News – Prime, Inc. https://www.primeinc.com Tue, 06 Jul 2021 15:51:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.primeinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-Prime_Favicon_1-32x32.png News – Prime, Inc. https://www.primeinc.com 32 32 DAB Meeting Minutes-June 14th https://www.primeinc.com/driver-advisory-board-meeting-minutes-june-14th/ https://www.primeinc.com/driver-advisory-board-meeting-minutes-june-14th/#respond Tue, 06 Jul 2021 15:31:05 +0000 https://www.primeinc.com/?p=13486 Read more]]>

Driver Advisory Board Meeting

June 14, 2021

Oasis Convention Center

 

Meeting Attendees – Drivers

William Dedmon Alan Godfrey Katherine Poteat
Thomas Miller Jesse Dennis Charles Smith
Mark Snider Robert Jones Sasha Bailey
Anthony Eck Bryan Brooks Kirsten Rothlander
Sean Fitzgerald John Connell Victor Blackburn
Tobais Alexander Emily Plummer Blake Nichols
John Ogren James Abell Matthew Keen
Tyler Lockhardt Justin Humiston David McBroom
Danny Crisp Frank Kumre

Meeting Attendees – Inhouse

Robert Low

President & Founder

 Steve Wutke

VP Sales & Marketing

 Kevin Bergman

Director of Maintenance
Rodney Rader

Director of Technology

 Brianne Madura

IT Manager

 Jim Guthrie

Director of Operations
Stan Auman

Operations Supervisor

 Jim Wilkins

Director of Flatbed/Tanker

 Brett Vonwiller

Manager of Tanker
Justin Kaufman

Manager of Road Assist

 Shaun Ryker

Manager of Payroll

 Andrea Mueller

Media/Onboarding Manager
Stan Kasterke

Training Program Manager

 Clayton Brown

Marketing Manager

 Jason Seymour

Operations Supervisor
Sean Ross

Flatbed Sales

 James Ely

Operations Supervisor

 Darrel Hopkins

Director of Leasing  
Paul Higgins

Purchasing Manager  

 Steve Field

Director of Safety

 Bill Boehning

Director of Security
Ryan Harrington

Manager of Intermodal

 Chris Holtmeyer

Fleet Maintenance

 Keith McCoy

Director of Marketing
Doug Tamm

Shop Manager

 Mitchell Coiner

Media/Onboarding

 Drew Martin

Manager of Leasing

Agenda

  1. Intro | State of the Industry | State of Prime (Jack Porter, Strategic Planner & Darrel Hopkins, Prime Inc. Controller)
  2. Reefer Sales | Sales Strategy | Top Customers (Steve Wutke, VP of Sales & Marketing)
  3. IT Update | Mobile App Update (Brianne Madura, Information Technology Manager)
  4. Refrigerated Operations (Jim Guthrie, Director of Operations)
  5. Flatbed & Tanker Operations (Jim Wilkins, Director of Flatbed/Tanker & Brett Vonwiller, Manager of Tanker)
  6. Driver Recruitment Stats & Strategy (Andrea Mueller, Media & Onboarding Manager)
  7. Prime Training Program (Stan Kasterke, Training Program Manager & Stan Auman, Operations Supervisor)
  8. Safety Regulations & Stats (Steve Field, Director of Safety)
  9. Tractor & Trailer Shops | Road Assist (Kevin Bergman, Director of Maintenance & Justin Kaufman, Manager of Road Assist)
  10. Closing Remarks (Robert Low, President & Founder)

Key Discussion Points & Takeaways from DAB Members:

State of the Industry | State of Prime

  • Discussed employment and trucking market trends
  • Pandemic impact on trucking lifestyle and market
  • 100,000 business closed in 2020 during COVID-19 Pandemic
    • 2019 – 1,100 Trucking Companies Closed
    • 2020 – 3,100 Trucking Companies Closed
  • FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse has disqualified 57,000 drivers
    • These are not drivers we want to share the road with, but still has an impact on the industry
  • Truck availability is down causing less capacity for our customers
  • Contact your local representative and senator regarding ProAct legislation

Sales Update 

  • Discussed sales updates with current customers
  • Majority of rates have increased – continue to rise
  • Customer Advisory Board event took place in May
    • Our customers’ biggest concern is capacity
    • Positive feedback from customers for our fleet
  • Current rates are up 18% and projected 2021 4th Quarter Rates are to be up to 25 Cents Per Mile

Success Leasing

  • Truck shortage in 2020 due to COVID-19
  • Current truck shortage in 2021 due to parts and labor shortages across the country
    • Solutions:
      • Extend truck life of both company and lease trucks
      • Limit pedigree inventory to problem trucks or >525k miles
      • Continue to run trucks without unnecessary components – assuming productivity is not compromised
      • Track unleased days to push all available trucks
    • What’s new with trucks?
      • 2022 Peterbilt
        • Full digital dash option in new model
      • 2022 Freightliner
        • 3% better fuel economy
        • Full Dash Option ($1,000 upgrade)
      • Started 2-year truck bid for next model year trucks
    • DAB Proposed Action Items:
      • Create videos on new truck models & features
      • Establish a designated parking area for lease trucks in Pittston, PA
      • Improve the white glove experience during the upgrade process

IT & Prime Mobile App 

  • Discussed usage of Prime App and New Features
  • Currently receiving nearly 600 E-Fund change requests per week via the Prime Mobile App
  • Ask DAB feature now available in the app for drivers to ask DAB members questions
  • Discussed adding an Ask Prime option for drivers to ask inhouse associates questions

Refrigerated Operations 

  • Truck availability down from 2020
  • Load Choice Program
    • Not a load board – never intended to be
    • Not adding additional trucks presently but will continue with current drivers testing and evaluating the best fit for the program long term
    • Partnership with Fleet Managers is most important key to each driver’s success
    • Focus remains on maintaining our industry leading revenue per truck per week results and providing the high level of customer service that allows us to achieve our rates and volume commitments from customers
  • New pay package for B & C seats
    • C Seats – $800/week for first 30 days, $900/week after that
    • B Seats – $900/week for required number of training miles
  • AB-5 action in CA is very concerning for our business model and we are monitoring closely.  Some activity to expand this nationally.  We encourage all to contact their congressional representatives to express their support of their business model.

