TMC

So I've received a pre-hire letter and I've been accepted into their training program and while reading it I noticed you can't have long hair. Let me say this before anyone comment. I don't mind cutting my hair but I'm nervous about the road test I've never driven a semi before and I'm thinking I don't wanna cut my hair before I complete the schooling just in case something goes wrong. Any advice on the road test?

Welcome aboard Rio, it's nice to have you in here!

I don't mind cutting my hair but I'm nervous about the road test I've never driven a semi before and I'm thinking I don't wanna cut my hair before I complete the schooling just in case something goes wrong. Any advice on the road test?

Okay, from what you are saying it sounds like you are intending to go through their Company-Sponsored Training Program. TMC is not the only game in town to offer such a program. If you'll click on that link you will find a lot of training programs, many of which don't care if you have hair down to your ankles. If the hair is a deal breaker for you then just take a look at some of the other programs. Many of the training programs offer flat-bed work too. I can tell you that TMC is very strict about their policies, and it may just not be a very good fit for you at this time, but only you can be the judge of that. All of these training programs will require some sort of a commitment from you, so I would look into it a little deeper before you make up your mind.

So I've received a pre-hire letter and I've been accepted into their training program and while reading it I noticed you can't have long hair. Let me say this before anyone comment. I don't mind cutting my hair but I'm nervous about the road test I've never driven a semi before and I'm thinking I don't wanna cut my hair before I complete the schooling just in case something goes wrong. Any advice on the road test?

I feel your pain. I've got my CDL permit and getting my CDL through the military waiver program. Not a CDL school. I've been approved through Maverick pending me getting my CDL. Driving in the military is a whole different ballgame and I'm a little nervous as well. I'm talking to Roehl also. I asked if I could go through their get you CDL program even though I will have my CDL just for the extra training. They said that would be fine. There are plenty of programs out there. You just need to find the one that'll best fit you situation. Good Luck.

You could ever so nicely state that there policy is in violation of a number of court ruling's and if you meet all the other qualifications and the only reason is your hair you could be in for a BIG pay day.

The law states that as long as your "neat and clean" a prospective employer discriminate prospective employees based on there hair style. That's the law straight up.

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Not meaning to be disrespectful here but...

Somebody better tell that to the folks at Disney. These are part of their hair requirements for men from their website:

"Male Hair Hair must be neatly cut on the back and sides, forming a smooth, symmetrical appearance so that it does not extend beyond or cover any part of the ears or the shirt collar. The overall style must be neat, natural and balanced proportionally. A shaved head is permitted, as well as a very short military-style cut. Shaving of the eyebrows is not permitted Conservative braided hairstyles for men without beads or ornamentation are permitted. They must be styled above the ears and cut above the collar and be neatly braided close to the scalp in straight rows. Tucking hair behind the ears, or pinning or tucking it under a hat to conceal an unacceptable hairstyle will not be permitted. Extreme or bi-level styles are not permitted. Hair products may be used to create a soft, natural hairstyle within these guidelines. Artificial hair is permitted if it looks natural and meets all of the above requirements. The Disney Look does not permit extremes in dyeing, bleaching or coloring. If the hair color is changed, it must be natural looking and well-maintained. Subtle highlighting or frosting is permitted, as long as it creates a uniform look over the whole head and meets all of the previously listed guidelines."

Stay Safe Out There, Colin K.

The thing is TMC has had the best reviews so far. They also offer decent home time. Does anyone have a advice on what I should do. I already have my permit from the state of Michigan and I just want the best opportunity possible starting out.

TMC is an excellent company but there are other great companies to get started with also. We have no idea how much you value your hair so it's hard to tell you what to do. Do you have any other offers on the table? Maybe apply at a bunch of companies, see who offers you an opportunity, and go from there.

You could ever so nicely state that there policy is in violation of a number of court ruling's and if you meet all the other qualifications and the only reason is your hair you could be in for a BIG pay day.

The law states that as long as your "neat and clean" a prospective employer discriminate prospective employees based on there hair style. That's the law straight up.

TMC's PUBLISHED GROOMING POLICY

Hair no longer than collar length; no ponytails/dreadlocks/braids, etc, regardless of length; no mohawks; no visible body-piercing to include earrings and tongue studs. Tattoos that contain demeaning or offensive images/text are not permitted. All tattoos must be covered while at customer locations. Beards must be neatly trimmed. Accommodation of religious beliefs in terms of grooming and/or appearance may be difficult in light of safety issues or if they create an undue hardship, however trainees requesting a workplace grooming and/or appearance accommodation based on religious beliefs should contact the Human Resources department.

From their Orientation Checklist - http://www.tmctrainingcenters.com/ORIENTATION_CHECKLIST_DES_MOINES_EXPERIENCED.pdf

I find it HIGHLY UNLIKELY even "nicely stating" their policy is unconstitutional - is going to get you anywhere, least of all HIRED.

You can't fight city hall - and like it or not - you have every right to NOT ACCEPT EMPLOYMENT where a company's policy is not in line with your "fragile sensibilities" regarding your hair, 2nd Amendment Rights or anything else that is personally important to you that falls against company policy.

As far as the original poster goes - if you are going through COMPANY TRAINING, you are not expected to pass a road test the first time you get into a Tractor Trailer. You WILL BE EXPECTED TO at the completion of your training. I've seen people that could barely walk and chew gum at the same time - complete a driving course and pass a road test (as painful as it was to watch them). If this is the company you want to work for - GO GET A HAIRCUT.

Not to sound judgemental - because I did my whole long-haired-hippie thing for quite some time - but some companies have WAY STRICTER dress/grooming requirements than others. And by no coincidence, these tend to be the higher paying, more professional outfits than some of the others. A company that's concerned about YOUR APPEARANCE - is concerned about THEIR APPEARANCE when you show up at THEIR CUSTOMERS.

I have a tattoo on my hand (the letter R, dumbass 13 year old kids mistake) that would likely preclude my employment (unless I want to put a bandaid on my hand at every customer).

With the current crop of freak-show tattoo'd, pierced rainbow-colored mohawk kids out there today - it's a wonder how any of them are going to find gainful employment. All these post-apocalyptic Mad Max style movies we shook our heads at years ago - it looks like the extra's from those movies are making my coffee at Dunkin Donuts these days.

Do I sound OLD - or WHAT?

Rick

All these post-apocalyptic Mad Max style movies we shook our heads at years ago - it looks like the extra's from those movies are making my coffee at Dunkin Donuts these days.

Haha! That was classic Rick!

Dang it, I guess that says I'm old too!

No loud music. Also you must walk with a cane in one hand while shaking your other hand in a fist at all times.