DriveAtlas, the direct fleet operation owned by Atlas World Group, plans to hire 200 owner-operators this year to meet additional demand in the household goods moving industry along with volume increases expected in its freight transportation and logistics operations.
In addition, the company teamed with workforce mobility management company, Weichert Workforce Mobility, which also requires the need for additional drivers. The majority of the new fleet growth will be in the Shuttle Fleet, a nationwide drop and hook trailer delivery service network.
In early 2012, Atlas began to grow its owner-operator based Direct Fleet by 100%, which included the establishment of the Shuttle Fleet and significant growth of the Commercial Truckload Division, a 100% no-touch truckload/less-than-truckload division. The power-only Shuttle Fleet has continued to grow over the past two years.
“This year, both Atlas headquarters and many of our agencies are growing capacity by leasing more owner operators than in years past,” said Jack Griffin, president and COO of Atlas World Group. “This capacity growth is a testament to ongoing success in meeting our customers’ logistical challenges whether we are moving a family of four across the country or transporting store fixtures to many store locations throughout the U.S. As we continue to answer an increasing demand for our services, the Direct Fleet divisions provide a reliable foundation to supplement our overall agent fleet.”
DriveAtlas said benefits of signing on as an owner-operator include a discounted fuel program, fuel surcharge paid on all dispatched miles (loaded, empty and bobtail), free Blue Beacon truck washes each month, and free PrePass Weekly direct deposit settlements. Additional optional benefits are offered as well, such as health, dental and life insurance coverage, a maintenance program, a discounted national tire account, and a no-cost, year-round rider program.
Because home time is an issue that so many drivers are concerned with these days, the Shuttle Fleet has no forced dispatch, and drivers in this division can also stay at home as long as they want between dispatched runs, the company said.
“When recruiting new drivers, our primary focus is to provide an opportunity where an owner operator can find a career for life,” said Aaron Chenoweth, manager of Atlas Corporate Resources. “I’m not looking to just fill a seat or assign a number. I want to open the door and welcome them home. When we build strong relationships with our drivers, not only do they become experienced and reliable team members, they become part of the Atlas family.”
Owner-operators should have at least one year over-the-road experience for the Shuttle Fleet and Commercial Truckload Division; owner-operators with at least two years of experience in household moving for the Relocation Services Group; and one year of experience transporting electronics or other specialized goods for the Special Products Division. Drivers signing on through May will receive a $5,000 sign-on bonus for the Shuttle Fleet or the Relocation Services Group. All DriveAtlas Direct Fleet divisions are leased-on with and dispatched from Atlas’ headquarters based out of Evansville, Ind., though these drivers can live anywhere in the lower 48 states.
