FEATURED BUSINESS

Logging 38 million miles a year, and consuming nearly 6,550,000 gallons of fuel, H.O. Wolding can sympathize with the nationwide concern of soaring gas prices. Diesel fuel prices at $2.792/gallon on June 11, 2007 climbing to $4.692/gallon just one year later has certainly created concern in the trucking industry.   Fortunately, H. O. Wolding has been proactive in preparing their business for bumps in the industry such as this.

Started in the 1930’s by his grandfather, Marc Wolding, Vice President of Operations, states that H.O. Wolding continues to be a family owned and operated business. With 425+ employees serving 48 states, they have the capability of covering territory from the east coast to the west with their expanding company owned fleet of 350 tractors and 1,100 trailers.   The company originally began hauling produce products such as potatoes for McCain Foods. In the late 1970’s, government regulations forced changes in the industry that included controls on the type of requirements necessary to haul produce. It was during this time that H.O. Wolding adjusted their strategy to bring about the type of trucking company that exists today.

By having a company owned fleet, drivers living in other states utilize an H.O. Wolding truck that they use to haul their loads, and take home on the weekend. Drivers are required to bring their trucks to the company headquarters located in Amherst, Wisconsin every 20,000 miles for an inspection and overhaul. During this time employees attend company training sessions and employee meetings. With most drivers averaging 10,000 miles/month, most are in Amherst every 2 – 2 ½ months. The company uses Qualcommâ, a satellite communication system that monitors the truck location at any time. Locations are automatically transmitted on an hourly basis and can be done on an immediate basis as well.

Like many other businesses, recruitment comes from a variety of sources including Fox Valley Technical College and Chippewa Valley Technical College. Both schools offer a comprehensive truck driver training program providing students with a solid education of this industry. These programs also serve as resources for employee recruitment for the trucking industry. Recently, Waukesha County Technical College has added this program to their curriculum opening up another avenue for companies such as H.O. Wolding to recruit drivers from. Job fairs across the state are also used as recruitment tools when looking to hire additional drivers.

With the growing population of aging drivers, trucking companies including H.O. Wolding are always looking to hire qualified, seasoned drivers as well as those coming out of school to replace the retiring baby boomers. Priding itself on being a family owned business, H.O. Wolding knows the importance of spending time with family. They are proud of the fact that their drivers know well in advance when they will be on the road and when they will be home. Drivers can choose from long haul runs that take them to the coasts and mountain states, short runs that offer more at-home time or a combination of both. Drivers are also offered a full benefit package including tuition reimbursement, health, dental and vision, 401k and other numerous benefits. Compensation such as Metro New York City premiums, vacation and holiday pay, layovers and short haul premiums add to the driver’s average annual compensation of $53,000. The industry is seeing an increase in women drivers and husband and wife teams replacing the retiring workforce.

So how does H.O. Wolding remain strong with the challenges facing the trucking industry today? Along with their trucks being governed at 65 mph, H. O. Wolding provides battery packs for drivers to use while idling. This reduces fuel consumption from one gallon per hour to one gallon every five hours. They also have a Fuel Advise program in place that provides drivers with the best gas prices along their route. Based on their current location and final destination, the program breaks down where the driver should get gas, how many gallons to pump and where to stop next making the trip as gas efficient as possible.

In an effort to maintain employment levels, Marc Wolding is focusing recruitment efforts in Wisconsin. The need for twenty additional drivers is immediate and currently available to fill. Knowing that this job requires lifestyle adjustments, it can certainly work for the right person. If you are interested in learning more about employment opportunities, visit www.howolding.com.
Keep on truckin’.