Flatbed/Tanker Operations

  • Get with your fleet manager if appointment location details are inaccurate
  • New terminal in Minooka, Illinois slotted to be finished by end of the year

Driver Recruiting & Media

  • Working on updated Prime discounts page
  • 3D map of Prime facilities – virtual walkthrough idea discussed
  • Referral bonuses do not apply to rehires or someone who is driving for a current small fleet owner– benefit comes from Prime recruiting these drivers for you
  • Orientation/Onboarding revamp – creating a more Prime-like experience
  • Number of applicants are increasing

Prime Training Program

  • PSD/TNT continuing to work on a training reporting system – trainer, instructor, trainee evaluation
  • Need more accountability for trainers/instructors – cleanliness of trucks, attention to detail, and communication with fleet manager
  • 1,449 PSD’s hired – 1,319 TNT’s placed YTD
  • DAB requests:
    • Weekly checklists
    • Random truck inspections for instructors & trainers

Safety

  • In 2020:
    • Total miles traveled decreased 13.2%
    • Total number of highway accidents were up 7.2%
    • Total accidents involving big trucks down 2.2%
  • From May 1, 2020 – March 12, 2021:
    • 382 Accidents involving Prime trucks – 61% Non-Preventable

Maintenance | Road Assist

  • Looking for different ways to improve the Denver Yard
  • Putting up no smoking signs around the Millennium Building
  • DAB Requests:
    • Lockable showers in the plaza – shower rental on the app
    • Less trailer inspections 3-6 months overdue

Driver Advisory Board Members Meeting Feedback

DAB Member Sean Fitzgerald
Key Takeaway(s) I think the biggest take away from this meeting was that I believe that this is the first meeting that you could really see the passion from the drivers and the inhouse staff about this company and moving forward to action.
Action Item Checking up on the TNT training. Making sure Success Leasing is checking on these trucks before they’re being released.

 

DAB Member Mark Snider
Key Takeaway(s) Freight is solid, drivers are needed.
Action Item So much is driven by the other divisions, me being in intermodal we have action items with day cabs and containers.

 

DAB Member Bryan Brooks
Key Takeaway(s) Great meeting. My takeaway was that Prime needs to focus on retention of experienced drivers. We all know that prime is a great training/starter company. Prime has changed some pay to try and bring in new drivers and keep them through the training program. However not much is being done to keep drivers with a couple years under their belt. It was stated that the average time a driver has been with prime is only three years.
Action Item Focus on experienced driver retention.

 

DAB Member John Ogren
Key Takeaway(s) Fantastic back & forth. I enjoyed the format vs the traditional presentation & follow-up Q&A. Seems to be more interactive.
Action Item Communication of the “end game” for load choice

 

DAB Member Robert Jones
Key Takeaway(s) A-B 5 could wreak havoc with our business model.
Action Item Recruit – Recruit – Recruit

 

 

 

DAB Member William Dedmon
Key Takeaway(s) That Prime is a company that cares about its drivers’ voice and they will do what it takes to continue growing our company with the family atmosphere that they endorse while being a major player in the trucking industry. I’m blessed to be a part of it!
Action Item Driver Responsibility for trailer Maintenance

Load choice expansion

Terminal maintenance and growth (more terminal sites)

Rising freight rates and truck demand (a need for continued growth)

Driver retention (new and veteran) and lowering turnover rate

Increase driver recruitment

Trainer evaluation and spot truck inspections

Inbound/Outbound organization for more efficient operation.

App improvements

 

DAB Member Tyler Lockhardt
Key Takeaway(s) We could use a good mentor program outside of normal social media and training. We could control it better if we used a different platform. It could also be a place for people to exchange ideas on efficiency and good practices.
Action Item Service items in the app and a load lock exchange.

 

DAB Member David McBroom
Key Takeaway(s) There are certain areas that need work still, like there would be anywhere honestly. The safety / health concerns of some trainees really struck home because of my own experience in that kind of situation. Communication also has areas to improve on all ends of that spectrum. Between drivers to each other, to their inhouse team, and to the teams that cover.
Action Item Really trying to nail down some solutions to help promote clean and safe training / living environments for students is huge. Really trying to light that fire for quality recruitment is another great focus area, as it will foster an even better future for our associates and customers alike. Trying to find, relieve, and prevent delays in loads through clear communication and appropriate information passed between all parties is another great area to promote growth. Loads are up, quality of rates are going up, we just need to keep providing the absolute best service in the industry that we are all capable of!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAB Member Katherine Poteat
Key Takeaway(s) It was great to be able to meet and discuss things in person again! I think having the meeting with Jack earlier before our meeting worked out well since the management team had time to look things over and respond. So glad to see changes coming to hold trainers more accountable and improve our training program.
Action Item Reduce down time for drivers, especially teams, in between loads.” and “Consider paying company drivers equal detention to what lease drivers are receiving since detention pay is now listed as part of our load info. Our time is equally valuable. If that absolutely cannot be done, specify company detention as part of the info we receive.

 

DAB Member Blake Nichols
Key Takeaway(s) Lots of good ideas but we need to put them into action.
Action Item Putting together an action plan 4 our ideas and start implementing them asap

 

DAB Member Charles Smith
Key Takeaway(s) I was extremely impressed with how much action management seemed to be willing to take on several things, and doubly so on things that could be dealt with right away.  I also liked that things that we’ve had questions about for some time were answered and understood that sometimes, we don’t know, or we haven’t gotten there yet is a perfectly reasonable answer
Action Item Card readers for vending machines and laundry machines.

 

DAB Member Emily Plummer
Key Takeaway(s) 1.) Training will be investigated a little more with the cleanliness of trucks.

