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Oct 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Mary Davis

In addition to the JBK training program for drivers, many of the carrier's customers require further training on site at their plants. Training doesn't end until Drury and the driver's terminal manager give their approval.

When drivers are part of the team, they are rewarded for their safety records. Each six months they receive a safety bonus of one cent per mile for the six months. Those who maintain a perfect record receive $100 per year, cumulative. “One of our drivers at our Alabama terminal received $1,800 recently for 18 years of perfection,” Drury says.

Emphasis also is placed on maintaining accurate driver logs, which resulted in the inception of another award. “The Safety Department wanted to recognize and show appreciation to our professional drivers, so in January 2006 we came up with an award called “24-KARAT” that simply means: Knowledgeable About Rules/Regulations And Time Constraints. Participation is open to all company drivers and owner-operators. To win this award, drivers must not have any over-hour violations and they must have absolute accurate time entries. Each winner receives a cap and belt buckle with the 24-Karat designation and a certificate.”

Other awards encourage drivers to review safety topics, such as rollover prevention. Some customers participate in the program and eligible drivers become part of a drawing for a monetary reward. Customers often suggest safety topics for review.

Some customers also conduct annual safety inspections at JBK terminals. “It is much like a mini-Department of Transportation inspection,” says Drury. “They look at our master records as well as taking a look around the terminals.”

Drury conducts weekly tele-conference meetings with terminal managers for safety program updates and other safety-related issues.

To reinforce its safety program, JBK publishes a monthly newsletter, Lite Lines, that is available on the company Web site, jackbkelley.com. The newsletter also can be e-mailed to employees. In addition to employee news from across the company's service area, the publication contains safety tips for drivers and notes employees' outstanding achievements.

Working hand-in-hand with JBK drivers is the carrier's dispatch team that coordinates the transportation logistics. Dispatchers use electronic tools from Qualcomm and TMW Systems. Qualcomm tracking equipment includes OmniVision software that allows dispatchers to communicate with drivers and monitor vehicle location and status.

TMW Systems software helps in managing equipment to maximize tank trailer utilization while matching the commodity to the proper equipment. It also will track previous product history.

Drivers can use TripPac services at truck stops for submitting trip documents, including billing, while on the road. They have the capability in their cabs to scan and print documents. Drivers also can use the Pegasus TransTech's Transflo Express truck stop scanning solution for submitting documents electronically. JBK managers encourage drivers to use the process by providing a bonus for the action. Drivers also benefit because electronic document submission expedites their pay schedule.

The combination of a coordinated dispatcher/driver team working together to insure customer service demands are met plays a big role in the company's success. Having proven vehicle specifications is another factor in the blend as managers prepare for the future.

“Industry is always finding new uses for the products that we transport,” says Kelley, who was involved in alternative fuels long before the current emphasis on their production. He projects the company will continue with slow and steady growth while maintaining his father's foresight into cryogenic gases.

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