March 2018's Trainer of the Month Award Goes To John Strickland Jr.!

on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 in Awards & Recognition

A driver for TMC since May 2011, John is no stranger to the flatbed lifestyle. For years later, John decided he wanted to do his part in giving back to the company. He knew that training drivers would be the best way for him to do so. “I had a great trainer when I started, and I wanted to be able to pass on my knowledge to other new drivers,” John says.

One of his favorite parts of training is meeting new drivers and showing them the tricks of the trade. “No one is perfect when they first start, and a lot of things take time to master,” John says. “I take a very hands-on approach and do my best to teach my trainees how to work efficiently.”

“John sets his guys at ease when he first meets them by talking about what they need to work on or any concerns they have,” says Jeff Geist, Training Coordinator Manger. “He focuses on safety and working from the ground whenever possible.”

Above all, John makes it a priority to be there for his drivers. “I’m always available, so I tell them to never be afraid to call me about anything.” He also stresses the importance of remembering that there is always a team behind you to help. “I have a great Fleet Manager and I know he’ll always have my back. You have to work with them to find the right balance of what you want out of the job.”

John, right, with Jeff Geist, Training Coordinator Manager

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 2018 Trainer of the Month, John Strickland Jr!