Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/328710
FIRST CLASS l 15 Also important to the Thomases is the appearance of their equipment. They know that image is key in food- grade hauling, so their tanks are always sparkling. But the cab, factory painted in what Mike likes to call "Corvette Yellow," is the real attention stealer, so much that it powers their driver recruitment/retention program. "People see our equipment on the road, and they ask about work- ing for us," says Tracy. "We don't advertise. Drivers come to us and really become ambassadors for the com- pany once they're here." Literally, according to Mike. "We had one guy who kept seeing our equipment on the road, and he wanted to know more about working for us just based on its appearance," he recalls. "So one day he just followed our truck right into the yard." Improving fuel economy Mike also notes unexpected results in fuel economy. As his drivers adjust to maximizing torque and operational effi- ciencies with the PACCAR MX, Mike says some of their routes see averages of 7.5 miles per gallon. With a Peterbilt fleet helping Mike address operational challenges such as fuel economy, driver retention and pay- load, Tracy has been free to look at other ways to bring value to customers. Her commitment to certification from the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, for example, has helped several of her customers achieve supplier diversity goals. Additionally, her drive in becoming a SmartWay Transport SM Partner is a ben- efit to customers as well. "Our scores have just been phenom- enal," she says. "The Selective Catalytic Reduction technology used in the PACCAR MX, our fuel mileage improve- ments — I'm really excited to see what we can do in the future. Our goal is to achieve a Carrier Partner Excellence Award. "It's a voluntary program — we don't have to do it but we do," she adds. "It's important to our customers to be partnered with a fleet that works toward such a goal." "People see our Peterbilt equipment on the road and they ask about working for us. We don't advertise." The Peterbilt Model 384 delivers maximum payload, outstanding fuel economy and cost-efficient operation for BOLT Transport in Phoenix. FIRST CLASS l 15