Fleetowner 6891 Mid Western Car Carriers1e
Fleetowner 6891 Mid Western Car Carriers1e
Fleetowner 6891 Mid Western Car Carriers1e
Fleetowner 6891 Mid Western Car Carriers1e
Fleetowner 6891 Mid Western Car Carriers1e

Vocational Profile: Finding solutions

Nov. 8, 2016
Unique challenges keep Mid-Western Car Carriers focused

“The auto industry is very cyclical, so we have to constantly adjust to the ups and downs,” says Randall Wills, president of Kansas City, MO-based Mid-Western Car Carriers. “This year is proving to be a challenge because traditional new-car buyers tend to hesitate making purchases in an election year,  so sales are down. By staying flexible, however, we can keep our fleet moving hauling used cars for dealers and rental and auction companies.”

While the driver shortage remains an industry-wide challenge for all types of trucking companies, Wills says it’s even more pronounced for auto haulers. At any given time, he notes, Mid-Western Car Carriers is in need of about 10 drivers for roughly 15% of its 60-truck fleet. The company, which offers an in-house training program for new hires, tries to recruit drivers who have at least one year of on-highway experience.

“It’s harder for us to attract drivers because all auto transporters are vying for experienced people,” Wills relates. “Even though we have a higher pay scale than a general freight hauler, it takes a special person for this specialized type of business. Our drivers have a responsibility to protect cargo and follow stringent delivery procedures. It’s hard, physical work to load, unload, secure, and inspect autos in all kinds of weather.”

Equipment challenges are unique in the auto hauling industry as well. “We’re told that our trailers cost roughly the same as a premium reefer, but our tractors cost more because we require specialized equipment,” Wills explains. “For example, we have to equip tractors with headache racks on the back of the cab that go for about $30,000. We also have to address standards set by auto manufacturers, which has meant converting our trailers from chain to soft tie-down systems.

“Add it all up and a combination in our fleet might cost 20% more than one that hauls general freight, not to mention the higher base price of new vehicles every year,” he adds. “On top of that, the configuration of auto hauling equipment comes with a penalty. While we’re a SmartWay partner because it’s important to us to be environmentally friendly, and we take advantage of things like low rolling resistance tires, we can’t get the fuel efficiency of more streamlined dry freight or refrigerated combinations.”

About 60 Volvo, Peterbilt, Freightliner and Western Star tractors currently make up the Mid-Western Car Carriers’ fleet. Among the newest models are Volvo VAH Series units. Since 2012, the carrier has been replacing its older group of Boydstun models with10-car Cottrell trailers.

Maintenance and repair work is handled at the carrier’s shop, which has four 100-ft.-long bays with 16-ft.-high doors to accommodate fully loaded trucks for inside repair. The shop is an approved warranty facility for Cottrell, Boydstun, Delavan, and other manufacturers.

The company has been in business since 1976 and provides a variety of services nationwide for manufacturers, dealers, remarketers, leasing companies, and auction houses.

“Transporting vehicles in a timely and safe manner is vital for our customers,” Wills states. “By meeting industry, operational and equipment challenges, we continue to enjoy a high rate of customer satisfaction.”

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