AS carriers search for ways to recruit drivers, many are using their Web sites as creative avenues for attracting applicants. A stroll down these electronic byways at six companies, linked from the National Tank Truck Carriers Web site, shows that the ways being used to attract drivers are varied and many.
Rather than just list basic driver recruitment statements, the companies have found clever ways to describe their attributes and their requirements. They have simplified their online-application forms so that the forms are easy to fill out, yet provide the information the company needs to evaluate the applicant's initial qualifications.
Taking advantage of the recruiting resources offered by the Internet is an excellent way for companies to expand their driver pool.
www.dupretransport.com
Dupré Transport Inc, Lafayette, Louisiana, has honed its Web site recruitment section so that prospective drivers should have most of their initial questions about the company answered before they apply. At the same time, the application form that is posted should answer a lot of initial questions the company might have about the applicant's qualifications.
As part of its recruitment gestures, Dupré emphasizes safety values, noting that a safety bonus is available for individuals or team drivers who meet the company's standards. The site lists shipper safety awards that the company has won over the years.
The recruitment pages are divided into sections for company drivers and owner-operators. In addition, the company's tank trailer, van, and dedicated logistics divisions are promoted separately.
The online company driver application makes it clear that a DAC Services Inc background check will be conducted.
In another section on the Web site, Dupré posts a graph of the company's financial performance and stability from 1991 through 2000. Another graphic shows the primary area of operations by divisions.
www.carrytransit.com
Carry Transit, a division of Superior Bulk Logistics Inc, takes an active approach to soliciting drivers by noting that drivers are home on the weekends, usually a positive situation for most employees. A concise list of the Bridgeview, Illinois, company benefits are stated in another effective recruiting effort.
One Web page promotes the driver appreciation program, and shows photographs of events that celebrate driver performance. Other Web pages contain photographs of the company's liquid and dry bulk foodgrade trailers and the tractors that haul them. Information about the company's Sanicare Wash Systems tank cleaning division provides drivers with more information about the operation.
Drivers who are interested in applying for a job can fill out an information request and e-mail it to the company.
www.centraltrans.com
Central Transport, High Point, North Carolina, (also a division of Superior Bulk Logistics) actively recruits drivers through its Web site, and not only includes an application form, but posts endorsements from veteran company drivers. The application can be filled out and submitted online by both prospective company drivers and owner-operators.
The company realizes the Web site advertising potential for recruitment, and includes a message from the senior vice-president to drivers seeking employment. The employment page also headlines company advantages for drivers: quality-of-life dispatch policy; excellent pay package, starting pay based on experience; outstanding benefits; no slip seat, and satellite communications.
Other information on the site includes a mapping program that displays routes to each of the company's 16 terminals. In addition, information can be obtained about the company's load planning by using an e-mail link.
www.enterprisetransport.com
Rather than posting a button that states “Employment,” Enterprise Transportation Company, Houston, Texas, has decided to be a little more pro-active. “Drivers Needed” conveys the carrier's message.
The online application form is succinct. Drivers need only fill in blanks for the name of each past employer, the address, position held, dates employed, salary, and reason for leaving. There is a section for each past employer, which should solve applicant frustration at having to compose and insert a resume.
A separate section offers information for owner-operators. Truck specifications that are required are listed, including tractor age, weight, fifthwheel height, tractor height, cab-to-axle clearance, power takeoff and drive shafts, air system, in-transit heat, and decals and markings.
www.eagletransportcorp.com
Eagle Transport Corp, Rocky Mount, North Carolina, doesn't just list the benefits for employees, the site has links to the companies that provide the services, such as Kanawha HealthCare for health, and Franklin Templeton for 401K investments.
Incentives for applicants are listed, including a note that experienced tank trailer drivers who are hired will receive appropriate compensation. A link from the recruitment page leads to a map of terminal locations with accompanying telephone numbers.
www.ericksontransport.com
Erickson Transport, Springfield, Missouri, takes the narrative approach in its driver recruitment. “Over-the-Road drivers are some of the best in the business,” the company states.“Erickson recognizes this fact and treats its drivers very well indeed. So well in fact that approximately 50% of the fleet drivers have been here over 10 years and a couple have reached the 30 year mark.”
