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Bunker puts focus on employees to boost retention rates

Silk Logistics-owned Bunker Freight Lines credits new management team for improving retention rates in the business

By Ruza Zivkusic-Aftasi | September 7, 2012

Silk Logistics Group’s primary line-haul operator Bunker Freight Lines has credited a new management team for improving retention rates in the business.

The interstate line-haul operator, which has 132 prime movers and 247 drivers, has experienced a 15 percent drop in employee turnover in the past six months following the appointment of new CEO John Dixon and five senior managers two years ago.

Silk was established in 2008 and is made up of four privately-owned transport and logistics companies – Bunker, Kagan Logistics, Hoffmann Transport and WA Freight Group.

Private equity firm Gresham took over five businesses in 2008 to establish Silk. The owners of Doolan’s Heavy Haulage bought the business back last year and pulled out of the venture.

Bunker Freight Lines General Manager Chris Pearce came on board a year ago and has put together a recruitment team focused on attracting new drivers.

He says it is important for Silk to become an “employer of choice”.

“The senior management team recognised the strategic requirement for the company to have a point of differentiation in the market place,” Pearce says.

“Our approach was to involve all employees in the company for the board of directors to the drivers. There was to be involvement at all levels and the key was that everyone involved understood from the same platform.

The company performs internal monthly compliance audits, with a safety management auditor providing recommendations to address any problems.

Bunker has also introduced a centralised overnight tracking department, which includes 24-hour monitoring of vehicles and supervision of speed and on-road operations.

“Outcomes include both disciplinary measures requirements and drivers education for the business to improve on-road behaviour,” Pearce says.

Check out the October edition of ATN to read the full story on Silk Logistics.

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