Variant Verified Valiant

At a time when drivers are worrying about technology invading job security, one carrier uses artificial intelligence to its advantage. Variant changed the OTR game with a golden ratio of tech to team.

Using artificial intelligence and algorithms to plan and schedule loads increases profitability in more ways than one. What were fleet managers are now operations specialists, only handling exceptions to the algorithm’s program. The software optimizes for asset utilization and maximizing loaded miles per week. This generates more revenue per tractor, ultimately allowing drivers to bring home more money.

Variant’s parent company, U.S. Xpress, had driver turnover rates exceeding 100%. This Variant fleet cut that turnover by 70%, putting the proof in the pudding that drivers are happy with this model.

But not just any driver can be a Variant driver.

“We’re looking for a certain type of driver who’s fairly experienced in the industry,” U.S. Xpress President and Chief Executive Officer Eric Fuller told FreightWaves. “They have really good safety stats and are willing to operate in this highly digitized model. 

“We don’t have fleet managers, and some of the hand-holding that goes into the legacy model doesn’t exist. Variant drivers are highly motivated, driven self-starters, who can utilize the system to get the full benefit.”

Doing it differently

Most carriers supply drivers with a mobile app that has a number of features available. This can give the impression the driver is in control even when a fleet manager pulls all the strings. Variant does it differently.

“Hence the name – Variant, derived from the Latin word variantem, ‘to change,'” wrote Cameron Ramsdell, the president of Variant. “Our approach is a complete departure from the norm.”

Ramsdell came to U.S. Xpress in 2019 from Coyote Logistics, where he was chief technology officer. 

“Carriers treat these essential professionals like an expendable resource,” he continued. “The paychecks are inconsistent, support is minimal, there’s zero loyalty, home time policies are a joke, and common decency and respect are often completely missing.

“Our driver turnover is one fifth of the industry average because when drivers give us a chance, they feel the difference and see the impact to their lifestyle and wallets. And we’re just getting started.”