Motor Carrier Service, Inc. and Paramount Freight Systems are Overall Winners of 2012 Best Fleets to Drive For Both fleets incorporate driver feedback into company operating procedures to ensure the best possible working environment

           Kissimmee, Fla. – This morning, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and its partner CarriersEdge named the overall winners of the fourth annual Best Fleets to Drive For survey and contest. Motor Carrier Service, Inc. (MCS) of Northwood, Ohio, was selected as the Best Fleet for Company Drivers, sponsored by Marsh Canada, Ltd. For the second year in a row, Paramount Freight Systems (PFS) of Ft. Myers, Fla., was selected as the Best Fleet for Owner Operators.

            Best Fleets to Drive For is an annual survey and contest identifying the North American for-hire trucking companies that provide the best workplace experiences for their drivers. Nominated carriers are evaluated on the range and depth of offered programs, the overall effectiveness of those programs across key metrics, and the responses of surveyed drivers. The top finishers are identified as Best Fleets to Drive For, and the highest scoring fleet in each category is named overall winner.

Both companies received their awards on March 6, 2012, as part of the TCA Annual Convention at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Fla.

Motor Carrier Service, Inc., like most carriers, measures driver performance as a routine part of daily operations. However, unlike other fleets — where evaluation methods are created at the management level and then communicated to the drivers — MCS actively solicits its drivers’ feedback up front. For example, drivers were recently asked what they should be measured on and which factors they believe are less useful indicators of performance. When they suggested that truck cleanliness and driver attitude be taken into consideration, MCS incorporated these measurements into the overall evaluation procedure. The result was a resounding success that “changed things dramatically,” according to Keith Tuttle, president. He continued, “The process resulted in better understanding between management and drivers — especially when it became clear that both groups agreed!”

MCS drivers also provide integral feedback via a Driver Liaison Committee that reviews company policies and makes recommendations for changes and future programs. At twice-yearly safety meetings held in conjunction with driver rodeos, the committee watches as fellow drivers are randomly selected to perform maneuvers. The committee suggests improvements, offers advice, and helps their fellow drivers understand how local and national regulations might apply to the situation at hand. This type of driver-to-driver feedback has proven to be highly effective for MCS, moving the focus of the safety meeting from a passive listening situation to an active skill-building scenario.

            Paramount Freight Systems continues to build on the outstanding workplace environment for which it was recognized last year. Like Motor Carrier Service, Inc., it maintains a committee of drivers who provide their input on company policies and procedures. It also uses a “buddy program” to pair experienced contractors with those just starting out. Both programs are fairly common in carriers that employ company drivers, but are somewhat unusual for an all-owner-operator fleet.

            PFS has been reaching out to new drivers through social media. Early on, it embraced social media tools and now runs an aggressive and effective social media campaign that includes Facebook and Twitter. The company says it has hired 25 new owner operators as a direct result of its social media posts.

In general, drivers leased to the company seem content. One driver wrote: “Paramount has great runs, and they get me home weekly so I can be a mother and still have a good paying job. They are really focused on hiring women and have always done what they said they are going to do. The operations department is helpful and friendly and always willing to go the extra mile to help out owner operators. With the high price of parts, the parts discounts they offer are saving me thousands of dollars each year. Paramount is truly a class act and second to none.”

This opinion seems to reflect the feelings of most of the drivers leased to PFS, as the company enjoys a very low driver turnover rate. In fact, 60 percent of its drivers have been with the company for more than five years. Of fleets operating in the United States, it has one of the highest percentages of drivers who have been with the company for 10 years or longer.

Mark Murrell, president of CarriersEdge, said, “Both of this year’s overall winners are fairly small fleets of under 200 drivers each, yet they act like ‘big companies’ in terms of their driver outreach efforts, committees and programs. They are out there every day pushing the boundaries of what is traditionally thought of as a ‘normal’ program, and it’s clearly working. It goes to show you don’t have to be big to be progressive.”

Gary Salisbury, outgoing chairman of TCA and the president and CEO of Fikes Truck Line, Inc., of Hope, Ark., agrees. “Motor Carrier Service, Inc. and Paramount Freight Systems dispel the myth that small companies can’t compete with the big guys. No matter what your size, you can still create an outstanding work environment for your people.”

