Tag Archives: #trainerofthemonth

James Hawes Named TMC’s Trainer of the Month for August 2019

When it comes to life on the road, James is no stranger to the industry. He has been driving since 1998, with most of those years consisting of flatbed. \

“I’ve done a little bit of everything when it comes to driving, but I always end up coming back to flatbed,” he says.

James found his way to TMC in November 2013 after his wife sent him an application to apply to the company. “I was really interested in the trucks and the home time that was promised,” James says.

“This is one of the few companies I have worked for that is more family oriented than anything, and that’s really important to me.”

The Flint, TX, native moved into the training role shortly after starting with TMC. “When I was at other companies, I didn’t have the kind of training that TMC offers. I’ve been doing this for a while and I wanted to be that person who helps someone start a new career.”

James puts his trainees to work right away, but he keeps his style laid back and personable. “I try to get my guys out doing the job and learning as much as they can, but I like to keep it light and make sure I’m building good relationships with my trainees.”

So what is James’ favorite part of training?

“Always having someone else around to help with tarps!” he jokes. “But in all seriousness, seeing these guys make it to their own trucks. Getting that call and knowing that someone got their start because of the help you gave them is the most rewarding.”

Finally, James says he owes his success to him Trainer Coordinator, Jeremy Meyer, and Fleet Manager, Clint Pedersen. “This recognition really caught me by surprise, but it’s not just me out here. Jeremy and Clint both keep me running and are really the two people that make this possible for me.”

Driver trainers are vital to the TMC training department, and each month a trainer is chosen who demonstrates the outstanding qualities TMC looks for in a trainer. The Trainer of the Month recipient is chosen based on their safety record and the safety performance of their trainees, the number of drivers trained and the retention percentage of those drivers. Congratulations to our August 2019 Trainer of the Month, James Hawes!

 

About TMC
TMC Transportation is the nation’s largest employee-owned flatbed transportation company. TMC provides expert transportation services and supply-chain management solutions throughout the 48 contiguous states. Founded in 1972, TMC is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, and is known for its integrity, innovation, superior safety record and dedication to quality and customer service. The company’s claim-free, on-time delivery record is the best in the business and is consistently recognized by its customers.

Visit their website here, or see their jobs on SmartPhoneTrucker here.

Anthony Leech Named TMC’s Trainer of the Month for June 2019

Before joining the Black and Chrome in 2003, Anthony was working a job where he made tires. Craving a change of scenery and a new challenge to take on, he chose to enter the world of over-the-road trucking.

“I was going through training at a CDL school when a recruiter for TMC visited,” he says. “The company was just transitioning to Peterbilt trucks and they promised awesome home time, which were two appealing things for me.”

Although his love for the job came easy, the Panama City Beach native wasn’t sure that he would feel the same about training. “I was approached about it a couple of times, but I declined because I was nervous to try it out,” he says.

Now in his sixth year of training, Anthony is glad he took the leap of faith. “Getting to know someone new and showing them how TMC works has turned into another aspect of my job that I love.”

The camaraderie out on the road is something that also became more important to Anthony. “Some of my best friends are people that have been my trainees,” he says. “In fact, I have been a best man in two weddings for people I have trained.”

Anthony makes sure to focus on the basics when it comes to training. “You have to be aware of your surroundings and make sure you’re safe doing whatever it is you’re doing. As long as you keep the wheels spinning safely, you’ll find success.”

Over the road driving is a huge transition and shouldn’t be taken lightly. “Most guys get in the truck and doubt themselves,” says Anthony. “It’s my job to encourage them to keep going and keep learning.”

Finally, the relationships he has been able to develop with training coordinators and staff are some of the many reasons he plans to stick around. “I plan on retiring with TMC; I’m not going anywhere.”

Driver trainers are vital to the TMC training department, and each month a trainer is chosen who demonstrates the outstanding qualities TMC looks for in a trainer. The Trainer of the Month recipient is chosen based on their safety record and the safety performance of their trainees, the number of drivers trained and the retention percentage of those drivers.

Congratulations to our June 2019 Trainer of the Month, Anthony Leech!

 

About TMC

TMC Transportation is the nation’s largest employee-owned flatbed transportation company. TMC provides expert transportation services and supply-chain management solutions throughout the 48 contiguous states. Founded in 1972, TMC is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, and is known for its integrity, innovation, superior safety record and dedication to quality and customer service. The company’s claim-free, on-time delivery record is the best in the business and is consistently recognized by its customers. Visit them at www.tmctrans.com, or click here to see their jobs on SmartPhoneTrucker.

