Driver of the Quarter

Danny Bolyard's dedication has helped him achieve one of TMC's most esteemed awards, the Driver of the Third Quarter. However, he is a unique driver in many ways because his career did not begin like many TMC drivers on the road; it actually started beneath the sea.

Bolyard, a US Navy retiree, started his journey as a chef on submarines in 1971. After 24 years in the Navy, he began to accustom himself in the civilian world and continued as a cook before trying something new.

While sitting in a classroom at driving school five years later, a TMC recruiter talked about ease of tarping, great equipment and other aspects that seemed to appeal to a military retiree. "TMC sounded a like a good company with many things I was looking for and that's when I chose TMC as my choice of employment," says Bolyard.

Bolyard started with TMC under the Dakota name until he was put into a new truck in 2001. This was also the time where he acquired his current fleet manager, Tracy Good. "It has been an honor to work with Danny over the last several years. He is a hard worker and definitely an asset to TMC. He is always professional and courteous," says Good.

Bolyard says that having a good fleet manager can make or break a new driver, something he is grateful to have after all of these years. "Having a good fleet manager that will listen to you is important because everyone gets frustrated. I still do even after driving all of these years. That's why it's great to have someone that will listen and work for you."

With Bolyard's tenure with TMC, it has been a team effort. He and his wife, Mary, will be married 36 years in December. Fleet manager Tracy Good says that Danny and Mary have been great partners at TMC. "Behind every good man is a good woman.... his wife," continues Good. "Danny's wife is very supportive of his career and I think this has contributed to his success as a professional truck driver."

"Danny has done a good job since coming aboard as evident by his preventable accident free time for the last 9 years, says Todd Bunting, safety manager. "He represents the company well and we are fortunate to have him driving for TMC."

Bolyard says that he just does his job every day and tries to keep a low profile. But for any advice for drivers out there, he says, "Take it one day at a time, one mile and one load at a time. Make the best of it. If it's a bad day, hopefully tomorrow will be better."