2.) We need more drivers, so we need to help recruit more if possible,

3.) Rates are going up and we are at a really good place right now freight wise.
Action Item 1.) Making sure we all have our FM’s cell number.

2.) Leasing paying more attention to the new/used trucks thar are ready to be given away.

3.) Looking at raising up the fee for clean DOT inspections for company drivers.

 

DAB Member Sasha Bailey
Key Takeaway(s) There is a major issue with the TNT program that needs definite overhaul to reduce the number of drivers leaving while in the program.

Love the pay scale change for TNT. I do believe that will make a difference.

I think the Ask InHouse feature will be well used
Action Item N/A

 

 

 

DAB Member Frank Kumre
Key Takeaway(s) Need better compaction with all personnel at prime
Action Item N/A

 

DAB Member Anthony Eck
Key Takeaway(s) Our training trucks need to be held more accountable for not keeping a clean truck, our trainees need to feel more comfortable with coming forward about issues with their trainers.

 

Freight is up and CPM is going up which is good. Truck availability for loads is down.
Action Item No smoking signs still need to be placed.

 

DAB Member Thomas Miller
Key Takeaway(s) I was very happy to see most everyone engage in the meeting. The discussions we have in the room are vital for the DAB to be an integral part of the Prime Inc. organization. Getting the wants and needs of drivers across to the management in a clear and concise manner without “heated” discussions is paramount. Thank you to Prime, the management team, the drivers, hotel staff, and anyone who had a hand in putting it all together!
Action Item 1. Random truck inspections for cleanliness on tracing trucks. PSD and TNT. These should be conducted by the training department, not security as suggested.

2. Designated parking for drivers, Success Leasing, Pedigree, & shops, and hold them to it. All locations.

3. Either a designated washout bay, or at least the ability to switch the 3rd bay in Springfield to washout only during busy periods.

 

]]> https://www.primeinc.com/driver-advisory-board-meeting-minutes-june-14th/feed/ 0 DAB Meeting Minutes-March 2nd https://www.primeinc.com/driver-advisory-board-meeting-march-2nd/ https://www.primeinc.com/driver-advisory-board-meeting-march-2nd/#respond Tue, 02 Mar 2021 15:46:29 +0000 https://www.primeinc.com/?p=13490 Read more]]> Driver Advisory Board Meeting

March 2, 2021

Oasis Convention Center

Prime Inc. Driver Advisory Board Meeting

Agenda

Presentations followed by Q&A

  1. State of the Industry, State of Prime (Jack Porter, Strategic Planner & Darrel Hopkins, Prime Inc. Controller)
  2. Sales Update & Strategy (Steve Wutke, VP of Sales & Marketing)
  3. Refrigerated Division Operations (Jim Guthrie, Director of Operations & Stan Auman, Operations Supervisor)
  4. Flatbed & Tanker Division Operations (Jim Wilkins, Director of Flatbed/Tanker & Brett Vonwiller, Manager of Tanker)
  5. Safety (Dennis Davis, Safety Supervisor & Steve Field, Director of Safety)
  6. Driver Recruiting (Travis Bacon, Manager of Recruiting & Andrea Mueller, Onboarding/Media Manager)
  7. Technology (Brianne Madura, Information Technology)
  8. Prime Training Program (Stan Kasterke, Prime Training Program Manager & Stan Auman, Operations Supervisor)
  9. Road Assist & Maintenance (Justin Kaufman, Manager of Road Assist & Kevin Bergman, Director of Maintenance)

Key Meeting Discussion Points & Takeaways from DAB Members:

  • Driver Retention
    • Pay & Bonus program clarification communicated to Drivers
    • FM Task Overload from Home – no time to interact w/New Drivers
    • Equipment needs to be ready to roll when Upgrading
    • Loss of Earnings – Too much Time between Loads
    • Facebook is part of the problem – erroneous information
    • Local/Regional Jobs Offered to Current Drivers
    • Pay scale going into TNT phase – needs consistency and Pay Review
    • Knowing the Culture and Living the Culture during past Year
  • Communication
    • Common Mutual Respect for All Associates Inside & Out
    • Need to Follow Up with Attention to Details
    • Mental Health Line support communicated to Drivers
    • DAB Communications
    • DAB Follow Up from last session and a Formal Routine
    • Drivers DAB Contact Information to a quick click
      • Ask DAB feature added in Prime Mobile App in April 2021
    • Refrigerated Operations
      • Accuracy of Drivers Load Information Needed
      • Preplans are a needed benefit for what’s next for the Driver
      • Prime Load Choice Program Rollout update & results
      • Live Loaded Call without Drop & PU Trailer reports suggested
      • Clear Communication of Home-Time pay Policies Uniformly
    • Driver Recruiting
      • Clear Expectations and view of the Truck Driver Job
      • Maybe review the current Referral Program and payout plan
    • Driver Development/Training
      • Training DAB Meeting to focus on the Details
      • First Impression and Equipment Orientation
      • Trainers’ quantity vs. quality is a concern in the Training Population
      • TNT Trainers – need some consistency
      • Facebook used for some Positive Training
    • Flatbed /Tanker Operations
      • Accuracy of Drivers Load Information Needed
      • Tarping Station in Pittston
      • Drivers & Tarping requirements and processes on Customer Sites
    • Safety
      • Keep the Friday Morning Meetings Coming
        • Started livestreaming them every Friday at 8 am on 3/19/21
      • Need updates from FMCSA on any updates – FB Load Securement
      • On-hold message needs updated for TWIC Card message that is outdated
        • Updated March 2021
      • IT/Mobile App
        • Referral Tracking on the App – Workflow tracking
        • Trip Sheet on the App
        • Fleet Side of App available to Small Fleet Owners
        • Driver Repair Job – standard forms and workflow
        • Navigation vetting and feedback from Drivers
        • Tanker Detention Process – App which tracks and follows payment
      • Maintenance/Road Assist
        • Night Coverage needs better attitude for Drivers
        • New Truck w/New Driver needs to be road ready
        • O/O Maintenance changes not communicated
        • Tire Inflation System Test w/Tanker needs refinement
        • Staffing issues with Decatur Shop 6Am – Midnight (Missing Pickups)

