Business View Magazine | February 2019

242 the port,when they’re available to be picked up, and how soon they can get them delivered.While we’re doing this,we are getting information to and from the drivers in a safe manner.Having technol- ogy that will keep a driver off of a phone, keep him from being distracted, having him able to update and communicate with a dispatcher in a manner that is non-distracting, is huge.That’s what we’ve been investing heavily in.” This past October,Diamond Freight Distribution was recognized for its exemplary service to its customers and community by receiving the Best of NewarkAward in the Distribution Service cat- egory by the NewarkAward Program, established to recognize the best local businesses in the commu- nity- companies that enhance the positive image of small business and help make the Newark area a great place to live,work, and play. This coming year,Nick says the company’s main challenge is adding more assets and making sure that there are qualified drivers to operate them. “That’s the largest priority we have, right now,”he says.“It’s very hard to find qualified truck drivers. For awhile, the job wasn’t properly compensated for someone to be away from their home, and even if they are home every day, the off-peak hours.The traditional nine-to-five day is not what you’re deal- ing with.You’re dealing with guys who sometimes have to make a delivery at two o’clock in the morn- ing and have to wake up at eleven o’clock at night. So, this kind of position has to be compensated and this is something that every trucking company has come to realize.The compensation for a driver, or an owner/operator, has to be there in order to get the job accomplished.They have to be treated fairly and understand that for someone to get a CDL to operate a truck on a daily basis, it is a highly