Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
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48 COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | JUNE 2015 No empty seats Of course, investing in the latest top- of-the-line equipment doesn't do any good if there's no one sitting behind the steering wheel to get the load from point A to point B. That's why Fleetmaster also recently made big changes to its driver compensation and benefi ts packages. "Our focus has always been getting our drivers the miles they want and to reward them for doing their job well," says Andy Kester, operations manager. The company, which stresses its stability and commitment to drivers, recently increased its driver detention policy by 200 percent. Fleetmaster also increased its weekly employer-matched 401(k) program by 110 percent, and it also increased its paid holiday package by more than 300 percent. In February, the company increased pay for all drivers, including a hike of more than 10 percent for all of its road drivers. "These announcements and the other changes we have in the works are a direct result of our drivers' hard work and dedi- cation," Smith says. "They provide the best service possible to our customers, which makes these increases possible." When recruiting new drivers, Fleet- master touts that candidates can expect 100 percent no-touch loads, no hazmat freight, weekly settlements and qual- ity home time. The company says it also provides drivers with a bonus plan incentive, including bonuses for driver referrals and clean U.S. Department of Transportation inspections. Other ben- efi ts include an array of medical, life and disability insurance program options. Among Fleetmaster's more unique perks is its "Best of the Best" program that recognizes drivers who have exhib- ited exceptional performance. Posters celebrating their accomplishments are displayed at every terminal, and the driv- ers are awarded gifts in appreciation for a job well done. Also, the company's "Praise for A's" program rewards employees' children for their hard work in school. The program pays children in grades K-12 every grading period for each "A" they make in core classes. "Our drivers work hard and deserve any increases in pay or benefi ts we can provide," Smith says. "We appreci- ate their outstanding service and are happy to reward them wherever and however we can." Technology talks Safety is another well-documented suc- cess story for Fleetmaster. In 2013, the company was a Division III (15-24.99 million miles) winner in the Truckload Carriers Association's National Fleet Safety Awards. Its recognition was based on accident frequency per million miles driven. Fleetmaster's commitment to technol- ogy played no small part in its safety recognition, and the company also has expanded that commitment to other fac- ets of its operations. It recently acquired new trailer tracking and logistics plan- ning software to provide added opera- tional enhancements and strengthen its customer relationships. "This will allow us to improve effi - ciencies and address possible business model changes that improve effi cien- cies on both sides," Smith said. "Our goals with these systems are to create effi ciencies and improve the current fl ow of information, making things easier for both the customer and Fleet- master, as well as giving us informa- tion to make data-based decisions for business improvement." The company's new yard management system will provide Fleetmaster and its customers with real-time updates on trailers, containers and equipment; re- porting of dwell time, trailer history and driver productivity; and scorecarding. The system also will provide Fleet- master and its customers with real-time instant information for both internal and external use via a Web interface. The company will include a tablet in every piece of equipment, which will have a real-time data connection that commu- nicates as moves are happening. "It is our ultimate goal to become more effi cient so that we can pass more benefi ts along to our customers," said Brent Hopper, Fleetmaster's spotting division manager. CC J I N N O VATO R S pro les carriers and eets that have found innovative ways to overcome trucking's challenges. If you know a carrier that has displayed innovation, contact Je Crissey at jcrissey@ccjmagazine.com or 800-633-5953. Fleetmaster Express received the 2014 Guitar Center Carrier of the Year Award. From left: Char- lie Rife, Midwest Region manager; Carl Bumgarner, president and CEO; and Travis Smith, vice president and COO. In addition to its base in Roanoke, Va., Fleetmaster also has other Virginia locations in Danville and Williamsburg, and several terminals in other states.