 There’s no doubt that things aren’t the way they used to be. We are living in unprecedented times and are especially feeling the effects its had on the job-force. Whatever the status of your career (on hold or on the hunt), we are here to help.
Maybe you’re a college graduate who had hopes of securing a corporate job that is now no longer hiring. Or maybe you worked a comfortable career that was suddenly dismissed because of the economic effects of the pandemic. If you are looking for a job, whatever your circumstances may be, there are opportunities in places you may not have thought to look. If it’s not already obvious, trucking is one of the nation’s most valuable industries, not just during this pandemic, but always. And it’s ripe with opportunity. Why should you consider such a detour in your career route? If you have an itch to travel, a career behind the wheel could be the perfect avenue to kick-start (or re kick-start) your professional life. Becoming a truck driver allows you to see the country’s marvels and get paid while doing it! Plus, by being a warrior behind the wheel, you become part of a cause greater than your own — helping keep America running. As a driver, you are at the helm of our country’s support system. From food to pharmaceuticals and every transported good in-between, our nation heavily relies on the shipment of these goods to keep families fed and healthy, both during a pandemic and normal times. Hello job security! Earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is relatively simple, too. There are multiple driver training schools available, and some offer programs that can be completed in as little as four weeks, but the average time is about seven weeks. During training, you will undergo a combination of classroom testing and hands on practice to ensure safety and competency on the road. Within a short period of time, you will be headed down a path toward your new career. What better place to start that than with Oakley Transport? Pave a new way towards your career. We’d love to talk to you about our opportunities. Give our recruiters a call at 888-813-1799 and be sure to check out our website for more information about the Oakley family.
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Since the very beginning, Oakley Transport has been pursuing the highest safety standard in the trucking industry one mile at a time. Hundreds of thousands of miles later, we’re adding the National Tank Truck Carriers’ highly-esteemed “2019 North American Safety Contest Grand Award Winner” to our list of accolades. This award recognizes tank truck operations in North America with the best safety program and safety record for the year.
We entered NTTC’s 2019 North American Safety Contest and won for the respective Accidents per Million Mile (APPM) frequency class 40-90 million - that’s a ton of miles staying safe! What’s next? We’ll move on to the next round of the contest and one step closer to the North American Champion title. “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 daily." The winners of the North American Safety Contest's Sutherland and Harvison Divisions will be announced during NTTC’s 75th Anniversary Annual Conference on May 3-5, 2020 at the The Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C. Division winners will claim the prestigious North American Safety Champion Trophy, sponsored by Heil Trailer International. Stay safe out there, Oakley family!  During such a time as this, our drives are more important than ever. At Oakley Transport, we are proud to have a family of professionals who know how to come together in a time of need so that America's families can get fed.
One such dedicated driving hero is Gary Marr. Gary isn’t new to the transportation sector and has been with the Oakley family for more than four years. Let’s get to know local driver Gary Marr with a Q&A: Q: How and when did your trucking career begin? A: I started driving trucks while in the Michigan Army National Guard. I started out driving a dump truck and finally moved up to semi-hauling heavy equipment. Q: What drew you to this industry? A: I got into this career because I was looking for work, and my older brother recommended I try it. Q: What is your favorite part about being a truck driver? A: My favorite part of this career is the daily challenges - you never know what is coming next - and the freedom of not being stuck in an office. Q: Why did you choose Oakley Transport as your home? A: I used to go to Miami and would drive past them. I thought, “if I ever moved to Florida, I would want to work there.” Plus, I noticed the shiny equipment. Q: What advice would you give to someone who is interested, but unsure, about joining the trucking industry? A: This isn’t a job. It’s a life style. If you’re willing to put in the effort, the rewards can be very gratifying. Do you want to start a rewarding career with the Oakley family? Check out our job listings and find right fit for you: https://oakleytransport.plansource.com/jobsearch/.  Getting heart healthy can be an intimidating commitment, especially if you aren’t really sure where to start. While it does require discipline, taking care of your heart and your body can be simple if you are willing to make a few changes. Not only will it improve your quality of life, but it will also make your job easier and more sustainable. Stay tuned to learn what steps you can take to make better choices. Be Smoke Free: The Heart Foundation published an article about how to best nurture your heart, saying that one of the best ways to maintain it is to be smoke free. “Smoking affects the vessels that supply blood to your heart and other parts of your body. It reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood and damages blood vessels walls.” It's easy to smoke to fill the time between customer loads. Try munching on carrots, chewing sugar free gum or sucking on some peppermints instead to keep your hands and mouth busy. Manage Your Blood Cholesterol While your body needs cholesterol to function properly, too much of it is harmful to your heart. Heavy amounts of cholesterol build up in your arteries, restricting blood flow. While high cholesterol can be caused by a variety of factors, food is a common contributor. Thankfully, you can take control over it today! According to the Mayo Clinic, foods packed with trans fat and saturated fat will spike cholesterol. Think fried foods, margarine, baked goods, processed snacks and meat (most things you find at a gas station). One way you can keep these delicious foods in your life, minus the bad stuff, is to invest in an air fryer! When the need for yummy fried food hits, pop a chicken thigh in the air fryer with some seasoning and let the magic of the technology work! Less calories, less cholesterol and the same great, fried taste! Eat A Variety Of Nutritious Food Along with eating less trans and saturated fat, try to keep salt to a minimum (think pizza, burgers, boxed breakfast food, most things at fast food restaurants.) Smoothies are a great way to pack a lot of healthy foods into one sitting. Get a Magic Bullet Blender for the truck, freeze your favorite fruits and pulse them into a treat that resembles more of a sorbet than a smoothie. Nutritious and delicious and super heart healthy. For other healthy options, check our other food blog below. Be Physically Active “Regular activity makes you less likely to have a heart attack or develop heart disease. It also helps control other heart disease risk factors, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and being overweight,” the Heart Foundation article states. Getting in some exercise while you are on the road isn’t hard. Take a brisk walk in the morning before you head out on the road or get some resistance bands to keep up muscle strength without having to leave the comfort of your cab. Here are three easy band exercises. If you want more ideas for various exercises you can do while you are on the road, check out one of our previous articles about trucker fitness For more information about how to stay heart healthy, make sure to check out the Heart Foundation's website for more tips and tricks. A healthy heart is a happy heart!
