Attracting, retaining truck drivers with satellite TV, health and wellness options
The ongoing need to recruit and retain drivers remains both a management challenge and costly exercise for motor carriers. Trucking companies that are having success in lowering their turnover rates are finding that a mix of benefits and amenities is the best solution. In particular, a growing number of carriers are realizing lower recruiting costs
Creature comforts: Driver needs are the focus of the latest cabs and sleepers
If the latest Class 8 on-highway models from truck manufacturers have one thing in common, it’s that the driver’s point of view was central to their design. “We started with driver clinics several years before our new LT Series models were introduced,” says Jim Nachtman, product marketing director of on-highway trucks at International Trucks.
The advantages of key process indicators and reporting tools
It’s no secret that finding ways to lower costs is a key to gaining a competitive advantage. That subject was an important part of the educational program of last year’s Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference (EUFMC), which was attended by more than 120 fleet representatives from investor-owned electric utilities, electric cooperatives and electrical contractors in
Core Building Materials addresses increasing construction, trucking issues with sound operations and management practices
“We’re in both the trucking and construction businesses,” says Len Cicciarelli, who heads up operations and management for Core Building Materials. “In several ways, it’s becoming more challenging for us. We’re not a logistics company, but we are dealing with many of the same issues as trucking companies, including an increasing amount of regulation.” A
How Nestlé Waters North America’s fleet is reducing its carbon footprint
Environmental stewardship is taken very seriously at Nestlé Waters North America. To reduce its carbon footprint, the third largest non-alcoholic beverage company by volume in the U.S. is working to continue improving its recycling rates across North America. There is also a strong and ongoing commitment at the company to water stewardship and responsible packaging.
The newest Mercedes-Benz Sprinter goes from vehicle to integrated system solution
At a recent sneak preview of the new Sprinter model, held at its Sprinter Innovation Campus in Germany, Mercedes-Benz Vans was focused on the industry segments that the third generation of its commercial van is designed to serve. Along with passenger transport applications, the company noted that trade, service and delivery sectors are in need of
Respect, investment and a focus on safety create a winning culture at Halvor Lines
Headquartered in Superior, Wisc., Halvor Lines is often referred to as the “Superior Fleet,” a nickname it aims to live up to every day. “We’re always implementing new ways to make the lives of our drivers and customers better,” says Adam Lang, the fleet’s chief risk officer. “Our aim is nothing less than to transform
Nonstop operation: Trans-West Group meets the demands of a specialized market niche
Trans-West Group is in an enviable position. “We are growing with our customers, and sometimes the demand for our services actually outpaces the freight carrying capacity we can supply,” says André Boisvert, co-owner and vice president of technology and development. “That’s because we offer a highly specialized service. However, it takes a transportation system that
Transformational technologies: Electric vehicles from Workhorse Group are filling vocational and last mile delivery needs
“It’s all about savings,” says Angela Strand, vice president at Workhorse Group. “Electric vehicles have an higher acquisition cost,” she says, “but our experience over nearly two million miles of operations indicates that operating and maintenance costs are 60% to 70% lower. “Our data shows that a traditional Class 5 truck costs one dollar per
A&R Logistics is staying ahead of the curve
“We’re growing fast to accommodate the expansion in U.S. manufacturing,” says Scot McQuilkin, vice president of maintenance at A&R Logistics. “However, we need to make sure our growth is smart. We need to meet customers’ requirements and exceed their expectations by staying ahead of the curve without cutting corners, so we’re making substantial strategic investments
The growing demand for upfitted electric drive systems
Electrification solutions for light- and medium-duty vehicles are continuing to grow in popularity. As a result, XL Hybrids is reporting that a rising number of commercial and government fleets, universities and national parks have been adopting its XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System. New municipalities deploying the XL3 system include the city of Long Beach, Calif.,
Armellini Express Lines: Safer drivers in safer trucks
Now in his 50th year in the trucking business, Jeff Drury could easily sit back and talk at length about the many changes he’s seen when it comes to trucks. For the vice president of risk management, safety and human resources at Armellini Express Lines, however, there’s no time for reflection. “Today, it’s all about
