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TMC Transportation
TOP ROOKIE
PLATT BRABNER Named 2018 Trucking’s Top Rookie Immediately following the ceremony, Platt was whisked away for interviews with Truckers News and Red Eye Radio. Several of those involved in the judging process were eager to shake his hand and comment how his story ‘blew them away’. We are proud to have Platt represent TMC on a national level with such professionalism, and we look forward to joining him on the road to D.C.! <
Mordaunt “Platt” Brabner was named Trucking’s Top Rookie in August 2018.
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his past August was an eventful month for TMC driver Platt Brabner. Platt was to be recognized in two national driver contests, the military veteran based Transition Trucking: Driving For Excellence award, and the Trucking’s Top Rookie award. Transition Trucking results were up first after the top ten finalists, which also included TMC driver and Navy veteran Tilford Sereal, took photos by the contests’ top prize, a brand new, fully loaded 2018 Kenworth T680. Moments later was the big reveal, in which Platt, who is a Marine and Navy veteran, and three other contestants found out they would be moving forward to the final stage of the contest in Washington D.C. this December. 2 | TMC Newletter | Fall 2018 Edition
Platt had little time to recoup, as the Trucking’s Top Rookie ceremony was up next. Up against eight other deserving contestants from various trucking companies, Platt was unsure if it was really possible to take top honors in both of these contests. To his surprise, it was his picture on the big screen when they announced the winner. Upon the announcement of this honorable distinction, a humbled Platt gave a heartfelt thank you to the judges and fellow contestants, and expressed his commitment to continue “putting the professionalism back in trucking.” Platt is taking home $10,000 along with a variety of other merchandise prizes.
ABOUT PLATT Platt came to TMC in July 2017 upon obtaining CDL from Roadmaster Drivers School. He is an accomplished Marine Corps and Navy veteran, and his goaloriented mentality and worldly wisdom lends a hand in making him a standout professional truck driver at TMC. Truck driving is something that had always intrigued Platt, and now that he was in a position to do so, he went full speed ahead into joining the forces that serve our country in a different sense. He soon found flatbed as his forte, as the physicality is something that he enjoys. Additionally, Platt found TMC’s principles in line with those that were instilled in him while in the military; respect, honor and pride.
MILITARY FRIENDLY
TMC TRANSPORTATION: 2019 Military Friendly® Employer Designation
Platt Brabner (left) and Tilford Sereal (left) posed for a photo in front of the contests’ top pize, a 2018 Kenworth T680 at GATS.
Platt’s drive and ingenuity has all the makings of a successful professional truck driver. In the future, Platt hopes to become an owner-operator and further expand his impact on the trucking industry, and with his “never quit” attitude, all of us at TMC are confident he will achieve all he sets his mind to. TMC is proud to have Platt as an exceptional representation of the Black and Chrome. He transcends every piece of criteria set in both programs through his decorated military career and the poise and determination he brings to the trucking industry. Congratulations, Platt! <
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nstitutions earning the Military Friendly® Employer designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 200 companies participated in the Military Friendly® Employers portion of the 2019 Military Friendly® Companies survey. Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score with an assessment of the organization’s ability to meet thresholds for Applicant, New Hire Retention, Employee Turnover, and Promotion & Advancement of veterans and military employees.
TMC’s Vice President of Driver Recruiting. “TMC’s values are closely aligned with those of all our military branches, making us a great choice of employer for our nation’s heroes who are looking to put their skills to work in a career they can take pride in. At TMC, 35% of our workforce is comprised of military veterans, and we continue to foster relationships with all branches of the United States Military to offer the best possible training and career options for those that put it all on the line to serve our country.” TMC Transportation will be showcased along with other 2019 Military Friendly® Employers in the December issue of G.I. Jobs® magazine, the January 2019 issue of Military Spouse Magazine, and on MilitaryFriendly.com. <
“Earning this designation is reflective of our proud efforts to seek and accommodate military veterans as a viable asset to all facets of our corporation,” says Cheryl Freauff, Fall 2018 Edition | TMC Newsletter | 3
TMC RACING
A
TMC AT THE TRACK
nother year of TMC at the Track is in the books! We had a blast at the Iowa Speedway this past Saturday. We had a great turnout and it was fantastic to witness the sea of orange TMC shirts! We kicked off the start of our tailgate with an appearance from Michael Annett. He spoke to TMC employees and answered questions from the crowd. Afterwards he signed autographs and took pictures with his biggest fans. Our very own crew from the Chrome Café served burgers, brats and other tailgate goodies next to our shiny Black and Chrome truck. We were definitely a sight that couldn’t be missed! This year we had a recruiting tent inside the gates of Iowa Speedway, and even had a replica racecar of Michael Annett’s No. 5 TMC Chevrolet. It was a huge hit with the crowd and gave fans a chance to learn about TMC and get an up-close look at a
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Michael Annett meet and greet with TMC Employees and their families before the race at the Newton Speedway.
