5 Ways AJG Transport Retains Drivers
Every Year Trucking companies turn over hundreds of thousands of drivers due to inefficiencies that cause complacency. At AJG, we are aware of this fact and service our customers with our driver’s schedules and livelihoods in mind. There are many different pulling factors when it comes to driving for trucking companies, but we want to be above the rest when it comes to what matters.
There are many things that matter to a truck driver, whether it is compensation, home time, a set schedule, dedicated routes, and we collaborate with our entire team to give the best quality careers and let the number of drivers take care of itself.
1) Driver Compensation
The factor above all factors is MONEY, and how fast drivers receive that money for their miles driven. In comparison to other companies, AJG pays TWICE WEEKLY to the drivers. This set schedule increases the speed of payment and is easier on drivers who need money as soon as possible. Comparatively, there is a huge gap in pay with many trucking companies due to the amount of mileage that is being assigned on any given workweek. This is one thing to watch out for when it comes to looking for a position or retaining our current drivers. We are always sitting on the boundary of capacity to ensure we have work for every driver with a universal Cents Per Mile at $.32 Cents Split and $.45 Cents Solo. AJG is transparent with its numbers and we only give realistic weekly pay goals for drivers to achieve.
Performance and schedule are also a big defining factor in our ability to get drivers the money they need to support their families.
2) Flexible Schedule
A truck driver’s lifestyle is not easy. Being out on the road takes its toll and AJG knows that family always comes first. A ‘Flexible Schedule’ is provided for all drivers in order to ensure you are at home when you need to be. As long as a driver is dependable and sticks to their confirmations, there is never an issue with a missed appointment or birthday. AJG has focused on giving the driver the ability to develop a schedule that works year-round for them. Some Drivers are even Hybrid workers who can work OTR half the work week and then local for the rest of the week if absolutely necessary. Work-Life Balance is key to any Profession.
3) Dedicated Routes
The trucking industry, like all markets, is cyclical. Whenever there are turns for the best or worst, carriers are often subject to the effects of a slow market. AJG remains consistent with a heavy flow of dedicated routes year-round from reputable fortune 500 companies. Expansion is based on an annual long-term goal and we want to ensure our drivers will be here for years to come. When a driver knows exactly what work they are getting into and can develop a weekly routine, they are more likely to continue with long-term success. At AJG we continue to grow that standard with the ability to stay consistent year-round without the worry of affecting cyclical markets. Even the outlier events, such as the COV-ID19 outbreak, did not stop us from producing record numbers of dedicated mileage due to the expansion of necessities being needed.
4) High Standard Equipment
At AJG Transport we ensure our drivers are inside of a truck that will not only go the distance in a workweek but will be a comfortable and enjoyable ride for years to come. AJG has a goal for each unit to be up to our standard of operation through 1.5 million miles. This is only achieved by weekly PM Checks along with a weekly wash and detail of the interior to ensure the units are taken care of throughout the life cycle. Through our in-house repair shop AJG Truck Repair our fleet is held to the highest standard and consistently receives reports from drivers in case any repairs are needed.
AJG has new trucks for our Team Drivers and then cycles trucks from teams into our solo regional positions to ensure each and every driver has something they can keep clean and take pride in driving.
5) Transparency
I have heard the story a hundred times, a recruiter is telling you they have an opportunity of a lifetime waiting for you at their trucking company in Chicago, but fails to mention the wait time or the inconsistency in payment. If you receive anything from this article it should be this, AJG Transport means what it says and will fight through any obstacle to ensure the drivers are taken care of first. Any driver who applies receives only the worst-case scenario basis and will not be promised what is not possible. With that being said this is why we take our time to grow as a fleet, we will not sell our values for short-term gain and will continue to give drivers the long-term success which they all deserve. That is the AJG Guarantee.
-Andrew Gomez
Andrew@AJGTransport.com