Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/119598
Feature Oakley Trucking Awards Over $2 Million in Contract-Performance Bonuses to Drivers W hen it comes to driver recruiting, you could say that North Little Rock, Arkansas dry-bulk hauler Oakley Trucking has a unique approach. "We've always wanted Oakley Trucking to be seen as the kind of company that doesn't have to ask for drivers," says recruiting director Jeremy Kellett. "At the same time, it's important for us to lease independent contractors who share our basic beliefs." That philosophy has served the 100% Owner Operator company particularly well in minimizing driver turnover—which, at 36%, is roughly 1/3 the industry average for fleets over 500 trucks. "The big thing we focus on," Kellett says, "is helping our Owner Operators succeed in their business. Dry bulk hauling takes special skills, and a special kind of driver who's not afraid of hard work. We're not for everybody, but for a lot of genuinely dedicated professionals, we're just right." Which explains why, in 2012, Oakley Trucking awarded $2,069,537.34 in anniversary bonuses to independent contractors who've been with the company for periods ranging from one year to over 20. "At the end of their first year with us, drivers get a 5¢ contract performance bonus for every loaded mile. What's more, that annual bonus grows every year a driver is with us. Which is, I guess, one reason why several drivers have been with us for over two decades." The largest bonus Oakley paid to one driver last year was $19,537.54—while two dozen Oakley Trucking At A Glance HQ North Little Rock, AR HIGHLIGHTS • Family-owned. • A true Owner Operator company (No multiple-truck contractors). • Financially stable. Never a single layoff due to economic circumstances. • 4 Dry-Bulk Divisions -- Hoppers (OTR) -- End Dumps (Regional & OTR) -- Pneumatics - Straight Tank (OTR), Vacuum Tank (OTR) -- Pneumatics - Frac Sand (Regional) drivers took home checks of over $10,000. All told, Oakley awarded bonuses to 452 Owner Operators—with an average check amount of $4700. "We always say that we genuinely value loyalty in our drivers," Kellett concludes. "We'd like to think our annual bonus program is pretty solid proof we mean what we say!" OO For more information contact Jeremy Kellett at (888) 634-6621 or JKellett@ bruceoakley.com / Owner operator/ April 2013 / / 30 OO 0413 edit.indd 30 3/19/13 2:20 PM