racecar. Finally, it was race time! The sea of orange shirts made their way from the tailgate to the track to cheer on Michael. TMC really stood out in the crowd and made our mark at Iowa Speedway. Michael started the race in 17th and held that position through Stage One. During Stage Two, he lost a spot and fell to 18th, but gained three spots to 15th after a pit stop. Michael
stayed in the top 16 for most of the final stage and avoided a crash around lap 244. After the restart, he moved past Casey Roderick to end the race in 14th place. TMC’s pride was on full display and wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our amazing employees. Thank you to everyone who came out to support! <
Driver Appreciation Week
DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK: A
No one does DAW like TMC
nother year of Driver Appreciation Week is here and gone, and what a week it was! We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: we have the BEST drivers on the road and we appreciate all of the hard work they bring forth to keep America moving forward! The week kicked off with a message from TMC founder and CEO, Harrold Annett. He thanked all of our drivers for continuing to display TMC’s culture of PRIDE while pursuing our Destination of Excellence, saying “I cannot tell you how many times in the past year I have heard our customers tell us that TMC has the BEST drivers in the industry. Every time I hear those words, I cannot tell you how PROUD it makes me feel, and how happy I am to have our EMPLOYEE-OWNERS out there representing our company as true professionals. Thank you!”
relax! Everyone knows that TMC has the cleanest and shiniest trucks on the road, but this doesn’t come without the hard work of our drivers to keep them that way! Finally, no Driver Appreciation Week is complete without FREE FOOD at all of our terminals. Each location had some delicious items on the menu throughout the week to keep our drivers fueled up and ready to go! Since we know our drivers are out there putting in the work and the miles and aren’t always able to stop by a terminal to partake in the free food and goodies, we sent several TMC representatives out on the road to bring Driver Appreciation Week to them! Many were out at customers and shippers to prepare meals, give out our custom 2018
TMC Driver Appreciation Week t-shirts, and lend a helping hand in tarping and strapping their loads. No one does Driver Appreciation Week like TMC! To all of our drivers, there are never enough THANK YOU’s to go around to show all of our gratitude and appreciation for what you do. You continue to work hard and make sacrifices every day to keep TMC the best in the business. You all take ‘Destination: Excellence’ to the next level, and it never goes unnoticed! And of course, a special thank you to our sponsors for appreciating our drivers just as much as we do! <
Just as we did last year, the name of every TMC driver was put in a raffle for a chance to win some awesome prizes throughout the week. Each day we went LIVE on our Facebook page to draw names and announce the winners. Among the items given away were leather luggage bags from Peterbilt, a variety of gift cards, multiple TV’s, a grill, barstools, and more! On Thursday, we had office employees at our Des Moines and Brownsburg terminals rolling up their sleeves and cleaning trucks to give our drivers a much-deserved break to kick back and
Scott Sevedge, a fleet manager at the Des Moines location, is cleaning the inside of a driver’s truck. Fall 2018 Edition | TMC Newsletter | 5
DRIVER OF Q1
DRIVER OF THE QUARTER
TMC honors Richard Collins and John Strickland Jr. on being the Drivers of the 1st and 2nd Quarter 2018
Richard (left) is congratulated by his fleet manager, Pat Parr (right) on being the Driver of the Quarter.
