Sweet rewards: Sugar Foods Corp. is using technology to operate safely and efficiently
Trucking operations measure success in many ways, and for Sugar Foods Corp., the numbers paint a very favorable picture. The private fleet, for example, has a 94.5% on-time delivery rate, an empty mileage rate of only .01% and driver turnover of less than 10%. The Sugar Foods fleet has also been recognized by the National
How Melton Truck Lines improves operations, enhances safety
“We don’t make equipment decisions without taking financial considerations into account, but we always look first at the safety and driver benefits a technology may offer,” says Russ Elliott, senior vice president of operations for Melton Truck Lines. “ROI is important but it’s not generally our first concern. “It’s not getting any easier to find
How the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York’s fleet helps those in need
“We watch our bottom line like any other business,” says Mark Quandt, executive director of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. “As a non-profit agency, it’s just as important for us to make cost-effective fleet decisions as it is for companies that use trucks in for-profit businesses with pick-up and delivery operations, or
How Central Freight Lines built an optimum LTL, distribution network
In mid-February of this year, Central Freight Lines announced plans to purchase Wilson Trucking, effectively expanding its terminal network by 50% and extending its operating area to include the entire southeastern U.S. and Puerto Rico. “The Wilson Trucking network of 26 terminals in the southeast matched up with our western and southwestern footprint of 56
Redbank Transport meets demands with the right specs
When it comes to demanding operating conditions, Redbank Transport’s trucks and drivers have it much tougher than a typical linehaul or over-the-road fleet, and in some ways even harder than many vocational operations. “We do a lot of off-road work hauling coal, fertilizer, road salt, construction materials and demolition debris,” explains Co-Owner Dave Jackson. “Backing
Partnership value: Food Express leverages supplier relationships to meet customer needs
After nearly 35 years in the trucking business, Kevin Keeney believes strongly that the only way to remain successful is to meet customer needs. It’s an approach the vice president of Food Express applies in different areas of the bulk hauler’s operation. Founded in 1983 by Keeney and his parents, Walter and Joanna, Food Express
Kottke Trucking expands operations based on analytics, sound equipment choices
After nearly 80 years in business, you might think that Kottke Trucking Inc. is content with the status quo. That, however, is hardly the case for the third-generation interstate refrigerated, dry van and dedicated freight hauler, which recently acquired the over-the-road operations of Walbon & Company Inc. “That acquisition included 60 tractors and 85 trailers,
Nu-Way Transportation’s transportation, logistics services provide a competitive advantage
While it’s every carrier’s goal to grow its business, at Nu-Way Transportation it’s a reality. “We’re experiencing annual growth of 3% to 5%,” says Mike Hospelhorn, director of fleet services. “Once we have a new customer, it’s very rare that our contract is not renewed. We grow with our current base, and add customers each
Boyle Transportation: Improving safety and efficiency
“Safety is behind every decision we make at Boyle Transportation,” says Ben Curtis, Boyle’s fleet manager. “From our vehicles to our professional drivers and in our maintenance operation, we have a safety-first philosophy.” Headquartered in Billerica, Mass., Boyle Transportation transports security-sensitive cargo across the U.S. and Canada with a fleet of 65 tractors and 165
Inside Boyle Transport’s driver-centric training
In conjunction with a wide range of equipment and maintenance initiatives aimed at fostering and improving safety, Boyle Transportation is equally focused on its drivers. “We maintain a direct dialogue between our professional drivers and our safety and maintenance departments,” says Michael Lasko, manager of safety and quality. “In terms of technology, we have installed
Standing apart: What keeps Ecology Recycling and Transportation Services ahead of the competition
“Contract waste hauling is a competitive business,” says Greg Evans, equipment maintenance manager at Ecology Recycling and Transportation Services. “We use accurate cost accounting and revenue projections because it comes down to who can haul the most trash at the lowest cost.” Headquartered in Cerritos, Calif., Ecology Recycling and Transportation Services has trucks based at
How USA Truck is filling driver ranks
While actively addressing driver retention needs with new equipment, specifications and other benefits and programs, USA Truck is simultaneously focused on recruiting drivers. One approach it is taking, for example, is to pay for 15 qualified applicants to complete a five-week Commercial Driver’s License training program. Announced earlier this year, the USA Truck Career Launch Program
