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Updates and Headlines from KLLM, our clients, and the industry.
KLLM Statement on Proactive Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The safety and well-being of our most valuable resource, our KLLM employee drivers, non-driver employees, and independent contractors has been and will continue to be our number one priority as a nationwide carrier. As cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to be reported around the United States, KLLM has taken numerous proactive steps to do our part as one of the largest carriers in the country to continue our excellent service to our customers and the public, while providing a safe work environment for employees and independent contractors.
Our team will continue to work closely with relevant government agencies and public health organizations to thoroughly evaluate our next steps, as needed. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards in all our facilities throughout the country and will continue to follow the guidelines for businesses and employers set forth by the CDC, as well as update personnel with action items based on CDC guidance.
Drivers, you can read our full KLLM driver statement on the situation with specific guidance and more thorough information in the KLLM app or through your Qualcomm messaging system. We do not take you for granted and appreciate your hard work and dedication to service and safety each day. You have been the backbone of America for generations and that is apparent now, more than ever, during times such as these. Your safety is always our priority and that will never change.
HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND KLLM TEAM UP TO CONNECT MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL GUARD SERVICEMEMBERS WITH APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY
Earlier this year, KLLM Transport Services opened its doors to members of the Mississippi National Guard to tour their facilities and learn more about the company’s Truck Driving Apprenticeship program. The strong partnership Hinds Community College has established with KLLM is helping create a pipeline of highly trained and certified drivers and offers training and employment opportunities to people throughout central Mississippi.
“Hinds is committed to collaborating with the Mississippi National Guard to train soldiers for future career opportunities,” said Dr. Chad Stocks, vice president of workforce and career and technical education at Hinds Community College. “The Hinds partnership with KLLM Truck Driving Academy is an outstanding short-term, fully accredited program that will allow soldiers to participate in an apprenticeship and earn a sustainable living wage in a growing industry.”
Kirk Blankenship, vice president of driver resources at KLLM, emphasized that the two organizations have developed a true partnership that ensures each student is safe and trained properly to earn their Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL-A) “We work together for the good of each student to make sure they have every opportunity to be successful, from providing tutors each week after hours, to helping secure interpreters for our hearing-impaired students,” said Blankenship.
Josh Bower, district workforce and talent development liaison at Hinds Community College, worked closely with Lieutenant Colonel James T. Barry, employment outreach manager at the Mississippi National Guard, to coordinate the tour of the joint truck driving apprenticeship program. “We’re working on trying to find jobs for 12,000 guardsmen and working closely with all the government agencies,” said LTC Barry. “We’ve got quite a few servicemembers who are interested in driving. When we intake a soldier, we find out what they’re interested in and we go out, and we try to find those jobs for them.”
The KLLM Driving Academy and Apprenticeship program has put thousands of Mississippians to work. Students complete three phases of training and education in the classroom and behind the wheel. Apprentices who complete the full program receive their CDL-A, a certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, and a scholarship from Hinds Community College that covers the full cost of the training and provides a salary for trainees.
“We offer a lot of resources for people to complete the program, and students just have to take advantage of them,” said Josh Denson, recruiting manager of the KLLM Driving Academy. Students are provided with meals during training hours, weekly tutoring to help them with coursework, and KLLM and Hinds Community College staff work together to make certain that every program participant has all of the proper forms, documentation, and requirements completed to ensure a smooth experience in the program.
Two of the servicemembers in attendance, Edward Durr and David Pitchford, signed up for the program on-site. Pitchford acknowledged that doors to good opportunities don’t always open, which is what motivated him to apply for the program. Durr, who already has some previous driving experience, said he was ready to get back behind the wheel with a company he felt was truly concerned with the well-being of their drivers.
LTC Barry and Mr. Bower are hoping to conduct more events like this in the future to provide servicemembers with opportunities to receive training and employment in well-paying jobs like those provided by KLLM. Approximately 300 of the group of 850 unemployed servicemembers from the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team have obtained employment since March 2019. LTC Barry is working to find employment for the remaining 550 as the year progresses.
“Soldiers make great employees. You always hear that you hire somebody for their technical skills, but fire them for their soft skills,” said LTC Barry. “Servicemembers have well-developed soft skills. They’re going to be at the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform. They’re going to be more professional and more motivated because they’ve already gone and done something bigger than themselves.”
Blankenship expressed his organization’s appreciation of the partnership, saying, “KLLM is proud, humbled and honored for the opportunity to work with our military and the Mississippi National Guard and be given the chance to train their personnel for a prosperous career. We are grateful for their service to our country, not only individually, but our company as a whole.”
The original article was posted here.
KLLM Announces New Express Fleet
Are you ready for more predictable home time? Then KLLM Transport Services has the fleet for you. We are proud to introduce our new Express Fleet. Open to Company Drivers only, our Express Fleet is geared to getting you home on a consistent basis while providing predictable miles through dedicated lanes. Pay ranges from .45 cpm to .55 cpm based on experience. We are also excited to offer a $5,000 sign on bonus for experienced lead drivers that is paid out within 30 days of your first dispatch. Plus don’t forget, pets are welcome!
