2013 Overall Category Winners

The winners of the 2013 Best Fleets to Drive For® are truly the best of the best. With a focus on progressive programs, terrific feedback from surveyed drivers, and strong results across a number of metrics, the winners are case studies in how to develop an outstanding workplace.

Grand Island Express

Head office: Grand Island, Nebraska
Total drivers/owner-ops: 160

Grand Island Express (GIX) is nothing if not proactive. Each customer receives a statement of safety so that it is very clear that safety issues will prevail above all else. As one driver puts it, "bottom line the company cares about their drivers". And 94% of GIX drivers agree that the company values safety above all else.

GIX employs a Driver Retention Specialist, whose sole purpose is to focus on retaining drivers and improving turnover rates. In addition, they have driver mentors as well as a separate Driver Development Specialist who focuses on ensuring new driver success. New hires are placed into a dedicated lane for up to 4 weeks with one dispatcher overseeing them. By eliminating the stress over trip planning, new drivers can concentrate on successfully learning the GIX culture and systems.

Landstar System, Inc.

Head office: Jacksonville, Florida
Total drivers/owner-ops: 8091

Landstar's Mutual Understanding of Safety Together (MUST) program is an excellent example of working proactively with shippers to reduce conflict. Under the MUST program, Landstar visits customer sites to find ways to improve the loading and unloading environment. Shippers, as well as the general public, are also welcome to join Landstar Business Capacity Owners (BCOs) for the company's monthly safety meeting. These meetings are hosted by agents across the country and provide lunch as well as guest speakers on a specific safety topic.

Contractor education is extremely important to the company. The CABS (Continued Awareness of Business and Safety) course is mandatory at orientation and every three years after that. Online courses on topics such as Hazmat, CSA, and Hours of Service are available for all BCOs.