We keep our fleet fresh. Our goal is to always cycle in new equipment to keep our drivers rolling and our loads moving. This is why we decided to add Peterbilt to our fleet.
Since this addition, there has been quite a buzz of interest around what kind of amenities these new Peterbilts feature, what exactly they have under the hood, and how they differ from our Volvos. We put together this list of specifications for our Petes and Volvos to help answer these questions. Oakley Transport's new Peterbilts offer a premium driver environment that is ergonomic and highly comfortable. SPECIFICATIONS: PETERBILT 579 72” HB SLEEPER TRACTORS (TANKER)
SPECIFICATIONS: PETERBILT 579 80” UL SLEEPER TRACTORS (DRY VAN/REEFER)
Our Volvo VNLs offer top of the line comfort and amenities so you can be the best driver you can be out on the road. SPECIFICATIONS: VOLVO VNL 740 SLEEPER TRACTORS (TANKER & DRY BULK)
SPECIFICATIONS: VOLVO VNL 760 SLEEPER TRACTORS (DRY VAN REEFER)
In Lake Wales, Florida, we have a full-service tractor and trailer repair facility, staffed with over 20 well-trained and qualified technicians to handle all maintenance repairs. In order to maintain our fleet of Volvo tractors, we are an assigned Volvo training facility. Our technicians can acquire Volvo certification on-site through the customer service portal (Volvo University). The body shop can produce factory-type finishing and is equipped with full-time employees who are highly qualified to repair all types of body damage. We take pride in our early preventative maintenance program, scheduling PMs well before they are needed so we can ensure that the equipment is operating at peak performance. From the newest models of Peterbilt and Volvo tractors to our state-of-the-art equipment, we believe in investing in the best equipment to keep our drivers and customers happy.
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For the ninth consecutive year in a row, our Oakley family is helping spread holiday cheer through our annual toy drive. We are honored to be donating toys to be dispersed to children and families in need by the Lake Wales Care Center. It’s our small yet caring way to help give back to our local community during the holidays.
Last year, there was such a tremendous outpouring of donations that the Lake Wales Care Center had to come and pick up the goodies in two separate trips. Already this year, we have had numerous Oakley family members generously give to help provide less fortunate families with an unforgettable holiday experience for their children. We are so proud of the giving spirit that is embodied by our Oakley family. The spirit of the season is truly exemplified through the kindness and willingness to give out of the goodness of our hearts. The world is a better place because of the people we call family; the Oakley Transport family. We have donation bins located at our Lake Wales and Auburndale terminals for your convenience. Please feel free to drop off any time during the day. Let’s be sure to make this year the best year yet! All donations will be picked up by the Lake Wales Care Center on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Unusually heavy traffic is inevitable during the holiday season. Heavy traffic not only causes vehicles to constantly stop and go, but many drivers tend to grow impatient, increasing the likelihood of accidents by changing lanes often, failing to keep safe distance, and sometimes even cutting in front of fully loaded trucks. Crowded roads coupled with bad weather conditions like snow, ice, hail, or rain can impact a driver’s visibility. This can cause roads to become slippery and further contribute to a greater chance of an accident.
While we are proud to have some of the best driving professionals out there, it never hurts to freshen up on some critical safety practices to help face the extra drivers and the freezing temperatures during the holiday season. Safety is top priority for Oakley Transport, and there’s no better time than now to put your best safety methods into practice. Driving a tractor-trailer during the holiday season demands more than just good maneuvering and safe speeds—it requires forethought and preparation. Seasoned drivers implement preventative safety skills for driving in poor conditions, keep a safe zone, and have the foresight to know when it’s time to take a break and get off the road. Follow these 5 quick tips this season to help keep yourself and the drivers around you safe. Precheck Because winter weather causes increased unpredictability on the road, it’s best that you and your rig are ready for anything. It is always important to check your truck before leaving the terminal, but this time of year make sure to set aside a little extra time to be extremely thorough to ensure that the defroster, heater and wipers are working properly. If need be, dislodge snow from your windshield, windows, hood, roof, and lights. Ensure your truck, tires, breaks, APU, trailers, or tankers are in pristine condition. Slow Down and Keep a Safe Zone Driving at the speed limit may be legal but is often too fast for a crowded roadway or poor road conditions. It’s important to be prepared to slow down in response to changes on the road. Slowing down offers time to take corrective action and respond to erratic drivers, stop-and-go traffic, bad weather conditions, and poor visibility. Take as much time as necessary. Don’t hurry and make sure to leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicles in front of and beside your truck when possible. Find a safe way to get away from the pack and travel alone with the goal being to maximize the distance around your vehicle. Stay Calm Impatient holiday drivers may indulge in road rage behaviors, like tailgating, weaving between lanes, cutting off, break-checking, or otherwise harassing other drivers—this puts themselves and others at risk for accidents. Road rage is a serious threat to safe driving. Be sure to stay calm and keep a level head. Don’t let their anger control your driving. De-escalate road rage situations by increasing the distance between yourself and angry drivers. You may even want to add a little more distance by taking a break. Good Judgment Outside of taking mandatory breaks, be sure to take additional breaks if you are feeling frustrated or sleepy. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of the other motorists. If the weather is so severe that you need to get off the road, find a place to get off the road safely and wait until conditions are safe. Make sure not to stop on the shoulder of the road, especially in low visibility situations. Other vehicles can mistake your position for being on the road and as a result, may slam into the back of your rig. Be Prepared Road conditions can rapidly change. Be prepared for a variety of potential emergency situations. Stock your cab with water, snacks, a first aid kit, a change of clothes, and blankets so you can comfortably and safely weather unexpected conditions that may require you to pull off the road or wait long periods. Everyone knows that highway work zones can be a dangerous place. Hazardous work zone driving conditions are created by uneven pavement, loose gravel, narrowed lanes, concrete barriers, inattentive drivers, vehicles making sudden stops and/or sudden merges, and speeding. Professional drivers frequently encounter work zones and know just how imperative it is to be on the lookout for changing road and traffic conditions and being prepared for the unexpected.
