Content Sponsored by Great Plains Transport
A growing North Dakota-based trucking company is changing the game by offering multiple trucker-friendly policies to ensure that drivers have less to worry about when they’re out on the road.
Great Plains Transport, a refrigerated carrier based in Mapleton, North Dakota, has garnered recent attention in the trucking community for their efforts to provide drivers with a gimmick-free pay structure along with simple but thoughtful perks that make life on the road a little easier every day.
One of the biggest changes that drivers notice when starting out at Great Plains is that they are paid out an annual salary of $65,000 in a weekly paycheck rather than being paid by the mile.By earning a guaranteed weekly paycheck, drivers can budget more easily and they don’t have to fret over a weather delay or mechanical issue that stops the wheels from turning. Great Plains drivers don’t have to “chase miles” to make sure that their bills get paid at the end of the month, which can be a huge source of stress.
As a way to help drivers earn more in 2021, Great Plains has rolled out a new review and reward program. After a driver completes 90 days, they are eligible for a performance review and salary increase based on production. From there on out, merit reviews are conducted every 180 days to reward drivers who demonstrate safety and reliability.
Those who are motivated to take home more pay can also earn mileage-based bonuses of up to $1500 per month. With the monthly bonus added to the salary pay, top earning drivers can take home more than $78,000 per year. Drivers who receive a clean inspection are also treated to a bonus on their next paycheck. Other driver benefits include medical, dental, and life insurance, pet-friendly policies, paid vacation and holidays, hassle-free orientation, a flexible home time policy, and a 401K company match program.
Perhaps the most unique and most popular of the Great Plains driver perks is the sack of free groceries. Starting a new trucking job can be stressful, and money is often tight. To help solve this problem, Great Plains gifts drivers with $50 worth of groceries when they start out. Drivers get to go online to choose their favorite items, which are then delivered to them in their location of choice. It’s a small gesture, but it speaks to the caring, family-like atmosphere that the company works hard to provide for their employees.
“We know that sometimes the transition from one job to the next can be pretty difficult and times can be tough. We don’t want any of our new drivers to worry about going hungry or worrying about how they’re going to get groceries to fill their fridge,” Tyler Holland, of Great Plains Transport said. “It’s one less thing that they need to worry about before they leave.”
Another big orientation perk? Great Plains pays for a car rental or flight to help new drivers attend their single day orientation without the hassle of a long bus ride.
Great Plains was recently honored for their commitment to their drivers with a nomination for the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and CarriersEdge “Best Fleets To Drive For” award for 2021. The award recognizes trucking company employers who provide drivers with best-in-class workplace environments.
In the video below, Great Plains drivers give you an in-depth look at their personal experiences with the company.
Great Plains Transport was founded by a truck driver in 1993 and has grown to a thriving family-run operation with 300 trucks, 300 trailers, and almost 300 drivers. If you’re interested in joining the team as either an OTR driver or an owner-operator in all 48 states, please click here to get started.
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