KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Grand Island Express and Fremont Contract Carriers, both of Nebraska, have been named the overall winners of the Truckload Carriers Association’s Best Fleets to Drive For program.

Grand Island took top honours in the small carrier category while Fremont Contract Carriers was the best of the large carriers. The best Overall Fleet awards were sponsored by Bose Corp. (small carrier) and Marsh (large carrier).

The program, administered by CarriersEdge, looks to recognize the North American for-hire fleets that provide the best workplace experiences for their drivers. The Top 20 are named Best Fleets to Drive For, with two overall winners presented at the TCA annual convention.

It’s the second time Grand Island Express has been named an overall winner. Some of the things that earned it recognition include: a Facebook page for drivers’ spouses; its use of the latest technology, including giving all drivers tablets; and its ad-hoc driver committees which research new technologies and make recommendations on future purchases.

Fremont Contract Carriers has won the overall award three times now. It was recognized for: its analysis of potential issues with shippers, which are addressed before problems affect drivers; and its innovative maintenance management system, that’s connected directly to each truck to streamline maintenance and simplify drivers’ lives.

Both winners also showed a commitment to adding new driver programs while refining existing ones. Both companies also had driver satisfaction scores of greater than 90%.

“Make no mistake, our two overall winners keep surfacing in this contest, but that doesn’t mean that either fleet has rested on its laurels,” said Jane Jazrawy, chief executive officer of CarriersEdge. “Both of these fleets are providing multiple opportunities to not only recognize their drivers, but also allow them to provide input on company operations and decisions. People want to work where they feel needed and valued. So it’s not surprising that we keep seeing them back at the podium.”

Brad Bentley, TCA’s president, agrees. “These two fleets keep impressing us year after year as they constantly provide excellent examples of innovation and creativity in the workplace,” he said. “In fact, in addition to Fremont, I’d like to recognize two other companies – Motor Carrier Service of Northwood, Ohio, and Paramount Freight Systems of Ft. Myers, Florida – who have made the Top 20 winner list for five consecutive years. This is no easy feat!”