RICHARD COLLINS has kept quiet while Rickperforming as a top-level driver
for almost 20 years. Even so, trucking wasn’t Rick’s first means of making a living. Before becoming a professional truck driver, Rick spent nearly two decades in the restaurant and retail industries. “I decided it was time to venture down new career path, so I went to truck driving school and TMC recruited me right away,” says Rick. “I saw my income quadruple. It was a big move forward for me and I never looked back.” A Pennsylvania native, Rick began on TMC’s since absorbed ‘Jamesport’ division in 1998, and he currently 6 | TMC Newletter | Fall 2018 Edition
runs primarily in the northeast as a company driver.
John Strickland Jr., TMC’s Driver of the Quarter for the 2nd Quarter of 2018.
follow the rules, and you’ll be a safe, successful driver. TMC has a good system. Stick to it and you can’t go wrong.”
“My personal goal upon joining TMC was to accomplish one million safe miles,” Rick says. “Now I’m approaching two million safe miles and I’m being recognized as a Driver of the Quarter. I didn’t take this job to get accolades, but I guess I’m doing something right.”
Additionally, Rick reminds drivers that it is important to drive defensively. In his 20 years, Rick is accident and claim free. His secret? “Keep your head on a swivel,” he says. “Pay close attention to what is going on around you, and don’t get in a big hurry.”
Rick says that there isn’t anything special about the way he does his job. Every morning when he hits the road, he operates with the same principles he’s used since his first day of new driver orientation almost 20 years ago; the ones TMC instilled in him.
After all of his accomplishments at TMC, Rick shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. He hopes to get several more years of safe driving under his belt, and as an employeeowner with TMC’s Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), Rick says that it has just “sweetened the pot.”
“TMC teaches the right way to do things,” Rick explains. “Apply yourself,
“Being an employee-owner of TMC
DRIVER OF Q2
career. John chose to sign on with TMC because of the diversity and physicality of flatbed, the industry leading home time and performance based pay package.
is such an advantage,” Rick remarks. “I was blown away when I saw the value of what our ESOP offers us. If all these new drivers stay here 20 plus years, the amount of money they’ll have when they retire is mindboggling. For the owner of a company to turn around and give it back to his employees is something very special.” <
JOHN STRICKLAND JR. professional truck driver Awith the company for more than seven years, John has steered his career with pride and perseverance.
John was drawn to the trucking industry for the exciting challenges it entails and the comfortable living it provides. He enjoys the journey of the open road and the variance of the day-to-day over-the-road lifestyle. “I love working hard, it’s in my blood,” says John. “This job takes a deep sense of dedication, and I take pride in giving 100% effort every day.” John obtained his CDL several years before joining the Black and Chrome fleet while working at a small local operation. He didn’t see much driving time, and was hungry for adventure and the opportunity to further his
After a successful first few years at TMC, John chose to become a driver trainer and help provide new drivers with the tools to succeed in their own careers. Then in 2013, upon TMC’s implementation of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), John’s job as a truck driver and trainer took a whole new meaning.
his trainees and other motorists. “Tolerance and patience is key,” he says. “Always execute thorough pretrips and be prepared to adapt to new situations. And of course, always get plenty of rest!” “John is outstanding in every category,” says Sam Bricker, John’s Fleet Manager. “I have worked with john for several years now and he takes a lot of pride in his job and working for TMC. He is one of the hardest working drivers I have and always strives to do things correctly and safely. John is extremely reliable, easy going and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.”