 It’s a new year and what better way to kick off this season than with the Oakley family? If you’re thinking about joining the team, or have already signed up, we want to make every step easy and smooth, from the time you download and sign the application to when you get behind the wheel.
Here are some tips and tricks for packing and a run-down of what you can expect when you arrive at our HQ terminal in Lake Wales, FL for orientation. Firstly, we know travel isn’t cheap. We offer a $300 incentive for all drivers attending orientation as well as $150 per orientation day after you have accepted your first dispatch for payment. Additionally, we provide travel compensation/reimbursement and handle scheduling and arrangements — so make sure to keep your receipts. Below is a list of covered items.
When you pack for the big week, please double check that the below essentials make it with you on your travels.
As far as your suitcase is concerned, pack clothing that makes you feel comfortable. We only ask that you follow these rules.
Now comes time for the part you’ve all been waiting for— Orientation! Orientation always takes place on a Monday and will last between four to five days. For Dry Van/Reefer drivers, on-boarding will last till either Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning. Tanker drivers should plan to finish either Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. Despite your position, below are a few action items everyone can expect:
While the information above covers the framework of orientation week activities and information you need to know prior, we understand you may still have some questions. We’re happy to answer any of them. Click the button below to learn more and find contact information for our team members.  This Christmas, we feel there is no better way to spread holiday cheer than giving to others. We’ve participated in Baby DJ’s radio station since 2014 and we are in full swing for it again in 2019.
Working in collaboration with local companies, sponsors and nonprofits, XL 106.7 Baby DJ’s Toy Drive seeks to provide underprivileged families with an unforgettable holiday experience for their children. Already, we have had numerous Oakley family members generously give, organize and deliver gifts. Among those who contributed their resources and time, four Oakley family members shine in particular.
Along with these four outstanding employees, numerous other Oakley staff also donated toys and volunteered their time to load up the gifts and shuttle them to Baby Dj’s radio station to be dispersed to children and families in need of assistance. If you’re an Oakley employee and haven’t donated yet, it’s not too late. Plus, there’s perks. In exchange for ONE present, our employees will be allowed to wear jeans the week prior to Christmas (12/16/19-12/20/19). A donation of FIVE presents or more and you can wear jeans the following week AS WELL (12/23/19-12/27/19). We will have bins located in HR 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 are due to HR by Wednesday, December 18, 2019.  Finding a job post-active duty can be difficult for many veterans. We believe the trucking industry can help turn that around. Forbes listed trucking as one of the top 10 jobs for veterans. The benefit? The trucking field extends far beyond driving. From distribution and warehouse operations to a large number of administrative and mechanical positions, veterans have a world of opportunity at their fingertips in this industry. They have a world of opportunities with the Oakley family!
