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WHERE IS AMERICA MOVING? ATLAS VAN LINES ANNOUNCES 2012 MIGRATION TRENDS
According to one of the nation’s leading movers, Atlas Van Lines, there have been more shifts from inbound and outbound to balanced states in 2012. The 2012 Atlas Van Lines Migration Patterns study found Southwestern and Mid-Atlantic coastal states remain as the most popular destinations, while the Midwest becomes more balanced than years past. Atlas first conducted the study in 1993 to track the nation’s interstate moving patterns.
Six states that were outbound in 2011 are now balanced states, including Massachusetts, Delaware, Louisiana, Missouri, Utah and Wisconsin. Four states that were inbound have shifted into balanced states this year, including Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Virginia. Wyoming is outbound again after spending 2011 as a balanced state. Previously balanced state New Hampshire is inbound again.
The highest number of moves occurred in California, Texas and Florida. California comes in at the top with nearly 13,000 moves in 2012. For the seventh consecutive year, Washington D.C. had the highest percentage of inbound moves, with 63 percent of all moves being inbound. Nebraska and New York beat out Ohio for the highest percentage of outbound moves, with outbound moves accounting for 58 percent of each state’s total.
“This year’s annual Migration Patterns study revealed some interesting changes from 2011’s overall and regional trends,” said Jack Griffin, president and COO of Atlas World Group. “One of the more positive signs of 2012’s results is the shift from the majority of Midwestern states being outbound to a more balanced state. The increase in the number of balanced states/provinces throughout the U.S. and Canada is a promising sign that the economy could be stabilizing.”
In 2012, the total number of interstate, or between states, and inter-province moves reached 73,256. In addition, regional trends show consistency over the past year with fewer significant shifts:
Northern States
The Northern states saw no changes from 2011 to 2012. New York and New Jersey have been outbound for more than 10 years, with Pennsylvania remaining balanced for more than 10 years. Washington DC is the only northern location with more than 10 years on the inbound list.
Southern States
The Southeast remains balanced. Southwest states Texas and New Mexico continue to be inbound states, as well as Mid-Atlantic states Virginia and North Carolina. Kentucky remains balanced after becoming a newly inbound state in 2010 and moving back to balanced in 2011.
Midwestern States
After 2011 showed the majority of its states with more outbound than inbound moves, the Midwest region now has five balanced states – Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, Missouri and Michigan. Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kansas, Minnesota and Nebraska remain outbound. Indiana has been an outbound state for more than 11 consecutive years. No Midwestern state has been classified as inbound for more than 10 years.
Western States
The annual study shows that the majority of the Western states remain balanced. Only two states are inbound or outbound – Utah (outbound) and New Mexico (inbound). California has now been balanced for more than 10 consecutive years.
Canadian Provinces
Of the 10 provinces, five are outbound – British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Alberta breaks its five-year streak as an outbound province, while Quebec moves back to a balanced province. New Brunswick, who has been balanced for three consecutive years, is now inbound. All three territories – Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon Territory – are unclassified; Nunavut was outbound in 2011 and the Northwest Territories was balanced.
How status is determined
Each state’s or province’s status is determined by its threshold value, which is the total number of shipments multiplied by 0.55 (i.e., in a state with 100 moves, at least 55 must be outgoing to be considered outbound). All other states or provinces in which outbound or inbound numbers don’t exceed the threshold are classified as balanced. Shipments noted for Canada are cross-border to the U.S. or from the U.S. (not inter-provincial).
To view full results of the 2012 migration patterns, a map and annual histories for each state, visit http://www.atlasvanlines.com/migration-patterns/. For an infographic on the results, visit http://www.atlasvanlines.com/infographics/2012-migration-patterns/.
Survey reveals favorite food, coffee, hotel and other highway essentials
Today’s road warriors are health-conscious, more connected thanks to technology and still loyal to their perennial favorites like Dunkin’ Donuts, Subway, Super 8 and Bridgestone, according to a new survey of Atlas Van Lines drivers. Now in its eighth year, Atlas Van Lines’ King of the Road Survey provides insights from the moving company’s drivers on their preferred brands, use of technology and how they stay healthy while logging miles. These findings, and many more insights from life on the road, are unveiled in the survey released today.
“Given that the majority of our professional truck drivers spend more than 30 weeks out of the year on the road, this survey is a great way to let these seasoned road warriors share their knowledge and preferences with the rest of us,” said Glen Dunkerson, chairman and CEO of Atlas World Group. “With summer vacation and road trips just around the corner, the recommendations in the King of the Road Survey can help travelers stay fit while on the road, identify the best hotel chain, food and much more.”