“From the beginning I knew I wanted to retire here, but being an John is a native employeeof Camden, I love working hard, it’s Arkansas, but owner gives you something more currently resides in my blood. This job to reach for,” in northeast takes a deep sense of John explains. Texas. He is a “Everything you proud father, and dedication, and I take do contributes recently became a pride in giving 100% toward your grandfather. TMC effort every day. future, and is proud to have training gives you John as a fantastic - John Strickland Jr. the opportunity to representation of teach new drivers the company and the right way to do things to keep the trucking industry as a whole, and we company successful. It gives you a look forward to his future successes. whole new goal.” <
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John has been so successful as both a driver and driver trainer that he was named TMC’s “Trainer of the Month” in March of this year, and he is well on his way to reaching his first million safe driving miles, an accomplishment he has long been determined to achieve. Being a safe driver is of utmost importance to John, and he takes active steps every day to ensure the safety of himself,
Criteria for Driver of the Quarter recognition includes years of service with the company, safe driving record, excellent customer service, professionalism and overall quality performance. Once a driver is recognized as a Driver of the Quarter they are eligible to receive the prestigious Wheel Master Award. Fall 2018 Edition | TMC Newsletter | 7
SPECIAL OLYMPICS TRUCK CONVOY
WORLD’S LARGEST TRUCK CONVOY
TMC PARTICIPATES IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF IOWA ANNUAL TRUCK CONVOY October 6, TMC OnonceSaturday, again had the honor of
participating in the annual World’s Largest Truck Convoy, a benefit put on by Special Olympics of Iowa. The starting point for the event was on the SW Connector, just off of Veterans Parkway in Des Moines, which is pretty much the backyard of our headquarters. We had 18 TMC drivers that participated in the convoy, and in true, timely fashion, they were the first to line up. Seeing the line of shiny black and chrome Peterbilts was a sight unlike any other, and the pride of TMC was on full display! Drivers from other companies all over the state soon followed. TMC’s Recruiting Department provided coffee and donuts at registration. Once everyone was checked-in and the Iowa DOT gave a briefing on Driver Safety, the first three positions in the convoy were auctioned off. TMC won the third position spot with a bid of $6500, all of which goes directly to the Special Olympics of Iowa. Specialized driver and five year industry veteran, Gene Richardson, was voted by his fellow drivers to take that third spot and lead the convoy of over 100 trucks that all came together to support the cause.
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TMC Drivers and their families pose infront of a TMC trailer after driving in the Convoy.
sacrificed time at home with their Two of our drivers, Brian DeFord and families, and others had their families Ron LeBlanc, had the opportunity to flown in from across the country share their trucks with Special Olympic for the event! These drivers spent athletes, and each raved about their countless hours in the appearance experience. The athletes commented bay on Friday night and into the wee that they enjoyed jamming out to music hours of Saturday morning making with their drivers, blowing the air horn sure that their trucks were in tip top and waving to people that they passed. shape for the event. Additionally, we want to thank our dedicated staff in our The event was wrapped up at the Iowa tractor and trailer shops, appearance State Fairgrounds with a celebration bays and load securement facilities for for athletes, drivers and volunteers. In lending a helping hand! < all, the event raised over $50,000 for the Special Olympics of Iowa! We want to thank the following TMC drivers and their families for their hard work, dedication and participation in this year’s convoy. Many of them
BIG RIG BUCKET LIST
BIG RIG BUCKET LIST
MILITARY AND TRUCKING VETERAN TAKES A RIDE WITH A TMC DRIVER
Eugene, his family, and TMC Employees pose for a group photo.
the special TMC had opportunity to help
Eugene VanMeter, a Military veteran and retired truck driver residing in an assisted living facility in Joplin, MO cross off his ultimate bucket list item— drive a big rig again! Eugene served as a Staff Sergeant in the Korean Conflict and drove a semi truck for over 35 years. During his time as a truck driver, he hauled a variety of freight; steel, livestock, cars and fuel, to name a few, all over the United States. Foxberry Terrace, Eugene’s assisted living facility, reached out to our Joplin terminal to see if they could bring Eugene out for a visit so he could get a taste of his beloved time out on the open road. Of course TMC couldn’t wait for the opportunity to honor a veteran and a driver that paved the way for our industry today, so on Monday, September 10, we welcomed Eugene for an afternoon of trucking with a tenured TMC driver and Military veteran, Joseph (Rocky) Rawls. Here is what they had to say...
“Thank you TMC-Joplin and all of your staff for going above and beyond to make this happen, honoring truck drivers of the past and our veterans! Eugene is gracious to have spent his afternoon with you, learning all the things that have changed, enjoying the ride down the open road and visiting truck stops. He and his family will forever cherish all of the reminders you sent home today for a lifetime!” Eugene was fascinated by the technology in the Peterbilt 579 he took
Chris Teel, Joplin Service Manager (right), showing Eugene the engine in the Peterbilt 579.
