At Continental Express, truck drivers are treated like family— here’s how
Content Sponsored by Continental Express
SIDNEY, OH – As the nation nears its year-anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio-based fleet, Continental Express, is working to appreciate the many drivers who’ve not only become essential workers over the past year but have done an outstanding job despite the challenges.
In January, the driver managers, safety and load planning teams across Continental’s seven terminals nominated dozens of drivers for Driver of the Year awards. Before determining any winners, operations first took a moment to hand-write and mail notes of appreciation to all nominees to show their hard work—in unprecedented, tough circumstances—did not go unnoticed.
“Whether you are behind the wheel as a company driver at Continental Express, or a supporting personnel member, you are always treated and valued as much more than just another number,” said Continental Express’ Director of Operations, Jake Albers.
A family-owned and operated company, caring for every employee is foundational to Continental’s success. Simply put, everyone is treated like family. Cheering on and thanking those on the road is one way CEI is working to communicate their family is seen and valued.
“We want to recognize and reward the folks behind the steering wheel because we know they are more than the backbone to our organization; they are the backbone to our industry and our country,” said Albers.
Saying Thank You
In one note, Fort Worth driver manager, Suni, thanked Cedrick, an OTR driver who has improved greatly over the past year,
“I have never in 30+ years of trucking met a more determined man to show the company and me what they’re capable of. You are among the best on my fleet; thank you!”
Derek, the terminal manager at CE’s Gaffney, South Carolina terminal thanked a dedicated driver:
“John is the consummate professional, always represents the company well. This driver completes all assignments timely, reports all issues, and volunteers to help whenever needed. Any company/fleet would be elated to have John as a member of their team. We are extremely lucky to have such a safe and courteous driver like John here to represent our company.”
Tiffany, a Continental driver manager out of Sidney, Ohio, expressed gratitude to her local driver, Chris, in a note:
“This driver works hard and shows up early every single day. Chris always makes sure his dedicated customer is cared for before calling it a day. He is one of the best drivers that I have on my fleet and can always depend on him.”
Expressing gratitude is a small way Continental Express is combatting the just-a-truck-number attitude adopted across the industry.
Pay and benefits to support each driver’s own family
Continental understands that often two benefits make or break a driving position: home time and pay. That’s why all CE drivers are home weekly (if not daily) and in late 2020, the company adopted a $0.03 per mile pay increase, making them an industry-leader for driver starting pay.
Additionally, all OTR drivers receive free health, dental and vision insurance and 4 weeks of paid vacation on day one! Every driver qualifies for a company-matched 401k and also earns fuel, annual mileage and safety bonuses on top of their pay, in addition to many other perks that are available to make each driver’s life a little easier for both themselves and their families.
Regarding equipment, Continental’s trucks are well maintained and utilize CE-GO, a custom-made app installed on company-issued iPad tablets in each tractor.
To learn more about Continental Express, find them on social media @continentalexpressinc, on the web at www.continentalexpress.com or call their recruiting team at 1-800-497-2100. Continental has terminals in Gaffney, South Carolina; Danville, Virginia; Louisville, Kentucky; Fort Worth, Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana and Columbus, Ohio. Their corporate office is in Sidney, Ohio.
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