CARRIER News

Western Express Offers Miles and More
Western Express gives drivers all the miles they need to succeed. Drivers are required to log an average of 2,700 miles per week. By June 1, Western Express will replace their entire fleet of nearly 1400 tractors with new Volvo and Freightliner condos.

Paschall Honors Drivers
Paschall Truck Lines named Louis Waggoner as its Driver of the Month and Mark Womble as its Owner-Operator of the Month for Novem-ber 2004. Waggoner has been a driver for 10 years, four with PTL. Womble has been driving for 11 years, including eight with PTL.

Maverick Expands Hiring Area
In an effort to recruit some of the best drivers in the industry and offer additional support to their customer base, Maverick Transportation recently announced an expanded hiring area and the creation of a new division. Flatbed drivers in the new Regional Southeast Division can expect starting pay of 36 cents to 37 cents per mile along with benefits like weekend home time, per diem pay, tarp pay, detention pay, quarterly fuel bonus opportunities, referral bonuses and complete medical benefits.

Boyd Introduces New Fleet
Boyd Bros. introduced a new fleet, Boyd Bros. Independent Express, that will “allow owner-operators more freedom to decide,” says Betty Nix, director of driver personnel. The new fleet will give owner-operators a better opportunity to choose their loads and home time. “We are very excited about this new fleet and the growth at Boyd,” Nix adds.

Prime Named 2004 Carrier of the Year
Prime Inc. was awarded Sumitomo Elec-tric’s Carrier of the Year Award for 2004. This is the first year Sumitomo Electric has given such an award to a transportation carrier. “We’ve never given this type of an award to any of our carriers. However, since Prime has done such a wonderful job as our primary flatbed carrier, I felt that the award was deserved—even needed,” says John Wright, Purchasing and Logistics Manager for Sumitomo Electric.

National Carriers Starts Expedited Service
National Carriers has launched a new expedited service called National’s Elite Exped-ited Delivery Service, or NEEDS. NEEDS is accomplished with team drivers or a series of relays. All expedited movements are:
1) dispatched only on pre-qualified operators, 2) verbally briefed prior to dispatch to match expectations with operator commitments, and 3) monitored round the clock to ensure performance.

Parrett Trucking Launches Lease Program
Parrett Trucking, Maverick Transportation’s Owner-Operator Division, launched a new lease purchase program. “This program is a great opportunity for those who want to own their own truck and run for a great flatbed carrier,” says Mike Parrett, president of the carrier. All drivers enrolled in the new program will run their choice of 48 states.