OKLAHOMA CITY (July 26, 2016) — Gemini Motor Transport, the fuel-hauling fleet for Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, recently recognized 135 of its company drivers who have remained accident-free and adhered to the company's safe driving policies.
As a result of their safe driving efforts, Love's awarded them more than $3.4 million in bonuses as Gemini Safe Drive Credits recipients.
Drivers earn credits on annual basis and do so with clean driving records — no accidents, tickets or fuel-related incidents — for a single year. Drivers also must pass inspections issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Gemini. One credit is earned each year and drivers receive a bonus once five credits are obtained.
“We developed the Gemini Safe Driver Credits program to become one of the safest hazmat carriers in the nation, and I think we've made great strides,” said Brent Bergevin, vice president of transportation for Gemini.
According to Gemini, the program has helped the company keep preventable accidents per 1 million miles to less than half of the natural average, which it reported to have been two from 2007 to 2015.
In addition helping the company maintain a safer driving record, Mr. Bergevin notes that the Gemini program has helped Love's with its driver retention.
“Since implementing the safe driver credits in 2011, our turnover has dropped significantly and is extremely low for the industry,” Mr. Bergevin said.
Gemini launched with six drivers and four trucks in 2001and today encompasses 900 drivers and 570 trucks. Each driver must complete Gemini-specific training and education before they can begin driving and must attend quarterly safety meetings.
An additional 104 drivers are on track to receive their five-year bonus in 2017.