Eugene waving at the camera before he takes off in a Peterbilt 579 with TMC driver, Rocky Rawls.
a cruise in, saying, “if you would have told me trucks would be this way in the future, I’d told you that you were crazy!” Eugene has two sons, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren, several of whom were in attendance for this event. We are so grateful to have shared this experience with him! A special thanks to Foxberry Terrace employee, Marilyn Coleman, who is also the wife of TMC maintenance technician William Coleman; Director of Nursing at Foxberry, Lindsey Delmont, as well as Stephanie Miller, Foxberry Administrator. We also want to appreciate TMC Service Manager, Chris Teel, TMC driver Rocky Rawls and his Fleet Manager Tracy GoodStojanik for helping make this dream come true for a very deserving veteran! < Fall 2018 Edition | TMC Newsletter | 9
SAFE DRIVING
SAFE DRIVING MILESTONES 10 YEARS
5 YEARS Tyler S. Austin David W. King Jr Eric S. Linn Justin A. Sangrey Jeffrey J. Tyll
Kevin Mitchell (right) and Rick Malak, Safety Manager (left).
David M. Eaglin Ryan G. Yaple Dale N. Deboer Rommel E. Duran Alvarez Philip A. Peralta John F. Reeves Gary A. Cooper Adam B. Johnson Shawn B. Ruonavaara
Timothy Welling (center) with Todd Bunting, VP Safety (left) and Josh Kintz, Operations Manager (right).
Bruce J. Swanson Michael A. Archie Randal V. Dean Roy D. Mckee Kevin R. Mitchell James S. Tighe Jr Daniel L. Weber
Jeffrey Tyll (left) with Josh Perry, Safety Manager (right).
Donnie E. Weller Brandon M. Curry Devon A. Frazer Christopher J. Herndon Walter F. Kemp Jason E. Maynard Michael S. Paavola Daniel R. Randall
Michael Archie (center) with Jeff McMullin, Safety Manager (left) and John Leach, Dedicated Fleet Manager (right).
Clayton D. Howard Joseph R. Kirkland Kevin F. Mcnamara Michael A. Nold Sheldon D. Perry John E. Younker James R. Jones Robert S. Turner Jerome Williams Jeff J. Andrews Daniel L. Drager Christopher P. Wagner Roy L. Williams Timothy E. Gerspacher William D. Smythe James L. Grzybowski Tom E. Shirley Timothy R. Welling Joseph E. Schneider
15 YEARS Larry R. Deaton Mark J. Connolly Steve R. Alfred Brian S. Fuller Mitchell G. Wethington Natividad Velasquez Jr.
Shawn Ruonavaara (center) with Josh Perry, Safety Manager (left) and Arnie Mercer, Fleet Manager (right).
Michael Nold (right) with John Young, Safety Manager (left).
Sheldon Perry (right) with John Young, Safety Manager (left).
Jeff Andrews (left) with Todd Bunting, VP Safety (right).
Rolando E. Small David L. Tolbert Jr Matthew J. Walwer
Brandon Curry (left) and Josh Perry, Safety Manager (right). 10 | TMC Newletter | Fall 2018 Edition
Dale Deboer (right) with John Young, Safety Manager
Philip Peralta (left) with Drew Parker, Safety Manager (right).
SAFE DRIVING
25 YEARS Herbert H. House
Herbert House (center) with Todd Bunting, VP Safety (left) and (right)
30 YEARS
Les Bohlken
25 YEARS & 30 YEARS
New Safety Awards With more and more drivers staying with TMC long term, we introduced two new safety awards this year. They recognize drivers who have reached the amazing
Les Bohlken (Center Left) with Glen McCravey, Exec. VP Risk Management and HR (left), Chad Reece, Dedicated Fleet Manager (Center Right), and Travis Johnson, Executive VP Operations (right).
Kevin Dinsdale
accomplishment of 25 and 30 years of safe driving. The awards are a commemorative plaque with the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name and tenure. We are proud to continue our mission of Destination: Excellence by having the best drivers on the road!
Kevin Dinsdale (right) with Kyle Miller, Operations Manager (left).
