Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/616038
FIRST CLASS l 9 Drivers at Raven receive two days of intensive LNG training and are issued insulated gloves, a face shield and pro- tective gear while positioning a large, double-handled $4,500 LNG nozzle onto the fuel tank. "I like the quieter ride of the LNG trucks," says driver J.D. Creasy. "I'm proud to drive a 'green' truck, and I don't miss the smell of diesel." Every Month Is Driver Appreciation The Raven slogan, Our Drivers Make The Difference, is more than a tagline, or cliché – it's a way of life. While other com- panies may have a driver appreciation month every year, Raven has an appre- ciation event every month. September's event featured 200 lbs. of smoked brisket. There is virtually zero staff turnover at Raven, which maintains a ratio of one staff person for every six drivers. While driver turnover is up a bit from their historic norm of 25 percent, they remain in the upper quartile of major carriers in that category, and it's due in part to the long-tenured, aging driver profile. Each weekly pay period finds Silver- man sitting at his desk personally signing every single paycheck. "There's a reason our slogan is driv- er-centric," he says. "Post-Katrina, we had three drivers who lost just about everything. Our employees rallied togeth- er and gave generously to a relief fund that Judy and I matched dollar for dollar. We've also formed a social action com- mittee that donates time and money to Raven Transport Executive Vice President David Teichert the Ronald McDonald House and local abuse shelters. "I've always known that you can't do anything by yourself," concludes Silverman. "The Raven family is 580 strong, and we're fortunate to have each and every one." FC "We believe that there will be a strong demand for these Peterbilt LNGs... And yes, we expect that they will fetch a premium price."