Locally-owned trucking company makes major operations changes to provide drivers with more home time

Content Sponsored by MVT.

One of the nation’s largest locally-owned trucking companies is going above and beyond to provide their drivers with top home time benefits so that they can spend more time with their families.

Las Cruces, New Mexico-based Mesilla Valley Transportation (MVT) has been in operation for nearly 40 years and has built a reputation for safety, high levels of customer service, and the ability to adapt to the challenges of a rapidly changing trucking industry.

Adjusting Operations to Get Drivers Home Weekly, Not Monthly

One of toughest obstacles facing the trucking industry today is finding and retaining skilled, and qualified drivers. Recognizing the scope of the issue, MVT company leaders recently opted to totally retool the company’s operations to cut down on driver turnover by focusing on providing a better quality of life for their drivers.

A major pain point for drivers who operate OTR is that they spend so much time out on the road that they miss important moments with family and friends — birthdays, anniversaries, school concerts, and football games. MVT has risen to meet this challenge by upending their operations to make sure their drivers are home weekly, not monthly.

Prior to adjusting their freight operations to have drivers home weekly, OTR drivers were out for 14 days at a time. Now, MVT driver routes can be as short as 3 to 4 days out, with 6 to 7 day routes also available. These regional-style routes enable drivers to get home at least once a week if not more often. “Our team makes every effort to have our drivers home for their reset,” MVT’s Hector Sanchez said.

During the driver onboarding process, MVT recruiters sit down for an honest conversation with drivers to ensure that expectations of regional driving fit their lifestyle and that they will be satisfied with their workload and earning potential. 

The shift in operations has been challenging for recruiters and dispatchers, but MVT is proud to provide drivers with the home time that they deserve — and a reason to stay with the company for many years.

A Company Culture Based on Respect for Drivers

This focus on improving the lives of drivers with a flexible home time policy is just part of MVT’s commitment to a driver-first company culture. MVT has installed a strict company policy that disrespect for drivers will not be tolerated and could even lead to termination. Company leaders place heavy focus on transparent communication with drivers, beginning with the recruiting process and orientation and lasting throughout their careers with MVT.

“That’s what we can offer, you will make money, you will get miles and you’re going to be respected,” Sanchez said.

Other ways that the company supports drivers include providing a family-like workplace atmosphere, newer model equipment to operate, competitive pay, plenty of miles, a weekly paycheck, benefits after 60 days, a family-friendly rider and pet policy, a generous referral bonus program, a quarterly car giveaway, an annual $25K bonus to the driver with the highest MPG average, and orientation travel/meal costs covered by the company.

MVT has been in operation since 1982 and currently operates 1650 trucks and 6000 trailers. Specializing in time-sensitive freight, the company operates terminals in El Paso, Nashville, Denver, Laredo, Nogales, and Portland. If you’d like to join the MVT family as a regional driver, OTR driver, team driver, or local driver, please click here to get started!

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