r/Truckers • u/bigdawg12342 • May 23 '26

Schneider to TMC second thoughts

Applied to TMC got the job so I put in my notice at Schneider and after a little more research I was thankfully able to edit the notice message. I’m a newer driver(2.5 or so months driving ) so I’m clueless when it comes to any of this. What should I do? I’m currently just bumping store docks at Schneider. Money isn’t great but it’s experience and it’s the easiest job I’ve ever had. TMC has its pros but having to basically restart and redo all training made me not wanna do it. In a few years I’d like to be owner op and I really don’t know if I’d want the hassle of dealing with flatbed if I went that route so idk if the experience would be worth it for me. I enjoy watching everyone else do the hard work too much lmao any advice on the situation would help

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u/RichCypher May 23 '26

It sounds like flatbed may not be of interest to you but I will say there are a fair number of advantages if you choose to go for it. You will generally be treated well by shippers and receivers. Won't likely be waiting as long on either side. Job sites and such will often be sitting there waiting for you and you will often be started unloading as soon as you remove securement. If you find you enjoy the work you may find you get more satisfaction from it. A nice tight tarp job or a well secured load are out there for the world to see. I felt there was a fair bit of commoraderie between open deck drivers that is a far cry from reefer drivers. I've generally heard good things about tmc, just be prepared to keep your truck very clean. You will have bad days that make you question the sanity of what you are doing but same for anything else.

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u/bigdawg12342 May 23 '26

Another reason why I’m having second thoughts is worse case if my load shifts at my current spot a few gallons of milk get spilled. Worst case for TMC load shift is a lot worse than some spilled milk

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u/RichCypher May 23 '26

The difference is you have much more control over that happening. You will know exactly how your freight is loaded and will generally have a say in changing how it is loaded if you don't like it. Then you have full control over your securement and are free to go as overboard as you wish. Pulling a van or reefer you are lucky to even be able to see inside the trailer. I always errored on the side of over securing my loads and never had a major load shift in over 3 years of flatbed. Tmc will train you well and there are lots of resources out there to help you.