Let's Talk Training - Lowering Equipment Maintenance Expenses

I would like to open up a discussion about the training program here at Con-way.
I am a Contractor that started as a company driver direct out of USTDTS in Michigan.
Making my conversion to ownership about a year ago has opened my eyes to the real world of trucking. In particular, I am referring to the efficiencies required to really operate a truck safely in terms of mechanics.
I DO NOT want to turn this into a "bash" session for my beloved Blue! I simply feel that putting this question out, could improve upon the program. Improvements that should result in better drivers, less turn around, and lower equipment maintenance expenses. All resulting in us giving the most convincing argument for better wages. Imagine if you will, the company say 5 million a year in preventative maintenance. We would never get all of it, but in looking at the bottom line it would be easier to make more money and pay better per mile. What happens to the company side always transfers to contractors and vice versa.

So, what are your ideas/thoughts?
I would love to see them.

 

Beloved Blue is just a term I came up with. Con-way's theme is "Stay true to blue."

I understand that the concept of making company X more money doesn't always equal better wages. However I also believe that it is a GREAT starting point. As a whole Con-way is a very good company. But like every company out there, we have some broken parts. Safety and maintenance go hand in hand. To do one, you typically employ tactics of the other. The greatest way we as drivers/contractors can effect the company is at the bottom line. When we help set record profits and work with training and development coordinators to safely and effectively run the trucks, we directly and indirectly effect that bottom line.

I can go on and on regarding business strategies, but that's not what I wanted this post to be. My 17 very successful years in restaurants taught me a few things that cross segment lines of our economy. This is not however the intended topic of my open question.

If we want great profits we need success to start with the drivers. As far as customers, the public, shippers and receivers we are Con-way. The terminal staffs and corporate individuals may weild a mighty pen but in reality we hold the power. That said, we also hold the future and success level of any change.

 

First I should probably say say sorry. I have a bad habit of being around for a week or so then vanishing for a couple.
That said, I seriously plan on gathering the information obtained here and from other forum sources to try and put it all into a "program." I'm talking a bound workbook with worksheets and all. Once completed I will post a link here to my website where anyone can access the digital form of the book.

I plan on giving published credit to all contributors to the project. As I get the info compiled I will PM you to get your info as you would like it to appear. (forum name or real etc.)

My desire is to create a professional/complete product for presentation.

Please keep the ideas coming.

******ADMINS....I INTENDED FOR THIS THREAD TO COVER THE ARRAY OF TOPICS THAT IMPACT OPERATING EXPENSES. I TITLED THE THREAD 'LET'S TALK TRAINING' BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT I WANTED AND WHERE I WANTED TO BOTH START AND CENTER THE SUBJECT. I PLANNED ON MORE THAN, 'LOWERING EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE EXPENSES' WHICH I ASSUME ONE OF YOU ADDED. I AM NOT SURE WHY THE THREAD WAS CHANGED. HOWEVER, CAN YOU PLEASE CHANGE IT BACK.