Author: Jaimie Williams

NPTC All-Star Drivers recognized at NPTC Safety Conference 2024

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

Recognizing and celebrating the safest drivers for their unwavering commitment to safety and service is what makes them true road heroes.  
 
At the National Private Truck Council (INPTC) Safety Conference in Orlando, Florida, three Centerline drivers were honored and awarded as the 2024 National All-Star Drivers. 

The National Driver All-Star Awards are awarded annually by NPTC to private fleet truck drivers who have demonstrated high-performance standards against their peer drivers throughout the country based on customer service, safety, adherence to company standards, regulatory compliance and community service. 

With safety being our number one priority at Centerline, we celebrate and appreciate three of our drivers being awarded.  

Here’s what our drivers have to say about being recognized for their dedication to safety: 

Greg Neece—Every day, I strive to treat each customer with respect and build trust as if their business were my own. I work hard to meet client needs, maximize my time to handle as many loads as possible while ensuring my equipment stays in top condition. I hold myself accountable to the FMSCA rules, complete thorough inspections pre- and post-trip, and prioritize safety by keeping my speed controlled and avoiding handheld devices while driving. I strive to create genuine relationships, bring a smile to everyone’s face, and positively impact everyone I meet. You never know how your actions can affect someone. 
 
Martell Farrell—A ride- along with a friend in 2014 sparked my passion for trucking leading me to earn my CDL and travel the country. After a year on the road, I returned home to be closer to my family and embraced local driving. Despite facing personal losses, I found healing and solace behind the wheel. My truck became my therapy, and driving kept my mind clear and focused on the road ahead, which it continues to do to this day. I am proud of my achievements, from tarping loads to mentoring other women drivers.  

 
Jose Gallardo—From the moment I started as a truck driver I knew this was what I wanted to do. Over the years, I have taken pride in being proactive and ensuring my truck and equipment are always in top condition for safety. I am committed to delivering excellent customer service by building strong relationships with clients and always going the extra mile. I am always ready to help, whether that means taking on last-minute routes, assisting with unloading or mentoring new drivers. I believe in treating everyone with respect and integrity and am always looking for ways to improve efficiency and support my team. My job is a blessing that allows me to provide for my family and I am grateful for every opportunity to make a positive impact. 

Congratulations to Greg, Martell and Jose on this well-deserved recognition and for embodying what it means to be a true all-star driver. And thank you for all you do for Centerline.  

Click here to read the full NPTC press release.

Centerline Drivers Launches Respect the Drive Customer Awards

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

At Centerline, we believe our customers deserve recognition for the hard work they do to embody the spirit of Respecting the Drive.  

We are proud to announce the launch of the Centerline Drivers Respect the Drive Customer Awards program.

This program offers several levels of awards, each recognizing different aspects of excellence in the transportation industry:

  • Onyx—Open Road Award: Recognizes a customer who is driving the industry forward by making the road more inclusive for all. Inclusivity is critical to the long-term success of trucking and this award honors efforts that ensure a more open road for everyone.
  • Diamond—Driver Culture Award: Celebrates a customer who excels in building a culture where drivers are truly seen and heard. This award highlights those who have created an environment where drivers feel respected and valued for the company’s success.
  • Sapphire—Safety Award: For customers who embody a true commitment to ongoing driver safety and training. This award is for those who ensure that every driver gets home safely, every single day. 
  • Ruby—Respect the Drive Award: The ultimate recognition, this award honors a customer who embodies all aspects of Respecting the Drive: a commitment to safety, building a rewarding driver culture, and making transportation an inclusive road for all.  

Nominations for the annual program will open in September 2024, during Respect the Drive Month. This program aims to recognize and celebrate customers who excel in creating exceptional driver cultures, prioritize safety on the road, and drive the transportation industry forward.  

Winners will be announced in January 2025 and receive a prestigious trophy, featured in a video along with Centerline Drivers leaders and more. 

This is a special opportunity to showcase our customer’s dedication to excellence and commitment to the values that keep our industry moving forward. We are proud to honor those who are making significant contributions to the industry, and we can’t wait to see the incredible stories and achievements that will be shared.  