The Best Fleet to Drive For survey and contest was open to any fleet operating 10 trucks or more, regardless of TCA membership status. Fleets had to be nominated by at least one of their drivers (either a company driver or an owner operator). Nominated fleets were evaluated against a broad range of criteria reflecting current HR best practices, such as driver compensation, pension and benefits, professional development, driver and community support, and safety record.

For more information about the Best Fleets to Drive For contest and survey, please visit www.BestFleetstoDriveFor.com.

TCA Members Honored for Longevity and Loyalty to Association Six companies inducted to prestigious Ambassador Club; Warren Transport, Inc., recognized for 60 years of membership

   Kissimmee, Fla. – Earlier today, at its annual convention in Kissimmee, Fla., the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) paid tribute to the many “Ambassador Club” companies who have held longtime memberships within the association. Warren Transport, Inc., of Waterloo, Iowa, reached an impressive 60 years of membership, while another 11 companies were recognized for reaching milestones within their membership tenures. Six TCA members reached 25 years of membership, qualifying them for induction into the prestigious club.
Because of the tremendous commitment the Ambassador Club companies have shown to TCA, the organization decided to move the recognition event from the New Member Breakfast of years past to a General Session, a larger venue that allowed for the companies’ achievements to be shared with a much bigger portion of TCA’s membership. Chris Burruss, TCA’s president, recognized each company joining the club or reaching a milestone while their names were presented on a screen above the stage. Rather than give the member representatives heavy plaques to lug home, each plaque was mailed directly to the companies’ offices and will arrive in a few days.
“It is so gratifying to see how many companies value their TCA membership enough to stick with us for 25, 50 or even 71 years like our most senior Ambassador, Craig Transportation Company of Perrysburg, Ohio!” said Burruss. “These companies are the lifeblood of our association, and we are very grateful for their support over such a lengthy time.”
TCA established its prestigious Ambassador Club in 1996 as a way to honor companies that maintain memberships with the organization for 25 years or longer. After their induction, companies are honored every five years for their ongoing commitment to TCA and their industry. Special recognition is bestowed when a company reaches the 50- or 75-year mark.
With the addition of the six newest inductees, there are now a total of 81 companies in TCA’s Ambassador Club. The 2012 honorees are as follows:


60 Years                      Warren Transport, Inc., Waterloo, Iowa
Robert J. Molinaro, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
 
30 Years                      1^st Guard Corporation, Venice, Fla.
Edmund B. Campbell, III, Chairman
 
30 Years                      Carrier Transicold, Syracuse, N.Y.
Ronald Ray, President
 
30 Years                      Contractual Carriers, Inc., Newark, Del.
Karl E. Schneider, President
 
30 Years                      Cummins Inc., Columbus, Ind.
Jeffrey Jones, Vice President, Sales & Marketing
 
30 Years                      Eaton Corporation - Roadranger, Kalamazoo, Mich.
James E. Sahli, Director, Field Sales & Marketing
 
30 Years                      J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc., Neenah, Wisc.
David R. Ellis, Director, Business Development
 
30 Years                      Meritor, Inc., Troy, Mich.
D. Mike Pennington, Manager, Industry Relations
 
30 Years                      Navistar, Inc., Warrenville, Ill.
Marty Gottner, Vice President, National Accounts
 
30 Years                      Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co., City of Industry, Cal.
David Wallace, Director, Sales
 
30 Years                      Thermo King Corporation, Bloomington, Minn.
Tammie Hogan-Cole, Dealer Development
 
30 Years                      Volvo Trucks North America, Greensboro, N.C.
Ron Huibers, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing
 
