Driver of the Fourth Quarter: Richard Torres

DRIVER DRIVER of the Third Quarter

At TMC, ‘Driver of the Quarter’ is a distinction reserved for professional drivers that best represent the company’s sentiment, ‘Destination: Excellence’. Richard Torres illustrates this not only with his extensive tenure and safe driving record, but more so with his altruistic attitude and commitment to representing himself and TMC in the highest regard.

ASouth Carolina native, Richard joined the Black and Chrome Family in the summer of 1999. To him, the trucking industry was appealing as a respectable career with great financial potential. After all, Richard’s primary objective was to provide sufficient support for his family to live a comfortable life, which was becoming more and more important as a new father of twins. Not long into his career with TMC, one of his twins, Rachael, suffered a stroke. Rachael had open-heart surgery at only nine days old, which came as a shock to the Torres family. Richard was off the road caring for his daughter for nearly two months. The support the Torres family received from TMC, however, was unprecedented. Through help from the TMC Family Assistance Fund (FAF), a program designed to aid employees in times of hardship, and encouragement from those working behind the scenes, Richard was able to get back behind the wheel with a renewed faith in his choice of career and employer. “I am forever grateful for the support I received from my TMC family,” expresses Richard. “After everything, I knew this is where I needed to stay. It’s not just a job, it’s a home.”

Surround yourself with positivity. Be willing to continue learning. Help other drivers and listen to their stories. Attend as “ many classes and meetings as you can and apply what you learn. Don’t take anything for granted. THAT is the key to success. “

With the wheels turning and a newly acquired title of “Driver Trainer”, Richard was back on the road and offering expertise to fellow drivers. Soon after, he achieved his five-year safe driving award, and clocked in at one million safe miles. When Richard was awarded his ten-year milestone ring, he had put TWO MILLION safe driving miles under his belt. “In my opinion, Rich is a true reflection of who we hope to put in front of our customers,” says Tom Rubbo, Richard’s former dispatcher. “He is an excellent ambassador for existing, new and future drivers.” After 15 years into his driving for TMC, Richard decided to trade in the cab for the classroom. He signed on to manage the new driver orientation program in Columbia, S.C., imparting his knowledge on the faces of TMC’s future drivers. Though Richard enjoyed his time teaching, his heart took him back on the open road. Richard has been back in the drivers seat for a few years now and has resumed his role as a Driver Trainer. His ultimate goal before retiring is to accomplish four million safe driving miles, and inducted as a “TMC Wheel Master”. “The grass truly is greener at TMC,” says Richard. “Now that we are an employee-owned company, I’m excited for the future. It’s amazing to have a CEO who genuinely cares for his employees, and shows it by giving the company to us. It has made my job that much more enjoyable and the way I do it even more important.” His current Fleet Manager, Sam Bricker, sees that reflected in Richard’s performance and attitude. “Rich has been fantastic to work with. As soon as he came on my board, he was one of the top drivers on my team, and has been there ever since,” Sam explains. “Rich works very hard and is always giving his best. He is positive, runs hard and will take any load and deliver it safely and on-time. Rich has been with TMC for over 20 years now and I am surprised he has not won Driver of the Quarter already!” Richard resides in Lexington, S.C., and enjoys spending time with his three children. His twins, Richie and Rachael are now 23, and his youngest, Christian, is 18. 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.