Robert Hoffman Named Driver of the Third Quarter

on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 in Awards & Recognition

Born and raised in the trucking industry, driver Rob Hoffman has been a great representation of TMC since he began his career with the company nearly 14 years ago. He has a collection of safe driving awards, including a five year safe driving watch and a ten year safe driving ring, but Rob recently earned the title of “Driver of the Quarter,” his biggest award yet.

Rob is a driver that wears TMC’s colors proudly. He admires the company’s sense of structure and discipline. “I always know what to expect,” he says. “You know the consequences of your actions before you do them, good and bad.”

Additionally, Rob gives a nod to those that he works with as a reason that makes his job enjoyable. Travis Johnson was his first fleet manager when he started with TMC in 2001, and is now the Executive Vice President of Operations. Rob spent his next 11 years on well-respected veteran fleet manager Ed DePaulo’s fleet where he made his mark on the company. In 2012, he made what he calls his “best move inside TMC” to the Worthington Dedicated account where he enjoys working under Jeff Bleadorn, fleet manager, and alongside CSR of Worthington, Mike Makovec.

One of Rob’s fondest memories of his time here with TMC was back in 2007, when he had the opportunity to drive NASCAR driver and son of CEO Harrold Annett, Michael Annett’s hauler from track to track. “It was a 23 hour-a-day job, but it was a great experience. It was Michael’s last few races before he went to race with the big boys,” says Rob.

Rob believes that the key to being a successful driver for TMC lies in one word: discipline. “You have to have the mindset every day that you’re going to do your job to the best of your ability and give it one hundred and ten percent when you get behind the wheel of that truck,” he explains. “Do your job right, and do it right the first time.”

Reveling in his success, Rob describes how he’s wanted to be a truck driver since he was a little boy, and gives much of the credit to his wife. “If you don’t have support at home, you can’t be successful. Trucker wives are one step below military wives.”

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.