CarriersEdge, the leading provider of online driver quality improvement solutions, will be conducting the survey for TCA. As in previous years, the company expects that the survey data will reveal a wealth of carrier success stories in areas such as benefits, professional development, driver and community support, safety record, and company culture.

One of TCA’s goals is to ensure that this information gets to the general public, where it can serve as a tool to combat the truck driver shortage.     

“Best Fleets to Drive For promotes the positives. It shows that there are a lot of good opportunities available right now in trucking,” said John Kaburick, chairman of TCA and president of Earl L. Henderson Trucking Company, Salem, Illinois. “When people who haven’t previously considered a trucking career learn that carriers are offering unique bonus systems or perks like gym memberships, that could be just the incentive they need to give those companies – and the trucking industry in general – more serious consideration.”

Another goal of the survey is to focus attention on promoting the companies that are already doing a good job, and push others to follow in their footsteps – continually improving the overall average and status quo.      

“Being listed as a Best Fleet to Drive For has a cascading effect,” said Mark Murrell, president of CarriersEdge. “Companies represented in the survey get a lot of positive P.R., which results in more drivers wanting to work for them. Other carriers want the same competitive advantage, so they strive to implement similar or better features within their own companies. The end result is an improved trucking industry for everyone concerned.”      

The recognition is good for driver morale, too. Richard Bailey, president of Boyd Bros. Transportation, the overall winner in last year’s Best Fleet for Company Drivers category, said, “We couldn’t have won as a Best Fleet without our drivers speaking up, asserting that they like what we are doing and are happy driving for us. Such word of mouth is a powerful thing and goes a long way toward improving driver satisfaction.”

The survey is open to all for-hire trucking companies with 10 trucks or more, whether TCA members or not. These are evaluated against a broad range of criteria reflecting current HR best practices. Nominations must originate from one or more company drivers and/or owner-operators affiliated with the carrier. Initial information provided by the nominator will be further corroborated through interviews with the company’s management and an additional random sampling of the company’s drivers. Top finishers will be identified as Best Fleets to Drive For, and the highest scoring fleets in each of the Company Driver and Owner-Operator categories will be named that category’s overall winner.

To view best practices from last year’s survey as well as profiles of the overall winners, visit www.BestFleetsToDriveFor.com.

Previously, customers could visit various reports online to see that a shipment was out for delivery, but they had to call the service center to get an estimate of when the shipment would be delivered. This was usually a “guesstimate” of when the driver would be in the area based on experience. While not always accurate, this was the best that could be done given the technology available.

The new ETD feature is supported by the information technology investments made by Southeastern over the past decade. Southeastern’s Synergy Routing System designs the most efficient route for freight delivery, taking into account customer addresses, appointment times and even the fact that right turns are faster than left turns. Using this data and standard handling times associated with the volume of freight, Southeastern is able to develop a schedule of estimated delivery times. A plus/minus one hour window is added to the computed delivery time to allow for traffic or customer delays.

Once a window of time is established, Southeastern’s Laser Dispatch System provides real-time data communications that show the actual route start time along with the arrival and departure times at each customer stop. This information corrects the original schedule, if necessary, and if a delay impacts the schedule outside the two-hour window, the system automatically adjusts the subsequent deliveries accordingly. The ETD is then displayed on the status report which can be viewed by the customer and service center associates.

“In today’s market, providing customers with the information they need when they need it is just as important as moving the freight, and our customers can always count on Southeastern to be at the forefront of transportation technology,” said Braxton Vick, senior vice president of corporate planning and development for Southeastern Freight Lines. “By making the best use of our onboard computer technologies, satellite and terrestrial communications, geo-coding tools, sophisticated software and the Internet, we are able to keep our customers updated with the most accurate information available.”

About Southeastern Freight Lines

Southeastern Freight Lines, a privately-owned regional less-than-truckload transportation services provider founded in 1950, specializes in next-day service in the Southeast and Southwest and operates 76 service centers in 12 states and Puerto Rico. Southeastern has a network of service partners to ensure transportation services in the remaining 38 states, Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Mexico. Southeastern Freight Lines provides more than 99.35% on-time service in next day lanes. A dedication to service quality and a continuous quality improvement process that began in 1985 has been recognized by more than 300 quality awards received from customers and associations. For more information, please visit www.sefl.com.

