Andrew Theobald Named March 2016 Trainer of the Month

on Monday, May 16, 2016 in Awards & Recognition

With over five and a half years of driver training experience, Andrew Theobald has been named Trainer of the Month for March 2016. Andrew admitted that he was nervous to take on the role of a driver trainer, but couldn't deny his passion for teaching. "I want my drivers to be successful on their own once they leave the truck," Andrew explains.  

Training his 42nd trainee, this driver trainer knows a thing or two about catering to a new driver's learning style. "Each person has a different personality, attitude, and mindset. I've got to do my best to cater to each one," he explains. Andrew's philosophy on training is to "be patient and understanding and remember you were once a new driver, too." One of the biggest challenges he sees new drivers face is learning to shift and adjust to the trucking lifestyle. This job is a lifestyle change, and he tries to ease that transition.

TMC Transportation brings in experienced and inexperienced drivers alike, as well as drivers who don't have their Class A license yet. This diverse community of professional drivers keeps Andrew on his toes. In Andrew's driver training experience, he has dealt with a vast variety of personalities. Andrew once had a trainee who was a man of few words - but that didn't slow his teaching down. "I am careful to respect my trainee's boundaries so he/she can learn in a comfortable environment." 

Reflecting on his training days, he recalls that as a new driver, you learn from the bad and try to teach others better. "I show my trainees what I wish was shown to me when I was a trainee, but I also try not to forget to enjoy myself."

Andrew continues to enjoy his journey with TMC, and is grateful for the opportunity to travel all around the United States. "Meeting new people and getting to see how beautiful each state is at the same time is amazing."

"Andy has continued to set a high standard for new drivers here at TMC Transportation. He trains drivers the right way to do their job," says Training Coordinator Manager, Jeff Geist. "The last six guys he has trained are all still out there driving for TMC." 

Back in January 2016, our Safety Department received a phone call complimenting Andrew and his trainee on their driving. According to Jannelle Kennedy, 

"Safety took a phone call this afternoon from a lady named Kathy. She wanted to compliment the driver of Truck #10277. She was traveling from the Cincinnati area to Indianapolis yesterday. I-70 was closed due to a multi-car pileup, so she ended up being behind our truck while following a detour. Kathy explained that she would normally dread being "stuck" behind a semi, but found our driver being very courteous and driving appropriately for the deteriorating weather conditions. Even after completing the detour, she stayed behind our truck because she felt reassured that he would be safe. Andrew's trainee, Dennis Myles, was actually driving at the time. Kudos to both of them for showing Kathy how professional our drivers operate."

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 March 2016 Trainer of the Month, Andrew Theobald!

Andrew (left) and Jeff Geist, Training Coordinator Manager