Clark Transfer Locking in Owner-Operators Pay for Recruiting

Recruiting qualified owner-operators in the trucking industry can be a challenging task, especially when faced with competitive spot markets and unique operational requirements. Clark Transfer, a freight carrier specializing in Broadway show-related transportation, found itself grappling with recruitment difficulties due to the booming spot market and the nature of its freight, which demanded extensive touring commitments. In response, the company devised an innovative recruitment strategy centered around fleet locking and owner-operator pay. This article explores how Clark Transfer implemented this strategy and the impact it had on their recruitment efforts and relationship with owner-operators.

The Pandemic’s Impact on Clark Transfer

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought the touring-theater industry to a sudden halt, severely impacting Clark Transfer’s business. As a company heavily reliant on leased owner-operators, Clark Transfer faced significant challenges as shows were suspended, leaving their fleet largely idle. Despite temporarily shifting to hauling general freight, the company continued to compensate their owner-operators at show-work rates, resulting in financial losses. Furthermore, the company struggled to recruit new owner-operators due to the constrained market and the limited home time and comforts associated with touring freight.

Retaining the Owner-Operator Model

Rather than transitioning to a company driver model or purchasing powered equipment, Clark Transfer remained committed to the owner-operator model that had been the cornerstone of their success. They recognized the dedication and skill of their owner-operators and sought to provide them with a sense of income security in the wake of the pandemic. To achieve this, Clark Transfer implemented a unique guarantee program, an innovation seldom seen in the trucking industry, which aimed to alleviate income uncertainties for their leased owner-operators.

The Minimum Guarantee Structure 

Clark Transfer’s minimum guarantee structure was designed to demonstrate their commitment to owner-operator success. The program offered a weekly minimum guarantee of $3,500 for solo operations and $5,000 for teams. Leased owner-operators were evaluated at the end of each quarter, comparing their average weekly settlement with the guaranteed minimum. If the average fell below the threshold, Clark Transfer would compensate the difference for all weeks. This structure was particularly beneficial for newly leased operators, providing them with a financial safety net during their initial weeks with the company.

Positive Results and Impact 

Although the minimum guarantee had not been necessary for long-standing owner-operators due to the return of Broadway shows, it proved to be an effective recruitment tool for new operators. Clark Transfer’s commitment to income security and their willingness to put their money where their mouth is garnered strong traction in recruiting efforts. Additionally, the company introduced quarterly bonuses of $10,000 per operator and adjusted their fuel-surcharge compensation to ensure fairness and mitigate financial burdens. These structural changes have generated an increase in new owner-operators joining the company and fostered long-term relationships with them.

Clark Transfer’s innovative approach to fleet locking and owner-operator pay has allowed the company to overcome recruitment challenges and strengthen its relationship with owner-operators. By offering a minimum revenue guarantee and adjusting compensation structures, the company demonstrated its dedication to supporting the financial success of leased owner-operators. These initiatives have not only attracted new operators but have also created a pipeline of committed owner-operators for the future. Clark Transfer’s belief in the importance of the owner-operator model and its commitment to transparency and reliability have solidified its position as an innovator in the trucking industry.