 

Completed Action Items from DAB to Date:

  • Drivers DAB Contact Information to a quick click

Ask DAB feature added in Prime Mobile App in April 2021

  • Add detention rules to stop info
    • Added in 2020
  • Livestream safety meetings so drivers out on the road can participate
    • Started livestreaming safety meetings in 2021 every Friday at 8 am central and streamed both to Facebook and YouTube
  • Safety Annual Review in the Prime Mobile App
    • Added in 2020
  • Shop Campaigns in the Prime Mobile App
    • Added in 2020
  • Onsite Chiropractor one time per week
    • Opened full-time chiropractic clinic (Happy Spine) with Dr Popa in Springfield, MO terminal
  • Added Travel Update section on Prime Mobile App to reduce non-critical QC Messages
    • Prior to change, Prime drivers were receiving an average of 400+ QC messages/week.
    • After change, Prime drivers receive average of less than 100 QC messages/week.
  • Qualcomm message signed with full name
  • Pro Maintenance 1.0 Class created and launched in July 2019
    • Over 170 drivers have attended PM 1.0 as of Oct 2019
  • Shop will keep on APU when truck is being worked on
  • Trailer Parking Solution for Pittston
    • Pedigree Sale Trailers moved off of main yard down to training pad in Oct 2019
  • More Training Videos for New Drivers
    • Examples of new training videos created in 2019:
      • How to Fix Tandem Slider Pins
      • How to Fix a Trailer Chute
      • How to Jump Start a Reefer Unit
      • How to Fix a Mud Flap
    • Home counter viewable in Prime Mobile App
    • Develop a Training Advisory Board
      • Next meeting tentatively Feb 2020
    • ELD Roll Out program to prepare fleet Sept – November
    • Move the open gate button in Denver to Outside of the Office for food ordering/taxis
    • Food Trucks brought into SLC while Amenities Building is being built
    • Program for Million Mile Company Drivers to order new truck
    • Military graphics on flatbed trailer skirts
      • Clayton Brown/Paul Smith
    • Review staffing and wait times in Springfield, MO New Plaza
      • Paul Smith/Kevin Bergman
    • Added Driver Advisory Board Members to proposed load feature for testing and feedback
      • Currently over 300 total Prime Drivers utilizing this feature for testing
    • Review orientation experience to find areas of improvement for welcome/family first impression, promote benefits of the company and career path/options to new drivers on front end
    • Create restroom & facility upgrades at the Auburndale yard
      • Exterior Restroom facility added to yard-Feb 2019
    • Provide receipts at Auburndale yard for washouts
    • Provide better/stronger inverters in the truck
      • Now installing Tundra inverters into new trucks instead of previous Cobra model
    • Utilize geofencing to cater road updates to drivers in those areas
    • Update the My Fuel feature to let you view it on current week, 4 week, 8 week basis
    • Streamline/reduce repetitive messaging to fleet (i.e. red-light tickets in Hannibal, MO)
    • Add Macro 33 to app
    • Work on communication of Road Assist Dept to provide confirmation that they receive messages and are working on the problem and/or ETA when they should hear back from RA Advisor
    • Fix Reefer Dept Live Load Dispatch inbound call queue/waiting message to not auto hang up on callers if there was more than one person in queue holding.
    • New My Fuel feature to see your personal stats and how you rank in the fleet
    • Create phone line to call in to hear Prime Hold Messages
    • Prime Class List on Prime Mobile App
    • Standard Transmission Truck Loaning for Practice
    • Hold Messages updated more frequently
    • DIY fixes and Pay Information Shared and Promoted
    • Enhanced communication through Mobile App
    • New truck optimization program implementation
    • Vacation pay for second seats
    • My Truck, My Trailer, and My Contacts features in Prime Mobile App
    • ACE2 Videos on Prime Mobile App
    • Road Assist Vendor List on App

 

]]> https://www.primeinc.com/driver-advisory-board-meeting-march-2nd/feed/ 0 TCA Scholarship Application Now Open https://www.primeinc.com/tca-scholarship-application-2020/ https://www.primeinc.com/tca-scholarship-application-2020/#respond Mon, 04 May 2020 12:39:38 +0000 https://www.primeinc.com/?p=8882 Read more]]>

Since 1973, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Scholarship Fund has been helping students with connections to the truckload industry. The Fund awards up to $6,250 per year, per full-time undergraduate college student. Much of the program’s support comes from within the truckload family—companies and individuals who are committed to our community’s future. The Truckload Carriers Association Scholarship application period is now open.

Picture of Kaitlyn McPhee with her dad Scott McPhee

Last year, eight members of the Prime Inc. family were recipients of the TCA Scholarship. One recipient was Kaitlyn McPhee who is the daughter of Scott McPhee who has driven for Prime Inc. since 2015.

“Thank you for letting me know about the TCA scholarship opportunity. I’m so glad to be chosen as one of the [2019-2020] winners! I am a second year Burnett Honors Scholar at the University of Central Florida.” -Kaitlyn McPhee

Learn more about the TCA Scholarship on https://www.truckload.org/scholarships/.

]]> https://www.primeinc.com/tca-scholarship-application-2020/feed/ 0 Lab Work: Peek Inside the Simulator Lab at Prime Inc. https://www.primeinc.com/lab-work-peek-inside-the-simulator-lab-at-prime-inc/ https://www.primeinc.com/lab-work-peek-inside-the-simulator-lab-at-prime-inc/#respond Fri, 21 Feb 2020 18:22:13 +0000 https://www.primeinc.com/?p=8474 Read more]]> After 22 years as a fleet manager, Wally Anthony knew he needed a change. That’s when he learned he was transferring to orientation services to lead a new project-—the Prime Simulator Training Lab. That was 2009. In the 10 years since, Anthony has helped up to 12,000 Prime drivers each year get behind the wheel of one of 10 simulation machines at Prime’s hub in Springfield, Missouri. Made by the Utah-based company L3, the newly updated simulation machines provide drivers with a realistic driving experience. The engine rumbles around you when the key is turned. The console’s design is identical to a Freightliner with the matching wheel, instruments, pedals and more.

