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Career Decision
Career Decision
18 Wheels of Justice Investigates
Auto Carriers
For
Drivers and Owner Operators
November 2, 2012 - 13:57
Welcome to a new multiple part series called “Career Decision”
18 Wheels of Justice investigates all the rumors we have heard for years about the money to be made in other specialized trucking segments of our industry. We look into all areas of trucking.
We wanted to get the real story on car hauling, not the typical “spiel” from a large car hauler. The staff at 18 Wheels of Justice HQ was lucky enough to stumble upon a long standing, small carrier in Florida. Auto Carrier Express, based in Jacksonville, has been very successful and profitable hauling cars for the last 15 years, and more importantly the owner operators and drivers have done just as well.
They have several customer relationships with prestigious customers as Southeast Toyota, American Honda, Hyundai and Kia to name just a few. First, let’s get some background on Auto Carrier Express (ACE)
ACE offers auto transport services primarily in the Southeastern United States, from Florida to Maryland and as far West as Alabama on a routine basis.
ACE offers auto transport services primarily in the Southeastern United States, from Florida to Maryland and as far West as Alabama on a routine basis.
The primary benefit of this operation is its “1st come-1st serve” approach to the dispatching system. There are no A,B,C rated drivers at ACE. There are no “forced dispatches” or “hot loads”. You have the flexibility to run any direction you wish based on the available loads.
Auto Carrier Express is dedicated to the man behind the wheel. This proves evident in the payscale, the benefits and all of the in-house perks that go along with wearing the ACE uniform. ACE even keeps the freezer stocked with quick and easy meals for the drivers to satisfy that hunger pang when you’re in a pinch for time.
As an ACE driver, you can expect to see your annual pay to be an average of 30% higher than that of a van or flatbed driver. Some of the other unique salary benefits are listed below…
Company Drivers
- Dollar for Dollar 401k Match up to 4% of pay
- Short Term Disability Paid
- Health & Dental Paid 66%
- Quarterly Fuel (MPG) Bonuses
- Monthly & Annual Quality Bonuses
77.5% of Revenue for Op’s – That’s 77.5% of Car Hauler $$
ACE pays 100% Liability and Cargo Insurance + ½ of Plate
Fuel Surcharges on ALL accounts
18 Wheels of Justice – Quick Stats – Who’s in Charge?
In 1997, Gilbert and Vicki Hanks started ACE with just one truck. Today, the company boasts a 60 – vehicle fleet, a team of 70 employees and a stellar safety record — achievements that are the result of building strong relationships with customers and investing in quality people, equipment and technology.
In 1997, Gilbert and Vicki Hanks started ACE with just one truck. Today, the company boasts a 60 – vehicle fleet, a team of 70 employees and a stellar safety record — achievements that are the result of building strong relationships with customers and investing in quality people, equipment and technology.
Gilbert Hanks - CEO
The driving force behind Auto Carrier Express is Gilbert Hanks, co-founder and chief executive officer. In 1997, at the request of Southeast Toyota, who wanted to partner with a dependable vehicle transportation company, Gilbert established ACE. To meet the challenge, Gilbert created a strong platform of technology and high-quality assets. Naturally, this attracted some of the best people in the trucking industry, and the rest is history.
William Mauldin – Vice President
William’s responsibilities include strategy, branding, strengthening current relationships, providing technical and financial management expertise, and identifying and acquiring new business for the expanding fleet. William has filled several operational and relationship management roles, serving the auto transport market from the ground up.
In short, ACE has the people, equipment and technology to deliver on its promises. The combined experience of its drivers is well above the industry average. ACE utilizes handpicked company drivers and owner operators who have a keen understanding of what sets transportation companies apart: exceptional service and customer satisfaction. ACE focuses on recruiting and retaining high-quality individuals who measure up to stringent standards – Good People Skills, Positive Attitude, Effective Problem Solvers, Pride in their Work, Self Motivated – Perhaps the most important thing ACE does is to enfranchise its employees, which allows drivers to directly benefit from going over and above for customers. In addition, ACE has developed a comprehensive Driver Development Program that invests time and energy into training promising individuals to become certified car haulers.
Want a 30% pay raise? Want Home time? Ready to move up?
Drivers and Operators
Call Chris Hanks today 800-809-1491
We would like to thank Mr. Mauldin for his time. Auto Carrier Express would be a great place to start exploring a new "Career Decision"...
Copyright 2012 18 Wheels of Justice
Copyright 2012 18 Wheels of Justice