More narrative describes benefits and company operating area: “The area of operation covers all 48 states and Canada. Mexico is another service area although our drivers relay those loads to our Mexican affiliate carrier in Laredo or Brownsville, Texas. There is just no way a driver can know where he will be in a few days time. He can, however, count on three days off after 14 days on the road. When the drivers well-deserved vacation comes, it can be enjoyed as it should.”
Another likely attraction for drivers is the company's Class Pro 4 race car, also known as a Mini Late Model design, that was built for dirt track racing.“This car was designed and built by Joe Wasson, one of Erickson Transports senior drivers (31 years),” the narrative reads. “The driver of this car is the son of Joe Wasson, Richie Wasson (GO RICHIE!!), who graduated from racing go-karts to piloting Pro 4's.”
www.navcen.uscg.gov/pubs/
Radionavigation plan issued
United States Secretary of Transportation Norman Y Mineta and Secretary of Defense Donald H Rumsfeld announced the release of the 2001 Federal Radionavigation Plan (FRP).
The 2001 FRP includes revised schedules for phasing down most land-based radionavigation systems to allow more time to transition to the Global Positioning System (GPS). The Department of Transportation (DOT) will continue the policy stated in the 1999 FRP to operate Loran-C in the short term while the administration continues to evaluate the long-term need for the system. DOT soon will complete studies on Loran-C that will help make a decision on the system in 2002.
Beginning with this edition, federal radionavigation information previously contained in a single document will be published in two separate documents, the FRP and a companion document entitled Federal Radionavigation Systems (FRS). The FRP includes the introduction, policies, operating plans, system selection considerations, and research and development sections, and will allow more efficient and responsive updates of policy and planning information. Sections relating to government roles and responsibilities, user requirements, and systems descriptions have been moved to the companion FRS and will be updated as necessary.
www.g-log.com
G-Log, BDP enter agreement
G-Log has entered into a strategic agreement with BDP International (BDP). Under the agreement, BDP will license and implement the G-Log logistics platform to advance its existing infrastructure. G-Log and BDP will collaborate in a joint application development (JAD) project to extend G-Log's footprint in International Trade Logistics.
BDP will implement the G-Log product to deliver logistics management functions for both domestic and international transportation operations. Using G-Log's product, BDP can provide cost reductions to shippers through complete visibility of orders; access to rates, routes, and import and export regulatory compliance; and shipment information through a Web-based system.
As part of the JAD project, BDP will provide consulting support to G-Log.
www.peregrine.com
FleetAnywhere Weblications
Peregrine Systems Inc, whose FleetAnywhere software allows customers to manage and track maintenance for fleets ranging in size from 200 to 85,000 vehicles, has a new offering: FleetAnywhere Weblications.This application allows customers to enter vehicle maintenance data, from off-site service/maintenance locations, directly over the Web, or through a company intranet.
Meg Davis, Peregrine's product marketing director for the transportation product line, said, “Since the screens are browser-based, the program is very user-friendly. This not only increases efficiency for fleets, but also decreases training time required before new users can start using the system. Being browser-based also reduces the load on IT departments because they no longer have to install a GUI (graphical user interface) on every computer.”
Weblications available include base work order and complaints, rental pool reservations, vendor invoice payment, and direct and rental billing.
www.cadec.com
Mobius TTS goes portable
Cadec Corp has introduced the Mobius TTS-32 portable onboard computer, a rechargeable unit with the same computing power as the onboard Mobius TTS. This portable computer allows users to receive the same benefits as the hardwired Mobius TTS, but with the ability to move from vehicle to vehicle. The portable unit can also be used as a Mobius TTS driver-training device.
The TTS-32 provides access to vehicle monitoring, automated DOT logs, and fuel tax reporting with the capability of a desktop computer. By using the diagnostic port (J1939/J1708/1587) in the cab and mounting a small GPS antenna to the windshield, users can transport the system to various vehicles without the need to hardwire and mount an antenna.