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The Mobile Drivers Customer Experience: A Q&A with Jennifer Overmyer, VP of Mobile Drivers and Recruiting

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

At Centerline, our people make everything possible. Our Mobile Driver solution allows us to temporarily relocate experienced, reliable drivers to high-need markets and remote locations where the driver pool is small.

We spoke with Jennifer Overmyer, VP of Mobile Drivers and Recruiting, to learn more about what customers should know about Mobile and how our team brings exceptional experiences to each assignment.

What’s your background and how did you get into this business?

Like a lot of people in this industry, I sort of fell into staffing. My degree is actually in psychology and I graduated early and was contemplating going to grad school. I ended up applying to a staffing company to earn money until the fall and ended up loving it. I originally started with a light industrial staffing company and then eventually transitioned into transportation about 12 years ago. And that’s where I really fell in love and found my passion. I loved (and continue to love) how genuine transportation customers are and how down-to-earth our drivers are. I came to Centerline almost 4 years ago now.

What do you love most about your role?  

This is an easy one—the people. I absolutely love the staff within the mobile team. They are the most hard-working and dedicated group of people I’ve ever worked with. They are so supportive of each other and all cross-trained so no one blinks an eye if anyone needs help. They are so committed to our customers and our drivers and it shows every single day. It’s really inspiring working with such hardworking and passionate people and I’m so grateful to be apart of this team.

What types of challenges is the mobile team able to solve for customers?

The Mobile team is really able to support in any area that is ‘critical’ and that can mean a variety of things depending on the customer. For example, a company could have just won a brand new customer and they need to make sure every driver is on top of it and showcasing what you can do for this client—we’re there to help. Another possible scenario is a peak season where a customer is busy and its high revenue generating, we can bring in short-term drivers to help them with that. Or if there is a natural disaster or another type of crisis that impacts a certain area of the country, we can bring in additional resources with our drivers. So I think overall, Mobile can help customers when they are in a no-fail situation. With our Mobile solution, we can bring in qualified and experienced drivers to drive your vehicles and be an extension of your workforce. And we can do it pretty much as quickly as needed. In 24-72 hours, the Mobile team can get drivers into seats.

What type of customer experience should clients expect when working with the Centerline Mobile team?  

I think customers should expect an urgent response and a team that treats their needs as their own. The Mobile team provides exceptional experiences because we truly care about our customers and the challenges they are facing. And they should also expect top-quality drivers. Our customers should expect excellent tenured drivers that come with the certifications and experience they asked for. The Mobile team works very hard to build a customized solution for each customer and match the perfect driver for their needs. And once those drivers land, they are ready to work and go above and beyond. All in all, the Mobile team is here to make our customer’s lives easier.

What’s your favorite thing about mobile?

My favorite thing is that we offer a solution that our competitors do not. Centerline is one service, in three different ways. With Mobile being part of that, we really do offer the complete solution. Our team handles absolutely everything from matching drivers to booking travel and accommodations all the way to managing payroll and benefits. And that comprehensive solution is something that drew me to Centerline in the first place. Everyone is here to solve our customers’ challenges and we want to make their lives easier.

Thank you Jennifer for being a cheerleader for not only Mobile but Centerline. Our company and our customers are better because of your expertise.

To learn more about our Mobile solution or request Mobile drivers, get in touch with our team 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! 

Join us at the 2024 Florida Trucking Show at Booth #708

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

The Centerline team is heading to the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, for the Florida Trucking Show.

Join us at Booth #708 on February 24-25th and enter for a chance to win a $200 Walmart gift card.

Whether you’re an existing customer, coming to say “hi,” a business hoping to request drivers, or a professional driver in search of new opportunities, our team will be there to help. Come by the booth and connect with a representative.

We look forward to seeing you in Florida!


Show details: Florida Trucking Show

Dates: February 24th-25th

Location: Broward County Convention Center

Address: 1950 Eisenhower Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Booth Number: 708

Congratulations to our Q4 2023 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 4 2023 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 last quarter.
 

Winner #1 – Salome Aguilar
Salome has shown a lot of passion for following policies and has a high-level standard of pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections. Salome has proven loyalty and a great work ethic throughout his fourteen years with our client. He’s always available to guide trucks, lend a hand whenever needed, has a great safety work history, and attends all our quarterly safety meetings. We are happy to have Salome on the team. It’s a pleasure to work with you through and through.

Winner #2 – Dale Marcel
Dale has been working with us for a short time, but due to his exceptional performance in his last three assignments, he has been promoted and is now a lead driver. Our largest client considers Dale their ‘go-to person’ and specifically requests him as their driver. Additionally, Dale has taken on the responsibility of training new drivers and does so with a great attitude. He is a great representation of Centerline.


Winner #3 – Larry Profetti
What separates Larry from other drivers is his respectful work ethic to take care of the customer and help troubleshoot problems, going above and beyond to assist them. Larry has worked for us since 2005 with a clear and safe record of ZERO accidents over the years. He turns in DOT inspections with clean outcomes, his attendance is always good, and he is always reliable and ready to train other drivers.

