Driver Advisory Board – 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 Driver Advisory Board – 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 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.

 

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