Respect the Drive August Spotlight: Wendell Williams

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

Through our Respect the Drive program, our team and customers nominate drivers each month to share their stories for all the hard work they do and how they have gone above and beyond. 
 
This month, our spotlight winner is Wendell Williams, a mobile driver in St. Martinville, Louisiana. 

Since joining Centerline in May 2023, Williams truly goes the extra mile—both on the road and in his commitment to excellence. Williams has proven to be an invaluable asset to the team and consistently adapts to different clients and environments, seamlessly meeting their needs with professionalism and courtesy. 
 
One of Wendell’s key strengths is his effective communication with clients and the Centerline team. This, combined with his excellent work ethic, has been essential to his success and has made him a reliable and trusted driver. 
 
Virginia Barragan, Service Manager, who nominated Williams stated, “The core values he exemplifies are evident in his daily interactions with clients, where he consistently demonstrates a high level of respect and care.” 
 
One of Centerline’s top clients recently expressed their appreciation for Wendell’s outstanding work on an account that requires time-sensitive deliveries. Highlighting his positive attitude and willingness to help whenever they needed him. This is just one example of how Wendell’s dedication and focus have made a significant impact on our clients, leading to clients regularly requesting him back. 
 
“We take pride in having drivers like Williams who consistently go above and beyond for our clients. His strong work ethic, safety awareness, and professionalism make him an outstanding driver and a great representative of Centerline,” Barragan continued.  

Thank you, Wendell for all your hard work and for Respecting the Drive! 
 
If you are a driver in the market or know a driver who would be a great fit for Centerline, our Recruiting Managers are ready to talk! Reach out to them today. 

Respect the Drive July Spotlight: Ricky Morgan

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

Through our Respect the Drive program, our team and customers nominate drivers each month to share their stories for all the hard work they do and how they have gone above and beyond. 
 
This month, our spotlight winner is Ricky Morgan, a mobile driver in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.   
 
For the past 3 years, Ricky has been a valuable member of the Centerline team, demonstrating a professional attitude and a positive approach to challenges. 

Recruiting manager, Breanna Behrens, who nominated Morgan stated, “He is truly a great colleague. He handles assignments calmly, has full trust in our Mobile team to support him, and continues to demonstrate his remarkable confidence and expertise in the transportation industry.” 
 
Morgan’s confidence is not only a display of self-assurance but is also supported by his proven success in understanding the client’s goals and delivering outstanding results. His ability to take on any assignment, regardless of its complexity, demonstrates his depth of knowledge and skill.  
 
“He shares his insights professionally to ensure that everyone involved is aligned and communicates effectively, which makes him extremely successful for not only the client but our entire team,” Behrens added.

Morgan’s ability to balance his professional and personal life with dedication is inspiring. Whether he extends beyond his professional commitments by adjusting his personal plans to ensure assignments are completed and freight is delivered or calling his team to do a check-in and catch up even after three years. 
 
“I will never forget when his grandson was born; he proudly showed off his new grandbaby. He is a family man but a dedicated CDL driver, and you can see how much effort he puts into both parts of his life,” Behrens continued.   

Thank you, Ricky for all your hard work and for Respecting the Drive! 
 
If you are a driver in the market or know a driver who would be a great fit for Centerline, our Recruiting Managers are ready to talk! Reach out to them today. 

NPTC Safety Article- July 2024 -Pre-Employment Screening Program

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

Respect the Drive June spotlight: Robert Hoffman

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

Through our Respect the Drive program, our team and customers nominate drivers each month to share their stories for all the hard work they do and how they have gone above and beyond. 
 
This month, our spotlight winner is Robert Hoffman, a dedicated driver in Baltimore, Maryland.

Robert is known as a man of few words, however, his actions as a member of the Baltimore team speaks volumes.

Recruiting Manager, Kimberly Miller who nominated Hoffman stated, “He has been working for a dedicated customer of ours, since 2011 and hauls on the most important lane of material in our Baltimore location.”