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MILLION SAFE MILES
MILLIONS OF MILES
TMC Driver joins family members in driving a Million Safe Miles
Chris (center) with Safety Manager, Josh Perry (left) and Fleet Manager, Luke Hird (right).
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hris Dart recently achieved one of the milestones that most professional truck drivers strive for; driving one million safe miles. The accomplishment carries an extra special feeling for Chris, as trucking runs in his whole family. They all have some impressive miles to boast about as well. His uncle, John, has driven 1.5 million safe miles. His dad, Kevin, and maternal grandfather, Bernie, both have two million miles under their belts. Chris’s great grandfather drove four million safe miles, and his paternal grandfather, William, has driven a whopping 6 million safe miles. Talk about safety running in the family! Surprisingly, Chris didn’t always have his sights on driving flatbed. “I actually wanted to be a history teacher,” he says. One thing led to another and Chris found himself in the position to attend driving 12 | TMC Newletter | Fall 2018 Edition
school. “I thought, ‘Well, it’s in my to share the news with his family. blood, so I should be able to do it “I had the support from them the successfully.’” whole way,” he says. “I feel very Choosing where to drive was the proud to have accomplished this next decision to make. TMC was and being able to share it with always a standout to Chris, and his family makes it even better.” family members also encouraged Chris’ new goal is to “pass” his dad him to apply here as well. “I always and uncle on their safe miles so he thought TMC can earn even more was really bragging rights. But cool and for now, he’s thankful I thought, ‘Well, had the best for all of the support it’s in my blood, so he’s received not only equipment,” Chris says. “I I should be able to from his family, but loved that I from TMC as well. “I do it. could put my couldn’t have done it Chris Dart name on the without the support door of my of my wife, dad, truck.” uncle, grandfathers, my fleet and After applying with TMC and operations managers, the guys who getting the job, Chris wasted no trained me back when I started, and time in starting the journey to the list could go on and on. I really joining the family million-mile just want to keep going and be club. Once he saw that odometer safe.” < hit 1,000,000, Chris couldn’t wait
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DRIVE SALUTES
HEARD FROM THE ROAD Cody Whited, #92657 Cody stopped to assist a car vs semi accident that was blocking a lane of traffic over a hill. There were no serious injuries, so he used a strobe light to warn oncoming traffic and prevent a secondary accident until authorities arrived on scene.
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Bradley D. Wolbert #12203 A driver delivering at Belk’s in Holmes, PA, wrote in to say that Bradley did an excellent job on his delivery. He also added that Bradley had a great attitude and was pleasant to work with.
- Jerame S. Facebook
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John A. Chokota, #10832 John was professional, had adequate speeds through the parking lot, and used his turn signals properly. - Karen Cox Industries
Bradford W. Eddy, #11167 A citizen called in to commend Bradford. She was proud that he took the time to honk his horn for her son and show him his truck. She also added that he was a polite and courteous driver. Great job representing TMC, Bradford!
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Sean McEwan, #12229 McEwan stopped to do a load check and a driver from M&M approached him to compliment TMC on our load securement. The driver said that our tarps always look good and our trucks are immaculate.
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Jesse A. Sample, #11037 Jesse is always early and stays late when needed. The guys in the warehouse love working with him, too! - Cara Majestic Steel
Matthew R. Lisenko Mr. Lisenko helped us out last week by letting us borrow a tensioner when we had to chain a coil that blew up on us. We are returning that tensioner to him tomorrow and we really appreciate his help in the matter. Thank you! - Brandon M. Porter
I am pretty sure Eaton Steel has the very best TMC dedicated drivers. Each one of them shows up ready to work, and I appreciate the work ethic and example they set.
I would like to start off by saying how much I appreciate you guys and TMC for servicing our trucking needs. We are a new company that is growing fast, and building a relationship with TMC has been one of our best decisions. Nathan Ross is a true gem for TMC when it comes to booking trucks. He is hands down the best I’ve dealt with within any company. Your drivers are also the most professional and courteous I’ve ever worked with, and I’ve been in the trucking industry for many years. On behalf of Arkansas Stave and Lumber, we greatly appreciate you guys and TMC for all you’ve done and will do in our bright future. –Philip Q. Arkansas Stave and Lumber LLC
- Tom I. Eaton Steel
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DRIVER SALUTES Ashton B. Curles, #11129 Safety just took a call from another OTR driver who was stopped in a rest area on I-77 in Ohio. He was having an issue with his trailer lights and wasn’t able to proceed with his delivery. Ashton and Dominic went over and helped him chase down the issue to a blown fuse. Ashton was able to give him a spare fuse to get him back up and running. The driver was very appreciative and wanted to make certain we knew about the kind deed.