Here are six tips to keep in mind when driving through work zones. 1. Know before you go Map out your trip before you leave to see if you will be going through any construction zones. Highway agencies will post about various zones and detours to help you avoid the work zones. For more information on national traffic and road closures, check out the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). 2. Take it slow Remember that a trip through a work zone may take longer. Normal speed limits are reduced in construction zones. Be sure to slow down when approaching the zone and be prepared to drive slower than the posted work zone speed limit if needed in order to increase reaction time and allow yourself a good following distance. 3. Maintain one lane When approaching a construction zone, be prepared to merge if necessary, and merge early. If possible, stay in that lane. Avoid aggressive behaviors such as driving on the shoulder and blocking lanes so others can’t get in. Additionally, you will want to stay extra alert for flaggers in a construction zone. Be prepared to follow a flagger’s directions. In a construction zone, a flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign. 5. Drive defensively, keeping a proper following distance It is important to keep a safe distance between your vehicle, traffic barriers, construction equipment, and construction workers, as well as maintaining a good following distance. Always be thinking about possible situations of how a hazard can present itself so you have a plan on what your next move could be. Adding a few more seconds of distance in construction zones is highly recommended because you never know when a hazard is going to present itself. 6. Keep an eye on the road ahead Looking a minimum of 15 seconds ahead (eye-lead time) allows time to identify and react to hazards, giving you the opportunity to determine the safest course of action. Pay attention to obstacles, debris and construction workers and construction vehicles that may enter the line of traffic. This will help in anticipating problems and reacting in time. Brake Safety Week 2023 is upon us. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced August 20 – 26 as the dates for this year's Brake Safety Week. Commercial motor vehicle safety inspectors prioritize vehicle and driver safety by conducting inspections every day. Checking brake systems is always part of the roadside inspection process, but during Brake Safety Week especially, enforcement officials will be paying extra attention. They will be looking closely at the condition of the brake lining and pad.
Properly functioning brakes are crucial to safe commercial vehicle operation. “The focus of this year’s Brake Safety Week is on the condition of the brake lining and pad,” said CVSA President Maj. Chris Nordloh with the Texas Department of Public Safety. “Brake lining and pad issues may result in vehicle violations and could affect a motor carrier’s safety rating.” Drivers should always be inspecting their brake systems. The month of August is Brake Safety Awareness month, and throughout the month, the CVSA will be educating drivers, motor carriers, mechanics, and others about brake maintenance and operation. They need drivers to understand how important those parts are to your truck's mechanical fitness and safety. According to CSVA, some of the top things inspectors will be looking at are:
For more information on Brake Safety Week, visit the CVSA website here https://www.cvsa.org/news/2023-bsw/. At Oakley, we are all about safety and making sure our drivers are happy. Each team member in our Oakley Family plays an essential role in keeping our equipment in tip-top shape, so we can safely keep moving America's food supply down the road. In the transportation industry, you’re either a company driver or an owner operator. Along with a bit of information on both, here are a few reasons why you may choose to be a company driver.