25 Years                      Baldwin Distribution Services, Ltd., Amarillo, Texas
Dudley Baldwin, President
 
25 Years                      Gordon Trucking, Inc., Pacific, Wash.
Steve Gordon, Chief Operating Officer
 
25 Years                      Interstate Distributor Co., Tacoma, Wash.
Lee Owens, Vice President, Maintenance
 
25 Years                      JBS Carriers, Greeley, Col.
Brent Eastwood, President
 
25 Years                      National Carriers, Inc., Liberal, Kan.
Richard Rees, President
 
25 Years                      Paschall Truck Lines, Inc., Murray, Kan.
Thomas Stephens, Executive Vice President

Dale Decker, Former Owner of Decker Truck Line, Dies at 88

(Fort Dodge, Iowa) - Decker Truck Line, Inc. is saddened to announce the death of its former owner, Dale D. Decker, on February 18, 2012 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Survivors include his wife, Donna Decker, and son Don Decker, the current owner of Decker Truck Lines. He also leaves behind five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

A former owner of Decker Truck Line Inc., Decker spent well over 50 years building up the business his brother founded with a single Model B Ford truck in 1931, in the heart of the Great Depression.

Decker served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he earned two Purple Hearts. Afterward he rejoined his brother Loren in the family trucking business where he participated in all phases of the company's activities. In 1993 Dale retired as owner of Decker Truck Line, Inc. when their son, Don, acquired sole ownership of the company.

Dale was born on April 10, 1923 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High and married Donnabelle Simonson on May 24, 1941. He was preceded in death by his parents John & Lillian (Newsum) Decker, brothers Loren and Clayton Decker, sister Ruth Peterson and son Duane Decker.  

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.

Health, Wellness key topics at upcoming TCA Annual Convention

From weight loss to BMI screenings, attendees will leave Florida with new ideas
and inspiration for how to improve the health of their people back home

 

Alexandria, Va. – The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) predicts that healthier days will soon come to the trucking industry, due in part to the organization’s ongoing efforts to improve the health and wellness of truck drivers and all trucking industry staff.

 

“For the past year, we’ve been increasing our emphasis on health in an effort to educate our members about the negative effects that obesity, sleep apnea, and other medical conditions are having on the trucking industry’s workforce,” said Chris Burruss, TCA’s president. “With our signature event approaching—our Annual Convention, March 4-7 in Kissimmee, Florida—we saw a golden opportunity to influence change in the minds of the major players of the trucking industry.”

 

At the convention, attendees can look forward to numerous activities related to health and wellness, beginning with a Health & Wellness Pavilion in the convention’s registration area. Here, Brightline Media Group will showcase Highway Health magazine and display a variety of industry-specific health and wellness materials. Lindora Clinic will sponsor a weight loss station that will challenge visitors to see what it feels like to “wear” 30 extra pounds in the form of a special “weight vest.”

 

Health Promotion Solutions will provide interactive wellness demonstrations highlighting services that are available to trucking fleets and will offer body mass index, blood pressure, and blood glucose and cholesterol level testing. It will also provide information about sleep apnea, offer a weight loss station, and distribute health education materials.

 

On Tuesday, March 6, and Wednesday, March 7, a trucking-in-the-round workshop called “When Your Drivers Are Healthier, So Is Your Bottom Line” will discuss how to implement a successful health and wellness program for trucking staff and drivers. Although it can be challenging to achieve results given truckers’ unique lifestyles, it can be done. Attendees will come away with strategies, tactical steps, and ideas they can implement in the hopes of lengthening the lives of their people while also lowering company health care and workers’ compensation costs.

 

Another health highlight will be a video played by Gary Salisbury, TCA’s outgoing chairman and the president and CEO of Fikes Truck Line of Hope, Ark., during his general session remarks on Monday, March 5.  The video will introduce attendees to the contestants in the association’s first-ever Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown. This competition is a battle between 11 TCA-member carriers from across North America to determine who can achieve the greatest percentage of weight loss in 10 weeks. The winners—both fleet and individual—will be announced at TCA’s Safety & Security Division Annual Meeting, which will take place May 20-22, 2012, at the Embassy Suites Norman - Hotel & Conference Center in Norman, Oklahoma.

 

“We are delighted that Brightline Media Group, Lindora Clinic, and Health Promotion Solutions are joining with TCA to put truckload executives one step closer to effective health and wellness programs for their drivers and staff,” said Salisbury. “All of us want to help our trucking family live longer and fuller lives. We’re proud that we have a venue to shine a spotlight on the available solutions.”