Thank you again to Salome, Dale and Larry for their 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.

Electric Logging Devices: How is the industry doing 4 years in?

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

In December 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate, a significant regulatory change aimed at improving safety and transparency in the trucking industry.

ELDs were introduced to replace paper logbooks, ensuring that drivers accurately record their hours of service (HOS) and reducing the potential for fatigue-related accidents. Now, four years after the mandate’s full enforcement, it’s time to assess how ELDs have impacted the trucking industry.

The transition from paper logbooks to ELDs wasn’t without its challenges. Trucking companies had to invest in ELD technology, and drivers had to adapt to the new electronic recording system.

While there was initial resistance and apprehension, the industry has, for the most part, successfully made the transition. Here are a few benefits that we’ve seen in trucking since ELDs were implemented.


1. Easier to stay compliant

One of the primary objectives of the ELD mandate was to improve HOS compliance. By automating the logging process, ELDs have reduced the risk of drivers falsifying their logbooks.

This has led to more accurate tracking of driving hours, rest breaks, and duty statuses, resulting in a significant reduction in HOS violations. As a result, the overall safety of the trucking industry has improved.

2. More efficient + future-forward

ELDs have also brought about efficiency gains in the trucking sector. With real-time data on driver activity, fleet managers can optimize routes, monitor driver behavior, and reduce idle time.

This not only increases productivity but also reduces fuel consumption and operational costs. Moreover, the data generated by ELDs can be used to analyze driver performance and implement targeted training programs.

3. Increased safety

Safety is paramount in the trucking industry, and ELDs have played a crucial role in improving it. By accurately tracking driving hours and ensuring drivers take mandatory rest breaks, ELDs help reduce driver fatigue, which is a leading cause of accidents on the road.

Additionally, ELDs have contributed to better accident reconstruction and investigation by providing electronic records of a driver’s activities leading up to an incident.

4. Prioritizes customers

ELDs have not only benefited trucking companies but have also improved customer satisfaction. Real-time tracking and monitoring capabilities allow shippers and receivers to have greater visibility into the location and status of their shipments.

This transparency leads to better communication, reduced delivery delays, and enhanced customer service.

A few small challenges remain

While the adoption of ELDs has been largely successful, some challenges persist. Issues like cybersecurity, device compatibility, and data privacy need continued attention. Also, some small carriers and owner-operators have faced financial burdens in implementing ELDs, which has prompted discussions about support and incentives to ensure equitable adoption across the industry.

All in all, four years after the implementation of the ELD mandate in the trucking industry, the benefits are evident. While challenges remain, the overall impact of ELDs has been positive, and they are likely to remain a fundamental tool in the industry’s ongoing efforts to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the role of ELDs in shaping the future of trucking.

To learn more about safety and technology trends, visit our safety stream here. 

Congratulations to our Q2 2023 Safety Recognition Program winners!

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

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

Our quarter 2 2023 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 last quarter.

Winner #1 – Jaime Barera
‘Shorty’ is a picture of what a Centerline driver is and plays a huge part in our family. He’s caring, dependable, and always safe. He sets the standard for safety for all our drivers. I could go on and on about Jaime – he is truly a Centerline legend.

Winner #2 – Robert McGough
Robert has left a lasting impression not only on our team, but with our clients.  He has trained various replacement drivers and is always willing to accommodate clients. He is safety conscious, has a great attitude, and our clients always request him back.

Winner #3 – Daniel Serio
Daniel has been such an asset to Centerline. He is passionate about what he does, is responsible, and very respectful. He is always there to save the day. I believe he deserves recognition for his excellent work and loyalty to Centerline.


Thank you again to Jaime, Robert, and Daniel for their 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.

Congratulations to our Q1 2023 Safety Recognition Program winners!

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

Here at Centerline, our team takes pride in our drivers and ensuring the safety of those around them. We want to recognize our safest drivers that go above and beyond. Our Driver Safety Recognition Program rewards drivers who make safety a priority.

Our quarter 1 2023 winners are here! They were nominated and recognized last quarter for outstanding safety practices and paid a bonus reward. Here are a few short words from the team about why they were nominated last quarter.

Winner #1 – Sam Brown
Sam is a very safe, professional driver and is a true safety leader. He participates in all training events and helps the new drivers get onboarded safely. He is known to some as “The Legend”!

Winner #2 – Michael Preston
Mike is very hard-working and dedicated to Centerline. Multiple clients praise him and ask him to return to their locations. He likes to keep busy and has proven to be very reliable.

Winner #3 – Kevin Seybold
Anywhere Kevin is needed, he goes. He is very professional and very flexible and has not received any safety violations. Kevin deserves this honor!

Thank you again to Sam, Michael, and Kevin for their 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.

Join us for NPTC 2023 conference at booth #927

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

Our team is heading to Orlando, Florida for NPTC’s 2023 Annual Conference and Exhibition, the marquee national private truck fleet event of the year!

