathanesters8030]

Go tigers..

[@ridingwithkev5560]

Hell yeah!!!!

[@fuzznutz7182]

Dude I have no Idea what your talking About. Just out of CDL A school

[@TheIrishman79]

I need an intro to my videos!!!

[@ridingwithkev5560]

I use imovie on my phone to make all my videos. The only exceptions are I use my laptop for the intro and movie clips and I use free websites that I found by watching KZbin videos. No fancy cameras or software....... . Yet

[@TheIrishman79]

I need to start doing something.

[@TheIrishman79]

@@ridingwithkev5560 I'd like to make some kinda intro with my title but I just haven't spent the time to work on it. I just vlog videos.

[@billyhall5836]

when the Adderall kicks in