Paid benefits Since company drivers are employed by a trucking company, unlike owner operators, they are usually provided with some sort of employee benefits ranging from PTO to health insurance. Other common benefits include dental, vision, and life insurance. Some companies even offer referral bonuses or retirement plans. And because owner operators essentially work for themselves, any insurance costs come out of their own pocket. Oakley Transport offers our drivers a competitive benefits package including a full health benefits package, dental & vision insurance, paid life insurance, 401k with company matching, vacation pay and more. More stability Owner operators may be able to drive part-time and take time off as they please, but that also means less stability. Company drivers don’t need to research and network with other trucking companies or wonder where their next paycheck is coming from. They can have the luxury of a more set schedule and knowledge of future assignments. It also can be difficult to leave one job for another as an owner operator because of contracts and holds on payment. With OTR that covers all 48 states and into Mexico and Canada, regional positions in TX, FL, the Midwest, the Northeast and the South, dedicated customers in Florida, Ohio, Iowa, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and seasonal hauling in Florida, Oakley has something for every type of driver. Lower risk and stress Not only do owner operators have to take on the responsibilities of a business owner, but they also must cover the maintenance costs of their truck. This can include diesel, regular maintenance, down payments, and equipment costs. Company drivers aren’t tasked with expensive startup or maintenance costs. They simply do their jobs and are able to do what they please with the rest of their time. Our fleet tractors are all predominantly 2019 and newer Volvo VNL tractors, direct from the Volvo factory and customized for the unique tasks of each division. In Lake Wales, Florida, we operate a full-service tractor and trailer repair facility to keep our fleet in top shape. We take pride in our early preventative maintenance program, scheduling PMs well before they are needed we can assure that the equipment is operating at peak performance. Afterall, keeping the wheels rolling is what keeps drivers paid. Paycheck freedom Paycheck freedom comes also along with company drivers not having to cover the cost of maintenance. Owner operators are often paid more than company drivers, but owner operator pay quickly erodes with the costs of maintaining your own truck. Individual truck owners pay more for parts and have more expensive repair costs versus a fleet that has negotiated better pricing and has service centers across the United States. Higher pay is necessary for owner operators in order to be able to sustain such high costs and pay themselves at the same time. But company drivers are not responsible for these costs. This makes complete paycheck freedom a possibility for company drivers, allowing them to spend their income at their own discretion. More often than not, once you asses for all the costs, not to mention the hassle of setting up all of your own maintenance, an Oakley company driver will make more than most owner operators. High demand Lastly, the American trucking industry is in need of drivers. The current shortage has created a high demand for truckers and plenty of available jobs. And if one company isn't the best fit for you, then it likely won’t be too long before you’re able to find work elsewhere. Family-owned and operated since 1986, Oakley Transport offers a family-centric company culture in addition to excellent pay, bonuses, and flexibility. Oakley’s core values directly impact our recruiting philosophy. We are hiring for growth and longevity, not to simply fill a vacancy. If you are an experienced driver with a safe record and interested in joining the Oakley Transport Family as one of our valued company drivers, then be sure to call 1-888-813-1799 to get in touch with a recruiter now. This year’s International Roadcheck kicks off on May 16 and finishes up May 18. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual 72 hours of safety enforcement and inspection takes place across North America with participating law enforcement and certified inspectors in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico carrying out examinations.
Following last year’s focus on wheel ends, the 2023 Roadcheck will highlight anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement, according to the CVSA. The commercial vehicle checks will take place at designated locations along roadways such as weigh stations. While vehicles found to have an ABS violation will not be placed out of service, ABS is essential to helping the driver stay in control of their vehicle and reducing the risk of collisions. The system helps to prevent wheels from locking up and skidding. The focus on this and cargo securement simply serves to highlight their role in vehicle and road safety. Cargo securement—especially on bulk trailers and flatbeds—is crucial. A load that is not secure poses a major risk to maneuverability and other motorists. Last year’s event resulted in over 12,000 vehicles and close to 4,000 drivers being put out of service following almost 59,000 inspections, so it’s not something to be taken lightly. Not only will vehicles be checked but drivers as well. Looking at the results from 2022, common violations include cargo securement, tires, defective service brakes, lights, and brake systems. Numerous drivers were put out of service by false logs, the wrong class license, hours-of-service violations, suspended licenses, and no medical cards—resulting in a 6.4% driver out-of-service rate. The results of the 2023 Roadcheck will be compiled and shared later this year. Here are some more driver and vehicle safety features to be sure you have in check this May:
Passing drivers and vehicles will be given CVSA Level I or V decals that last for three months. However, any vehicles or drivers identified as out-of-service will remain so until the necessary criteria is corrected or addressed. Keep yourself and others safe on the road by making sure you’re ready for this year’s Roadcheck now. And here’s a thorough explanation of the CVSA’s 2023 focus areas to help: https://www.cvsa.org/programs/international-roadcheck/focus-area/ At Oakley Transport, we are serious about safety. Since our beginnings in 1986, we have been pursuing the highest safety standard in the trucking industry one mile at a time. Millions of miles later, we have once again won the highly-esteemed National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) 2022 North American Safety Contest Grand Award, making this the third time we have earned this prestigious award in the most recent four years. The annual North American Safety Contest award recognizes tank truck operations, both carriers and private fleets, in North America who have the best safety programs and safety records for the year.