Hoffman’s tenure with Centerline is marked by an impeccable driving record, free of accidents or incidents. In an industry where safety is our top priority, Hoffman’s flawless record highlights his exceptional skills and diligence. 

“Hoffman has a steadfast work ethic and is extremely dependable. His reliability gives us peace of mind knowing the deliveries are in capable hands. When a job needs to be done and done right—he is the right choice!” Miller stated. 

Thank you, Robert for all your hard work and for Respecting the Drive!

If you are a driver in the market or know a driver who would be a great fit for Centerline, our Recruiting Managers are ready to talk! Reach out to them today!

Respect the Drive May Spotlight: Charles Alele

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

Through our Respect the Drive program, our team and customers nominate drivers each month to share their stories for all the hard work they do and how they have gone above and beyond.

This month, our spotlight winner is Charles Alele, a mobile driver in Willis, Texas.

Being with Centerline for two years, Alele reminds us of the qualities that drive our success and the individuals who make it all possible.

Known for his reliability and dedication, Alele constantly goes above and beyond for clients and colleagues. Recruiting Manager Diana Torres, who nominated Alele, stated: “Charles is the kind of person who doesn’t just meet expectations—he exceeds them.”

Whether ensuring timely deliveries or maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism, Alele exemplifies what it means to be a team player. His commitment, exceptional work ethic, and unwavering dedication make him a true standout in our organization.

“We always reach out to our drivers to let them know they are very much appreciated and thank them for all they do for Centerline,” Torres stated. “We couldn’t be happier having Charles on our team.”

Thank you, Charles for all your hard work and for Respecting the Drive!

If you are a driver in the market or know a driver who would be a great fit for Centerline, our Recruiting Managers are ready to talk! Reach out to them today.

Congratulations to our Q1 2024 Safety Recognition Program winners!

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

Here at Centerline, we want to recognize our safest drivers who go above and beyond. Our Driver Safety Recognition Program rewards drivers who make safety a priority.

Our quarter 1 2024 winners are here! Last quarter, they were nominated and recognized for outstanding safety practices and rewarded with a bonus. Here are a few short words from the team about why they were nominated quarter.

Winner #1 – Ivan Dorosch
Ivan is always a joy to work with. He brings a positive attitude to every interaction and receives glowing feedback both from clients and their vendors. Vendors of our clients especially appreciate Ivan’s deliveries. His impeccable driving record truly reflects his commitment to safety as he demonstrates excellent driving skills along with exceptional attendance since he started with Centerline in 2012.

Winner #2 – Noel Turner
Noel has been employed at Centerline for more than a year without any accidents , and he consistently shows up on time without any absences. We love having Noel as one of our valued drivers and he deserves this award and recognition.

Winner #3 – Thomas Grindstaff
Thomas exemplifies excellence as an employee. He always demonstrates strong teamwork, completes tasks efficiently and serves as a role model for the team. Moreover, he consistently arrives on time and follows standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Thank you again to Ivan, Noel and Thomas for their your dedication to keeping our roads safer each day.

Check back next quarter for our next group of our driver safety winners. Learn more about our recognition program here.

Respect the Drive April Spotlight: The Gatlin Brothers

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

Through our Respect the Drive program, our team and customers nominate drivers each month to share their stories for all the hard work they do and how they have gone above and beyond.

Our April spotlight falls on not just one but three individuals. A remarkable trio of brothers – Chris, Kenneth and Adrian Gatlin, who are all local drivers in Lakeland, FL.

All three brothers’ journeys with Centerline began in February of this year and they have been a dynamic trio since.

Chris, who was already making waves within the team, was the first to join Centerline and brought on both Kenneth and Adrian, each adding their unique qualities to the team. Senior National Account Recruiting Manager Melissa Springfield, who nominated the Gatlin brothers, stated, “When Kenneth first called, he said: ‘Rumor on the street is you have loads.’ I genuinely laughed out loud. Having all three brothers working for us and everything we hear about them has been great.”

In the short time with Centerline, the Gatlin brothers have become synonymous with reliability, professionalism and unparalleled service. Their willingness to extend their working hours and availability, combined with their dedication to personalized service for each designated customer, has already left a mark on colleagues and clients. 