This year’s King of the Road survey highlights include:
Taking strides to stay healthy on the road. Fifty-seven percent of respondents revealed that eating right is the biggest challenge of life on the road. However, the survey indicates that drivers are doing their best to maintain a healthy diet, as fresh fruit was named the drivers’ favorite snack, and 71 percent reported drinking water throughout the day. For the sixth consecutive year, Subway remains the favorite fast food chain while nine percent of Atlas’ drivers reported avoiding fast food altogether. Nearly one-third state that exercising is the most difficult part to life on the road, but 27 percent of drivers strive to stay in shape by walking or running at truck stops. Seventy-nine percent report moving furniture on the job serves as a great exercise for them.
Drivers are more connected than ever with technology. In the past three years, smartphone usage amongst drivers has increased from 14 to 60 percent. Drivers also mentioned that using technology like Skype and Facetime makes it easier to stay in touch with family while on the road. Three-fourths of drivers go online daily; more than three-fourths of drivers check email daily, and more than half of drivers check social networking sites daily. Computer usage while on the road has nearly doubled over the past three years, with 65 percent of drivers indicating they use a computer daily. Verizon Wireless is the preferred wireless network amongst drivers, and the iPhone is the drivers’ favorite smartphone.
Favorite brands and other highway essentials include:
Favorite fast food: Subway
Best coffee: Dunkin’ Donuts
Favorite hotel chain: Super 8
Best truck stop chain: Petro
State with the best rest stops: Florida
Most effective antacid: Tums
Best tires: Bridgestone
Favorite motor oil: Shell Rotella
Best tractor: Kenworth
The King of the Road Survey results were revealed in conjunction with Atlas Van Lines’ annual driver appreciation event, known as BRAVO (Boosting Recognition of Atlas Van Operators) Week, which was held from April 16-20. This week-long affair takes place at participating Atlas agencies around the United States and Canada and recognizes the hard-working drivers who travel across the country and interact with Atlas Van Lines’ customers on a daily basis.
For complete survey results, visit www.atlasvanlines.com/KingoftheRoad.
ATLAS LAUNCHES NEW SHUTTLE FLEET, SEEKS TO FILL MORE THAN 100 DRIVING JOBS FOR THE FLEET AND COMMERCIAL TRUCKLOAD DIVISION
EVANSVILLE, IND. — Atlas announces the launch of its new Shuttle Fleet and plans to fill more than 100 driving jobs by June 2012 within the new fleet and its Commercial Truckload Division. Through its new DriveAtlas™ initiative, Atlas is offering sign-on bonuses and several other incentives, including a lease-to-purchase tractor program for new owner operators or those looking to upgrade their equipment. For the new Shuttle Fleet, Atlas is currently filling both over-the-road and regional driving jobs, allowing flexible home time for drivers in this fleet.
“For more than six decades, Atlas has earned its reputation through our expertise and care in full-service moving and transportation,” said Jack Griffin, president and COO of Atlas Van Lines. “The Shuttle Fleet positions we are filling are very specific to the transportation of loaded trailers, which means the drivers we are seeking will truly be responsible to just drive. As an addition to the existing agent fleet, this new fleet allows more ways in which Atlas will grow, succeed and deliver on the promises we make to our clients.”
Shuttle Fleet drivers are strictly responsible for drop and hook trailer delivery service and are paid by the mile. Drivers receive an average of $1.52 per mile, which includes fuel surcharge and payment on loaded and empty miles. Drivers signing on by May 1 will also receive a $5,000 sign-on bonus that will be paid in $1,000 installments to be issued at the contract signing and then at 30, 60, 90 and 180 days from the date of lease with Atlas.
The Commercial Truckload Division’s no-touch freight drivers are eligible for a $5,000 bonus as well, which will be paid in installments throughout the first year of employment. Drivers in this division receive an average of $1.64 per mile.
Benefits offered to new drivers in these two divisions include a discounted fuel program, weekly pay with direct deposit option, free PrePass, free truck washes, optional health, dental and life insurance coverage, fuel-saving light loads, cell phone allowance, maintenance and passenger programs and more.
For each position, Atlas is looking specifically for owner operators, team drivers and recent graduates; those still attending school will be considered for the Shuttle Fleet. A Class A CDL License is required. Drivers will also be offered 2,100 to 2,500 miles per week, depending on the division, and 3,100 to 4,000 miles per week for teams.
