Thriving in the Trucking Industry: Insights from GFI Transport and Beyond
The trucking industry is more than moving goods from point A to B. It’s about building relationships, fostering a sense of community, embracing innovation, and prioritizing safety. This article combines key insights from Ryan Garber, President and CEO of GFI Transport, and broader industry practices to explore how companies can thrive while maintaining a strong workplace culture.
Know Your “Why”
For any trucking company looking to grow, defining your purpose is essential. Ryan Garber emphasizes the importance of aligning growth with a clear mission:
- Impact and Influence: GFI Transport’s mission centers on creating an environment where employees feel valued. “We hope our people never feel like they’re just a number,” Ryan explains. This commitment has helped GFI maintain a family-oriented culture even as it scaled its operations.
- Sustainability Over Speed: Growth should be intentional and purposeful. Pursuing expansion faster than you can manage financially or operationally can lead to instability. “Knowing your why” ensures that growth is sustainable and meaningful.
Embrace Change and Technology
Challenges like electronic logging devices (ELDs) and emissions regulations are reshaping the industry. Rather than resisting these changes, GFI and other companies are adopting innovative tools to remain competitive and compliant. Technologies such as outward-facing cameras, driver scorecards, and gamification strategies promote safer driving and continuous improvement.
Build and Nurture Relationships
Relationships are the foundation of success in trucking. GFI Transport exemplifies this through its approach to both customers and employees:
- Customer Loyalty: Treating customers fairly during both strong and weak markets has allowed GFI to build long-term partnerships that withstand economic fluctuations.
- Employee Engagement: By fostering a team-oriented environment and maintaining personal connections with staff, GFI ensures its employees feel valued and supported.
Events like summer picnics and Christmas parties also help trucking companies create a family-like atmosphere. Even when plans are disrupted, the intent behind these efforts reinforces the idea of a workplace that prioritizes its people. Regular communication and a focus on continuous improvement further strengthen these relationships.
Stay Strategic About Growth
GFI Transport’s growth story—from one truck in 1990 to a fleet of 80 today—highlights the importance of strategic planning:
- Diversification: Targeting year-round industries like food and feed has provided stability during economic downturns.
- Planned Expansion: Adding leadership roles and thoroughly evaluating operations before scaling capacity ensures growth aligns with long-term goals.
Create a Workplace Drivers Want to Call Home
For drivers and owner-operators, GFI’s core values of integrity, customer service, and diligence make it more than just a job—it’s a home. Key practices include:
- A Personal Touch: Drivers find a supportive team that knows their name and values their contributions.
- Opportunities to Thrive: Providing quality equipment, safety bonuses, and consistent communication helps drivers succeed.
Prioritize Safety Excellence
Safety isn’t just a priority; it’s a cornerstone of success. Companies winning safety awards, such as the Great West Safety Award from PMTA, demonstrate how a team-driven approach combined with innovative tools leads to excellence. A dedicated safety director and clear communication about safety initiatives are crucial to aligning teams and fostering commitment.
Expand Career Opportunities
Trucking offers diverse career paths, from drivers and diesel mechanics to management, sales, and brokerage roles. With initiatives like the Drive Safe Act and structured training programs, the industry is becoming more accessible and attractive to young professionals. Advocacy organizations such as PMTA also play a vital role in driving legislative changes and promoting the industry’s growth.
The Road Ahead
The trucking industry is evolving rapidly, offering opportunities for growth, contribution, and meaningful impact. Whether you’re aspiring to expand your company or build a fulfilling career, the path to success lies in fostering community, embracing innovation, and prioritizing safety. As Ryan Garber’s journey with GFI Transport shows, purpose-driven leadership and relationship-focused strategies can turn challenges into opportunities for long-term success.
Are you ready to be proactive in safety?
At CNS, our DOT Compliance Programs focus on Proactive Safety Management (PSM), a mindset that will ensure your fleet’s safety and compliance is always in order and ahead of the FMCSA.
When partnering with a third-party program, your fleet has a team of experts that costs much less than hiring a safety director or team and can receive constant monitoring to keep your operation FMCSA compliant. Driver management will be simplified and the driver hiring process will shorten.
While data and paper management can be crucial, using a third-party partner will help you be prepared for audit representation, provide document storage, and offer up-to-date company policies and handbook of FMCSA rules and regulation changes.
Our PSM Motor Carrier Program includes:
- ELD management
- Driver Qualification File Management
- New driver on-boarding
- Driver safety meetings
- CSA score management
- Policies and handbooks
- Vehicle maintenance
- and more
