Meet TMC's Driver of the 3rd Quarter, Randy Buhs!

on Thursday, November 29, 2018 in Awards & Recognition

With 18 years and nearly two million safe driving miles, both consecutively with TMC, Randy Buhs is the epitome of a TMC Driver of the Quarter. The Peoria, IL native and Army veteran came to TMC at the turn of the century and immediately made a name for himself.

Randy has experienced just about every opportunity the truck driving industry has to offer. Before he came to TMC, Randy drove reefer regionally for 11 years. Seeking a change of scenery and a more challenging routine, Randy decided he wanted to drive flatbed. He was drawn to TMC because of its sparkling reputation.

While driving on TMC's over-the-road linehaul division, Randy enjoyed seeing all that the United States has to offer. He was even was a driver trainer for several years before he joined the elite TMC Specialized Division, hauling heavy equipment. He now drivers on a local, dedicated position near his hometown. He continues to be a shining representative of a TMC driver.

"From the very beginning, I was very pleased with my choice to drive for TMC," says Randy. "The quality of this company is evident with the top-notch equipment, and having my name on my door makes me feel like I am not just a number. TMC values their drivers and gives you all the tools to be your own boss and be successful."

Driving two million miles while maintaining a spotless safety record is no accident (no pun intended). Randy’s number one goal is to give 100% effort to his job each and every day, and to do so with a safety conscious work ethic.

"In this industry, it is so important to be alert, aware, and do everything you can to keep yourself and motorists safe out on the road," Randy explains. "To achieve this goal, I make sure to do everything with a deliberate, easy pace, and not get in a rush. At the end of the week when I park my truck I look back, review and ask myself what I could have to be more safe and efficient. I strive to always do better than I did the day before."

Randy is grateful to work for a company that gives back to their employees. Randy experienced the implementation of TMC employee-ownership program in 2013, and found that it gave him even more motivation to work harder and smarter.

"It is amazing that our owner thinks so much of his drivers and employees that he chose to keep TMC's core values and turn his company over to us," says Randy. "It lights a fire under you. The better you do your job, the more successful the company is. All TMC employees get to share in those benefits. In the five years since we’ve been employee-owned, the growth and success has been tremendous. I couldn’t be happier in my choice of companies to work for."

Most are familiar with TMC’s signature motto, "Destination: Excellence". When Randy first began driving with TMC, he always thought it was a nice expression, but couldn’t fully understand what it meant at first.

"After 18 years, that motto has resonated with me and really made an impact on my goals for the future," he says. "At the end of your driving career, when you step out of that truck, did you really achieve that destination of excellence? When I retire, I want to be able to say that I did."

"Randy does an excellent job on the Arconic dedicated account," says Brent Funk, Randy’s Fleet Manager. "He is a driver that I can consistently count on to get the job done right and on time. Randy has a phenomenal work ethic and is very deserving of this award. I look forward to seeing Randy continue to succeed at TMC."

Randy resides in East Peoria, IL with his wife of 37 years. He has two grown children and is a proud grandfather to two young grandchildren. We are blessed to have Randy as a part of the Black and Chrome family, and we greatly appreciate the hard work he puts in each day. Congratulations, Randy!

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. Be like Randy and join the TMC team.