CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa": CRST International companies--CRST Van Expedited and CRST Malone honored their drivers with cookouts and prizes at terminals across the country during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week August 21-27.
"Our drivers are the lifeblood of our company," said Jim Schommer, VP fleet operations for CRST Van Expedited, the largest team driver operation in the United States. "Without them, CRST trucks dont run; customer freight stands still. Our drivers are the front line of customer service for CRST Van Expedited. We are honored to have these outstanding professionals on our team."
CRST International, one of the nations top 10 truckload carriers, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2005. The companys early drivers included Dale "Kangaroo" Alrichs of Monticello, Iowa, who retired a few years ago after driving three million accident-free miles. "We have a history of hiring top-notch drivers," said Dave Rusch, president and COO of CRST Carrier Group. "We work hard to understand and respect quality of life issues for these men and women, everything from the comfort level of the seat theyll sit in for hours at a stretch to the importance of being home on a regular basis. And our drivers thank us by being loyal, driving safely and bringing the freight in on time."
"The independent contractors and drivers of CRST Malone are the heartbeat of our organization," said Mike Gannon, president of CRST Malone, one of the largest flatbed carriers in the country. "Their job, by its very nature, places them in the unique position of building our relationship with each customer by delivering superior service every day, with every load. We owe our success to these outstanding men and women and salute their efforts not just this week, but throughout the year."
"We have a great deal of respect and admiration for the men and women who drive for CRST," said Rusch. "This is an excellent opportunity to show our gratitude for the personal contribution they make on a daily basis to our continued success."
CRST Malone is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, and currently partners with over 1500 owner operators running throughout the contiguous United States.