Almost every driver and industry survey conducted in recent years has indicated that more home time is among the biggest factors (behind better pay) a driver considers when thinking of changing fleets. 

Mesilla Valley Transportation is taking steps organically to address the issue, making it attractive enough to keep the drivers they currently have in their seats and attract new drivers to the fleet.

Recently, company leaders have retooled their operations to make sure drivers are home weekly rather than monthly.

Before the change, MTV over-the-road drivers were out 14 days at a time. Now, their routes can be as short as 3-4 days, with 6-7 day routes available.

“Our team makes every effort to have our drivers home for their reset,” MVT Marketing Executive Hector Sanchez said.

The shift has been challenging, but MVT is proud to provide drivers with the home time that they deserve — and a reason to stay with the company for many years. Earlier this month, the carrier that specializes in time-sensitive freight throughout North America celebrated two drivers for reaching safety milestones.

Michael White ran 1 million safe miles with the company, while Manny Hernandez ran 4 million safe miles thus far. MVT operates 1,650 trucks and 6,000 trailers out of terminals in El Paso, Nashville, Denver, Laredo, Nogales, and Portland.

The enhanced focus on home time is just one of the ways MVT continues to provide its drivers with a high quality of life through a driver-centric culture that welcomes open communication and does not tolerate disrespect.

Among the other efforts are newer model equipment to operate, competitive pay, plenty of miles, a weekly paycheck, benefits after 60 days, a family-friendly rider and pet policy, a generous referral bonus program, a quarterly car giveaway, an annual $25K bonus to the driver with the highest MPG average, and orientation travel/meal costs covered by the company.