With all the problems that have beset truckers this year, it was refreshing to run across a piece of good news. I read about A. Duie Pyle Cos. of West Chester, P.A. on the Business & Money website. Founded 84 years ago, this family-owned trucking company is flourishing where others are floundering. They still haul for their first customer, Mittal Steel and boast an enviable driver turnover rate of less than 7%.
Pyle has grown to 2,000 employees, 835 trucks, 1,600 trailers and 15 service terminals throughout the Northeast and parts of Canada but has managed to maintain a mom & pop relationship with its truckers. Since his grandfather started the company, owner Peter Latta said, "The culture has been: treat others as you would like to be treated." It's a philosophy that drives what today seems to be a disappearing loyalty to employees.
The company has a no layoff policy that it is determined to honor, even in these tough times. Pyle also pays contracted O/O long-haulers the full fuel surcharge charged to customers. "We may take it on the margin chin this year," Latta said; but with revenue up and low debt he's willing to take a profit hit from rising fuel prices to keep everyone onboard.