The meeting, held at the U.S. Department of Treasury with Ron Bloom, Obama’s senior counsel for Manufacturing Policy; Kyle Treadway, ATD chairman; Dick Witcher, ATD vice chairman; and Phil Brady, NADA/ATD president, laid out the economic and environmental challenges facing truck purchasers, which has resulted in depressed sales of more than 60 percent compared to four years ago. Other stakeholders at the meeting included truck and engine manufacturers, drivers, lease and rental companies, equipment manufacturers and fleet managers.

“The Obama administration is currently considering additional ways to stimulate the economy and this meeting created a dialogue on how the trucking industry, which employs 7.3 million Americans, can play an important role in the nation’s economic recovery and put people back to work,” said Treadway, president/CEO of Kenworth Sales Company in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Wednesday’s invitation was extended by the White House after ATD, trade associations and truck companies sent a letter to President Obama stressing the importance of the trucking industry to the nation’s economy as well as the fallout which has occurred in truck sales and manufacturing over the past year. Click here for the letter.

In both the letter and the meeting, the trucking coalition urged the administration to consider ways to help stimulate the commercial truck industry, including a proposed temporary 10 percent investment tax credit or “green voucher” towards the purchase of any 2010 emissions-certified trucks and other incentives.

“Due to the 2010 nitrogen-oxide requirements adding almost 10 percent to the cost of a new truck on top of the strained economy, further stimulus is needed to boost the new truck market,” Treadway added. “This would help strengthen our manufacturing base, create jobs and further reduce greenhouse gasses.”

In addition to the tax credit proposal, the coalition highlighted several issues associated with selling trucks in the current marketplace, as well as options to increase commercial truck exports from the United States.

“Our efforts to educate policymakers will continue on Capitol Hill, where we will encourage Members of Congress to work with the White House to consider incentives that will sell more efficient trucks and enhance the likelihood of a sustained recovery,” Treadway said.
Source: NADAFrontPage.com

Goos has been driving for Decker for about seven years. He and his wife, Shirley, have eight children and 15 grandchildren. Goos’s favorite way to relax after being on the road is spending time at home with Shirley. He enjoys yard work and riding his motorcycle, and loves to watch Nascar on television. One of the most important pieces of advice Goos gives to new drivers is to ask questions. “That’s one of the best safety tips,” said Goos. “If you don’t know something–ask!” His biggest pet peeve is people who don’t do their job. 

“Kirby is on a dedicated run from Chicago to St. Joseph, Missouri,” said his dispatcher, Sue Anderson. “He will also pick up loads in Sperry to get back to Chicago for his next load there. He is easy to work with, delivers on time and gets along well with customers. I haven’t heard any complaints on his performance. He always completes his computer work correctly and in a timely manner.” 

Michael Brown, the winner for the Reefer-Van division, has a 15-year-old son and 20-year-old daughter. A driver for Decker for four years, Brown says his biggest safety tip for other drivers would be to “avoid distractions, and to expect the unexpected.” He advises new drivers to plan ahead, and tells them that tough times never last, but tough people do! 

The former running back (University of Texas at Austin, 1980-85) watches mostly football and nature shows on television, and he enjoys listening to jazz and is currently listening to a lot of George Clinton. His dispatcher, Michael Kehoe, said Brown is a pleasure to work with. “Michael is always willing to take the load, and he communicates well, insuring an on-time delivery.” 

Founded in 1931, Decker Truck Line, Inc. is a diversified carrier, transporting flatbed, refrigerated and dry van freight to the 48 contiguous states and seven Canadian provinces. Under the sole ownership of Don Decker, Decker’s corporate office is located in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Additional terminals are located in Davenport, Iowa; Mediapolis, Iowa; Mason City, Iowa; Hammond, Indiana; Birmingham, Alabama; Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Missoula, MT.

• Check the fuel tanks, fuel lines, and fuel filters before putting idled trucks back into service. During the winter, water or moisture can condensate on top of the fuel tank from the fuel constantly freezing and thawing. The lower the fuel level in the tank, the bigger the problem can be, he added. The algae forms from the condensation, not on the diesel fuel itself, but it can contaminate the fuel.
  

• Do not use diesel additives to treat algae in a fuel tank. The truck should be towed to a repair facility that can drain the fuel tank, the fuel pump and fuel lines, properly dispose of the contaminated fuel and clean the injectors and filters, he added. Using additives inside the tank can make the contamination problem worse, particularly if the truck has a 2007 model or newer engine.  Newer engines depend on a fuel with a very low sulfur content in order to meet the strict emission limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board.
  

