25 www.ortrucking.org Issue 1 | 2023 including a terminal in Thomson, Georgia. Prioritizing Safety Even with all the change TP Trucking has seen over the years, their number one priority remains safety, and they are very proud of their continually low CSA scores. “We make an effort to go above and beyond in trying to play to our drivers’ strengths as it relates to safety,” said George Wood, TP trucking’s driver manager. Those efforts have included going to extra lengths to communicate with drivers about challenging routes, particularly since no route of theirs is ever the same. They have also adjusted the types of trucks they are operating in order to prioritize driver safety. They’ve seen that in the last few years the average age of their drivers has increased. While these drivers are extremely skilled and experienced behind the wheel, they are sometimes unable to tarp trucks like they could in the early years of their career. So, TP Trucking adapted its fleet to where it is now 85% curtain side and roll tops in order to keep those experienced drivers in seats. “It’s been a good way for us to keep those good drivers and extend their working careers with us simply by changing the equipment,” said George. Supporting Drivers TP Trucking has also made it a priority to support drivers off the road, particularly through their annual Driver Appreciation Week. Every year, the TP Trucking team hosts three days of meals for their drivers and families, cooked at their headquarters in Central Point by the company’s managers and leadership. “I think it’s something our drivers always look forward to. A lot of them don’t get to spend a lot of time here and meet all the managers and staff and get to know everyone, so I think they really look forward to it,” said Amber Roberts, TP Trucking’s safety coordinator. “We’ve always thought it was important for drivers to have that one-on-one time with managers, driver coaches, and anyone else who works here at the office,” said George. On top of three days of manager-cooked meals, drivers receive a swag bag during the event with vendor gear, TP gear, and this year the option of either a Fitbit watch, a galaxy tablet, a new headset, or a portable Bluetooth speaker. Duck Truck In addition to the perks drivers receive during Driver Appreciation Week, one or two of the most senior drivers at TP Trucking get the unique benefit of driving the iconic “Duck Truck,” hauling all of University of Oregon’s football gear to its away games during football season. After 9/11, UO was no longer able to efficiently move its gear to away games and TP Trucking stepped up to help, providing branded trucks and drivers to the team, which are used to store extra gear on campus during the off season. While the opportunity to drive the Duck Truck and travel with the team is a unique perk, even long-time managers like George and David get in on the fun sometimes, jumping in with the drivers when an extra set of hands is needed. Never a Boring Moment While a day hauling gear for UO football is certainly one of the more exciting days at TP Trucking, both George and David say that they enjoy the industry because there’s never a dull moment in running a trucking company. “I call it putting the puzzle together,” said David. “We put that puzzle together and it changes daily, hourly…sometimes by the minute depending on customer needs, driver needs, equipment, weather, etc. We’re constantly moving this 3D chess board around to see how we can make it
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