Houston-based truck driver recruitment agency Rig on Wheels is celebrating its 15th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its mission to innovate driver recruitment, improve retention, and advocate for diversity within the trucking industry. To commemorate the occasion, CEO Kameel Gaines will host a virtual celebration on January 24, streaming live on YouTube and TikTok, to reflect on the company’s journey and achievements.
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leadership
Gaines, a Chicago native, started Rig on Wheels after being laid off from her previous job in school enrollment management. Initially unfamiliar with the trucking industry, she discovered a passion for driver recruitment through contract work. Inspired by her entrepreneurial roots, Gaines poured her energy into building her business, even considering going part-time during challenging early days.
“I realized I didn’t just like it—I loved it,” Gaines shared. With mentorship from industry veteran Larry Johnson at Sterling Recruitment Solutions, she sharpened her skills and gained insights that would define her approach to recruitment.
Today, Rig on Wheels employs nearly 40 workers globally. Gaines herself is a member of the Forbes Business Council, the host of The Rig on Wheels Show podcast, and the author of Competing with Giants: A Small Trucking Company’s Guide to Winning Professional Drivers.
Building a Team and a Vision
Gaines attributes much of Rig on Wheels’ success to her dedicated team, emphasizing the importance of hiring individuals who are both skilled and adaptable. “You hire people that are smarter than you and fit your company culture,” she said. Her focus on building a versatile workforce has allowed Rig on Wheels to remain innovative and responsive to industry changes.
Championing Diversity with the “Faces of the Road” Initiative
In 2024, Rig on Wheels launched its Faces of the Road initiative to celebrate the diversity of America’s truck drivers. The campaign includes a product line and a calendar featuring drivers from various ethnicities and backgrounds, sharing their unique stories.
“A lot of trucking paraphernalia features only older white men,” Gaines explained. “But our truck drivers are white, Black, Hispanic, and Asian. We wanted drivers to see themselves represented, which is part of retention.” Gaines believes that retention starts with recruiting and that creating an inclusive environment helps trucking become a more respected career choice.
Navigating Industry Shifts
Over the past 15 years, Gaines has observed significant changes in driver recruitment. She noted a decline in respect for the profession, which has impacted hiring practices. However, recent shifts indicate a move toward stricter standards, driven by pressure from shippers requiring carriers to present highly disciplined and reliable drivers.
“Carriers are now putting their foot down,” Gaines said, explaining how companies are enforcing stricter attendance policies and rejecting drivers with poor work ethics. This, she believes, is bringing respect back to the industry.
Raising the Bar for Truck Drivers
Gaines envisions a future where truck drivers receive the same respect as other highly skilled professionals, such as pilots. “Drivers are critical to our economy,” she said. “They deserve the same level of respect.” As Rig on Wheels celebrates its 15th year, the company continues to lead the charge in improving recruitment practices, championing diversity, and advocating for higher standards across the trucking industry.
Source:
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/rig-on-wheels-celebrates-15-years-of-driver-recruitment
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