Cover Story

Charles Tolliver and Leroy Larkin — Covenant Transport, Inc.

Leroy Larkin and Charles Tolliver met by chance in Covenant Transport’s Chattanooga terminal. Both were solo drivers looking to be part of a team. One overheard the other commenting that he needed a partner in order to drive as a team. Introductions followed. Since both were from the Detroit area, the two decided to become a team.

From a spontaneous meeting in a busy terminal, a successful over-the-road team was formed. Both Larkin and Tolliver have eight months’ driving experience and have been with Covenant eight and six months, respectively. Before driving, Larkin worked in insurance and finance and was also in the ministry. He thought trucking would provide good money with the ability to travel and it hasn’t disappointed him. Tolliver was a machine operator and worked in the shipping industry before becoming a driver. Both attended driving school in Michigan and joined Covenant soon after.

Despite varied backgrounds, the men found that they have a lot in common. The team says their secret to success is mutual respect and willingness to compromise. Larkin and Tolliver learned to meet in the middle about listening to music when the other was sleeping and keeping the cab clean. Getting along well is important when you are out on the road five weeks at a time.

When at home, Larkin enjoys playing golf. He also loves teeing up on his downtime wherever his routes take him; he plays frequently in seven states. When away from the road, Larkin also enjoys spending time with his two children. Tolliver finds time to attend car shows, but he also likes to relax, watch TV and listen to music when he is not on the road.

Both team members agree Covenant is a great place to be a driver. Tolliver says the best thing about Covenant is the team concept while Larkin enjoys the freedom he has on the job. Both enjoy the predictable miles and routes as well as no-touch freight. The team says their favorite states to run in are Oregon, Connecticut, Washington and California. Dispatchers who are always available to help are another advantage of working for Covenant, according to Larkin and Tolliver. Over time, they have formed a good relationship with their dispatcher Terry Beard, who is able to work with them on whatever they need.

Covenant teams start at up to 56¢ per mile (includes safety and retention bonuses). Teams can receive a $200 sign-on bonus for each driver and an additional 4¢ per mile sign-on bonus for all paid miles to be paid upon their six-month anniversary. Solo drivers earn up to 48¢ per mile to start (includes safety bonus). Solos can also earn a $200 sign-on bonus with an additional 2¢ per mile sign-on bonus on all paid miles, to be received upon the six-month anniversary. Covenant also offers referral programs and other exciting incentives.

The staff of Over the Road and Pro Trucker magazines would like to wish Charles and Leroy continued success with Covenant Transport. For more information on solo and team company driver and owner operator opportunities available at Covenant, see their ad on the inside front cover of this issue. Recruiters are available seven days a week, so call (888) 667-3729. Teams can call (866) 391-0141. You can also visit www.covenanttransport. com today to complete an online application.