Ohio-based drayage provider ContainerPort Group (CPG) is crediting a surge in driver headcount, in part, to a new app that offers deeper visibility into how its drivers are paid. A 20% increase in CPG’s owner-operator network during the second quarter lifted drayage driver count to about 1,300 — a sharp uptick from the first quarter that CPG president Joey Palmer credits to an increased focus on driver sentiment.

“One of the first things we did was conduct a comprehensive audit of our driver compensation," said Jason Schmelmer, CPG vice president of driver experience in a statement. "Based on those findings, we adjusted our compensation approach to help us stand out. We now offer a top-of-the-market compensation package for drivers. Combined with our Discount Marketplace and access to DrayPal, our custom mobile app for drivers, we have compelling reasons for owner-operators to apply here.”

Driver feedback paired up with a deeper dive into technology led to the development of CPG’s DrayPal app as well as a new analytical pay model that assesses pay scales in various markets to help determine when drivers should get a bump in pay.

“One of the primary features that is very exciting for our drivers is that it shows them their settlements and allows them to set weekly goals,” added Schelmer. “They can monitor their progress with those goals. It's something that before they would do on their own. Now we've given them a platform to try to achieve certain goals and see if they can get better and better each week as far as generating revenue.”

Prior to the app, settlements were issued on a weekly basis through email, which cost drivers and CPG staff time and money.

While for its recent phase one roll-out DrayPal was tooled to focus on financial visibility, vice president of business innovation TJ Frye said the app may soon include push notifications going out to drivers regarding “return locations for empties, chassis return locations, and pickup points.

CPG driver Reese Burnside, who’s been behind the wheel for nearly 21 years, is a big fan of the app, available on both android and iOs.

“It's wonderful,” he said. “It's a tool that I wish came out a long time ago because for independent contractors, you want to see what your settlement's going to be. You can gauge your finances. It’s a tool that allows you to see exactly what you're making as you go along during the course of the day and every day.”

Reese said DrayPal also allows him to access CPG’s blog to keep with industry news, which he likes to do during downtimes like when he’s waiting at the rail yard. He also appreciates the driver experience feature, which gives him and other drivers an opportunity to provide feedback to CPG on work-related matters.

“One of the main features that I like on it is that you can set a weekly goal for yourself and dispatchers can see that and work with you to try to help you get to that goal,” Reese added.