Atlas is also working with representatives of Freightliner of Evansville and other third-party partners to offer lease-to-purchase tractor programs for various makes and models. Both new drivers and existing drivers looking to upgrade equipment are eligible, and little to no down payment is required (depending on make/model). The programs’ basic parameters include 2006-07 tractors with a mileage range of 450,000 to 550,000 miles and financing through Daimler.
ATLAS VAN LINES REWARDS PROFESSIONAL VAN OPERATORS DURING ANNUAL WEEK-LONG BRAVO EVENT
Atlas Van Lines, one of the nation’s leading moving companies, today announces its annual driver appreciation event, known as BRAVO (Boosting Recognition of Atlas Van Operators), is scheduled for April 16-20. This week-long affair recognizes the hard-working drivers who travel across the country and interact with Atlas Van Lines’ customers on a daily basis.
BRAVO takes place at participating Atlas agencies throughout the U.S. and Canada, with activities ranging from catered lunches to free truck washes. Van operators from other carriers are also welcome to attend BRAVO events, as Atlas agents are always open to discussing career opportunities and the advantages of joining the Atlas family.
During BRAVO Week, Atlas releases its yearly King of the Road Survey results, which reveal insights from professional van operators (PVOs) about life on the road, including their favorite restaurants, hotel chains, coffee and other on-the-road necessities. Members of the media are encouraged to attend BRAVO Week events at their local Atlas agents’ offices to learn more about the King of the Road Survey results and interview drivers about the findings.
Atlas Van Lines launched its first driver appreciation event in 1988. Now in its 25th year, Atlas has since expanded the tradition to a week-long demonstration of appreciation to these heroes of the highways. BRAVO week is now in its second year. The event acknowledges more than 3,000 PVOs, most of whom spend nearly the entire year on the road serving Atlas’ extensive network of consumer and corporate customers.
“We look forward to showing our gratitude to these hardworking men and women for all they do to provide Atlas customers with the best moving experiences possible,” said Glen Dunkerson, CEO and chairman at Atlas World Group. “Atlas professional van operators are dedicated to providing the best service in the business, and for that we are so proud to have these outstanding drivers as part of our team.”
Ranked among the best moving companies, the Atlas Van Lines agent family shares resources and utilizes agency representatives to meet with customers, prepare estimates and provide advice. PVOs interested in joining the Atlas team, please visit http://www.driveratlas.com. For more information about BRAVO, visit http://www.atlasvanlines.com/bravo/. For more information on Atlas Van Lines, visit http://www.atlasvanlines.com.
ATLAS VAN LINES REWARDS PROFESSIONAL VAN OPERATORS DURING ANNUAL WEEK-LONG BRAVO EVENT
Atlas Van Lines, one of the nation’s leading moving companies, today announces its annual driver appreciation event, known as BRAVO (Boosting Recognition of Atlas Van Operators), is scheduled for April 16-20. This week-long affair recognizes the hard-working drivers who travel across the country and interact with Atlas Van Lines’ customers on a daily basis.
BRAVO takes place at participating Atlas agencies throughout the U.S. and Canada, with activities ranging from catered lunches to free truck washes. Van operators from other carriers are also welcome to attend BRAVO events, as Atlas agents are always open to discussing career opportunities and the advantages of joining the Atlas family.
During BRAVO Week, Atlas releases its yearly King of the Road Survey results, which reveal insights from professional van operators (PVOs) about life on the road, including their favorite restaurants, hotel chains, coffee and other on-the-road necessities. Members of the media are encouraged to attend BRAVO Week events at their local Atlas agents’ offices to learn more about the King of the Road Survey results and interview drivers about the findings.
Atlas Van Lines launched its first driver appreciation event in 1988. Now in its 25th year, Atlas has since expanded the tradition to a week-long demonstration of appreciation to these heroes of the highways. BRAVO week is now in its second year. The event acknowledges more than 3,000 PVOs, most of whom spend nearly the entire year on the road serving Atlas’ extensive network of consumer and corporate customers.
“We look forward to showing our gratitude to these hardworking men and women for all they do to provide Atlas customers with the best moving experiences possible,” said Glen Dunkerson, CEO and chairman at Atlas World Group. “Atlas professional van operators are dedicated to providing the best service in the business, and for that we are so proud to have these outstanding drivers as part of our team.”
Ranked among the best moving companies, the Atlas Van Lines agent family shares resources and utilizes agency representatives to meet with customers, prepare estimates and provide advice. PVOs interested in joining the Atlas team, please visit http://www.driveratlas.com. For more information about BRAVO, visit http://www.atlasvanlines.com/bravo/. For more information on Atlas Van Lines, visit http://www.atlasvanlines.com.