Blaine Butts Named TMC’s Trainer of the Month for May 2019

When it comes to the TMC way of life, Blaine is no stranger. He started his professional driving career just over nine years ago in June 2010, and a life on the road became the ideal lifestyle he was looking for.

“After a long career in manufacturing, I wanted to find something new and a job my wife and I could do together,” he says. “TMC gave me that opportunity, and it seemed like the perfect fit.”

Once the River Oaks, TX, native had two years of driving under his belt, he knew that training was the next step for him in his career.

“Everyone in the training department runs such a good program, and I believe it’s the best in the world,” he says. “Wanting to train came from loving TMC and wanting to help be a part of our continued success.”

His first trainee was actually his wife, Lisa, and they drove as a team for seven years. He trained on and off during this period, but when Lisa decided to go back to school, Blaine took on training full-time.

When it comes to his training style, Blaine does his best to be a friend and mentor out on the road. He shares his own triumphs and challenges that he has faced over the years, and works very hard to build great relationships with everyone.

One way he does this is by having them come up with a handle, or a nickname to go by. Blaine’s personal handle is “Captain Jelly Bean,” and some other names his trainees have gone by are: Hush Puppy (his wife’s handle), Wicker Man, Deputy Sunflower, Wild Alaska, Hammerhead and Mr. Positive.

“I take care of my trainees the best I can, just like TMC does for me,” he says. “Being a trainer has also made me a better driver, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to do the same.”

Driver trainers are vital to the TMC training department, and each month a trainer is chosen who demonstrates the outstanding qualities TMC looks for in a trainer. The Trainer of the Month recipient is chosen based on their safety record and the safety performance of their trainees, the number of drivers trained and the retention percentage of those drivers. Congratulations to our May 2019 Trainer of the Month, Blaine Butts!

About TMC
TMC Transportation is the nation’s largest employee-owned flatbed transportation company. TMC provides expert transportation services and supply-chain management solutions throughout the 48 contiguous states. Founded in 1972, TMC is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, and is known for its integrity, innovation, superior safety record and dedication to quality and customer service. The company’s claim-free, on-time delivery record is the best in the business and is consistently recognized by its customers.

You can visit TMC’s website here, or see their jobs on SmartPhoneTrucker here.

Jeff Kelley Named Trainer of the Month for February 2019

DES MOINES, Iowa, March 28, 2019 – Jeff has always viewed trucking as a respectable position, as his dad was a truck driver. In fact, when he came to crossroads in his career, his dad encouraged him to pursue a job in the industry. “I used to be a preacher and when the economy went south, congregations were downsized,” Jeff says. “I wanted a new job to support my family and my dad had heard great things about TMC.”

While it wasn’t an easy decision to leave preaching, Jeff feels that he made the right choice. This is just one reason why he wanted to start training. “A lot of drivers are in the same place I was when I started: leaving home and doing something completely new and different,” Jeff says. “I want them to recognize that they made a tough decision, but that is was also the right one.”

When it comes to his training style, the Thomasville, NC, native says he takes a hands-on, laid-back approach. He mentioned that most of his trainees are already good drivers, and they just need to fine-tune their skills.

“I like the relationships I am able to develop with each person,” he says. “The best part of my job is when past trainees call me to tell me about their positive experiences, whether those be on the job or something in their personal life.”

After they leave his truck, Jeff encourages his trainees to come up with goals they would like to accomplish at TMC, and share those with their Fleet Managers. “Establishing positive relationships from the beginning is a great first step to success here, and if Fleet Managers are aware of personal goals, they are able to work better to help drivers reach them.”

At the end of the day, it all goes back to where he started with TMC that keeps Jeff motivated. “I’m thankful for my trainer, Jerry Hinson, for putting me on a good path at TMC when I was totally new to the industry. My Fleet Manager, Glenda Miller, is also awesome and I hope I can meet her in person someday.”

Driver trainers are vital to the TMC training department, and each month a trainer is chosen who demonstrates the outstanding qualities TMC looks for in a trainer. The Trainer of the Month recipient is chosen based on their safety record and the safety performance of their trainees, the number of drivers trained and the retention percentage of those drivers. Congratulations to our February 2019 Trainer of the Month, Jeff Kelley!

 

About TMC

TMC Transportation is the nation’s largest employee-owned flatbed transportation company. TMC provides expert transportation services and supply-chain management solutions throughout the 48 contiguous states. Founded in 1972, TMC is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, and is known for its integrity, innovation, superior safety record and dedication to quality and customer service. The company’s claim-free, on-time delivery record is the best in the business and is consistently recognized by its customers. Visit them at www.tmctrans.com, or see their jobs on SmartPhoneTrucker here.