Hirschbach introduces more flexible driver scheduling

Hirschbach Motor Lines has launched a new flex fleet option for drivers looking for more flexible schedules.

“We’ve noticed there is a subset of drivers that are looking for opportunities that allow for more flexibility and less commitment,” said Jessie Burnette, chief people officer at Hirschbach. “Our new Flex Fleet is designed to provide that opportunity.”

Hirschbach, a refrigerated/temperature control carrier, is known for their more traditional offerings of over-the-road and regional/dedicated for solo drivers and teams, along with local opportunities through their yard management division, Spot by Hirschbach.

“This is a different offering for us, but we are excited to diversify our fleet and, hopefully, meet a need in the driver market,” said Dan Wallace, president of Hirschbach.

The Flex Fleet will allow a driver to log on to a truck board and reserve a truck for a time period they choose. There is no truck payment or cost to use the truck. The driver is responsible for picking up the truck and then returning it to the same terminal.

“Drivers can reserve a truck, run loads during that time, return the truck, and then go to their next job, or enjoy time with their family,” Burnette added.

This fleet will offer two opportunities—OTR Flex or Dedicated Flex, with OTR running out of their terminal in Dover, Florida, and Dedicated running out of their terminal in Monmouth, Illinois. Both fleets offer mileage pay with minimum daily pay.

See also: Hirschbach seeks to boost uptime with smarter trailers

Drivers will need to go through the hiring and orientation process to become active in the Flex Fleet system. To remain active, drivers need to meet the required minimum run days—five days every two months for Dedicated and 10 days every two months for OTR. 

“We think this will be a perfect scenario for drivers that are looking to transition to retirement, are already retired, or are working in a seasonal industry but want to keep running without the commitment of hiring somewhere,” Burnette said.