Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Terrance James

Richton Park,IL

Summary

Accomplished Transportation Director with 15 years of hands-on experience as a driver and 9 years as a seasoned manager. Proven ability to optimize fleet operations, reduce costs, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of safety and excellence. Adept at seamlessly transitioning between operational and leadership roles. Recognized for implementing Motive ELD Systems to track compliance, safety functions, and training for current company. Qualifications:

15 Years of Commercial Driving Experience: Extensive hands-on experience as a driver, operating various types of vehicles, including vans, refrigerated units, and tractor-trailers. Profound knowledge of commercial driving regulations and a track record of maintaining accurate driver logs.

9 Years of Management Expertise: Demonstrated success in leadership roles, including Fleet/Safety Manager and Transportation Director positions. Expertise in team development, staff recruitment, training, and performance optimization.

Overview

8
years of professional experience

Work History

Perishable Distribution Solutions

Director of Fleet Management
03.2021 - Current

Job overview

  • Develop and execute transportation strategic plans, leveraging 15 years of commercial driving experience to optimize overall company performance.
  • Implement Motive ELD and Dashcam Systems to enhance compliance monitoring and track regulatory adherence, safety functions, and training programs, leading to 15% increase in operational efficiency.
  • Successfully train managers and drivers on new policies and procedures at two company locations in Illinois and Wisconsin
  • Lead team of 3 managers and 45+ drivers overseeing comprehensive compliance measures, including IFTA reporting, plate and permit management, IPASS, and violation resolution.
  • Utilize 9 years of management expertise to spearhead driver recruitment, interviewing, and selection process, resulting in 30% reduction in driver turnover.
  • Achieved 15-point increase in safety ratings through implementation of enhanced safety measures.
  • Design and implemented new orientation program for onboarding and safety management, improving driver preparedness.
  • Collaborate closely with maintenance shops to minimize downtime, practicing repairing 80+ vehicles and equipment utilizing maintenance strategies.
  • Maintain strong customer relationships, resolving service-related issues promptly by leveraging extensive industry experience and ELD data.
  • Work collaboratively with maintenance shops and third-party vendors to ensure timely PMs for equipment.
  • Successfully decrease insurance premiums by achieving accident-free incident rates through proactive safety measures
  • Implement Relay Payments to reduce driver detention at customer locations employing lumpers, optimizing driver schedules.
  • Establish and execute driver retention program for OTR drivers, improving driver satisfaction and reducing turnover.
  • Create and implement Safe Drivers Recognition Program, rewarding drivers quarterly for accident-free driving, boosting safety awareness.
  • Implement Alchemy Ongoing Virtual Safety Training for drivers, enhancing ongoing safety education.
  • Positively interacted with drivers, upper management and shop department, which helped improve overall communication.
  • Inspected vehicles and requested maintenance tasks be completed within specific timeframes.

Labor Services

Safety Director
03.2021 - 08.2022

Job overview

  • Helped to build culture of safety focused on reducing incidents and eliminating hazards.
  • Developed and implemented safety tracking, training and management programs for 2 locations.
  • Trained and certified 60+ drivers in assessment procedures and safety behaviors.
  • Developed and implemented safety tracking, training and management programs.
  • Used benchmarks like units built per injury and contract amounts per injury to assess program success.
  • Collaborated with operations management to keep equipment in good working order, replace worn items and plan updates.
  • Developed and implemented safety tracking, training and management programs.

ProDrivers

Lead Driver & Driver Manager
08.2016 - 02.2021

Job overview

  • Provided onsite training to new drivers, equipping them with knowledge and skills required for efficient and safe delivery operations.
  • Conducted in-person and virtual training sessions on delivery routes and instructed drivers on effective utilization of onboard computer systems, enhancing their proficiency and productivity.
  • Ensured timely and accurate transportation of materials to customers across various distribution centers in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin, optimizing delivery schedules and meeting customer demands.
  • Operated both Van and Refrigerated units, guaranteeing timely and safe delivery of consumer goods to customers within Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin areas.
  • Demonstrated expertise in operating tractor-trailer combinations, strictly adhering to commercial driving regulations, and transporting a variety of products, livestock, and materials across long distances.
  • Maintained meticulous driver logs in accordance with I.C.C
  • Regulations, ensuring compliance and accountability on all transportation activities.
  • Developed and maintained long-term, positive relationships with assigned drivers to enhance morale and productivity.
  • Coordinated with drivers to organize timely pickup and delivery.

Dektrix Transportation

Transportation Manager
05.2015 - 08.2016

Job overview

  • Conducted interviews and successfully hired driver candidates, assembling a skilled and reliable team
  • Utilized forecasting to determine manpower requirements, aligning daily workload with company targets and ensuring optimal staffing levels
  • Proactively redirected shipments in transit to accommodate customer requests, demonstrating flexibility and dedication to customer satisfaction
  • Effectively communicated all emergencies, weather-related delays, and carrier schedule changes to both customers and supervisors, maintaining transparency and facilitating efficient problem-solving.
  • Managed pickup of incoming stock and timely delivery of materials to designated locations, contributing to smooth flow of operations.
  • Maintained precise stock records and schedules, ensuring accurate tracking and efficient inventory management.
  • Cultivated enduring customer relationships through prompt, courteous, and attentive service, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
  • Organized cargo based on account numbers and intended destinations, optimizing logistics and streamlining deliveries.
  • Enforced punctual product shipments, consistently providing exceptional customer experiences through on-time deliveries.
  • Supervised department personnel by assigning and directing daily tasks as well as evaluating performance to enhance productivity and resolve problems.
  • Organized records of vehicles, schedules and completed orders.

Education

Rasmussen College
, Mokena, IL

Associate of Science

ProDrivers Institute
, Joliet, IL

Certificate in Lead Trainer and Management
01.2016

Skills

  • Strategic Transportation Management
  • Compliance and Regulatory Expertise
  • Safety and Quality Assurance
  • Staff Training and Development
  • Recruitment and Staffing
  • Process Improvement
  • Fleet Optimization
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Budget Management
  • Motive ELD Systems Implementation

Timeline

Director of Fleet Management

Perishable Distribution Solutions
03.2021 - Current

Safety Director

Labor Services
03.2021 - 08.2022

Lead Driver & Driver Manager

ProDrivers
08.2016 - 02.2021

Transportation Manager

Dektrix Transportation
05.2015 - 08.2016

Rasmussen College

Associate of Science

ProDrivers Institute

Certificate in Lead Trainer and Management
Terrance James