• Replace damaged fuel tanks with OEM-quality replacement tanks. TRP Aftermarket Parts offers replacement fuel tanks made by an ISO-certified manufacturer that uses the same thickness and grade of aluminum standards called for in OEM manufacturing.
  

• Check engine oil seals. When trucks sit for long periods of time without being routinely started and allowed to run for brief amounts of time, the rubber in the seals can actually dry out and deteriorate.
  

• Examine drive belts, hoses, fittings and adaptors, plus the exhaust system for leaks. If they need to be replaced, choose quality replacements like those offered by Dynacraft and TRP®.  
  

Harrison said before returning an idled truck to service, it should always be checked out by a trained qualified technician since CSA 2010 establishes vehicle maintenance as one of seven categories under which carriers will be examined. Harrison and Dehm also recommend a number of maintenance steps truck operators and maintenance managers can take to be prepared for CSA 2010:
 

• Wash the truck and trailer routinely, particularly during the winter season to remove chemical de-icers and road salts from trucks and trailers. Routine washings not only prevent corrosion of the body, they also prevent buildup and potential damage to the truck’s and trailer’s electrical system and wheel components including brakes. Routine washings also help prevent build up of road salts on fifth wheels, which can cause them to seize up.  Quality brake components, like the spring brake chambers offered by TRP Aftermarket Parts, feature coatings that protect them from rust jacking caused by chemicals and road salts. However, allowing calcium chlorides and salts to settle on truck and trailer parts for long periods of time can encourage premature damage, particularly if any cracks or chips develop in the protective coating.
  

• Develop a routine maintenance program for trailers that includes periodic inspections and replacement of trailer brakes such as the spring brake chambers offered by TRP. Trailers often sit unused for long periods of time in truck operations.
  

• Consider a replacement program for truck, tractor and trailer lights. New light emitting diode (LED) lighting products, like those available from TRP Aftermarket Parts, can enhance detection of the vehicle or trailer when it’s parked in a dark or dimly lit parking lot or on the side of a road, something that’s particularly important in the dead of winter.
  

• Follow engine manufacturers’ recommendations for regular valve adjustments and DPF filter cleanings, like the FSX cleaning service provided by participating Kenworth and Peterbilt dealers for trucks equipped with 2007 or later compliant emission systems.
  

• Conduct regular analysis of your engine oil condition. This can help you identify potential failures prior to a major expense or downtime.
  

“As with any vehicle or trailer, regular preventive maintenance properly conducted can identify the potential for problems in the shop before they occur on the road or become a violation of the new federal regulations,” Harrison said.   
 
About PACCAR Parts
PACCAR Parts operates a network of parts distribution centers worldwide, which offer aftermarket parts sales support to Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF dealerships around the world. The company offers quality brands that not only meet OEM specifications, but also customers’ expectations regardless which major manufacturer makes their trucks. Among those brands are CLIMATECH, ROADLEVELER, and MIRREX.
 
PACCAR Parts also distributes TRP Aftermarket Parts for commercial vehicles, which are available through a network of authorized retailers that include Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF dealerships. From dump trucks to cement mixers, delivery vans to tractor trailers, school buses to transit buses, TRP offers reliable aftermarket products that are designed and tested to exceed customers’ expectations regardless of the vehicle make, model or age.  For more information, visit www.TRPParts.com.
    

“When we see unemployment at 10 percent or more across the nation, we are extremely proud to be one of the corporate citizens in a position to positively contribute,” says Phillips.

The new site, which represents an $8.4 million investment, will have over 35,000 square feet sitting on a total of about 19 acres.

Phillips says the new facility’s shop will contain a total of eight bays at 116 feet in length—including two drive-through inspection lanes with indoor fueling.  The driver lounge, restroom, and shower facilities will also be very spacious and accommodating.

Orientation capacity with the new facility is expected to accommodate up to 30 new drivers per week and plentiful parking will be available for large trucks and trailers.

“We’re just very excited that building on the new facility has started,” Phillips says. “It represents another stepping stone in the future growth of Marten.  We’re very grateful for everyone’s contribution to Marten’s stability and success.”

 

About Marten Transport

Marten Transport specializes in transporting food and other consumer packaged goods that require a time and temperature-sensitive or insulated environment.

For more information on services or opportunities at Marten Transport, call 800-395-3331 or visit us online at www.drive4marten.com.