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Douglas W. Lingner #10649 Home Depot in Hayes, KS were impressed with Doug’s attitude and willingness to help another driver.
–Jannelle Kennedy Safety Assistant
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Glen M. Mitchell, #11489 Glen was a excellent representation for TMC and I wish more drivers from all companies were more like Glen.
Raul O. Pizarro, #382 I received a phone call from a guy who owns a handful of trucks and is just getting into flatbedding. He wanted to call and say that Raul was a great help. They loaded at the same place and Raul helped him with securement and tarping. He also gave hime some advice on flatbedding as well. The gentlemen was more than appreciative of Raul and his character.
- Jim V. Summit Warehouse
- Josh Perry Safety Manager
James W. Palmer, #10341 Justin D. Hykes, #11241 I wanted to let you guys know that James and Justin were, hands down, the friendlest and most courteous drivers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. I have always been impressed with the quality of your drivers, and every driver that has been here so far has been great. That being said, James and Justin were above and beyond the normal. I wanted to pass that along, as they deserve the recognition! Outstanding job!
I just want to tell you again how much we appreciate your drivers. Every one of them are so kind and polite. We see a lot of different drivers come in here, and yours are the finest! Thanks for everything! –Deb U. Highway Equipment Company
- Phillip Q. Arkansas Stave and Lumber
Cody Whited, #92657 Cody rolled up on a box van vs. car crash on I35 north bound, right before 334 on a ramp in Waco, TX. He was first on sight. He pulled over right away, called 911, and then ran over to the crash site. He made sure the car with a mom, dad and newborn baby were safe, and then he checked on the trucker. They were in the middle of the road after a hill, so he directed traffic to make sure they were safe until the cops and ambulance arrived. This is the kind of stuff that a good man does to ensure the safety of others on the road! –Shawn Hachett #10689 14 | TMC Newletter | Fall 2018 Edition
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Paul M. Wilson, #11973 Paul recently delivered to B&W Customer Truck Beds in Humboldt, KS. The receiving manager, AJ, called to say that Paul represented TMC very well and was extremely professional. “It’s nice to see someone that outstanding.”
DRIVER SALUTES
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I’m a Belgian truck driver and I always go on vacation with the family in Florida. I have been following your company for years. My wife and I recently went on a two-day trip to Georgia, and it’s always great to see your Black and Chrome Peterbilts out on the road. You can tell the fleet is very well maintained. Hopefully I will be in the Des Moines neighborhood sometime to visit the company. Keep up the great work! - Gunther Beligan Trucker Fan
As a fellow professional driver, I see a lot of TMC trucks out on the road. I have to say that they are always clean, tidy, and being professionaly driven. In today’s society where people are far too quick to critize, I just wanted to congratulate your drivers. I only wish other drivers were the same! Hats off to them and keep up the good work. - Martin
Michael J. Montgomery Just received a call from a driver with Stack Logistics about Michael. He wanted to let us know what a great guy he is and how he helped him secure his load so there would not be any damage to the product. He added that Michael has one of the best attitudes that he has seen in a long time and appreciated the help. - John Young Safety Manager
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Dustin M. White, #10827 I got great reports from the plant on the driver yesterday, and I felt the same way when I met him as he delivered the load. I appreciated the knowledge and professionalism. He did a great job! - Brenda L.
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David A. Richardson #12307 Meherrin River Forest Products reached out to thank David for his work ethic, professionalism and character.
Kenneth C.W. Burton, #11379 A worker from the maintenance department at M$M Cartage called in to compliment Ken on his courteous and professional driving.
