John Steers with Pride and Perseverance

on Thursday, August 2, 2018 in Awards & Recognition

TMC is proud to present John Strickland Jr. as the recipient of the distinguished Driver of the Quarter award for the second quarter of 2018. John has been a professional truck driver with the company for more than seven years, always steering his career with pride and perseverance.

John was drawn to the trucking industry for the exciting challenges and the comfortable living it provides. He enjoys the journey of the open road and the variance of the day-to-day over-the-road lifestyle.

“I love working hard; it’s in my blood,” says John. “This job takes a deep sense of dedication, and I take pride in giving 100% effort every day.”

John obtained his CDL several years before joining the Black and Chrome fleet while working at a small local operation. He didn’t see much driving time, and was hungry for adventure and the opportunity to further his career. John chose to sign on with TMC because of the diversity and physicality of flatbed, the industry leading home time, and performance based pay package. 

After a successful first few years at TMC, John chose to become a driver trainer and help provide new drivers with the tools to succeed in their own careers.

In 2013, upon TMC’s implementation of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), John’s job took on a whole new meaning. “From the beginning, I knew I wanted to retire here. Being an employee-owner gives you something more to reach for,” John explains. “Everything you do contributes toward your future, and training gives you the opportunity to teach new drivers the right way to do things to keep the company successful. It gives you a whole new goal.”

John has been so successful as both a driver and driver trainer that he was named TMC’s “Trainer of the Month” in March of this year. He is also well on his way to reaching his first million safe driving miles, an accomplishment he has long been determined to achieve. Being a safe driver is of utmost importance to John, and he takes active steps every day to ensure the safety of himself, his trainees, and other motorists. 

“Tolerance and patience is key,” he says. “Always execute thorough pre-trips and be prepared to adapt to new situations. And of course, always get plenty of rest!”

"John is outstanding in every category,” says Sam Bricker, John’s Fleet Manager. “I have worked with John for several years now and he takes a lot of pride in his job and working for TMC. He is one of the hardest working drivers I have and always strives to do things correctly and safely. John is extremely reliable, easy going, and will do whatever it takes to get the job done."

John is a native of Camden, Arkansas, but currently resides in northeast Texas. He is a proud father, and recently became a grandfather. TMC is proud to have John as a fantastic representation of the company and trucking industry as a whole, and we look forward to his future successes. 

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.