OAKLEY TRANSPORT REWARDS DRIVERS WITH STAYING POWER
Oakley Transport, a premier bulk food grade carrier, is making headlines by increasing driver pay for the second time in less than a year. In addition to the increase in its base pay package announced earlier this year, the company is raising it again, and is also launching a Cash Rewards Program.
“We want drivers in the industry to understand that we are serious about offering profitable, long-term careers, and we will reward drivers who stay with Oakley,” says Larry Barnes, Director of Fleet Development at Oakley. “Their experience is worth a great deal to us, and this proactive pay increase is a great way to communicate that.”
The program is quite simple. The company is raising its base pay for experienced OTR drivers by 1¢ per mile, and will also pay regional and OTR drivers a $1,500 bonus every six months, starting January 2006. “There are no strings attached to that money, no fancy gimmicks, no smoke and mirrors” says Barnes. “If you’re an Oakley driver and you’re here working for us in six months, you get $1,500. Six months after that, you get it again, and again. As long as you’re here for us, that bonus is there for you. New drivers will get their first bonus check six months after their start date.”
The combination of the experience base pay increase and retention bonus amounts to an unprecedented 4¢ per mile pay increase across the board.
"We see this package having a huge impact on our drivers’ take home pay. If you drive an average of 60,000 miles in 6 months, that $1,500 check comes out to an extra 3¢ for all those miles. This is real cash money going to the driver’s bottom line," says Barnes. "Add to that our annual base pay increases, and mileage bonuses as well, and this compensation package is as good as the tank industry has seen. Now, a top earner can make 44¢ per mile, 40% of our trucks are brand new, and we operate 3 regional boards for improved home time. I’ve not seen a total package that competes with this one."
The company operates a fleet of late model Macks, Freightliners and Volvos, all pulling Oakley’s shiny, stainless steel trailers. Their corporate headquarters is in Lake Wales, FL, with terminals in Memphis, TN and Laredo, TX. Each of their facilities has integrated logistics for smooth, efficient operations, a first class preventative maintenance program, and state of the art wash facilities for its equipment.
The focus on driver satisfaction starts with the company’s president and CEO, Tommy Oakley. "I’m very proud of our driving force," says Oakley. "I’m always looking to add good drivers to our team, and this new program really shows everyone how important they are to us.”
Barnes says having the tank industry's best pay package on the table is the just the beginning of how the company is improving all of its driver services. “It's plain and simple: Mr. Oakley demands the best environment for a driver to work in, and we are going to deliver that."
Drivers with and without tank experience are urged to call Oakley Transport today for information on their newest opportunities. Call 877-8TANKER or visit www.oakleytransport.com.