“Their reputation has been so tremendous, even a client asked if they could have Adrian. We are extremely happy they have brought their family into the Centerline family.” Springfield stated.

Jacob Guzman, Service Manager, added, “Every customer we assign them to has nothing but compliments and requests to have them back. With great attitudes, remarkable respect, and incredible work ethics, they are all true representations of Centerline Drivers.”

Thank you, Chris, Kenneth and Adrian for all your hard work and for Respecting the Drive!

If you are a driver in the market or know a driver who would be a great fit for Centerline, our Recruiting Managers are ready to talk! Reach out to them today.

How to kickstart a driver wellness program

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

Truck drivers lead a unique lifestyle and the challenges they face, including enduring long hours on the road and suffering from the physical and mental tolls of their job. Therefore, taking care of your truck driver’s health and well-being is not only significant for their performance but also essential for the overall success of your business.

If one of your business goals is to prioritize your driver’s health, initiating a driver wellness program can be an excellent investment to ensure your workforce’s health and well-being.

In this article, we explore practical and vital steps to help your business kickstart a driver wellness program, fostering a culture of job satisfaction, health, safety and productivity.

1. Understand the needs of your drivers

To start, you need to hear feedback and suggestions straight from the drivers themselves. Conduct surveys or assessments for your drivers to the specific health and wellness needs they are looking for. This helps create a focus on what is right for your business to implement within your wellness program. Factors to consider highlighting may be a sedentary lifestyle, long hours on the road, physical and mental stress and nutrition.

2. Developing a comprehensive program

While your wellness program addresses your driver’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being, your business goals should aim at achieving specific outcomes. Such as reducing stress levels, promoting healthy eating habits. increasing physical activity, or addressing specific health concerns. If you’re not sure how to create this balance, here are a few initiatives to include in your program:

  • Wellness policies: Outline the program’s purpose and guidelines so your workforce is aligned with the program’s goals.
  • Health Screenings: Offer health screenings for drivers can be beneficial to identify potential health issues. Use the results to tailor your wellness programs to address specific health concerns.
  • Fitness Programs: Exercise programs can encourage physical fitness tailored to the needs of drivers. Providing resources for simple exercises that can be done on the road or during breaks
  • Mental health: Addressing mental health has been increasing within workforces. Providing access to counseling services or stress management programs has proved to be beneficial. Creating a supportive environment where drivers feel comfortable seeking help is necessary
  • Nutrition Options: Provide access to healthy food options at rest stops or company facilities through resources and information on healthy eating habits and meal planning
  • Resources and Education: If you as a business are not sure of how to start a wellness program, your drivers may not know where to begin a healthy lifestyle. Offer resources such as informational materials, online courses, and workshops to educate drivers on healthy living. Using various communication channels to keep drivers informed about wellness initiatives and resources.

Incentives: Implementing incentives can encourage driver participation. This could include rewards for achieving wellness goals such as gift cards, recognition, or even bonuses to motivate engagement. 

3. Continuing the wellness program journey

It may seem like the hard part is over, but it’s what your business continues to track that forces your wellness program to succeed. For a driver wellness program to be successful, ongoing commitment, communication, and flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of drivers are crucial. Here are a few metrics to track:

  • Regularly assess the effectiveness of your wellness program through feedback, surveys , and health metrics. And adjust the program based on the evolving needs and feedback from your drivers.
  • Encourage leaders and drivers to celebrate milestones and successes achieved through the wellness program. Share success stories to inspire and motivate other drivers.
  • Establish a committee with representatives from various departments, such as management, HR and drivers. The committee can be responsible for designing, executing, and evaluating the wellness program. Ensure that the committee is diverse to include a variety of perspectives.

In the end, a well-designed driver wellness program can benefit not only the drivers but the entire workforce. It can have a significant impact on the health, and overall well-being of your drivers but your business contributes to a safer, healthier, and more resilient workforce, resulting in sustainable success for your business.

