For the past two years, Liquid Trucking’s plans for growth have been stunted by unforeseen events that lend credence to a centuries-old warning in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar: “Beware the Ides of March.”
In March of 2019, heavy rains in Nebraska and other Midwestern states caused flooding of the Missouri River and its tributaries. Faced with imminent danger, the owners of Liquid Trucking had 12 hours to evacuate the property near the Platte river in Plattsmouth, Neb.
Some areas of the property were under 10 feet of water for several days. Despite this setback, Liquid Trucking entered 2020 with momentum only to be hit by a different type of storm in mid-March from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Economic conditions improved in the second half of 2020 for Liquid Trucking to pursue growth. This time the owners doubled down on their chances for success by making large investments in technology and people.
The first quarter of 2021 is shaping up to be the best period in the company’s 30-year history. At present, the fleet has nearly all its 190 trucks filled with drivers and fleet planners are deluged by load offers. “We are missing out on freight like it’s coming out of the ocean,” said Jason Eisenman, director of human resources.
Investing in driver comfort
One of the main reasons Liquid Trucking is investing in new technology is for driver satisfaction and retention.
