Star Drivers
Star Transportation honored 11 drivers in December with Safe Driving Awards for their commitment to safety on the road.
Drivers recognized were: Charles Johnson, eight years; Everette Vickers, seven years; Jose Maya, five years; Warren Luttman, four years; Darrin Bell, two years; Leroy Propst, two years; Mario Richardson, one year; Steven Mikell, one year; Fred William, one year; Samuel Sarullo, one year, and Remona Lawson, one year.
Safety Bonuses
John Christner Trucking recently presented the following drivers with safety incentive bonuses: John Folsom, Zactoria Ferguson, Glen Hardgrave, Danny Kiser, Quanah Medcalf, Brian Golden, Stephanie Lambert, Walter Seigentha, Stephen Winfield, Tereasa Bruton, John Combs, John Lemme, Christopher Mathewson, Byron Beal, William Johnstone, Gerald Brown, Ted Bivens, David Best, Darrell Erwin and Glenn Grutze.
Pay Increases
U.S. Xpress announced that company drivers would receive up to 43 cents per mile for the most experienced solo drivers and up to 53 cents per mile for the most experienced teams. The mileage pay adjustment includes allowances for accessorial charges, like stoppage and detention.
U.S. Xpress will implement the pay increases in two phases during the first six weeks of the year. U.S. Xpress increased accessorial-charge payments to drivers as the new regulations take effect. On Feb. 15, the carrier will start its new mileage pay program for company drivers. Independent contractors received raises of up to 5 cents per mile in January.
New Pay Package
Millis Transfer recently announced a new pay package that includes improved mileage bonuses for safety and performance. The performance bonus includes .02 cents per mile for 2,000-2,500 miles per week; .03 cents per mile for 2,501-2,999 miles per week and .04 cents a mile for 3,000+ miles per week. The safety bonus includes .02 cents per mile for the first 12 months; .025 cents per mile for the first year and .03 cents per mile for the fifth year. In addition, new company drivers also qualify for a $1,000 sign-on bonus and new owner-operators benefit from no up front money required.
HOS Plan
Transport America recently released detailed information regarding the company’s new Hours-of-Service Protection Plan. The new Driver’s Compensation Guidelines include revisions in the following areas: loading/ unloading, lumpers, boroughs pay, layover pay, city cartage, corridor entry, detention pay and company/owner-operator pay.
For loading/unloading, drivers will receive a flat rate of $100, driver assist of $50. Upon meeting the layover criteria, layover pay is as follows: company drivers will receive $150 for 24 hours, and contract drivers will receive $300 for 24 hours of layover. City cartage pay for hourly loads, line haul support, reposition trailers and yard checks will be $16 per hour for company drivers and $30 per hour for contract drivers. Corridor entry pay will be $25 paid one time per move. The new guidelines for detention pay for company drivers will be $16 per hour after two hours and $30 per hour after two hours for contractors.
In addition, Transport America increased driver pay in 2004.
Drivers of the Month
Sitton Motor Lines recently announced its Driver of the Month award recipients for the first half of 2003.
Honored were: January Driver of the Month, Thornie Brailsford of Sumter, S.C., a company driver since August 1995; February Driver of the Month, Anthony Barnett of Crescent, Okla., a company driver since July 1994; March Driver of the Month, Harold Yarnell of Tulsa, Okla., an owner-operator since March 1997; April Driver of the Month, Fred Guthrie of Independence, Mo., an owner-operator since March 1997; May Driver of the Month, Ron Jones of Paradise, Texas, a company driver since November 2002; and June Driver of the Month Robert E. Irving Jr. of North Richland Hills, Texas, an owner-operator since May 2002.
Epes Gives Raises
Epes Transport System announced a new pay package for company drivers that went into affect in January.
A driver with two years experience will start at 32 cents per mile; three years experience – 33 cents; four years experience – 34 cents and five or more years experience – 35 cents.
In addition to the base pay, a 1-cent safety bonus will be paid quarterly for no preventable accidents.
Epes will also pay a $50 premium for delivering in New York City.
Independent Contractors have Package 83 (83 cents per mile) or Package 86 (86 cents per mile) as compensation options, and Small Fleet Owners have Package 85 Lease Purchase Program – 28 months, zero out.
Swift Orders Volvos
Volvo Trucks North America Inc. recently received the largest order the company has ever received for its VN tractors.
The order, an initial two-year agreement with a third-year option to supply Phoenix, Ariz.-based Swift Transportation Co. Inc., means Volvo will now be the major supplier of highway tractors to Swift. The initial units in the order will be produced in the first quarter of 2004. Swift ordered Volvo VNs in early 2003 to evaluate them in its fleet operations.
Volvo will supply Swift with more than 4,000 VN670 tractors equipped with Cummins ISX and Volvo D12 engines, all to have electronic idle management systems.
Con-Way Drivers
Con-Way Transportation Services, a subsidiary of CNF Inc., recently had two of its driver sales representatives in California recognized for their safety records and professional driving skills.
The California Motor Transport Association recognized 19-year Con-Way veteran Bruce Little with its Driver of the Year award for his safe driving record and professional driving skills. Little is a linehaul driver who works out of the Con-Way Western Express service center in San Bernardino, Calif. He has maintained a perfect safety record during his tenure with the company, accruing two million accident-free miles.
Another long-time CWX driver, Larry Painter, received the CTA Northern Driver of the Year award. Painter is a linehaul driver and works out of the CWX service center in Fresno, Calif. He has been with Con-Way for 17 years and driven 1.7 million accident-free miles.
Top Driver
Priority Truck Lines recently recognized Tony Pelligano as its October 2003 Driver of the Month.
Pelligano’s nomination by his fleet manager was reviewed by the Safety and Operations departments for safety, claims issues, attitude, and work ethic.
As Driver of the Month, Pelligano received a cash award, had his name displayed on the company marquee and is eligible for the Driver of the Year award.
