One of the ways Melton Truck Lines Inc. of Tulsa, Okla. retains its drivers is by letting the company’s top drivers spec a new Kenworth truck.

Retaining good drivers is an ongoing challenge for most fleets. Turnover rates over the past two years have ranged as high as 120%, according to industry estimates. Plus, it's estimated it costs more than $8,000 in recruitment and administrative expenses to replace a driver.
Melton's Ambassadors of the Road program, which began in 1998, recognizes drivers who have driven one million safe miles for the company and are dedicated and loyal to the carrier. Melton currently has 45 Ambassadors and has reduced its driver turnover rate thanks to the program.
"The Ambassadors is a goal for drivers who have been with us for awhile," said Pat White, vice president of safety, loss prevention and human resources. "They see the recognition and benefits that Ambassadors receive. When we started this program, we wanted to acknowledge the accomplishments of these drivers and distinguish them within our fleet."
Melton says "thank you" by allowing the Ambassadors to special order a Kenworth W900 or T600. Instead of driving one of the company's signature blue Kenworths, a driver can choose from among nine exterior colors and from a list of interior colors. Drivers also can spec up to $1,500 in options, such as chrome, a refrigerator and aluminum wheels. "These Kenworth trucks look great and our other drivers see these trucks as an incentive for excellent driving," White said.
Each driver receives a personalized Ambassador leather jacket and special decals mounted on their Kenworth truck noting the honor.