Come join us on May 7th-8th, at the Orange County Convention Center at booth #927 for a chance to win an Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven and learn how Centerline can provide your fleet with the safest drivers in the industry.


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 2023!
 

Join us at the Florida Trucking Show at Booth #513

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

Our team is heading to the Broward Country Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the Florida Trucking Show.

Join us at Booth #513 on February 4-5 to talk with us and enter for a chance to win a pair of Beats Solo3 headphones.

Whether you’re an existing customer coming to say “hi,” a business hoping to request drivers, or a driving professional in search of new opportunities, our team will be there to help. Come by the booth and connect with a representative.

We looking forward to seeing you in Florida!

Show details:

Florida Trucking Show

Dates: February 4-5

Location: Broward County Convention Center

Address: 1950 Eisenhower Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Booth Number: 513

Not attending the Florida Trucking Show? If you are driver, you can apply with us now or an employer in need of a drivers, let’s talk today

Lowering the truck driving age limit: pros and cons

Posted on by Christina DeBusk

On January 14, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a notice stating that, although a previously proposed pilot program that would lower the truck driving age had never been implemented, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act now required that this program be established. It is known as the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program.

What is the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP) program

Under this pilot program—which has a maximum duration of three years—the age limit for obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for purposes of interstate commerce is lowered from 21 to 18. Once the program is complete, the FMCSA is required to share its results with Congress, along with making recommendations based on its findings or suggesting any changes to current laws.

The SDAP program has certain stipulations. One is that drivers must complete two probationary periods, the first being 120 hours and the second being 280 hours. Each one contains certain areas in which the driver has to show competence, such as safety awareness, mirror scanning and logging in the first apprenticeship and backing, weighting loads and coupling and uncoupling procedures in the second.

Certain technologies must also be used by these drivers. They include the truck having an active braking collision mitigation system as well as a forward-facing video event capture system.

Some people and organizations are for this program while others are against it. Here are some of the reasons cited for their opposing positions.

Pros of lowering the age limit

One of the major pushes behind lowering the age limit for commercial vehicle drivers is to help ease supply chain issues. The hope is that, by expanding the pool of eligible drivers to address driver shortage problems, transportation companies will find it easier to get their goods to their desired destinations.

Another benefit of allowing younger people to get their CDLs is that the 18 to 20-year-olds who are interested in this career field don’t have to wait to enter it. This is important because if someone wants to drive truck at the age of 18 but can’t get their license until they’re 21, what are they to do?

At a minimum, they will need to pursue another line of work until they reach the required age in order to bring in an income. After putting in time learning and gaining seniority in their other work, they may not want to make a switch to driving truck. In situations such as this, being prohibited from entering a career that they’re passionate about can easily result in the pursuit of a different path.

In the end, this could make the driver shortage worse instead of better while also keeping younger drivers from reaching their career goals.

Cons of allowing younger truck drivers

Not everyone is so ready to accept a reduced truck driver age. Several of the agencies opposing a lower age for truck drivers are safety-based, including Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety and the National Safety Council, among several others.

Their opposition is due to concerns that:

  • there is a greater risk of distraction with younger drivers
  • young drivers have a higher accident rate
  • teens aren’t able to correctly analyze a dangerous situation
  • younger drivers have difficulty navigating the nuances of different areas in relation to not just weather and terrain, but also differences in laws

Among those opposing the pilot program, it was recommended not only to disallow younger commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers but to raise the age of truck drivers instead. Some suggested that an age limit of 25 was more appropriate for handling the responsibilities of a CMV driver.

Regardless of where you stand on the issue, if you need more truck drivers, Centerline is here to help.

Contact us today and we can talk about solutions for resolving your driver shortage issues—with less stress.

Congratulations to our Q4 Safety Recognition Program winners!

Posted on by Jaimie Williams

Here at Centerline, our team takes pride in our drivers and ensuring the safety of those around them. We want to recognize our safest drivers that go above and beyond. Our Driver Safety Recognition Program rewards drivers who make safety a priority.

Our quarter 4 2022 winners are here! They were nominated and recognized this quarter for outstanding safety practices and paid a bonus reward. Here are a few short words from the team about why they were nominated this quarter.

Winner #1: Filiberto Balan
He is always willing to lend a helping hand and never complains. Praised by customers & has not been involved in any accidents or injuries. He never fails to report any issues that need to be fixed. He is well deserving of this award!

Winner #2: Jorge Pavon
He has been with us for almost 20 years, and I have not heard of any accidents or incidents with him. He is always checking out equipment for damages and ready for road travel. He leads by example and represents Centerline professionally at all times!

Winner #3: Marquis Elliot
Kind and respectful. Always flexible, and is always willing to go the extra mile.  He is a Rockstar!!

Thank you again to Filiberto, Jorge, and Marquis for their dedication to keeping our roads safer each day. Check back next back quarter for our new round of safe drivers or read more about our recognition program here.