I'm Almost To My Final Decision On Which Company I Am Going To Go With!

Chicon wrote:

Old School, I think there's times when someone should read a while post before they respond, maybe you did that or maybe you just took it out of context. I posted what I did the way I did to get his attention. People always like to tell you what you want to hear first , then might throw so not so good in the mix. I chose to be blunt. Things I said are true, am I pointing a finger, yeah I am. I knew some of what to expect before I got there. Things I said, like they all still think their in the military, that didn't bother me, that was just letting him know. As far as taking a week off. They tell you that if something happens and you need to take a week off (because you have to take a week ,because your on a trainers truck) then it's on you and it's just going to make it a week longer before you get your truck. I'm sorry if you think that my using of the word "blackmail" was strong, but that's the what it was. I didn't choose to quit, they made that choice for me. That's really the only thing I'm sour about toward them. Things happen in life that are beyond our control. Did I think that an email would suffice? At the time, it had to, it was a Sunday and I couldn't let anyone but my driver trainer know by phone and he was understanding and said the he to would get in touch with the driver manager and let him know what was going on.

Chicon I am quite sure Old School read and completely understood the context of your reply to the OP. By definition TMC didn't Blackmail you (look it up), they gave you a choice and told you what would happen depending on which one you chose. How is that their issue? You made the choice to attend your friend's funeral (as most people would) however you are holding them accountable for responding exactly how they said they would? Entitled? Yeah I think so.

You are right things happen...but it's very, very difficult to expect a big company to completely bend their rules to meet the needs of one trainee. Sorry Man...you are not going to get a free pass on this forum when you write things like that.

Old School, I think there's times when someone should read a whole post before they respond, maybe you did that or maybe you just took it out of context. I posted what I did the way I did to get his attention. People always like to tell you what you want to hear first , then might throw so not so good in the mix. I chose to be blunt. Things I said are true, am I pointing a finger, yeah I am. I knew some of what to expect before I got there. Things I said, like they all still think their in the military, that didn't bother me, that was just letting him know. As far as taking a week off. They tell you that if something happens and you need to take a week off (because you have to take a week ,because your on a trainers truck) then it's on you and it's just going to make it a week longer before you get your truck. I'm sorry if you think that my using of the word "blackmail" was strong, but that's the what it was. I didn't choose to quit, they made that choice for me. That's really the only thing I'm sour about toward them. Things happen in life that are beyond our control. Did I think that an email would suffice? At the time, it had to, it was a Sunday and I couldn't let anyone but my driver trainer know by phone and he was understanding and said the he to would get in touch with the driver manager and let him know what was going on. The simulator...... you're right, I didn't take it seriously, it's a waste of time and money, it done me no good. I asked the guy why he ran the car into the back of me and his response was" I just do that sometimes " . Now here's the scenario, on a mountain, at night, it's dark, its snowing, the posted speed limit for trucks was 25, the car was behind me the whole time, I'm going 25, then slow down to 20, back to up to 25, then back to 20 and so on, then..... bam the same car rams me and knocks me off the mountain. I'm sorry but I can not see that happening period. But to put down takes hands off wheel when in trouble..... yeah on the simulator when I'm already flipping down a mountain. Like I stated, I was just being honest telling him what to expect and what not to do. I read post on here for a year before I even went to school. I was sure that since my children, were older, that I could be gone and that I wanted to do flatbed. But then an unexpected death changed my prospective on it, but I never said I wanted to quit. Turns out, it was good thing that they didn't want to continue, because I found a local driving opportunity with the same pay. I got lucky, indeed, local jobs with no experience are hard to find. I love driving and plan on going OTR with my wife once our children are grown.

Old School, I appreciate your response and all your post. This the best website for everything trucking . At the same time it's easy to read a response or post and think that, we the reader ,knows what the person writing about feels or felt and come up with our on conclusions. Sometimes the "real truth" is what needs to be said, things shouldn't be sugar coated.

Thank you again for all your contributions to this site.

Not seeing Maverick on this list makes me sad n stuff

Not seeing Maverick on this list makes me sad n stuff

Hey Victor there's also Maverick 😀😀

Lol thanks parrot. Seriously though he can't go wrong with any of these companies. Just don't go in expecting Monday through Friday 60k out the gate.

Parrot66 and C.T. I have considered Maverick. Now what's the pros of working for Maverick? Is Maverick in the company reviews, on this site?

Old school I think that you have some of THE best wisdom so could you tell me your personal favorites for flatbed companies?

And Pat if you are this comment I had made a previous topic about dump trailers and old school suggested that I talk to you. Do they make good money and how much home time? I like TMC cause they try to 46 out of 52 weeks try to get you home every weekend.

Chicon I wish you luck in your local trucking job. Keep us updated thanks!

I'm really happy that you all are helping me stay informed cause sometimes I can get very bias and not know what else is out there I really do appreciate my new trucker family. I only have 4 more weekends after this weekend. I am excited especially since I have had my Uncle and Dad as former truckers and they say it's fun!

Can't wait to here from the rest and from you who have been here in this thread! Good night and I will check this one more time tonight and tomorrow morning.

Go with the one you feel will suit you. Work hard to prove yourself and if things are not to your liking then leave after a year. A year is nothing.

During that time take note of what is important to you. That might change over time or once you are on the road. I thought I needed a TV right away but my first truck purchase was a new mattress. That type of thing can be true for what you want and expect in a company once you have the reality of trucking.

Good luck

Victor, if getting home almost every week is a priority then I would definitely look into TMC, Maverick, and McElroy. All of those companies have basically set up their whole logistics programs to have that emphasis on getting you home each week. You can't go wrong with any of those guys.

Yes as old school said all these companies try to get you home on weekends. I've been stuck out twice in 7 months and both times were the shippers fault. Maverick has a few divisions to choose from. Flatbed, glass, reefer and specialized (boats, heavy haul etc). Want to make lots of money and not too concerned with home time, go glass otr. If home is more important go flatbed regional which is what I'm doing. Refeer is somewhere in the middle. We're a midsized company, my fm knows me by name.

Alright, I am definitely glad, that I have come to you all for advice and info regarding the companies I have gained quite a bit from it all.

Victor, if getting home almost every week is a priority then I would definitely look into TMC, Maverick, and McElroy. All of those companies have basically set up their whole logistics programs to have that emphasis on getting you home each week. You can't go wrong with any of those guys.

Thanks Old School for your wisdom on the 3 companies that you listed I am glad you confirmed to me that the flatbed companies I was considering were great choices to go with.

During that time take note of what is important to you. That might change over time or once you are on the road. I thought I needed a TV right away but my first truck purchase was a new mattress. That type of thing can be true for what you want and expect in a company once you have the reality of trucking.

Good luck

Thanks Rainy D. for your advice, I deffinitely could use that kind of advice too, since its true that I think I might need some things and come to find out I might actually need to get another item before the dreamed of item. At TMC I would have a fully loaded truck and on top of that impeccable maintenance and the opportunity to buy one of their million mile trucks in their Chrome and Black shop. Their trucks aren't too badly priced either especially with that many miles.

Yes as old school said all these companies try to get you home on weekends. I've been stuck out twice in 7 months and both times were the shippers fault.

Thanks C.T. for your confirming what our friend Old School had said about Maverick, TMC, and McElroy! I know he is very wise and to hear it confirmed from a younger trucker makes it all that more affirming.

Can't wait to hear from the rest of you! Have a blessed night!