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Driver diligence
Gary then reflects on the other factors that set Budd Van Lines apart in such a competitive landscape:“ Our people and our culture differentiate us. We do whatever we can to make a family comfortable during such a stressful life event. It requires heavyduty training, both on the customer service side as well as on how to handle goods safely and how to drive safely.
“ The real key, though, is how our drivers seamlessly integrate the whole process for our customers. Every year we receive tons of letters from clients telling us how our drivers became a part of the family during the move. We’ ve actually had drivers who have been invited to Holiday dinners. Moving is such a stressful event; if you have the right person in front of a customer, they really form a bond and transform the whole experience.”
As the company approaches its 50th anniversary, Gary reflects on what has contributed to the firm’ s success:“ The secret to our longevity, since Dave began, has been our very consistent, high levels of service. For example, for 21 years in a row, our corporate customers have rated us top in the country.”
Gary then highlights the company’ s commitment to sustainability, detailing a new, more environmentally friendly offering the company developed:“ We came up with the Eco Crate in 2011. The Eco Crate is used to move artwork, large glass tabletops, mirrors, and flat screen TVs that would have traditionally been transported in wooden crates. We established a method where we wrap paintings in brown paper, and place them carefully in a reusable, corrugated, Eco Crate, which is proven to be just as safe as a wooden crate. It also provides our clients with a 25 percent cost saving over traditional crating.”
Gary concludes with a look forward to the company’ s ambitions for the coming
years:“ We’ ll be seeking continued growth. We have our eyes on a number of strategic locations earmarked for expansions. We want to get into the Pacific Northwest, for example. We will also be expanding certain sectors; for example, we will be doing more commercial moving.” ■
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