> Cahill Transport launches driver recognition initiative

Freight carrier, Cahill Transport, has introduced a new ‘Gold Standard’ driver recognition program. ‘Driver of the month’ and ‘driver of the year’ initiatives have been launched on a national scale as part of a an ongoing commitment by the company as it continuously invests in a new fleet and the adaptation of technology to promote safer and more efficient outcomes.

The program is designed to encourage and reward safe driving practises that benefit the company’s drivers, customers, and the general public. The internal compliance team, according to Cahill Transport General Manager, Shane Lovell, has historically used vehicle telematics and in-cab technology to monitor for violations in Chain of Responsibility obligations and to act on critical data observations.

“After an event occurred, the company typically analysed the data with an eye towards finding fault with the process in order to make changes,” said Lovell. “Recently, we’ve collaborated with our telematics provider to highlight safe driving practises, reward safe drivers, and reduce the perception of risk among our staff.”

A monthly scorecard has been created to monitor and encourage driver prestart inspection and fault recording, safe driving practises, including but not limited to: speed, harsh braking, acceleration and cornering; and productive use of company vehicles. In the program drivers are recognised and celebrated once per month and are encouraged to access their own driving data to self-manage and ultimately improve their driving skills autonomously.

“When it comes to recruiting and retaining top talent, we’ve found that a program that recognises and rewards our drivers at the gold standard level is particularly effective,” said Lovell. “The industry’s constant struggle to attract and retain talent makes it all the more important to foster growth within our own ranks.”

A growing sense of competition for the generous monthly rewards and recognition on offer has since emerged among drivers according to Lovell.

“Drivers are proactively reviewing their individual performances and identifying methods and strategies for improvement,” he said. “Cahill Transport’s goal is to be the go-to business partner in the markets they serve, and this program is a major step towards achieving that goal.

“The company is making an effort to improve its team members’ working conditions in order to foster expansion, superior customer service, and employee satisfaction.” to its fast-growing RFS network which already provides extensive coverage in Europe and the Middle East. Strategic investment will reportedly expand the fleet and facilitate development of new products and services for the Australian market.

Peter Assel who co-founded the business will remain as a major shareholder as well as Managing Director. The agreement covers Air Cargo RFS, Express Transport and Project Transport service offerings. Skyroad Logistics will continue to operate from its head office in Melbourne, and service depots in Sydney and Brisbane.

“Skyroad is a perfect fit in our portfolio of quality-focused organisations providing a full spectrum of products and services,” said Frantz Wallenborn, President & CEO at Wallenborn Transports. “They’re pioneers in the Australian market – for example the first TAPA TSR certified company in

Logistics was announced on Friday 11 November at an event for Skyroad’s peers, colleagues and suppliers at Butler Lane by Peter Rowland in Richmond, Victoria.

The venue, with its industrial warehouse aesthetic, was complemented by a lush courtyard, and on this occasion, featured a 50th anniversary edition Kenworth tribute prime mover as the centrepiece.

Australian Idol finalist, actor, television personality and singer-songwriter, Rob Mills, was lead performer and handled the MC duties on the night.

Assel said the company had achieved its goal of market leadership in RFS in Australia within just seven years, and with strong growth and a strong future investment plan in place including record fleet orders from Kenworth, it was timely to seek further investment partners.

“Since my co-founder Anthony Clark passed away from cancer early in 2020

By the end of 2023 Assel expects the business in Australia to have at least 34 trucks and 40 trailers. He is also working towards bringing new products to market that will reduce carbon footprint.

“We intend to rapidly leverage off the Wallenborn knowledge and quality management to bring even better services and capabilities to Australia and to extend our lead in service capability,” said Assel.

“Skyroad’s strengths will remain unchanged with our strong commitment to company owned fleet, great suppliers such as Kenworth, Cummins, and Thermo King, and of course our commitment to sustainability.”

Wallenborn, which was founded in 1920, has 1,100-plus drivers, more than 900 trucks in control and has a very similar DNA to Skyroad.

“We’re very proud to have Wallenborn come a long way to join us in Australia,” said Assel.