KNOXVILLE, Tenn. —Knoxville-based specialty chemicals transportation company Highway Transport is celebrating 70 years of operation with the launch of a special commemorative video. Additionally, Highway Transport is experiencing growth, expansion in the southeastern US, and 75 new Mack Anthem trucks are being added to the fleet.
“Specialty chemical companies are demanding that we expand our 2018 capacity, particularly throughout the southeastern corridor of the U.S. where many chemical manufacturers are located,” said Marshall Franklin, president & CFO. “Specifically, Highway Transport’s Geismar, Louisiana, location will expand. Our professional truck drivers are excited about the arrival throughout summer of 75 of the newest model of Mack Trucks Anthem model being added to our fleet.”
“As our new video illustrates, Highway Transport chemical tanker truck drivers are an elite class of truck driver with a high level of skill,” said Director of Linehaul & Recruiting Joe Sheldon. “They are everyday heroes with the deepest concern for others and the safest fleet on the road. Logistical planning is so much more sophisticated today. Routes are intentionally designed to provide shorter out-and-back runs preferred by family-minded drivers. Highway Transport’s service centers are strategically located so that drivers enjoy more home time than ever. System drivers are at the heart of Highway’s growth strategy.”
The new Mack Anthems are being allocated to system drivers, Franklin said, adding that drivers who are willing to run throughout Highway Transport’s system will be greatly rewarded.
This includes:
- A pay upgrade. Highway Transport is increasing all mileage scales by an average of 4.5 percent and is also increasing hourly detention and loads below 150 miles rates by $1 per hour.
- A new per diem program. This program will allow drivers to have $63 of daily pay become nontaxable when they are away from home. Driver “net” or “take home” pay will be higher utilizing this plan.
- Additional incentive pay for system drivers. There is a system driver premium of 5 percent of pay. This is paid in a quarterly lump sum. It reflects Highway Transport’s desire to reward the additional flexibility and sacrifice made by the system drivers who stay away from home for longer periods of time, Franklin said.
Sheldon said with an intense focus on safety, Highway Transport’s 70-year chemical tanker legacy allows the company to offer executive-style pay and benefit packages to CDL drivers with chemical tanker experience and HazMat certification. Potential drivers can discover higher-than-average wages when applying on the company’s recruiting website at www.drive4highway.com.
“Chemical companies ask us to extend our capacity into other parts of the country, and we do what it takes to serve those customers,” said Rick Lusby, vice president of safety. “The key to Highway Transport’s success is that we achieve growth while maintaining an impeccable safety record. We recruit top driving talent and offer truck drivers the best equipment.”
Highway Transport has a presence in Knoxville; Chattanooga, Tennessee; LaPorte, Texas; Freeport, Texas; Garland, Texas; McDonough, Georgia; Croydon, Pennsylvania; Florence, Kentucky; Joliet, Illinois; Wyandotte, Michigan; and Geismar, Louisiana.
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