The Competitive Safety Contest portion is conducted in two rounds to determine the safest tank truck for-hire carrier or tank truck private fleet. In round one, three awards, Grand, Honor, and Merit recognize each for-hire carrier and private fleet in their respective mileage class. After winning the Grand award in our class, Oakley Transport now moves on to the second round of the contest, bringing us one step closer to the North American Champion title. Round two determines the North American Champion in two divisions; the Harvison Division (over 15 million miles), and the Sutherland Division (under 15 million miles). This year's competition features rule changes including a third, separate Safety Award for private fleets. “Our driving professionals are the ones that have won this award,” said Oakley Transport Director of Safety Kelly McDowell. “We are not only proud of what they do day in and day out, but also of the standard of safety they take with them on the road every day." The winners of the North American Safety Contest's Sutherland and Harvison Divisions will be announced during the NTTC Annual Conference in May. Division winners will claim the prestigious North American Safety Champion Trophy, sponsored by Heil Trailer International. We couldn’t do what we do without our entire team. Thank you to each and every member of our Oakley Family for helping us win this award. In honor of it being American Heart Month, here’s a curated list of five road-friendly snacks for a satisfied stomach and healthy heart.
Nuts and Seeds Trail Mix We recommend you start by creating a customized mix of heart-healthy nuts. Some of our favorites include almonds, pistachios, walnuts, pecans, and macadamia nuts. And while they’re technically a legume, peanuts are also great for heart health. Gather a solid variety—fresh and unsalted are best. Try throwing in some roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds while you’re at it. Unsweetened dried fruits like apricots, raisins, dates, or even bananas are another great addition for some sweetness. And if you’re wanting something even sweeter, you can’t go wrong with a few antioxidant-filled dark chocolate chips or chunks. Veggies and Hummus Baby carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, celery sticks, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber all go great with hummus and heart health. If you’re not a hummus fan, then maybe swap it out for just roasted chickpeas. They’re quick and easy to make at home or grab on the go. Add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of sea salt before throwing some in the oven, or give brands like Biena or Saffron Road a try (just keep an eye on the sugar and sodium per serving). If you’re feeling crazy, you could even sprinkle some on top of your hummus for bonus benefits. Nut Butter There are numerous ways to incorporate nut butter into a delicious, trucker-friendly snack. Peanut and almond butter both go great with apples and whole-grain bread or crackers. You could also try making some energy balls filled with your choice of nut butter, oats, seeds, or dark chocolate before hitting the road for the perfect bite-sized pick-me-up. Canned Fish and Crackers While this sometimes fragrant snack may be one you choose to enjoy outside of your cab, it’s an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon and tuna are popular picks. Give them a shot on top of whole-grain crackers or rice cakes. Greek Yogurt and Berries When it comes to dairy, it’s recommended you stick to low-fat or fat-free options when possible to limit saturated fat. So, the same goes for protein-packed greek yogurt. Plain is also best to skip out on any added sugar. However, you can still spice things up by adding berries or honey on top. Lastly, some honorable mentions include multigrain bean or sweet potato chips, edamame, avocado toast, popcorn (as long as you keep the salt and butter light), and fruit canned in natural juice or light syrup. Trucking companies across the United States are all vying for new drivers, offering competitive pay packages, bonuses, health benefits, vacation, 401k, and more. Family-owned and operated since 1986, Oakley Transport offers a family-centric company culture in addition to excellent pay, bonuses, and flexibility. But what does it take to become a driver for Oakley Transport?
Our base requirements for drivers are a valid CDL-A with at least one year of tractor-trailer experience and a clean record for the prior two years. Additionally, having tanker and hazmat endorsements for tanker positions or dry bulk experience for dry bulk positions will put drivers with the basic requirements at the head of the pack. Of course, Oakley wants experienced safe drivers, but only if everything is a good fit all around. We want to make sure the driver is a good fit for us, but we also want to make sure we’re the right fit for a driver. Oakley is hiring with intention, seeking experienced drivers who love their job, take pride in their career, and embrace the connection and camaraderie of the Oakley Family culture. Oakley’s core values directly impact our recruiting philosophy. We are hiring for growth and longevity, not to simply fill a vacancy. Oakley Transport has established itself as a company drivers want to work for and continue working for in the years to come. Happy drivers equal happy customers and as customer satisfaction grows, so does the need for more drivers. Our list of qualified drivers waiting to onboard continues to grow. There has recently been a slowdown in incoming trucks for many carriers, Oakley was not spared, but our vendors are now back on track and inventory is flowing in at a consistent rate. As our new trucks arrive, we are reaching out to our ever-growing list of experienced driver applicants to get them into the best driving position of their career. If you are an experienced driver with a safe record and you’d like to join our family and drive for Oakley Transport, call 1-888-813-1799 to get connected with a recruiter today. |
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