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TCA Announces 2017 Best Fleets to Drive For

Past representatives of the Best Fleets to Drive For. Photo: Deborah Lockridge

The Truckload Carriers Association and CarriesEdge have announced the 2017 Best Fleets to Drive For, made up of 20 North American for-hire trucking companies recognized for providing exemplary work environments for drivers and other employees.

Two fleets, FTC Transportation and Halvor Lines, achieved the milestone of five consecutive years on the Best Fleets list. Impressively, Motor Carrier Service, Fremont Contract Carriers, Landstar System, and Grand Island Express have appeared on the list consecutively more than five times.

“These companies represent the best of the best in truckload,” said TCA President John Lyboldt. “As industry innovators, they bring fresh ideas that not only create a desirable workplace for employees, but also propel trucking to exciting new terrains.”

To be considered for the program, companies operating 10 trucks or more must receive a nomination from at least one of their company drivers or owner-operators.

Once nominated, CarriersEdge interviewed human resources representatives and executives of the nominated fleets regarding their corporate direction, policies, and programs. It then evaluated the fleets against a scoring matrix covering a variety of categories, such as total compensation package, health benefits, pension plans, professional development opportunities, and career path/advancement opportunities.

Driver feedback from each fleet was then compared with management's and incorporated into the final score, resulting in the selection of this year's winners and honorable mentions.

From the list of the 20 Best Fleets to Drive For, TCA will divide the highest scoring fleets into small and large fleet categories from which two overall winners will be selected.

The overall winners will be announced during TCA's Annual Convention, slated for March 26-29 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Here are the 2017 Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For:

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Webb’s New Brake Drum Addresses Trailer Airflow Issues

Webb Wheel Products has introduced a new brake drum to its wheel end portfolio of products, optimized for use in trailer applications.

The drum is lighter and designed to run cooler with Webb's Cool Running Technology vents. It was engineered specifically for 20,000-pound trailer axles. Data suggests that aerodynamic trailer skirts can increase brake temperatures by reducing airflow beneath a trailer, according to Webb. The increased head reduces braking performance and accelerates brake drum and lining wear.

The Webb 66764F brake drum with CRT vents increases airflow for better heat transfer efficiency and cooler trailer wheel-end operating temperatures, managing heat 10% better than similar weight brake drums.

The 66764F brake drum also provides a high strength to weight ratio, weighing in at 99 pounds, which Webb says is the lowest weight in its class.

“The push to increase trailer aerodynamics has created opportunities for trailer component suppliers to design products that recognize how these new technologies can change overall trailer functions,” said Johnathon Capps, vice president of engineering. “Our experience with designing and producing cooler running brake drums directed us to a solution that mitigates the impact of higher brake temperatures caused by the change in air flow.”

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ConMet Taps Ken Kelly for Top Sales Post

ConMet has named Ken Kelley to its leadership team as vice president of North American sales, the company announced.

In his new role, Kelley will oversee original equipment manufacturer truck sales, aftermarkets sales, trailer sales, and sales operations at ConMet's headquarters in Vancouver, Wash. Kelley has 30 years of commercial vehicle industry experience and spent three years with ConMet early in his career as a product manager.

“We are pleased to welcome Ken back to the ConMet team and we feel confident that his wealth of knowledge and experience will be a great fit for continuing to expand both our current and future sales initiatives in the U.S.,” stated Mike Swiderski, president of ConMet.

Over the course of his career, Kelley spent 18 years with Marmon Highway Technologies with progressive roles at Webb Wheel Products. He most recently held the position of president of Fontaine Connection Group where he oversaw Fontaine Fifth Wheel North America, Fontaine Parts Connection, and Fontaine Europe.

Additionally, in what it said is part of a continued effort to enhance its organizational structure and presence in the commercial vehicle market, ConMet announced these personnel changes:

ConMet is a global supplier of components to the commercial vehicle market and is a division of Amsted Industries.

Related: HDA Truck Pride Partners With ConMet

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