Cover Story

“Putting drivers first from day one”

by Eric Stegman
Vice President of Driver Development at Craig Transportation

While I know that many drivers are leery of what recruiters tell them, I am proud to work for a company that truly focuses on the value of each individual and helps people reach their potential.
     Fourteen years ago, I began my trucking career with Craig Transportation Co. in the Sales and Marketing Department and later launched our Logistics Division. For the past three years, I have been leading driver development, which includes recruiting and retention. Recruiting is similar to sales and marketing. Bonding with a prospective driver and achieving equal respect is the key to building a trusting relationship.
     At Craig Transportation Co., we don’t waste a driver’s time. If we cannot meet his needs, we tell him. If we are a good match for each other, we make sure to keep  communication open from the beginning. Our new drivers meet representatives from each department, discuss their role with the company and have lunch with one of our dispatchers.
     We also have several programs in place to contribute to long-term success: tracking income expectations, mentoring programs, operational meetings for driver concerns, driver in-service reports and referral bonus programs.
           Our mentoring program consists of employees calling new drivers weekly, focusing on their questions and concerns. This program helps the driver convey his concerns early to prevent frustration and driver turnover. We make sure the new driver feels confident that his concerns are being heard.
     Another piece of the communication process is how we handle driver concerns. At Craig Transportation Co., the driver manager handles any driver issues and works directly with the appropriate department to solve problems. We take concerns seriously and make solving issues a priority.
     One of the best quotes I heard from a new Craig Transportation Co. driver was, “You and everyone at this company have been so friendly, there has to be something hidden!” Three years later, that driver still stops in weekly to visit. He found out that there is nothing hidden – we truly put drivers needs first from day one.
     That’s what makes us succeed in the long run. It’s the philosophy that this company has believed in for nearly a century.
     N.S. Craig founded the company in 1911 by operating a grocery huckster route in 1911 near Pennville, IN with a mule- drawn wagon. This grocery store on wheels delivered provisions directly to residences and farms. From those humble beginnings, Craig Transportation Co. has survived the Great Depression, both World Wars, long gas lines of the ’70s, deregulation in the ’80s, and today’s economic challenges. N.S. Craig adopted the motto, “It Can Be Done” in 1927, and it still accounts for the company’s success today, 81 years later.
     I believe in Craig Transportation Co. We can make a difference in your driving career – just give us a call.