Wanted to drop you a note and let you know that TMC has done an awesome job in Charlotte supporting our Hurricane Florence Response Operation. TMC has delivered 85% of all our hurricane laods since Friday. Your team’s flexibility and focus has ensured the success of my team. Just wanted to say thank you and give you a big shout out! - Mike C. BDC, Sout East Region
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Edis Hodzic, #10768 Meherrin River Forest Products sent in a message about the outstanding work ethic, professionalism and character that Edis had while at their facility. They also commented on how well he tarped his load.
Stephen B. Estep, #11253 A motorist from Tennessee called in to compliment Stephen on how he handled his following distance in heavy traffic. The motorist used to work in safety for a large company and was very impressed.
I just received a call from a gentleman in Florida who felt compelled to contact us and let us know how much he appreciates our drivers and our company. He has been an OTR truck driver for another company for 26 years, so he felt he “qualified in making this judgement”, and went on to say that every TMC driver he’s encountered has been safe and courteous, and that says a lot about our company as a whole when it comes to training and respecting our drivers. He said that if he wasn’t so happy with where he was and was in better shape, he’d consider coming to work for us. I assured him that our drivers are our best asset and that we take pride in hiring and training our drivers to be the most professional on the road, and that if he’s ever looking for a change in scenery to give us a call. - Justyn Hardy Public Relation Manager Fall 2018 Edition | TMC Newsletter | 15
DRIVER SALUTES
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Kevin E. Williams, #11353 I wanted to give you guys a huge thank you for having such awesome drivers to work with! Kevin with boats who I’ve escorted into New York, is an amazing person!
Joseph E. Schneider, #10573 The owner of Best Way Pilot Cars, Dan, recently escorted Joe on an OD load in MO and AR. He wanted to commend Joe on his professionalism during the trip! - Dan Best Way Pilot Cars
- Stifler C. Facebook
A distribution center manager for one of our newer dedicated accounts, Johns Manville, expressed gratitude to TMC and our drivers, saying that they are great and he and his crew enjoy working with them.
“ Thomas C. Newman Jr, #11855 A citizen called in to report that Thomas was driving in a courteous and safe manner while on I95 in Virginia.
I have a 140 mile commute to work, there and back, every day. All of it is on I77 from Statesville to Charlotte. I am a superintendent for a large construction company. I just wanted to let you know, I have admired your drivers for years. TMC has always had the best-looking trucks and loads I’ve ever seen. Every one of your employees must be extremely proud to drive your black Peterbilts. Just wanted to let you know, whatever is on your business plan, it’s working. Your drivers make TMC look like the apex of the trucking business. Great job! Be proud of your company and continue to designate excellence as your goal. - Pat S. Olin, NC
James H. Levan, #11330 From time to time, I will see a driver outside his truck working with tarps, straps, chains, etc. and will stop to ask them how we treated them during their pick-up. The TMC driver I talked to was James Levan from Sevierville, TN and he has been a TMC employee for nine years. James was very happy with the service he received and said he has been here several times and enjoyed picking up here.The main purpose is to pass along how much praise James had for TMC as a company. He talked about the respect he had for the leadership, the management, the policies, and his dedication to the company. He bragged on the equipment he has, the flexibility of his schedule when needed, and the ESOP program the company has. He said other companies try to lure him and other drivers away with their promises, but in his case, he knows TMC has upheld their end of the bargain and he has no desire to leave. I told James that we were very pleased with the job TMC does for us and that we have received virtually zero complaints from our customers about them. We feel confident when we ship on a TMC truck that our material will arrive on time, on modern equipment, and with a professional driver. Thanks again for all TMC does for us! - Rick H. Steel Warehouse
16 | TMC Newletter | Fall 2018 Edition
Jaylen P. Love, #106767 A call came in from a worker at Home Depot in Hayes, KS, and they were impressed with Jaylen’s attitude and willingness to help another driver.
“ Derek A. Veland, #10058 Your driver was seen at the Truck World in North Jackson, OH, picking up trash in the parking lot. He deserves a pat on the back. - Nyles S. Facebook
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Brian M. Deford, #10564 Brian recently covered for a shag driver who was on vacation at John Deere in Ankeny. The sub loaders really enjoyed working with Brian and said he could come back anytime to be a sub.
