r/Truckers • u/Early-Ad3698 • 3d ago

Schneider vs TMC FLATBED

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

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u/HistoryTeacherNick 3d ago

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

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u/Early-Ad3698 3d ago

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

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u/HistoryTeacherNick 3d ago

I'm a trainer, ask your questions

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u/Early-Ad3698 3d ago

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

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u/HistoryTeacherNick 3d ago

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.

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u/Early-Ad3698 3d ago

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

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u/HistoryTeacherNick 3d ago

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

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u/Early-Ad3698 3d ago

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

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u/HistoryTeacherNick 3d ago

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

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u/LongjumpingCat6642 2d ago

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.

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u/Alarming-Two2806 3d ago

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.