Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/655311
FLEET 4 www.FlatbedTruckingJobs.com April 2016 F leets have implemented many different strategies to address their driver recruit- ing and retention challenges, including higher pay, enhanced benefi t packages, sign-on bonuses, performance rewards, more mileage, new equipment, dedicated and preferred routes and additional home time, among other perks. KLLM Transport Services/FFE (CCJ Top 250, No. 39), a Richland, Miss.-based temperature-controlled carrier, has found that one of the best ways to track down and keep drivers is to fi nd newcomers to the industry and train them – the earlier the better, in hopes of possibly infl uencing them to stick around longer. The company's services throughout the United States and Mexico include single and team over-the-road, regional – based from Atlanta and Chicago – and dedicated, including private fl eet enhancement and replacement, with a fl eet of 3,800 tractors and 5,500 trailers. Intermodal services provide intracontinental transportation across multiple modes using more than 1,200 trailers. KLLM's Logistics Services provides customers with options beyond its fl eet capacity. The company's carrier network is comprised of both large and small fl eets offering full truckload, less-than-truckload, air and ground expedited and special- ized freight services. To keep customers informed across the supply chain, it guar- antees 24/7 dispatch and customer service, load tracking, daily check calls and emailed updates. KLLM is owned by Duff Brothers Capi- tal Corp. – brothers Thomas and James Duff, two Mississippi businessmen who in 2013 purchased another large refrigerated hauler, Dallas-based Frozen Food Express Industries, for $38.2 million. Mississippi diversity In 2012, KLLM began offering $4,000 scholarships to cover the cost of training for students enrolled in the Commercial Truck Driving program at Hinds Community Col- lege in Raymond, Miss. The program now is housed at the fi rst KLLM Driving Academy in Richland, which opened as a new separate facility in April 2014. FOCUS by Dean Smallwood KLLM's unique approach to using driving schools, tuition to recruit and retain new drivers Jim Richards, KLLM president and CEO, says the new Texas school represents an innovative partner- ship between his company and Cedar Valley College.