Leonard’s Express upgrades terminals, repair shops

Leonard’s Express recently highlighted its newly upgraded terminals and shops in celebration of last month’s national driver and technician appreciation weeks.

“At Leonard’s, we demonstrate our appreciation for drivers and techs year-round,” Leonard’s Express CEO Ken Johnson said in a news release. “They deserve to be celebrated even more during these special weeks of recognition.”

This year, Leonard’s Express focused on bringing more of the comforts of home to its drivers and technicians in five locations across the country:

• Farmington, New York: Fresh paint, soundproofing, new lighting, dog beds, updated locker room with new lockers, and an information center with desktop computer.
• Caldwell, Idaho: Installation of air conditioning.
• New Castle, Delaware: New event space (large tent, tables and chairs, and a speaker/microphone), and break area (picnic table, sunbrella, Blackstone grill).
• Taylorsville, North Carolina: New outdoor seating area (picnic table, sunbrella, Blackstone grill) and a new TV.
• Eau Claire, Wisconsin: New outdoor seating area (picnic table, sunbrella, and hardscaping), and personalized coveralls for each technician.

Leonard’s Express teamed with Samsara to organize a raffle for all its drivers. Drawings occurred once per day throughout the week with prizes including a massage gun, AirPods, an iPad Air, a Sonos Move portable speaker, and a Yeti cooler.

For the techs, Leonard’s provided each shop with a budget for new tools, and worked with sponsors, including Freightliner, Kenworth, Snap-On, and Thermo King, to deliver tools and apparel to their work sites. Each driver and tech also received a Leonard’s Express-branded item (such as a shirt or hat) and the company hosted cookouts and potluck events where everyone enjoyed a constant flow of food, drinks, and snacks.

“Professional drivers and technicians make a profound impact on the nation’s economy and on people’s everyday lives,” Johnson explained. “More than 80% of U.S. communities rely exclusively on trucks to meet their freight transportation needs. During National Truck Driver and Technician Appreciation Weeks, it’s important to recognize and thank the people who keep America moving.”