A&R Logistics announced the opening two new Mississippi truck terminals, one in Jackson and the other in Meridian. The carrier also announced plans to add up to 100 drivers for those locations.
The two terminals will perform a unique role in the company’s network by serving as “relay” terminals for shipments originating along the Gulf Coast for delivery to northern destinations. For example, a load originating in Houston TX and destined for New Jersey can now be handed off to a new driver in Jackson so the Houston-based driver can return home.
A&R recognizes that enabling drivers to spend fewer nights away from home enhances the work experience. The Company will emphasize this new approach when recruiting up to 100 new drivers (company employed and independent owner/operators) for the two new terminals.
The Company plans to recruit drivers from the Jackson and Meridian areas. A special effort will be made to recruit veterans, whose military service will be recognized as experience in the qualification process. The Company aims to attract quality drivers by offering competitive pay and more time at home with their families.
A&R President Rich Mitchell cites more driver home time as an important reason for drivers in Mississippi to come onboard: “A&R Logistics is a 50-year-old company. And since our new ownership in 2012, we are growing and implementing innovative approaches for higher driver satisfaction. Now is the time for veterans and other quality drivers to come join us.”
The Jackson terminal is located at 460 Highway 49 South in Richland, approximately two miles south of I-20. The facility has 1,845 square feet of office space and a driver rest area, with .20 acres outside for truck parking.
The Meridian terminal is located at I-20 and I-59, just north of I-20. It has an office of 500 square feet for interviewing candidates and space for ten truck trailers parked outside.
News of the new terminals follows an announcement last month that the company was taking delivery of 100 new Volvo and Peterbilt trucks at a cost of about $13 million. The short- and long-haul vehicles are fully compliant with new EPA standards for fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions and feature roll stability braking systems and wide-base tires for reduced weight.