Our fleet is composed of very astute independent business people, and we treat them with a great deal of respect. Today's owner-operators are much more sophisticated and technically aware – they have to be with satellite equipment, laptops, GPS, etc.
Momentum.
One definition of momentum offered by Merriam.com is: “strength or force gained by motion or through the development of events.” Momentum can also be termed colloquially as “on a roll”.
Bolt Express is a company that most certainly is “on a roll”. At the end of 2006, the Toledo, OH-based expedited carrier boasted of 44% growth over 2005, the third year of 40-plus percentage growth. Bolt also posted impressive numbers in its fleet growth – 61% in 2006 vs. the previous year with a fleet turnover of less than 85%, well below the general trucking norm.
Another key indicator of the company’s growth is in its expansion in 2006 into expedited tractor-trailer freight (using company-provided trailers) and its commitment to further expansion of this segment of its business in 2007.
For a company founded in 2000, Bolt Express definitely has momentum.
Company Overview
Utilizing a fleet of 100% independent contractors in cargo vans, Sprinter vans, straight trucks and now, tractor-trailers, Bolt Express operates in 48 states and Ontario, Canada. The company transports general commodity and automotive shipments however, its market has expanded to include more non-automotive freight with diversification into new industries and expedited freight opportunities.
In addition to the tractor-trailer expansion of its business, Bolt Express has recently instituted a new policy regarding Sprinter Vans: Because of the Sprinters’ larger payload capacity, the company now offers enhanced pay rates in comparison to the typical cargo van rates.
Emily Saunders, Manager of Business Development for Bolt Express, says that there are several key elements that separate her company from other expedited carriers: “Bolt Express is very service oriented. Every time we complete a new customer’s shipment, we do a survey with that customer to see if we met expectations. We will do whatever it takes to fulfill the customers’ needs.”
“We are also very pricing competitive. We want our customers to keep calling us for their transportation solutions and we want to keep our owner/operators busy.”
She continues, “Bolt Express is experiencing a significant growth period. We have a great management team with expedite experience along with a strong marketing program and we’re seeing its results through growth and the expansion of our operating areas.”
Mark Heiges is the Director of Recruiting for Bolt Express and he states that because Bolt Express is a smaller carrier, its contractors enjoy more miles and less sitting and waiting for the next load. “We do not have as much intra-company competition for freight and we can keep our trucks running.”
“Our retention rate is outstanding in comparison with other carriers in this industry and we’re very proud of that fact. Our contractors are happy, and they reward us with their loyalty.”
“I believe that the keys to success for an owner/operator in this business are commitment and attitude; it sets a good driver apart from the rest. It’s the driver’s professionalism and the way he deal with customers in the office and on the dock.”
He continues, “We have a personal relationship with our contractors and drivers and we know their names, not just their numbers. Our contractors are dedicated to the performance mission and our on-time percentage rate of 98% bears that out.”
For the Contractor
Bolt Express has a competitive package that it offers to its contractors including:
No up front sign-on costs. 24/7 Dispatch Low dead head miles 99% no touch freight Weekly home time More miles, less sitting time 100 percent of fuel surcharge paid to the truck Extremely competitive pay structure Fuel advance Emergency funds Weekly settlements w/ direct deposit Major medical and disability insurance available Easy paperwork check in by scan/fax No forced dispatch
Driver Requirements
Must be at least 21 years of age, preferably 23 years old. No more than three violations in three years No felony convictions Must meet Company and D.O.T. standards
Recruiter Mark Heiges tells us, “We monitor the owner/operator’s earnings, and we will sit down with the owner/operator to counsel them about finances, operations, etc. If we can help them operate their business more profitably, it benefits both the contractor and the company.”
“Bolt Express maintains a true open door policy and will usually meet with a contractor on the same day he indicates that he would like to talk to management. We sincerely have a financial interest in our owner/operators and we want to see them succeed.”
Heiges lists some of the attributes of the successful owner-operator with Bolt Express:
- Being a business-minded person
- Being safety conscious and compliance-minded, particularly in reference to logs
- Being work-oriented and willing to run
- Maintaining good communications with dispatch
- Mutual respect
“Emily Saunders says, “For Bolt Express and its fleet, it’s a team effort. For example, we tell the new contractors and drivers in orientation that if, in their travels, they see potential Bolt Express customers to let us know and they are rewarded for their efforts. We help them to be successful, and they in return help us to be successful.”
“Our fleet is composed of very astute independent business people, and we treat them with a great deal of respect. Today’s owner-operators are much more sophisticated and technically aware – they have to be with satellite equipment, laptops, GPS, etc. They are also very educated about this industry, so we extend to them the consideration they deserve. We’re partners in this business and we couldn’t do it without them!”
Bolt Express is currently looking for owner-operators with Sprinter vans, straight trucks and tractors (trailers provided).
Call Mark Heiges at 1-866-USE-BOLT, Ext. 103 or visit the Bolt Express Online Pre-Application at Bolt-Express.com