You’re probably wondering what specifics make the trucking industry and our family a good fit for veterans. Let us explain: Experience: Many veterans have gained experience operating large vehicles during their time serving in the military. CDL training is one of the first steps taken for those entering the industry. This training is a specialized instructional program and can be completed in as little as seven weeks. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Military Skills Test Waiver program is a great way to fast-track provided certain requirements are met. There is also a large number of Post-9/11 GI Bill approved trucking schools where veterans can gain relevant experience and certifications. Teamwork: Those who have served in the military understand the value of teamwork and how diverse people can work together to achieve goals. Teamwork grows from a sense of responsibility to colleagues. Many have developed lifelong relationships with fellow servicemen they have relied on in the field. In the trucking industry, and especially here at Oakley, we thrive on teamwork. We constantly encourage our staff to build relationships with one another because we’re more than just a business, we’re a family. We rely on one another, knowing we can never accomplish as individuals what we’ve been able to do as a team. Stamina: Veterans have performed their jobs under some of the most stressful situations. They are required to set priorities, accomplish missions and meet schedules on a daily basis. Servicemen and women offer grit, self-discipline and are mission-focused. These abilities prove to be valuable no matter what job a veteran may hold within the trucking industry. Leadership: The military trains veterans to take charge and accept and execute responsibility for tasks and their own behavior. This means thinking critically and working efficiently. These are the skills that make an excellent leader. These traits are part of the military mindset and are also expected of professionals at Oakley. Whether you’re training drivers, managing a fleet, or on the road, possessing these skills are what develop a great leader, and a great leader is a quality worker and family member. The sacrifices made by our veterans are far reaching and we believe it is important to bridge the gap as they transition into a new season of service. Military service may be in the past for veterans but at Oakley Transport we know they still carry with them skills and abilities that will last them a lifetime and would contribute greatly to the Oakley family.  Julie Hall (right) and Director of HR Kami Everitt (left) at the Women In Trucking conference At Oakley Transport, we are a family for anyone who is willing to put in good work behind the wheel. As long as you have a heart for the road, eager determination and a bit of grit, we want you to be part of our team.
In our eyes, the steering wheel knows no gender. However, according to the American Trucking Association, the percentage of women truckers in the industry is vastly low compared to men - landing at a total of 6.6%. But the industry is changing, women are being advocated for, and we at Oakley Transport are standing alongside other organizations like Women In Trucking to back the movement. “Oakley Transport supports gender diversity in the transportation industry within all positions,” Oakley Transport Director Of I.T. Julie Hall says. “I am excited about what 2020 holds as we bring recognition to and promote the accomplishments of the women of Oakley Transport.” According to a WSJ article, the number of women truckers have increased almost 70% since 2010. Why? Equal opportunity. Fleets are paid by experience, route, miles covered, per load, etc, and are never segregated by gender. Furthermore, the industry is evolving to better accommodate women with various upgraded technologies in seating, pedals, gauges, and ease-of-use when it comes to unloading product. “The Oakley family has embraced this equality and focused on growing our fleet by hiring qualified driving professionals from all walks of life and with various backgrounds,” Oakley Transport Culture And Engagement Manager Meghan Pilkenton relays. “Oakley’s fleet of drivers is currently 4.6% women. We have a goal of getting that to 10% in 2020.” With these numerous developments, it’s clear that women are not only wanted in the industry, but they are needed. “The growth in women in the industry comes as demand for transportation workers is high, boosted by the expansion of e-commerce,” the WSJ article says. For women who are interested in joining the industry, but are hesitant about their place in a male-dominated field, an article by the Advanced Technology Institute lists numerous advantages for being a woman behind the wheel. • Women are believed to take fewer risks than men. Companies appreciate that. • Women are believed to do a better, more critical job at filling out paperwork. • Women are know to communicate well and form good relationships with customers. • Trucks have become more user-friendly and don’t require lots of strength to unload. Unlike most professions that take years of schooling, truckers can start a career in less than a 12 months. Plus, women can join the industry at practically any age. “One of the biggest demographics that we’ve seen start to join our industry are mothers who have raised their children and are looking to see the beauty and splendor of the United States while maximizing their earning potential,” Meghan says. “We offer a premium employment opportunity that caters to a family-friendly, work/ life balance with regular home time availability as well as an incredible potential to earn."  In light of the recent devastation experienced by a large number of residents in our island nation neighbors, we as a family have decided to take up donations to aid in relief efforts for the Bahamas. We will be collecting donations of non-perishable goods, medical supplies, hygiene products and items for children. We have reached out to "Sun 'n Fun" in Lakeland, FL. who will be transporting donations via private planes down to the Bahamas. We will set up collection bins in the Tractor Shop Lounge, the HR Department and Operations Department at our Lake Wales terminal beginning today through Driver Appreciation Week. You can also donate monetarily through the Sun 'n Fun organization. To contribute, visit their website - https://www.flysnf.org/help_bahamas/ Thank you so much in advance for your participation and let's show everyone how Oakley rolls in a time of need. Below you will find a list of items you can donate.   Oakley family! Driver Appreciation Week is here. We are so excited to be able to celebrate and honor your hard work on the road and the success you've brought to our family with some good ole games, prizes (daily raffles!), food and company. Please view below for your terminal's schedule of events for the week. Lake Wales FL.
Chicago, IL.
Louisville, KY
West Memphis, AR.
Laredo, TX*Terminal Manager Barry Namez will buy lunch for any drivers that come into the terminal throughout the week.
Elizabethtown, PA
Savannah, GA
Cedar Rapids, IA
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Oakley Transport Headquarters
101 ABC Road Lake Wales, FL 33859 Toll Free 1(800) 969-8265 Local 1(863) 638-1435 |
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