Leonard’s Express CEO Ken Johnson speaks during the award ceremony and panel discussion at the Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange event in Scottsdale, Arizona. Photo: Tavits Photography for HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Awards
FARMINGTON, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 – Leonard’s Express – a leading transportation services provider that offers refrigerated trucking, dry van, warehousing, and freight brokerage services – is a recipient of the 2021 HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Award. Leonard’s operates more than 650 trucks and moves over 15,000 shipments per month across the United States and portions of Canada.
Leonard’s Express CEO Ken Johnson accepted the award during theHeavy Duty Trucking Exchange event August 26th in Scottsdale, Arizona. “I’m very proud of the entire Leonard’s Express family,” said Johnson, reflecting on receiving the award and also on celebrating the company’s 20th anniversary earlier this year. “We try to do things differently to set ourselves apart and create an environment where our services are valued. Our success with technology, and the training required to effectively use it, has a lot to do with the quality of the people we’ve brought onboard and the acquisitions we’ve made.”
Heavy Duty Trucking named six trucking fleet executives as its HDT Truck Fleet Innovators for 2021, citing their leadership in areas including technician training and maintenance; leading-edge truck and trailer specs and technology; driver training and retention; building a culture of safety, and infusing data and digitalization into every aspect of the company.
“Everything we do revolves around the quality and freshness of the products we deliver,” said Johnson. “Adopting innovative, new technologies provides greater visibility and flexibility to redirect freight and meet customer demands. As a result, our drivers are picking up and delivering shipments on time more than ever before.”
Innovation empowers drivers to succeed
Among the many reasons Leonard’s Express is consistently recognized as one of North America’s most innovative fleets is the company’s commitment to empower drivers to achieve safety, productivity, and fuel efficiency goals. For example, Leonard’s is using Vnomics True Fuel, which combines real-time driver coaching with fuel efficiency data to achieve 3% annual fuel savings. To further improve miles per gallon, Leonard’s became the first commercial carrier to adopt the SPIER System, a new source of alternative energy that reduces harmful emissions, lowers maintenance costs, and increases driver uptime.
Another innovation Leonard’s is using is a driving simulator to coach current drivers as well as students at its driving school. Leonard’s also uses Samsara in-cab camera and safety systems to provide drivers instant feedback on how to keep themselves and other motorists out of harm’s way. And Leonard’s has a Leadership Academy training program, which teaches managers to coach employees and foster continuous improvement. “The perfect driver is not going to pick up the phone and call us or walk through the front door looking for a job,” said Johnson. “Current and future drivers need continual training to build up their skills, experience, and confidence and to be as safe and productive as possible.”
“It’s both humbling and rewarding to be recognized as a Truck Fleet Innovator,” concluded Johnson. “It’s a team effort. I just get the privilege of leading and making sure our employees have the resources they need to execute.”
About Leonard’s Express
Leonard’s Express is a family-owned asset-based transportation provider in Farmington, New York with offices located throughout the United States. We provide transportation solutions for a wide range of customers that encompass many industries. With our nationwide footprint, we are prepared to tailor a solution to fit your specific supply chain needs.
With our state-of-the-art technology and dedicated staff, Leonard’s Express is willing and able to provide you and your company with dependable, diversified, and creative solutions that are responsive and cost-effective.
Media Contact
Michael Riccio
Chief Marketing Officer
Leonard’s Express
mike.riccio@leonardsexpress.com
