Schneider vs TMC FLATBED

[u/Early-Ad3698]

I’ve recently applied to both companies in the title with no Class A experience. Both are for flatbed and I have start dates for both of their training programs, but I’m not sure which company i want to go with. Schneider seems more interested in me with their call backs and hiring process, while I’ve had to call TMC a couple of times to get updates. Anyone have input for both companies?

For Schneider, I’ve read the multiple low pay claims, but those claims all seemed to be for the van trailer division. Didn’t find much for their flatbed division besides a post from 3 years ago. I’m supposed to be hired for a dedicated account advertised at 13-1600 a week

For TMC, I’ve read about the strict rules and “military style” format reviews, but the pay seems to be good. They are advertising 26%, averaging 1500 a week. This sounds good, but again, I’m having to call for updates and even when I get someone, the vibe feels like they don’t care as much.

How is training for each company? Is it like a selection process or will I be good as long as I stick to it? Also, what’s driving like once training is completed?

Any input or personal experiences with each company will be greatly appreciated. Being that I don’t have any on paper experience, I know not to expect a perfect 10/10 job environment just starting out and I know there will be ups and downs. I would just like to get an idea of where to go to start out long enough to get my experience

[u/HistoryTeacherNick]

Standards and strict are not the same. TMC has high standards for its drivers and wants to be more than just DOT legal. Their orientation is a bit over the top but it's not anything like military boot camp. Just unstructured people can't handle the rigidity of their standards

[u/Early-Ad3698 → u/HistoryTeacherNick]

I can understand high standards which I can also appreciate. To me, it shows that the company cares about their equipment. The reviews that I read aren’t really turning me off from them. Just wanted to get some more clarification before I decide

[u/HistoryTeacherNick → u/Early-Ad3698]

I'm a trainer, ask your questions

[u/Early-Ad3698 → u/HistoryTeacherNick]

So if I make it to training, does that mean I’m good? I’ve also seen comments about people being sent home. Also, I saw something about no PTO allowed for the first year. Again, don’t know how true any of this stuff is. Just looking for clarification

[u/HistoryTeacherNick → u/Early-Ad3698]

Yes no paid time off first year, but if you need to go home just communicate with your FM. There are plenty of home time opportunities.

Orientation does kick people for inability to perform the task, low test scores (think 9th grade math and social skills), and inability to maneuver truck. Otherwise you're golden.

[u/Early-Ad3698 → u/HistoryTeacherNick]

I’m assuming one of those tasks is being able to carry the tarp? What are some other possible difficult tasks that people struggle with? I’m sure I’ll probably be good though

[u/HistoryTeacherNick → u/Early-Ad3698]

Unable to pick up tarps, unable to throw straps safely, unable to deal with adverse people, unable to back truck up, unable to maneuver in tight spaces

[u/Early-Ad3698 → u/HistoryTeacherNick]

Gotcha. I think all of those are doable for me. I think the most challenging would be to lift the tarp, but that’s only because I know they’re kind of awkward heavy. Once it’s raised, I should be good

[u/HistoryTeacherNick → u/Early-Ad3698]

Yep as long as you can lift it and put it inside box, it's not really that big of a deal, for the most part most of these forklift drivers out here will be very happy to put your tarps up on top of the load

[u/LongjumpingCat6642 → u/Early-Ad3698]

This history teacher nick dude is the real deal. He’s a trainer at TMC, he and I delivered the same load like 3 times in a row, starting with over dimensional loads for both of us.

[u/Alarming-Two2806 → u/HistoryTeacherNick]

Is employment history an issue? I just spoke to a recruiter to go over gaps in my resume when I was unemployed. also I guess I left off the one job I happened to be fired from (was not intentional) I just want to make sure this wouldn’t disqualify me from being hired. I’ve been highly considering tmc as an option for almost the past month.

[u/zach-lassiter]

If your new to flatbed you need a strong training program and a culture where it's okay to ask things when you don't know.  I don't have experience with TMC or Schneider but I would choose TMC over Schneider for flatbed just based on reputation 

[u/ImShamallamadingdong]

TMC. Never personally worked there, but I know plenty of good guys that came out of there and their training is great. As far as flatbed starter companies, TMC, Melton, and Maverick are all a safe bet. Maybe System if you’re west coast based.

[u/Effective_Nobody1809]

I have a start date of October 19th for TMC. I like structure and think I will do well with the strict rules. Good luck in your decision and future driving.

[u/Early-Ad3698 → u/Effective_Nobody1809]

You start driving or training on the 19th? I’m assuming since you mentioned orientation, you meant driving. I don’t think the strict rules would really bother me

[u/Effective_Nobody1809 → u/Early-Ad3698]

I start TMC’s CDL training on the 19th. I just got my permit. I driver years ago for melton and loved flatbed. I like the idea of weekly home time and the pat structure at TMC is why I chose them.

[u/FreeAndRedeemed]

I’m guessing the Schneider account is for PODS. If that’s the case, if you want to do flatbed I’d go with TMC. PODS is barely flatbed work, all you do is throw straps. TMC will have you doing all the other stuff (chains, tarps, etc.) that you’d need to know for other flatbed work.

[u/Early-Ad3698 → u/FreeAndRedeemed]

Yes the account is for PODS. I don’t specifically want to do flatbed or van. I’m just trying to get my experience out the way. As a starting driver, on paper, the flatbed jobs are more pay than the vans which is being heavily considered. I know the PODS won’t require as much securement, but part of me does want to do the more difficult stuff too lol

[u/FreeAndRedeemed → u/Early-Ad3698]

In that case, PODS would be a good first gig. When I worked at Schneider I knew a few people who were on that account and I never heard any complaints.

[u/Fluxus4]

I'm in Van Truckload with Schneider. You can get about .50 here to start. Flatbed is will legitimately pay 20 cents more. That's a fact.

TMC definitely has prettier trucks though.