Prime Inc. Simulator Lab Associate Wally Anthony

But to make the simulation even more lifelike, the entire seat console moves. When the simulated truck slides on ice, the driver and the seat slide, too. “This is the closest thing to a truck as it gets,” Anthony says. “When the roads are slick in a scenario, the seat console will slide, and you’ll feel the truck move. So when you’re driving too fast, you’ll feel it and see it.”

Anthony doesn’t just work with Prime student drivers in the simulation lab. He also trains veteran drivers who have years of driving under their belts. New students complete simpler scenarios including successfully hauling a load to the bottom of a hill in light snow. For veterans, Anthony adds wind and a blizzard to the same scenario to help seasoned drivers experience especially hazardous conditions safely.

“What we drive home with our Prime student drivers is what we stress for everybody, which is to drive for conditions,” Anthony says. “The scenarios help all drivers get back to the basics of driving for what’s ahead of you, always looking forward, checking your mirrors. It’s always about driving with safety in mind.”

Prime student drivers complete 10 hours in the simulation lab as part of their initial training when they drive Prime’s fleet of drivers. But Anthony points out that all Prime drivers can gain a benefit from driving in the simulation lab.

“For Prime student drivers, there is no grade on the simulation machine; this isn’t a test,” he says. “It’s an exercise to help drivers know how to parallel park without having to worry about hitting a pole. If a driver comes in here and makes a mistake, we talk about it and try again. I want them to make mistakes, because in here if you cause a major wreck, we just do the simulation again. If we can avoid just one serious accident, we’ve both done our jobs.”

Ready to join Prime Inc? Click here to apply now or call 866-290-1568.

]]> https://www.primeinc.com/lab-work-peek-inside-the-simulator-lab-at-prime-inc/feed/ 0 DAB Meeting Minutes-Oct 30th https://www.primeinc.com/dab-meeting-minutes-oct-30th/ https://www.primeinc.com/dab-meeting-minutes-oct-30th/#respond Wed, 30 Oct 2019 15:50:12 +0000 https://www.primeinc.com/?p=13491 Read more]]> Driver Advisory Board Meeting

Wednesday, October 30 2019

Oasis Convention Center

Meeting Attendees

Roger Johnson (Flatbed) Alan Godfrey (Refrigerated) Victor Blackburn (Refrigerated)
James Abell (Flatbed) Orain Jones (Refrigerated) Jesse Dennis (Refrigerated)
Frank Kumre (Flatbed) Timothy Wylie (Refrigerated) Joe Hancammon (Refrigerated)
Richard Prince (Flatbed) Thomas Miller (Refrigerated) Jeff Knudsen (Refrigerated)
Mark Snider (Intermodal) Blake Nichols (Refrigerated) Junior Honduras (Refrigerated)
Emily Plummer (Refrigerated) Charles Smith (Refrigerated) Ricky Oneill (Refrigerated)
Reba Hoffman (Refrigerated) Sean Fitzgerald (Refrigerated) Tobias Alexander (Refrigerated)
Dee Sova (Refrigerated) Anthony Eck (Refrigerated) John Ogren (Tanker)
Alan Weakley (Tanker)

Agenda

Tuesday, October 29th:

  1. EcoShred & Retread Tour (Mike Jones, Accounting/EcoShred)
  2. Pre-DAB Meeting Review (Jack Porter, Strategic Planner)

Wednesday, October 30th: Presentations followed by Q&A

  1. State of the Industry, State of Prime (Darrel Hopkins, Prime Inc. Controller)
  2. Sales (Steve Wutke, VP of Sales & Marketing)
  3. Prime Training Program (Stan Kasterke, Prime Training Program Manager)
  4. Payroll (Shaun Ryker, Manager of Payroll)
  5. Driver Health & Fitness (Matt Hancock, DHF Coordinator)
  6. Road Assist & Maintenance (Justin Kaufman, Manager of Road Assist & Kevin Bergman, Director of Maintenance)
  7. Driver Operations (Jim Wilkins, Director of Flatbed & Tanker Operations and Jim Guthrie, Director of Reefer Operations)
  8. Safety and E-Logs (Dennis Davis, Safety Supervisor & Susan Byrne, Logs)
  9. Success Leasing (Drew Martin, Manager of Leasing)
  10. Technology (Brianne Madura, Information Technology)

Pending Key Action Items from Previous Meetings:

  • Volunteer Veteran Drivers for Recruiting Trips
    • Andrea Mueller/Travis Bacon
  • Onsite Chiropractor one time per week
    • Working with Trinity Healthcare to offer an option with Dr Popa in Springfield, MO
  • Develop a Standard Layout of Prime added options for each truck model
    • Andrew Martin/Andrea Mueller
  • DAB Contact Info introduced during Orientation-Create a video
    • Andrea Mueller
  • Additional long-term parking in Springfield, MO (Prime East/motorcycle parking)
    • Bill Boehning/Andrea Mueller
  • Detention and Layover Pay Rules & Policies Formalized and Create a document/video on how to ensure you receive detention pay
    • Stan Auman/Shaun Ryker/Rodney Rader
  • Build fall protection area for Flatbed at Prime terminal
    • Mark Piley
  • Create division-specific training curriculum or guide for TNT Trainers and Trainees
  • Develop Prime Trainer/Trainee Checklist both sides complete weekly
    • Stan Auman/Stephen Tassin/Steve Larsen
  • Livestream safety meetings so drivers out on the road can participate
    • Steve Field/Brianne Madura/Andrea Mueller
  • Offer self-defense class for drivers & provide list of approved protection options for the truck
    • Bill Boehning/Andrea Mueller
  • Add trip sheets to mobile app
    • Brianne Madura
  • Create a promotional booklet/brochure on all of the benefits Prime has to offer
    • Andrea Mueller
  • Road Assist keeping Fleet Manager in the loop
    • Stan Auman/Jim Wilkins/Brett Vonwiller/Justin Kaufman
  • Shop Campaigns in the Prime Mobile App
    • Brianne Madura/Kevin Bergman
  • Safety Annual Review in the Prime Mobile App
    • Brianne Madura/Dennis Davis/Steve Field
  • Add detention rules to stop info
    • Keith McCoy