Hiring areas will be Dallas, TX; Atlanta, GA; Harrisburg, PA; and Chicago, IL.
For more information, please contact our recruiting department at 855-883-2554.
KLLM Announces Pay Increase for Company Drivers and Independent & Lease Purchase Contractors
JACKSON, Miss., Jan. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — KLLM Transport Services, LLC has announced a major pay increase for both company truck drivers as well as independent and lease purchase contractors.
Effective immediately, KLLM solo company drivers are now paid $0.38 to $0.50 cents per mile depending on experience, with OTR teams receiving $0.48 to $0.53 cents per mile depending on experience.
Effective February 5, 2018, independent and lease purchase contractors will receive $0.95 cents per mile with FSC on loaded miles.
“This represents the largest pay increase in KLLM’s 53-year history,” said Jim Richards, President & CEO of KLLM. “Our driving force is the most important asset we have, and we want to provide them with the top-tier income that they deserve. We have stronger requirements for our drivers, so we want our pay to be at the top, too.”
“We also hope that offering a higher income will help us to continue to grow our driver force. Freight is very strong right now and we need additional drivers to handle our freight requirements,” Richards said.
Richards pointed to KLLM’s driving academies as an affordable way for prospective truck drivers to become trained and be able to take advantage of KLLM’s higher wages. “We are very proud of the three schools we operate in partnership with community colleges. We can offer a skill and a job to workers who would like to get a well-paying job with KLLM and, with our focus on safety, we know they will be in safe equipment and will be safe on the road.”
About KLLM
KLLM, based in Jackson, MS, offers over-the-road, regional and dedicated temperature-controlled services throughout the United States and Mexico. KLLM has been transporting perishable commodities for satisfied customers throughout the country for 50 years.
Contact For More Information:
Kirk Blankenship
Vice President of Driver Resources
KLLM Transport Services, LLC
Phone: 601-936-5444
Email: 189597@email4pr.com
SOURCE KLLM Transport Services
National Driver Appreciation Week 2017 at KLLM
National Driver Appreciation Week is September 10th thru 16th.
KLLM appreciates what our drivers do for the Company and understands the sacrifices they make by being away from their families. We would like to show our appreciation by hosting Lunch events at our terminal locations around the country during Driver Appreciation Week. We encourage as many drivers as possible to stop by one of the terminals for lunch. We will have Management Staff from the KLLM Corporate Office in Jackson on site at each terminal location on the days of these events. Below is a list of dates and activities for each terminal.
Jackson, MS Terminal – Tuesday, September 12th, Wednesday September 13th and Thursday September 14th
Tuesday 9/12 – Penn’s Catfish – Driving Academy 11:00 AM – for Drivers and Non-Driving Employees. Penn’s will be serving catfish and fixings.
Wednesday, 9/13 – Backyard Burgers – Drivers Only, Drivers’ Lounge
Thursday 9/14 – Pizza – Drivers Only, Drivers’ Lounge
Atlanta, GA Terminal – Wednesday September 13th, Thursday September 14th, and Friday September 15th
Wednesday 9/13 thru Friday 9/15 – Cook-Outs for lunch all three days
Lancaster, TX Terminal – Monday, September 11th thru Friday September 15th
Lunch will be provided for Drivers at the cafeteria in the Driving Academy Monday 9/11, Tuesday 9/12, Thursday 9/14 & Friday 9/15
Wednesday 9/13 – Cookout on the patio of the Drivers’ Lounge
Lunch will be provided for Non-Driving Employees in Lancaster at the cookout on Wednesday September 13th
Portage, IN Terminal – Wednesday September 13th and Thursday September 14th
Wednesday 9/13 and Thursday 9/14 – Cook-Outs for lunch both days
Fontana, CA Terminal – Wednesday September 13th thru Friday September 15th
Wednesday 9/13 thru Friday 9/15 – Cook-Outs for lunch all three days
Laredo, TX Terminal – Wednesday September 13th and Thursday September 14th
Wednesday 9/13 and Thursday 9/14 – Cook-Outs for lunch both days
Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and sausage will be served at all of the cook-outs.
KLLM Transport Awarded ESGR Seven Seals Award
KLLM Transport Awarded ESGR Seven Seals Award
JACKSON, Miss. – KLLM Transport Services has been awarded The Seven Seals Award by the Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve (ESGR). LTC Hugh A. McCallum LG, MSARNG of the 106th Brigade Support Battalion presented the award to KLLM president Jim Richards and Vice President of Driver resources Kirk Blankenship during an August 24th ceremony at KLLM headquarters in Richland, MS.
“The Seven Seals Award is presented for meritorious leadership and initiative in support of the men and women who service in the National Guard and Reserve,” said Jackie Sharp, ESGR program support technician. “KLLM was nominated by the 106th Armory out of Monticello, MS. This is a thank you for going that extra mile to show your support.” “We are fortunate to employ many current and former service members as KLLM drivers,” said Blankenship. “Those that have served and still serve in the National Guard demonstrate the same dependability and work ethic for us that they did in service for our country.”