 

Baylor Trucking announces driver pay increase

 

 

 

Drivers assured $1,000 weekly minimum pay

 

February 9, 2012 (Milan, Ind.) –   Baylor Trucking, Inc., a 300-truck dry van fleet located in Milan, Ind., recently announced a pay raise for company drivers allowing them to make up to $.44 per mile.  Effective February 1, 2012, Baylor also instituted a minimum weekly pay of $1,000, giving over-the-road drivers a financial assurance for their families.

“Whenever we are able to do more for our drivers, we do,” says owner Bob Baylor. “It’s a priority for us at Baylor to provide the best pay package we can along with excellent equipment and benefits.”

With terminals in Indiana and Tennessee, Baylor’s freight is strong due to outstanding service and technology, as well as maintaining long-term relationships with customers. Baylor Trucking has been in business 67 years serving all areas east of the Mississippi River.

Baylor Trucking is now hiring drivers with at least one year current experience. For more information about Baylor Trucking or its driving opportunities, please call 800-322-9567 ext. 570. 

 

TCA to host evening New Member Reception at Annual Convention

Evening activity to replace traditional breakfast; shifts focus to networking

 

            Alexandria, Va. – For many years, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has welcomed its newest members with a New Member Breakfast at its Annual Convention. Today, the organization announced it will replace the morning event with an evening cocktail reception, to be held Saturday, March 3, 2012, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., prior to the start of the convention at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Fla.

            Aaron Tennant, carrier co-chairman of TCA's Membership Committee and president of Tennant Truck Lines, Inc., of Orion, Ill., said that the new event would better facilitate networking and relaxed, casual conversation between members. "It's important for new members to start off with that first, powerful dose of networking so they grasp what this association is all about," he said. "There's a wealth of support and knowledge available. We'll help the newest members tap into that right away."

            The guest list for the New Member Reception will include meeting attendees who joined TCA in 2011 and 2012, as well as TCA's officers, division chairs, committee chairs, and "Rigster" members (individual employees of TCA-member companies who have been credited with recruiting new members).

      "If any company is on the fence about either joining TCA or attending the convention, plan to come to Kissimmee one evening early to be part of our New Member Reception," said Tom Dickmeyer, the associate co-chairman of TCA's Membership Committee and the CEO of Cline Wood Agency of Leawood, Kan. "It's one thing to send in a dues check or a convention registration fee, but it's entirely different to interact with the movers and shakers of the truckload industry in person. This is a rare opportunity to form lasting connections with those who are 'in the know' and can share that insight with their peers."

      For more information about TCA's New Member Reception or about attending TCA's Annual Convention, please visit www.truckload.org or call (703) 838-1950.

PHOTOS: (Hi-res photos also available upon request)

Aaron Tennant, carrier co-chairman of TCA's Membership Committee and president of Tennant Truck Lines, Inc., of Orion, Ill.

Tom Dickmeyer, the associate co-chairman of TCA's Membership Committee and the CEO of Cline Wood Agency of Leawood, Kan.

 

Central Hauling Names Martinez Driver of the Year

(Mabelvale, AR) --  Central Hauling has selected Luis Martinez as its Driver of the Year for 2011. Central Hauling President Anthony Johnson and Safety Director Carlos Amendariz presented Martinez with a Driver of the Year Plaque during a ceremony in January. Martinez, who has driven for Central Hauling for four years, is a native of Homestead, FL, where he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren. Luis Benjamin, a 12-year veteran from Mabelvale, AR,  was also recognized as being first runner up for Driver of the Year Award. Russell (Wayne) Fuller, a 2-year veteran from Louisburg, NC, was second runner up for the honor.   Central Hauling is an irregular route, general commodities contract full truckload carrier, serving 48 states, the Ontario Province of Canada and thru service to Mexico via Laredo, Texas. Headquartered in Mabelvale, AR, Central Hauling is 100% owner operator-driven, boasts state-of-the-art computer dispatch and Qualcomm satellite systems with a 1,000-mile average length of haul.