 

Completed Action Items from DAB to Date:

  • Added Travel Update section on Prime Mobile App to reduce non-critical QC Messages
    • Prior to change, Prime drivers were receiving an average of 400+ QC messages/week.
    • After change, Prime drivers receive average of less than 100 QC messages/week.
  • Qualcomm message signed with full name
  • Pro Maintenance 1.0 Class created and launched in July 2019
    • Over 170 drivers have attended PM 1.0 as of Oct 2019
  • Shop will keep on APU when truck is being worked on
  • Trailer Parking Solution for Pittston
    • Pedigree Sale Trailers moved off of main yard down to training pad in Oct 2019
  • More Training Videos for New Drivers
    • Examples of new training videos created in 2019:
      • How to Fix Tandem Slider Pins
      • How to Fix a Trailer Chute
      • How to Jump Start a Reefer Unit
      • How to Fix a Mud Flap
    • Homecounter viewable in Prime Mobile App
    • Develop a Training Advisory Board
      • Next meeting tentatively Feb 2020
    • ELD Roll Out program to prepare fleet Sept – November
    • Move the open gate button in Denver to Outside of the Office for food ordering/taxis
    • Food Trucks brought into SLC while Amenities Building is being built
    • Program for Million Mile Company Drivers to order new truck
    • Military graphics on flatbed trailer skirts
      • Clayton Brown/Paul Smith
    • Review staffing and wait times in Springfield, MO New Plaza
      • Paul Smith/Kevin Bergman
    • Added Driver Advisory Board Members to proposed load feature for testing and feedback
      • Currently over 300 total Prime Drivers utilizing this feature for testing
    • Review orientation experience to find areas of improvement for welcome/family first impression, promote benefits of the company and career path/options to new drivers on front end
    • Create restroom & facility upgrades at the Auburndale yard
      • Exterior Restroom facility added to yard-Feb 2019
    • Provide receipts at Auburndale yard for washouts
    • Provide better/stronger inverters in the truck
      • Now installing Tundra inverters into new trucks instead of previous Cobra model
    • Utilize geofencing to cater road updates to drivers in those areas
    • Update the My Fuel feature to let you view it on current week, 4 week, 8 week basis
    • Streamline/reduce repetitive messaging to fleet (i.e. red-light tickets in Hannibal, MO)
    • Add Macro 33 to app
    • Work on communication of Road Assist Dept to provide confirmation that they receive messages and are working on the problem and/or ETA when they should hear back from RA Advisor
    • Fix Reefer Dept Live Load Dispatch inbound call queue/waiting message to not auto hang up on callers if there was more than one person in queue holding.
    • New My Fuel feature to see your personal stats and how you rank in the fleet
    • Create phone line to call in to hear Prime Hold Messages
    • Prime Class List on Prime Mobile App
    • Standard Transmission Truck Loaning for Practice
    • Hold Messages updated more frequently
    • DIY fixes and Pay Information Shared and Promoted
    • Enhanced communication through Mobile App
    • New truck optimization program implementation
    • Vacation pay for second seats
    • My Truck, My Trailer, and My Contacts features in Prime Mobile App
    • ACE2 Videos on Prime Mobile App
    • Road Assist Vendor List on App

Driver Advisory Board Members Meeting Feedback

DAB Member John Ogren
Key Takeaway(s) Overall, I have been very pleased with my DAB experience. I love that there is tangible evidence that things we discuss are resolved.
Action Item I would like to see the Decatur tanker terminal get a pedestrian exit card reader like the Denver one just installed. This was addressed at the July meeting & implemented before the October meeting, but only in Denver. Not in Decatur.

 

DAB Member Reba Hoffman
Key Takeaway(s) My biggest takeaway was learning how much my bottom line weighs on the minds and hearts of our leadership. With the freight market the way it is, I would not want to ride through a storm with any company other than Prime. Our leaders are constantly looking for ways to improve my experience, in spite of lean times. That give me great comfort!
Action Item All the action items I submitted were taken care of at the meeting.

 

DAB Member Emily Plummer
Key Takeaway(s) Loaded trailer lot issue needs to be addressed before we have more equipment damaged.
Action Item(s) Making the shuttle area non smoking.

Payroll being moved to Wednesday.

Giving back to the company drivers with the Million mile truck.

 

DAB Member Sean Fitzgerald
Key Takeaway(s) In my mind meeting went 10 times better than the last meeting.
Action Item Review paid parking reimbursement program.

 

DAB Member Jeff Knudsen
Key Takeaway(s) My biggest takeaway was learning about increase in accidents/property damage at terminals.
Action Item Review drivers causing damage at yards and dropping damaged trailers.

 

DAB Member Mark Snider
Key Takeaway(s) Progress of Prime moving forward and the continued growth of the DAB.
Action Item Some topics need to be taken offline and discussed in more focused groups i.e. equipment modifications. Take items discussed from previous meetings and break into teams and present possible solutions to the group.

 

DAB Member Timothy Wylie
Key Takeaway(s) Understand load choice better. Loved the tour of tire recycling; it is great to see company expanding while helping communities and the planet at the same time.
Action Item None at this time.