For more insights of what initiatives to implement into your wellness program, or contribute information to your drivers check out our lifestyle library here.

How to kickstart a driver wellness program

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

Truck drivers lead a unique lifestyle and the challenges they face, including enduring long hours on the road and suffering from the physical and mental tolls of their job. Therefore, taking care of your truck driver’s health and well-being is not only significant for their performance but also essential for the overall success of your business.

If one of your business goals is to prioritize your driver’s health, initiating a driver wellness program can be an excellent investment to ensure your workforce’s health and well-being.

In this article, we explore practical and vital steps to help your business kickstart a driver wellness program, fostering a culture of job satisfaction, health, safety and productivity.

1. Understand the needs of your drivers

To start, you need to hear feedback and suggestions straight from the drivers themselves. Conduct surveys or assessments for your drivers to the specific health and wellness needs they are looking for. This helps create a focus on what is right for your business to implement within your wellness program. Factors to consider highlighting may be a sedentary lifestyle, long hours on the road, physical and mental stress and nutrition.

2. Developing a comprehensive program

While your wellness program addresses your driver’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being, your business goals should aim at achieving specific outcomes. Such as reducing stress levels, promoting healthy eating habits. increasing physical activity, or addressing specific health concerns. If you’re not sure how to create this balance, here are a few initiatives to include in your program:

  • Wellness policies: Outline the program’s purpose and guidelines so your workforce is aligned with the program’s goals.
  • Health Screenings: Offer health screenings for drivers can be beneficial to identify potential health issues. Use the results to tailor your wellness programs to address specific health concerns.
  • Fitness Programs: Exercise programs can encourage physical fitness tailored to the needs of drivers. Providing resources for simple exercises that can be done on the road or during breaks
  • Mental health: Addressing mental health has been increasing within workforces. Providing access to counseling services or stress management programs has proved to be beneficial. Creating a supportive environment where drivers feel comfortable seeking help is necessary
  • Nutrition Options: Provide access to healthy food options at rest stops or company facilities through resources and information on healthy eating habits and meal planning
  • Resources and Education: If you as a business are not sure of how to start a wellness program, your drivers may not know where to begin a healthy lifestyle. Offer resources such as informational materials, online courses, and workshops to educate drivers on healthy living. Using various communication channels to keep drivers informed about wellness initiatives and resources.

Incentives: Implementing incentives can encourage driver participation. This could include rewards for achieving wellness goals such as gift cards, recognition, or even bonuses to motivate engagement. 

3. Continuing the wellness program journey

It may seem like the hard part is over, but it’s what your business continues to track that forces your wellness program to succeed. For a driver wellness program to be successful, ongoing commitment, communication, and flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of drivers are crucial. Here are a few metrics to track:

  • Regularly assess the effectiveness of your wellness program through feedback, surveys , and health metrics. And adjust the program based on the evolving needs and feedback from your drivers.
  • Encourage leaders and drivers to celebrate milestones and successes achieved through the wellness program. Share success stories to inspire and motivate other drivers.
  • Establish a committee with representatives from various departments, such as management, HR and drivers. The committee can be responsible for designing, executing, and evaluating the wellness program. Ensure that the committee is diverse to include a variety of perspectives.

In the end, a well-designed driver wellness program can benefit not only the drivers but the entire workforce. It can have a significant impact on the health, and overall well-being of your drivers but your business contributes to a safer, healthier, and more resilient workforce, resulting in sustainable success for your business.

For more insights of what initiatives to implement into your wellness program, or contribute information to your drivers check out our lifestyle library here.

Join us for NPTC 2024 conference at booth #1135

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

Our team is heading to Orlando, Florida for NPTC’s 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition, the marquee national private truck fleet event of the year! 
 
Come join us on April 21st-22nd, at the Orange County Convention Center at booth #1135 for a chance to win a Traeger Tailgater 20 and learn how Centerline can provide your fleet with the safest drivers in the industry, when and where you need them most. 


This is an event you won’t want to miss! Schedule a time to speak with a Centerline team member at the booth by providing your information below. 
 
We look forward to seeing you at NPTC 2024!