The call has once again gone out to North American drivers and owner/operators, to nominate their fleet for the Best Fleet to Drive For competition.
The competition is hosted by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and administered by Canadian online training firm CarriersEdge. This year's nomination process will run through till 5 p.m. Nov. 1.
Drivers and O/Os who'd like to see their carrier acknowledged, can nominate them at www.BetFleetsToDriveFor.com.
"This program publicly recognizes and celebrates the fleets that are working to provide exceptional workplace environments," said Mark Murrell, president of CarriersEdge. "As we survey the participants, we're documenting a series of success stories that model best practices for other companies to adopt or follow. It's good for the carriers, the drivers, and the image of trucking, which is why the number of nominations seems to double every year. As we head into the next round, I have no doubt that this trend will continue."
The contest is open to all for-hire fleets based in the US or Canada, with 10 or more trucks. Membership in TCA isn't required. Nominated companies will be put through an evaluation process that will gauge their driver-related programs.
Fleets that have done well in the competition say they've seen the value in participating.
Tom Pirnie, president of Grand Island Express of Grand Island, Nebraska, the winner of the Best Overall Fleet for Company Drivers in last year's program, said "Entering this competition forces a carrier to examine, in depth, its recruiting, HR policies, procedures and benefits. A review of maintenance and safety practices/results is also necessary. The whole process will give you a benchmark as to how you compare to your competition. It will bring positive change to your company."
Pirnie added: "The competition can supply renewed energy and focus on company improvements," he said. "Setting goals and working on improvements can upgrade the communications and morale of all the associates, including the drivers themselves. Winning or placing in the top 20 creates company pride and unity."
The Top 20 winners will be announced Jan. 31, 2014, with the top place finishers for company driver and owner/operators announced at the TCA convention March 23-26.