 

DAB Member Thomas Miller
Key Takeaway(s) The meeting this time around seemed to me to be a lot more informative with future plans coming up. Each department provided excellent information on what issues and challenges they are facing and what their plans are to address them. That was very nice to hear so that when drivers ask us questions in the future, we as DAB members can be more informed to handle that
Action Item More follow up and discussion with the DAB members when it comes to ongoing and new issues or items. For example, the load choice program. The most recent changes to that program were put into place without any discussion with the drivers that is supposed to be “testing it”. I fully realize that the drivers DO NOT have the final say on this program and that it needs to be tweaked to be beneficial for all. However, I believe input from those that are “in the field” would have been beneficial. In those discussions, in house staff could have explained why they felt changes needed to be made, and drivers could have voiced their concerns on how it would affect us on the road. I’m not saying it would have changed the outcome, but having a voice up front would have been more reassuring.

 

DAB Member Anthony Eck
Key Takeaway(s) I like that we are changing the payroll cut off to Wednesday, I love that company drivers can now order a truck once they hit a million miles.
Action Item I would like to see something being done about trailers leaving all three terminals with out locks on the trailers, I think if we put a decal right above where the locks go saying “did you remember your lock” or “your trailer isn’t secure until you’ve locked it.”

 

DAB Member Orain Jones
Key Takeaway(s) That Mr. Low and company are moving with a sustainable business plan that will definitely encourage retention.
Action Item A focus on what and where we are going to incentivize team building.

 

]]> https://www.primeinc.com/dab-meeting-minutes-oct-30th/feed/ 0 2019 Pride and Polish Winners https://www.primeinc.com/2019-pride-and-polish-winners/ https://www.primeinc.com/2019-pride-and-polish-winners/#respond Tue, 01 Oct 2019 17:28:00 +0000 https://www.primeinc.com/?p=8384 Read more]]> In 2019, we hosted the annual Pride and Polish competition at all 3 of our main locations during the picnic weekends across the country. The Pride and Polish competition allows drivers to showcase their truck as well as be recognized for their attention to detail and cleanliness inside and outside of the truck. All event participants received a 2019 Prime Commemorative Coin. The event is organized by the Safety Department and specifically by Pam Linhart.

2019 Pride and Polish Competition in Springfield, MO at Prime Inc.

We would like to congratulate the winners from the events. All of the trucks that were entered looked amazing. We are proud of the care and attention that our drivers give to their trucks, whether they are competing in this event or not.

2019 Pride and Polish Winners: 

  • Springfield, MO
    • Company Best in Class: Scott Fischer
    • Lease Best in Class: Glen Horack
    • Owner Operator Best in Class: Jerry Fletcher
    • People’s Choice: Glen Horack
  • Pittston, PA
    • Best in Class: Ed Taylor
  • Salt Lake City, UT
    • Best in Class: Ed & Cathy Beach

View more photos from the event here: Pride and Polish Photo Album.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next year at the annual event. For more information, contact Pam Linhart in the Safety Department.

Interested in starting your career as a truck driver for Prime? We’re one of the largest trucking companies in North America and are proud to say that we train and employ the best drivers in the industry. Apply online here: Full Application. To speak with a Prime Inc. Recruiter, call 866-290-1568.

To speak with a Prime Inc. Recruiter, call 866-290-1568.

]]> https://www.primeinc.com/2019-pride-and-polish-winners/feed/ 0 2019 Prime Inc Picnics https://www.primeinc.com/2019-prime-inc-picnics/ https://www.primeinc.com/2019-prime-inc-picnics/#respond Tue, 18 Jun 2019 15:00:30 +0000 https://www.primeinc.com/?p=5817 Read more]]>

Our Prime Picnics are for our driving and non-driving associates and their families to come together to enjoy fun, food, friendly competition, and more! If you are a driver, please communicate with your Fleet Manager if you would like to be routed to one of these events, and we will do our best to get you to one of them. We really love seeing our drivers at these events, but we want you to know how much we appreciate all of our drivers who continue to haul freight during these dates so we can continue to be the best in the industry by providing unmatched service and meeting the capacity needs of our customers. If you can’t make it to one of the picnic events, we hope to see you at the next Prime event.

  • Pittston, PA -Saturday, August 17th from 10 am to 4 pm
  • Springfield, MO-Saturday, August 31st from 10 am to 4 pm
  • Salt Lake City, UT-Saturday, September 14th from 10 am to 4 pm

Note: These events are not open to the public. Please bring your Prime ID Badge for entrance into the Prime Picnic. Immediate family of associates are welcome! 

 

Prime Truck Driving Championship:

  • Springfield, MO: Friday, August 30th @ 5 pm

The Truck Driving Championships (also known as the Rodeo) allow drivers to showcase their driving skills on an obstacle course at the Springfield, MO Headquarters training pad. The top finalists have an opportunity to compete on Team Prime at the 2020 Missouri Truck Driving Championships. Any Prime Driver with a CDL can enter! We will be holding this event under the Friday night lights of the training pad. All drivers will need to check in at the main training pad at 5 pm on Friday, August 30th. We will have hot dogs, burgers, brats, cold drinks etc for all who want to come out and compete or watch the event. All event competitors will get a 2019 Prime Commemorative Coin! Any questions, contact Dave White in the Safety Department. Winners will be announced on Saturday at the picnic.

Pride and Polish Competition:

  • Pittston, PA: Saturday, August 17th @ 10 am (Check in at 9:30 am)
  • Springfield, MO: Friday, August 30th @ 5 pm (Check in at 5 pm on training pad)
  • Salt Lake City, UT: Saturday, September 14th @ 10 am (Check in at 9:30 am)

The Pride and Polish competition allows drivers to showcase their truck as well as be recognized for their attention to detail and cleanliness inside and outside of the truck. All event participants will get a 2019 Prime Commemorative Coin! A driver can only compete for prizes at one of the locations. If you have any questions, contact Pam Linhart in Safety.

We hope to see you this year at the Prime Picnic. Thank you to all of our associates for your hard work day and night to make Prime the best in the industry!

Interested in starting your career as a truck driver for Prime? We’re one of the largest trucking companies in North America and are proud to say that we train and employ the best drivers in the industry. Apply now online or call our Recruiting Team at 888-664-9121.

