Since
October of 1987, Kansas-based TransAm Trucking has provided companies
with affordable, reliable transportation choices. Initially founded with
70 tractors and 100 refrigerated trailers, TransAm Trucking has
expanded beyond its first Missouri facility. In 1990, TransAm Trucking
established its corporate headquarters in Olathe, Kansas, before
increasing in size again with a new facility on 40 acres of land within
the same city. In 2005, TransAm furthered its expansion by acquiring a
terminal near Dallas, Texas, and adding 250 additional power units.
TransAm Trucking has driving opportunities for experienced drivers and
recent graduates of truck driving school. TransAm boasts the highest
gross annual salary in the industry with first year experienced drivers
earning an average of $52,000 per year and first year student drivers
earning an average of $46,000 per year. Drivers are eligible for a
per-mile quarterly bonus, layover pay and stop pay for each additional
stop after the first stop, Independent contractors enjoy the freedom of
owning their own business and gross an average of $138,000 per year.
TransAm Trucking's subsidiary, TransAm Leasing, Inc., is proud to lease
the respected Kenworth T660 and T700 with newer models equipped with the
innovative PACCAR MX engine. TransAm Leasing offers affordable weekly
lease payments on new and used tractors with full extended warranty.
Short-term lease options are also available. TransAm Trucking provides
its independent contractors with paid base plates and permits, a fuel
surcharge program, 100 percent lumper reimbursement, paid reefer fuel,
and paid tolls.
Olathe, Kansas-based TransAm Trucking joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Transport Program. Seven years ago, the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality launched SmartWay to recognize companies that strive to reduce transportation-related emissions. The EPA sought to improve air quality and cut back on the fuel usage by trucking companies.
To become a SmartWay Truck Carrier partner, a company’s management must first fill out a document that describes the environmental performance of the organization’s operations. The Freight Logistics Environmental and Energy Tracking (FLEET) Performance Model quantifies the impact of a company’s trucks or other carriers on the natural world.
Four types of firms can apply to become a SmartWay Carrier Partner: private fleets, freight train companies, public for-hire fleets, and truck operators who own their vehicles. Becoming a partner means a company commits to improve the number of miles its trucks get per trip, as well as striving to meet other environmental goals within a three-year period.
While becoming more environmentally conscious has become a popular activity, profitable businesses need greater results than simply proud feelings. The SmartWay Transport Partnership program offers a variety of tangible benefits to carriers. When the employees of a member firm seek to significantly improve fuel efficiency, the company’s leaders begin to see reduced costs for diesel and other sources of energy. Maintenance expenses may also decrease. Once a transport firm has achieved the SmartWay goals, the company may utilize the program’s logo, and the EPA will promote the firm on a national level, citing it as a positive example.
Another helpful aspect of the SmartWay program is that EPA staff assists the partners in determining methods to reduce the firm’s environmental impact. Carriers receive specific advice regarding how to measure emissions as well as how to lower fuel consumption. In addition, EPA staff collaborates with partners to craft reachable, realistic goals.
Each of the SmartWay partners is given a score that measures how well they have implemented environmentally friendly policies. These scores range from zero to 1.25. TransAm Trucking has a 1.25 score, which shows that the company successfully meets SmartWay goals. Partners with such a rating already consistently implement fuel-saving strategies and have reduced their impact on the planet. The EPA website describes the top 1.25 rating as indicating “outstanding environmental performance.”
In the final segment of our guide for driving your pedestrian vehicle near semi-trucks and other large haulers, we divulge three more useful pieces of advice:
4. Allowing Trucks to Safely Pass When a truck driver attempts to pull over into your lane, immediately begin slowing down to create a significant gap between you and the truck. The farther away from the truck you are, the more distance between you and its rear blind spot.
5. Beware Wind Gusts Created by Trucks When trucks draw near, they create gusts of wind that increase in strength depending on how fast the truck is traveling. Grip your wheel firmly as a truck passes, or merges lanes to keep your car from swerving.
6. Leave Extra Space at Intersections Trucks turning at intersections need plenty of space to avoid clipping vehicles or other objects as they make their maneuver. If you are the lead car approaching an intersection and you notice a semi-truck pull up to the intersection perpendicular to your own, stop far short of your stop sign or traffic light so the truck driver has ample room to safely execute his or her turn.
When student drivers join the TransAm Trucking fleet, they undergo a brief, but intensive four-week training period, which arms them with the skills and knowledge necessary to begin driving in a safe and efficient manner. Many other companies require a training period up to two months in length, minimizing the amount that truckers make in the first months of their new career. Both drivers and driving schools have lauded the company’s training program for its effectiveness and the overall competency of its employees.
At present, employees drive the Kenworth T660 and T700, which features a quiet, fuel-efficient engine. All trucks at the company feature automatic transmissions, allowing the driver to focus on the road, avoid fatigue in heavy traffic, and enjoy lower stress levels while driving. In addition, the trucks feature condo cabs with refrigerators, comfortable bunks, and satellite radio. The company has a no touch freight policy, meaning that the trucker will never assist with loading or unloading, eliminating risk of injury or exhaustion before driving.
TransAm Trucking drivers earn four days every month. Those individuals who work as independent contractors have flexible hometime. With notice, the company will get the contractor as close to home as possible. The company’s drivers may also have another individual with them at any time through the controlled passenger program. Riders, who must be 10 years of age or older, must complete a Passenger Authorization form prior to boarding the truck.
About TransAm Trucking
In operation since 1987, TransAmTruck offers affordable and reliable transportation to clients around the country. The firm maintains terminals in Olathe, Kansas, and Rockwall, Texas. For more information about the company, visit b>http://www.transamtruck.com.
Designed by Kenworth, a subsidiary of PACCAR Inc., the T660 serves as one of the trucking industry’s premier long-haul vehicles. Borrowing design elements from the W900 and the T600, engineers utilized advanced design software, computer simulations, and clay models to perfect the T660 over the course of several years. Through these efforts, Kenworth produced a cutting-edge vehicle that features an unparalleled aerodynamic design to achieve the lowest coefficient of drag available, maximizing fuel efficiency and driver comfort. Here are some of the other features of the T660:
Interior: While enjoying the first-class ride of the T660, drivers can take advantage of the sophisticated navigation system and all-inclusive driver status display. The cabin is created using fiberglass and aluminum to prevent corrosion and eliminate excess noise. Long-haul drivers will also appreciate the spacious Aerodyne sleeper, which is available in several sizes.
Exterior: In addition to its ingenious aerodynamic design, the engineers at Kenworth have outfitted the T660 with the strongest and most dependable components available, including heavy-duty cross members and customized frame rails for a smooth ride. Instead of traditional rivets, the cab of the T660 is held together with huckbolts that provide six times the clamping force.
Kenworth T660 Promotional Video
About the Company: Established in 1987, TransAm Trucking holds a reputation as one of the nation’s leaders in the temperature-controlled freight industry. Through the years, TransAm Trucking has compiled an impressive fleet of more than 1,400 trucks, many of which are the Kenworth T660. With its extensive inventory of vehicles, the company sells previously used equipment through its subsidiary, TransAm Fleet Equipment Sales. To maintain the most qualified team of drivers, TransAm Trucking offers a comprehensive training program and provides extensive support and resources.
