Month: November 2024

The workflow on your tablet is a great tool to keep the operations team updated on your progress. You’ve probably heard your Driver Manager express the importance of updating your workflow, but you may not understand why it’s so important and how it will benefit you as a driver. And it’s become even easier with the ability to update everything right from the MK Drive App. Just like the urgency and care of maintaining your hours of service (HOS), it is critically important to keep your workflow accurate and up to date. Like HOS, when errors occur or you fall behind with updates, it causes enormous problems and extra work for your DM and fellow MK Drivers. Our operations run best when the workflow is humming like a well-oiled machine.

Here are some reasons why keeping the workflow updated timely and correctly benefits everyone.

Customer service and retention:

• Customers and brokers have placed increasingly greater importance on transparency over the past few years, especially with the proliferation of GPS tracking options for trucks. Those who have access to ELD info and receive EDI updates automatically through the TMW system automatically have access to the accurate tracking information they require. When updates are accurate and timely, customers’ trust in us as a reliable carrier is increased and we become more valuable.
• Cash flow is everything in this business. Getting your loads closed out and your bills turned in as soon as you can helps MK invoice our loads and get paid so we can pay the bills. It also allows us to immediately process your settlements so you can get paid!

Operations efficiency:

•  TMW has systems in place to prevent time and data conflicts. When workflow information is incorrect or incomplete, it prevents the operations team from updating orders correctly and in a timely fashion. It often takes a lot of time to go back multiple loads and fix conflicts. These conflicts include incorrect times and incorrect or missing trailer numbers. We use TMW to track trailer movements as a failsafe in case the trailer GPS fails; we’re able to check the most recent locations.

Driver benefits:

• Not only do good ETAs and in/out times help the Planning team make better decisions, it helps you when they know where you’re going to be and when so they can keep you moving.

• When you have detention, it’s necessary to have those times in the system so the customer team knows to charge the customer and follow up with any documentation needed. In order for you to get paid for detainment, we need to know when it happens so we can make sure we can get payment from the customer or broker.

If you’re having trouble or you’re unsure of how to correctly use the workflow, reach out to your Driver Manager for help. You can always stop by the office for more instruction if needed. Help us help you by updating your workflow!

UPDATE: We are no longer receiving responses. We received a few responses and we will be including it in the next article! Thank you for your participation.

Each week, we post articles on various topics such as industry news, company updates, spotlights, and more in the Newsfeed section of the Drive MK App. In a few weeks, we’ll be publishing an article about fuel savings.

We would like you to listen to and provide feedback on an insightful podcast featuring Henry Albert, owner-operator and President of Albert Transport. He discusses how he consistently averages 10 miles per gallon, which can be a game-changer for anyone on the road!

Watch the podcast video here:

As you listen, consider these questions for your feedback:

• How does Henry Albert manage to average ten miles per gallon?
• What are the benefits of improving fuel efficiency?
• How important is fuel efficiency to you?
• What strategies can you use to improve your fuel efficiency?

Send in your feedback using this Google Form: Henry Albert – Podcast Feedback Form

Any feedback you provide will be greatly appreciated and will be included in our upcoming article!

Thank you for your participation!

If you encounter any trailers with a red tag, do not hook up to them. The red tag indicates that the trailer is not in service and cannot be used. We are in the process of selling our 2016 trailers, and all of these units will be marked with an out-of-service red tag.

For your safety and to maintain operational efficiency, please double-check that you are not hooked up to any red-tagged trailers. If you have any questions, please reach out to your DM.

Professionalism is one of the eight core values that shape our culture and success at MK. It encompasses more than transporting goods from point A to point B.  Professionalism embodies key attributes such as knowledge, skill, experience, and character – elements that lay the groundwork for a successful career. Let’s explore these attributes in detail:

Key Attributes of Professionalism:

1. Knowledge: Professionalism starts with a solid foundation of knowledge. It goes beyond knowing road rules; it involves staying updated on industry regulations, safety standards, and best practices. This also includes understanding your vehicle’s mechanics, effective trip planning, and grasping route logistics. At MK, we believe in the power of continuous learning. Through training, coaching, and mentorship, we empower you to become better drivers and enhance overall safety and efficiency.
2. Skills: As professional drivers, you are equipped with various skills. From mastering tractor-trailer maneuvers and navigation to effective time management, your expertise is crucial. In addition, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution are also important. Your ability to apply these skills in challenging situations can significantly impact your success on the road.
3. Experience: Experience is gained over time and through the lessons learned on the road. Each mile enhances your ability to handle diverse scenarios, from bad weather to complex urban driving. We value your experiences and encourage you to share your stories with fellow drivers – hence the “add notes” feature in our app! This not only fosters team growth but reinforces our commitment to safety and professionalism.
4. Character: Good character is the backbone of professionalism, incorporating all of our values such as integrity, honesty, and respect–qualities that are essential in every aspect of a driver’s role. For instance, a driver who demonstrates good character follows safety regulations, has respect for others on the road, and takes responsibility for their actions. Upholding the value of professionalism means obtaining good character and applying these principles in your daily responsibilities.

Why Professionalism Matters

Professionalism sets the standard for conduct and performance within our team. Regularly evaluating your performance is key, as it identifies both your strengths and areas for growth. Our quarterly scorecards, supported by Driver Managers, highlight where you excel and where you can improve. Each individual’s goal is to continually develop and reach your full potential, which in turn boosts the team’s performance. When one member underperforms, it can negatively affect the entire team. When every team member commits to professionalism and self-improvement, it cultivates a culture of accountability and excellence.

Another reason why being professional matters is that it fuels our financial success. We’re all aligned with a common goal: to maximize our earnings. For drivers, this translates to every punctual delivery, safe driving record, and well-maintained truck contributing to the company’s profitability. By working together with a professional mindset, we create a network of reliability that attracts more opportunities and higher-paying loads. On the other hand, unprofessional behavior – such as poor trip planning or distracted driving – can lead to missed opportunities and lost income. When each of us brings our best to the table, we elevate the entire team’s performance and profitability.

Commitment to Growth & High Performance

As drivers, you have a responsibility to uphold the value of professionalism in everything you do. By continually expanding your knowledge, refining your skills, gaining experience, and demonstrating strong character, you contribute not only to your individual success but to the success of the company. Let’s make a pledge today to support one another in our journey of growth and professionalism—share your goals and progress with the team, and let’s drive toward excellence together!

A friendly reminder that Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 at 2:00 a.m. On Saturday night, make sure to set your clocks back one hour to “fall back.”