Focusing on the future keeps AMA ahead

Much like any less-than-truckload carrier that pro­vides daily pickup and delivery service, AMA Transportation Co Inc. faces daily challenges brought on by the nature of its business.

“We constantly have to address fluctuations in freight volumes driven by seasonal and customer demands that make it difficult to maintain across-the-board consistency,” said Dan Hinkel, the company’s project manager. “The goal is to always keep our fleet and everyone at AMA working efficiently.

“We’re able to do that because our family ownership has been proactive and forward-thinking,” Hinkel said. “For example, they have been focused on things like our freight mix because they realize that in a strictly LTL operation, volumes fluctuate dramatically, and that diversification would provide other opportunities.”

Along with traditional pickup and delivery operations, Hinkel further explained that AMA provides truckload and dedicated service within its LTL network. In addition, it offers warehousing services at a 30,000-sq.-ft. facility. Based in Billerica, Mass., the carrier operates four terminals, including three with cross-docking operations, to provide overnight service throughout New England and expanded service to metropolitan areas in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. 

While drawing from a wide pool of employees geographically and having the ability to get drivers home every night helps AMA keep seats filled, Hinkel noted that recruiting and retention is another area where a proactive approach has paid off. 

“Our owners saw the driver shortage coming many years ago and put in place programs that have led to a very high retention rate, including many drivers who have been here for more than 10 years,” he said. “They made sure we offer a competitive pay and benefits package and a choice of work schedules.

“We also develop our driver workforce internally by offering opportunities and CDL training to interested dock and warehouse employees,” Hinkel said. “Perhaps most importantly, as a family-operated business, we place a high value on human interaction. Our drivers are not just a number, and that sets us apart as a good place to work.”

AMA operates a fleet of 75 power units throughout its service area. Tractors consist mainly of late-model Mack Trucks, and straight trucks are Internationals. Trailers, including 28-, 45-, 48- and 53-ft. dry vans, are a mix of makes and models.

Four technicians at three shops maintain all company-owned equipment at AMA, and most major repair work is performed at the carrier’s headquarters location. Fuel for the fleet is sourced from vendors in Massachusetts and Connecticut and is pumped at terminal fueling facilities with on-site storage tanks.

Recently, Hinkel noted, AMA made two significant and forward-thinking technology decisions. Currently, the company is nearly finished rolling out Netra­dyne VisionPRO cameras in trucks and tractors. The cameras, which provide up to eight different views around a vehicle, send video to Netra­dyne’s Driveri management platform.

“About 18 months ago, there was an accident with one of our trucks that made us realize we needed better safety data and accountability,” Hinkel stated. “The cameras and video systems will give us the ability to collect significantly more information and help us analyze driver behavior more proactively. That way we can get to the root cause of any damage or accident as well as produce evidence to protect drivers.”

Earlier this year, AMA implemented the FACTS transportation and freight management system from Carrier Logistics Inc. (CLI). The company had begun its search for new operating software in 2017 when it realized its legacy solution had reached the end of its useful life and was no longer being updated or supported by its supplier.

“The ability to automate business processes with FACTS was a strong selling point,” Hinkel said. “It also provides us with the functionality we need for planning, operations, dispatch and communication, and documentation, including eliminating paper processes. Additionally, the CLI solution is easily integrated with our driver-facing technology, including ELD and DVIR applications, as well as our fuel tax reporting software.”

All of the programs, technology and equipment choices at AMA are designed to help the company grow. “We’ve been strengthening our brand and expanding steadily by modernizing our operation,” Hinkel said.