]]> https://www.primeinc.com/2019-prime-inc-picnics/feed/ 0 Prime, Inc. Announces New Director For All Fleet Maintenance Operations Across The U.S. https://www.primeinc.com/prime-inc-announces-new-director-for-all-fleet-maintenance-operations-across-the-u-s/ Fri, 08 Feb 2019 06:00:00 +0000 http://primeincdev.wpengine.com/prime-inc-announces-new-director-for-all-fleet-maintenance-operations-across-the-u-s/ Read more]]> Prime, Inc. has announced new leadership for all terminal locations in the US to oversee Fleet Maintenance. Kevin Bergman was chosen as the new Director of Fleet Maintenance effective January, 1, 2019. With his longevity at Prime, Inc. and insight into the operations and strategic development path, Kevin Bergman brings an innovative approach to the future of Fleet Maintenance.

“We have a great team and work hard to ensure that Prime, Inc.’s repair and maintenance for our driver’s is among the best of the best, in-house and on the road,” said Kevin Bergman. “We will continue to build upon our outstanding growth and strive to have a maintenance operation that sets the bar high for the entire transportation industry.”

A people first approach to Prime, Inc. shops is priority to Kevin Bergman. His leadership brings a strong emphasis on a great working environment and culture for both non-driving and driving associates, alike.

“Kevin’s natural ability to identify opportunity, address challenges and create solutions made him a solid choice for this key position. He’s been a passionate and motivated Prime, Inc. associate for over twenty years and I am excited for what he’s already done and what he’s about to do at Prime, Inc..” Robert Low, Prime, Inc. Founder & CEO

About Prime, Inc. 

Prime, Inc. is North America’s most successful refrigerated, flatbed, tanker, logistics and intermodal transportation company. Company driver and independent contractor opportunities available in all divisions. New drivers can earn their Class A CDL through the Prime Training Program with new classes starting weekly. At Prime, we have built a strong and enviable reputation for providing superior transportation services throughout North America. Our commitment to providing unsurpassed world-class customer service continues as we seek new methods, technical advances and systems which enable us to meet the ever-increasing demands of the shipping industry. 

]]> Prime Inc. Honors 10+ Year Associates https://www.primeinc.com/prime-inc-honors-10-year-associates/ Wed, 21 Oct 2015 03:45:42 +0000 https://www.primeinc.com/prime-inc-honors-10-year-associates/ Read more]]> Prime held its annual ten year dinner award ceremonies in Pittston, PA; Springfield, MO; and Salt Lake City, UT during the month of October. The awardees received a plaque/trophy for their years of service. The event was broken out into five year increments starting at ten years. There were a total of over 100 in-house and driving associates receiving 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 awards, and one associate receiving a 40 year trophy. Associates with over 20 years of Prime service also received a check.

“Prime is proud to recognize all associates that have given a minimum of ten years of service to our company. We readily admit any success we’ve had is a result of the commitment and hard work of the best work force in the trucking industry”, stated Steve Wutke, VP of Sales & Marketing. “The Prime Associates that have been recognized for their service are responsible for creating the work ethic and culture that has led Prime to be a leader in the trucking industry. We’re extremely thankful for all Prime Associates but especially those long term Associates that have helped build our culture,” Wutke added.

Here is the breakdown of associates honored at the events:

10 years-87 associates

15 years-39 associates

20 years-21 associates

25 years-15 associates

30 years-3 associates

35 years-1 associate

40 years-1 associate

Check out more photos from the events:

TEN YEAR DINNER

FIFTEEN PLUS YEAR DINNER

About Prime inc.

Founded in 1970 by Robert Low, Prime inc. is North America’s most successful refrigerated, flatbed, tanker and logistics trucking company. Headquartered in Springfield, Mo., Prime’s personnel, equipment and technology remains on the cutting edge of the transportation industry, and the company’s growth remains steady and well managed.

]]> Keep It Kleen Program https://www.primeinc.com/keep-it-kleen-program/ Sat, 18 Apr 2015 02:01:36 +0000 https://www.primeinc.com/keep-it-kleen-program/ Read more]]> What is the KIK It Program? The Prime Keep It Kleen (aka KIK It) program was started in 2014 and rewards Prime Drivers for going the extra mile while maintaining their truck’s interior and exterior during daily use. Many drivers already take great pride in their tractors and put in the effort to keep it clean and presentable so we figured why not reward those who do so. As you know, our drivers are the face of Prime and our best sales associates. You are the ones interacting with our customers in person on a daily basis. Whether you are delivering a load to a customer or participating in a DOT Vehicle Inspection, having a tidy tractor not only reflects positively on you but also Prime as a whole.

“The cost savings really add up for an operator who maintains a clean tractor. We are always looking for ways to help our drivers save money. We wanted this program to help encourage our fleet to stay on top of their living space so when they turn in their truck at the end of its time at Prime, they don’t have to worry about big cleaning fees,” adds Terry Wood who manages the Detail and Wash Bay at Prime.

The KIK It Sweeptakes offers both weekly and annual drawings. Every week, four participating drivers will be randomly chosen to win $25 in Prime Reward Points. (Prime Reward Points can be used at the Prime company store, cafe, salon & spa, and mailroom.) The winners will be announced at the Friday Morning Safety Meetings. The annual drawing will be held at the Prime Company Picnic in Springfield, MO on September 6, 2015. For sweepstakes drawings, winners do not have to be present to win.

The annual drawing prizes include:

  • 12 interior details ($720 value)
  • Polish package for wheels and paint ($800 value)
  • Custom driver seat ($800 value)
  • Satellite TV package and programming for 12 months ($1500 value)
  • Satellite radio service for 12 months ($240 value)

How can you enter the sweepstakes?
Simply ask for a KIK It Inspection when going through the detail/washbay at the Springfield, Pittston, or Salt Lake City terminals. Every inspection gets you into the weekly drawing. Every passing inspection gets you into the annual sweepstakes drawing.

If you have any questions, contact Terry Wood in the Detail/Wash Bay Department at 417-521-3589 or email twood@primeinc.com.

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