The Seven Seals Award is the broadest and most inclusive award given by the ESGR and is presented in recognition of significant achievement, initiative, or support that promotes and supports the ESGR mission, to include the efforts of the more than 4,500 volunteers who carry out ESGR’s mission across the nation on a daily basis.
About KLLM
KLLM, based in Jackson, MS, offers over-the-road, regional and dedicated temperature-controlled services throughout the United States and Mexico. KLLM has been transporting perishable commodities for satisfied customers throughout the country for 50 years.
About ESGR
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for Service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities. Established in 1972, ESGR has served our country for more than 40 years, fostering a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States.
KLLM Transport To Recognize 26 Million-Mile Drivers
JACKSON, Miss. – KLLM Transport Services, LLC will honor 26 Million-Mile Drivers during a banquet to be held August 26, 2016 at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum in Jackson, MS.
KLLM will recognize drivers who have driven one (1) million or more safe driving miles with KLLM with no preventable accidents.
The Presidential Fleet is composed of drivers with 1 million safe driving miles and the Chairman’s Fleet is composed of drivers with 2 million or more safe driving miles. To date, KLLM Transport Services has over 191 active drivers in these two fleets. Those drivers who are trainers receive the total miles driven by their trainees as well.
Each driver will receive:
Presidential Fleet or Chairman’s Fleet decals for their trucks
Million Mile gold ring
Million Mile Leather jacket with special recognition
Million Mile Leather tote bag with special recognition
Million Mile Shirts with special recognition
This year’s honorees are:
Chairman’s Fleet
Barry Quebodeaux, Trainer, 8 million safe driving miles, longevity – 31 years
Adam Butcher, 3 million safe driving miles, longevity – 25 years
Peter Davis, 3 million safe driving miles, longevity – 27 years
Gerome Freni, 2 million safe driving miles, longevity -22 years
Arthur Ferrell, Trainer, 2 million safe driving miles, longevity -22 years
Presidential Fleet
Ronnie Prince, longevity – 19 years
Arthur Presley, longevity – 20 years
Richard Lavdar, longevity – 19 years
Rolando Salinas, Trainer, longevity – 6 years
Robert Arnold, longevity – 11 years
Stephen Pennington, longevity – 13 years
Ray Tatro, longevity – 16 years
Wesley Kinard, longevity – 16 years
Michael Kitchens, Trainer, longevity – 8 years
Ann Collins, longevity – 12 years
Eli Rossum, Trainer, longevity – 11 years
Fofana Vadjiba, Trainer, longevity – 10 years
Robert Hayes, longevity – 9 years
Gregory Donar, Trainer, longevity – 9 years
Thomas Wilkins, longevity – 16 years
Marti Wenzinger, Trainer, longevity – 12 years
Francisco Rojas, longevity – 16 years
Syvell Thompson, longevity – 20 years
Brett Lawrence, longevity – 12 years
Charles Wilson Jr, longevity -14 years
Taylor R. Holcomb, longevity – 13 years
About KLLM
KLLM, based in Jackson, MS, offers over-the-road, regional and dedicated temperature-controlled services throughout the United States and Mexico. KLLM has been transporting perishable commodities for satisfied customers throughout the country for 50 years.
KLLM’s Unique Approach to Recruit and Retain New Drivers
CCJ takes a look at KLLM’s unique approach to using driving schools, tuition to recruit and retain new drivers – See more at: http://www.ccjdigital.com/training-days-kllm-uses-driving-schools-tuition-to-recruit-retain-new-drivers/
KLLM Driving School Offers 18-Day Training Program
Temperature-controlled truckload carrier KLLM Transport Services has partnered with Cedar Valley College to open a new KLLM Driving Academy in Lancaster, Texas.
The two-story, 44,000-square-foot school will offer an 18-day accelerated truck driver training program to Texas residents. It features classroom, behind-the-wheel training, road and range instruction and driver safety education.
The facility features modern classrooms, an onsite physical lab, electronic log and refrigeration labs, a 4-acre backing range, full-service cafeteria and lodging facilities for 43 students. The new residence hall section for the school provides students with refrigerators, microwave ovens, cable TV, WiFi, laundry facilities, computer labs and a study hall.
Upon graduation and earning a CDL-A license, students will have the opportunity to be placed as a professional driver with KLLM.
“We will be training company drivers and independent contractors, helping them earn their permit and CDL-A and learn about accident prevention, professional driving techniques, D.O.T. regulations, cargo claim management, temperature control chain compliance, and CSA compliance, safety and accountability,” said Kirk Blankenship, KLLM’s vice president of driver resources.
The academy is fully accredited and holds a Career School Certificate by the Texas Workforce Commission and is open to any resident of Texas. KLLM currently operates two other driving academies in Illinois and Mississippi for students in those states.