Seeking Seasoned Driver Advice
Topic 21078 | Page 1
First off: I am not a seasoned driver, but please, keep reading. I've never heard of Keim T's, but everybody knows TMC is one of the major flatbed companies; that means TMC is going to have deeper pockets and more resources. If you experience a breakdown or flat tire, you'll likely be up and running sooner with TMC than with the other company. As far as which company pays better, or where you can make more money, that has more to do with you than with either company.
Will you park for the night outside of a shipper's locked gate, where you can get loaded in the morning without starting your clock (where I am tonight), or will you opt for the cozy truck stop 20 minutes up the road? How well do you manage your clock? Do you demand the maximum number of days off that companies advertise? I met a driver in my company several weeks ago, who, since he began in January, hasn't made $1000 in any week yet. We work for the same company, doing the same job. I looked at my pay statements, and for nine of the previous 13, my take-home was more than $1000. To better illustrate what I'm talking about, type "Old School" into the search bar on this website, and read some of his posts on what it takes to be a successful driver.
If I were you, I'd go with the bigger company; with a family of four and you being the sole provider, you need to take advantage of the benefits a larger company provides.
Shipper:
The customer who is shipping the freight. This is where the driver will pick up a load and then deliver it to the receiver or consignee.
While Pete made some decent points, I have to disagree slightly here. Yes we've all heard of TMC, but reputation alone shouldn't make a difference. I'm a flatbedder and have heard of Kiem. They have some nice blue trucks and decent equipment. Are they as big as TMC? Probably not, but that doesn't mean they're a bad company. There are plenty of companies to choose from depending on where you live and how often you want to be home. I drive for Maverick Transportation, home every weekend. There's also Roehl, western express, McElroy, melton, hornady, gypsum express, Jordan carriers,boyd bros, jle. I'm probably forgetting a few, but do your research and don't limit your options if possible.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
EPU:
Electric Auxiliary Power Units
Electric APUs have started gaining acceptance. These electric APUs use battery packs instead of the diesel engine on traditional APUs as a source of power. The APU's battery pack is charged when the truck is in motion. When the truck is idle, the stored energy in the battery pack is then used to power an air conditioner, heater, and other devices
I have a good friend who just made the switch from TMC to Keim and seems extremely happy with them.
Check out his YouTube channel and get his opinions on Keim and making the switch: White Lightning Trucker
Although based on what he’s saying on Facebook and such, he’s doing much better financially at Keim. He switched with 9 months experience at TMC.
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Im getting ready to switch from local/ short haul regional flatbed to otr flatbed. Im 18 months into my trucking career and supporting a young family of 4 with my income alone. i've got it narrowed down to 2 companies but im having trouble with my decision and was seeking some seasoned driver advice. Im between Keim Ts and TMC Transport. Does anyone have any input good or bad to either company. Thanks and be safe
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.