OTA Dispatch Issue 4 2018

business. “They’re very supportive. It’s a family operation, and it’s been engrained that everyone chips in. Ag differs from traditional trucking because when you’re working with natural resources, it’s a way of life more than just a job. We have those values because we watched our parents work hard and put in long hours to get to where they are today. Our parents weren’t handed anything—they made it happen, so we have a stronger appreciation for what we do here. The world today is hung up on instant gratification, but we’re trying to instill a strong work ethic with our kids and through the programs we’re involved in. Not being afraid to get your hands dirty, getting to work on time, and helping the younger generation develop soft skills is really important,” explain Shelly and Macey. At Boshart, there’s a strong level of teamwork among the employees, especially during the harvest when all hands are on deck. Everyone depends on each other, so individuals strive to do a good job. If someone is late, it makes everyone late. The company offers an inspection bonus program for drivers and mechanics to incentivize thorough roadside inspections. They make sure drivers follow hours of service laws and drive safely on the road. Everyone at the organization is treated like family, and managers almost always accommodate if a driver or other employee needs family- time. Even work parties are structured to include the whole family; the company has even rented a bowling alley to encourage employees to bring their children. Shelly and Macey are proud of their low turnover rate. Both agree, “No one is a number here. We’re a small business, and we know what it takes to support a family. We’re invested in all our employees. They’re our number one asset.” For the last six years Boshart has hosted an Adopt-a-Farmer program for kids, an event that’s as much of a trucking experience as agriculture. The program covers the cost of hiring a substitute teacher and arranging for buses to transport 220 middle school children to the Boshart facility to learn about the business! Kids will break up into stations and get a chance to stand on truck scales, climb inside their trucks, see baling equipment, and ask any question they want. They’ll see the difference among tractor, truck, and car tires and may ask questions regarding emissions, diesel, and fuel. But, it’s also business-focused. Shelly teaches the kids about time zones, currency, and other international affairs, how minimum wage affects business, and how many jobs are involved in the trucking industry. Macey stresses the cost of running a company from all angles and has provided insight on how policy affects their business. Boshart also helps organize the annual Oregon Ag Fest in Salem, the 2nd largest event in Oregon with over 20,000 attendees. It takes place the last weekend in April and is an urban outreach program to educate children and members of the community (including low income families). They host an essay contest at the event and teach kids where milk comes from, how chickens are hatched and other ag-related basics. Macey is on the Ag Fest board, and this has been a priority for her. The company has been an OTA member since 1992, and every person and department at Boshart utilizes different OTA services. Safety is a top priority for Boshart. That’s why Hedie Schulte, HR, Safety & Admin Manager, attends the Annual Safety Conference, safety-related training sessions, and even completed the NW Fleet Safety Certification Program. Many trucking companies are small and don’t have the time or resources to research all the changing regulations. www.ortrucking.org 19 Issue 4 | 2018 “Not being afraid to get your hands dirty, getting to work on time, and helping the younger generation develop soft skills is really important,” explain Shelly and Macey.