While this new team is certainly looking forward to the experience, it's a trip that's more inclusive than that. Clarke hopes to gain a keener perspective on how his owner operators work on a day-to-day, shipment-to-shipment basis, which means that he and Wadel will be sleeping and showering at truck stops, eating where they can and generally living the same life of the very folks who work for them every day.
Clarke also hopes to learn more about how well Panther's in-cab technology works on the road and to meet customers on the shipping docks. He expects to take away from this a fuller sense of how Panther can maximize the value equation for everyone involved -- because at the end of the day, if the drivers are making more money, so is the company.
This isn't to say that he isn't expecting any bumps along the way. Clarke worries, "What if I get a load on Thursday headed for California? How will I get back in time and still make money? These are decisions made every day by our drivers--I want to make the right decisions, too." Also, he's conscious about keeping healthy.
"I know the challenges on the road are hard. Sometimes the only choice you have is a fast food stop when you are starving and only have 30 minutes to be at a pickup. If I am running constantly, I know this will be a challenge." Surely, this is a concern of many of his drivers, as well.
While there's much to be gained professionally by the project, the simple fact of the company's CEO and CIO running deliveries is sure to draw attention--not that anyone might notice off the bat. "Most of them will not know me personally," Clarke says. "However, I think they'll appreciate it." True enough. It's always admirable to see an executive willing to get his hands a little dirty in order to see what happens on all levels of a company--and in the expediting industry, it simply requires a few road trips. This, of course, is something that Clarke and Wadel are very aware of. "I want to see what it's like to walk in the back door instead of the front door."
A central aspect of their undertaking is support from the Panther crew. Everyone in the company is aware of the project and Clarke thinks that his drivers will appreciate that the team is "running in their shoes for a week." Adding more to the mix, Clarke and Wadel will be taking the money they make from their shipments and putting it into Panther's Charity Program (Toys for Tots).
As for the experience itself, Clarke and Wadel look forward to the sheer fun of the project; it's an opportunity for them to see how the company works from the inside out, from the top to the bottom. The team plans to blog the experience through the week, and he expects to post pictures and video as well. You can follow Andy Clarke and Ed Wadel's week as Panther drivers beginning this December 7 at www.expeditersonline.com
Panther Expedited Services, Inc
4940 Panther Parkway
Seville, OH 44273
Comments - Tell us what you think below
Bert Lamberts
03 Dec 2009, 21:02
03 Dec 2009, 21:02
I think this is a terrific idea and I, personally, commend them for wanting
to see firsthand what we're up against every day and how the company
operates at our end. Fortunately they'll be driving a Sprinter with, I
imagine, all the amenities, including a comfortable bed. They need to sleep
in the seats to get the full effect. Also, I suggest they take a good GPS
along because it can get very frustrating following QC directions at times.
I also hope they go incognito to avoid preferential treatment, since
dispatch is aware of their adventure. That way they'll get a true picture.
Good luck gentlemen. I hope you have an exciting week and you won't have to
call dispatch too much, since all those minutes cost money!
Dan H
03 Dec 2009, 22:49
03 Dec 2009, 22:49
I agree with Bert's comments 100%. How many times have we wished the VP's
would "walk a mile in our shoes" to see what it's really like. I also agree
that dispatch would be apt to give them the best loads and possibly skip
over other drivers, to keep the "Bosses" running and happy. The incognito
idea is excellent....think it will happen? It might be a good experience to
wind up on a remote board where they sit for 3 days while 1rst outs keep
coming in and bumping their position down on the board.
I know they will be out there to experience aspects other than just the drivers side of things, but it would be good if they didn't get the "whitewashed" version.
I know they will be out there to experience aspects other than just the drivers side of things, but it would be good if they didn't get the "whitewashed" version.
David Mayfield
04 Dec 2009, 01:10
04 Dec 2009, 01:10
Glad to see the CEO and the CIO step out in a cargo van for a week. They
should have done it without the agents at the home office knowing who they
are. That way the can really see how it is.
Josh
04 Dec 2009, 12:56
04 Dec 2009, 12:56
To get the full effect they need the bliss of a long run to Laredo and then
sit there for 6 more days. Mission accomplished. Seriously though I think
it's great they are heading out for a week. I agree incognito is the way to
go.
Elaine Trace
06 Dec 2009, 07:38
06 Dec 2009, 07:38
Even if dispatch handles them with kid gloves,I believe it will still be an
eye opening experiance !! Kudos to Andy and Ed !......warning....it can get
butt rough out here !
Robert Hubbard
07 Dec 2009, 07:49
07 Dec 2009, 07:49
I agree it's a good idea also. I just hope they take showers at truck
stops and actually sleep in the cargo van, and not just get hotels every
night at the local Hilton.
Josh W.
07 Dec 2009, 10:55
07 Dec 2009, 10:55
I think its a great idea also, my only recommendation is that they shouldnt
of made it public or let panther know. Sounds like a PR scheme to get
attention. I am glad they are donating the money to a good cause. Id also
like to point out if they really want an idea go for the usual 3 to 4 weeks
out incognito and see how well the system works. I have a feeling they will
keep em in ohio for the entire week. I coomend em for attempting to step in
our shoe but to do so they should atleast do so for a month and leave all
their credit cards and cash at home except for 200 which is what we
normally use to live off of atleast i do any how.
Good Luck
Josh W.
Good Luck
Josh W.
Amber
08 Dec 2009, 17:11
08 Dec 2009, 17:11
Well, A blind trial would have given a clearer picture of what we face
every day but it is a good start. Hope they send driver relations and
dispatchers next so they understand how much drivers depend on excellent
directions, accurate mileage, and promises kept.
