FLATBED SPECIALISTS SHOWDOWN

TMC Transportation

Des Moines, IA

vs

Maverick Transportation

Little Rock, AR

TMC vs Maverick (2026)

Two premium flatbed carriers known for driver respect, excellent equipment, and industry-leading pay. Which flatbed specialist offers the better career path?

Last Updated: January 2026

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📊 At-a-Glance Comparison

FeatureTMC TransportationMaverick Transportation
HeadquartersDes Moines, IALittle Rock, AR
Fleet Size~1,200 trucks~1,400 trucks
Focus100% FlatbedFlatbed & Glass
New Driver Friendly?Requires 3+ months expAccepts some CDL grads
Starting Pay$0.55-0.62 CPM$0.52-0.58 CPM
First-Year Pay$65,000-75,000$60,000-70,000
Equipment AgePeterbilts (1-2 years)Peterbilts (1-3 years)
Home TimeWeekly (Regional)Weekly to Bi-Weekly

💰 Pay Comparison

TMC Transportation Pay

  • • $0.55-0.62 CPM starting (experienced)
  • • Frequent pay raises (every 6 months)
  • • Tarp pay: $25-50 per tarp
  • • Stop pay: $15-25 per additional stop
  • • Weekly gross: $1,400-1,600
  • • Annual: $65,000-75,000+ first year

Maverick Transportation Pay

  • • $0.52-0.58 CPM starting
  • • Glass division pays premium rates
  • • Tarp pay: $20-40 per tarp
  • • Detention pay after 2 hours
  • • Weekly gross: $1,200-1,500
  • • Annual: $60,000-70,000 first year

💵 Pay Verdict: TMC Wins

TMC offers higher starting CPM and more frequent pay raises. First-year drivers consistently report $65-75k vs $60-70k at Maverick.

🎓 Training & Entry Requirements

TMC Requirements

  • Minimum 3-6 months experience
  • Intensive 1-week flatbed training
  • Securement certification
  • High professional standards
  • No CDL training program

Maverick Requirements

  • Some positions accept CDL grads
  • 3-4 week flatbed training
  • Comprehensive securement training
  • Glass division training available
  • Clean MVR preferred

🏆 Training Verdict: Maverick Wins

Maverick occasionally accepts new CDL grads and provides comprehensive training. TMC requires prior experience, making them a "second career move."

🚛 Fleet & Equipment

TMC Fleet

  • • 100% Peterbilt 579 tractors
  • • Trucks replaced every 2 years
  • • All trucks have APUs
  • • Premium Bose sound systems
  • • Refrigerators in every truck
  • • Chrome and polished appearance

Maverick Fleet

  • • 100% Peterbilt 579 tractors
  • • Trucks replaced every 2-3 years
  • • APUs in all equipment
  • • High-end interior appointments
  • • Refrigerators and microwaves
  • • Specialized glass equipment

🚚 Equipment Verdict: TMC Wins (Narrowly)

TMC edges out with slightly newer equipment turnover (2 years vs 2-3 years) and legendary attention to "showroom condition" trucks.

🎯 The Final Verdict

Choose TMC If...

  • You have 3-6 months flatbed experience
  • You want the highest flatbed pay
  • Premium equipment matters to you
  • Professional standards don't bother you

Choose Maverick If...

  • You're a recent CDL graduate
  • You want flatbed training from scratch
  • Glass hauling interests you
  • You prefer freight variety

🏆 Winner: Depends on Experience

Experienced (6+ months):

TMC wins - Higher pay, newer equipment

New CDL Grads:

Maverick wins - Rare flatbed entry opportunity

🚀 Ready to Apply?

See current flatbed job openings or find a CDL school with flatbed endorsement training.

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