By Steve Pollock

SHREVEPORT, LA… It is a simple formula – lots of miles x a good rate per mile = financial success. It isn’t rocket science and that’s why Tango Transport of Shreveport, Louisiana has been so successful by operating from that simple formula.

The company was founded by Robert E. Gorman and his son B.J. Gorman with 2 trucks in 1991 and has grown to 860 company owned power units and about 100 owner-operators. The Gormans began hauling paper from mills in Northeast Louisiana. While hauling out of one of International Paper’s Shreveport, LA plants, Robert Gorman saw an opportunity for expansion and began calling on the General Motors plant. His persistence eventually paid off with a contract to haul for General Motors’ Sibley (Shreveport) LA plant. Not long after, Robert’s younger son, Chris D. Gorman joined the company as Executive Vice President. Today Robert Gorman serves as Chairman and CEO, B.J. Gorman is President and Chris Gorman continues as Executive Vice President. When V.P. of Capacity Development Joe Gabbard joined Tango in 2003, the company was operating 85 trucks. Tango Transport has been growing steadily ever since. Probably the single most important reason for Tango Transport’s phenomenal growth is that people like how they do business. Instead of a constant focus on profit and loss, the Gormans have always chosen to do “the right thing” even when it cost the company money. A point in case: When the threat of Hurricane Katrina hitting the Gulf Coast seemed imminent, Tango Transport volunteered to haul lifesaving supplies to the area before the hurricane hit. In Katrina’s aftermath, Tango continued to haul load after load of donated goods desperately needed by the hurricane victims. When the Tuscaloosa tornado devastated the Alabama city, Tango again stepped up to haul supplies. In all, Tango Transport hauled 52 truckloads of donated supplies to hurricane and tornado victims. They are still hauling an occasional load of donated goods and have never turned away a charity that needed their help. All these loads were hauled for free on company trucks while Tango paid their drivers for their service. At Tango Transport, they care about their community, customers, employees and drivers. The company is operated by men of good moral character who believe in helping their community and fellow man whenever they have the opportunity.

Tango Transport hauls primarily irregular route dry van freight with a small dedicated flatbed division. The majority of the freight is picked up and delivered in the South and Midwest. The company has a diverse customer base which includes International Paper; Home Depot; Lowes; Rheem Heating and Cooling; Wal-Mart; FedEx; UPS; BP and many others. Tango’s corporate headquarters is located in Shreveport, Louisiana with terminals in West Memphis, Arkansas and Laredo, Texas. A few years ago the company purchased the old Landstar terminal in Madisonville, Kentucky, which now serves as headquarters for Tango Motor Transit, Tango’s owner-operator division.

Tango Transport recognizes that Professional Truck Drivers are not machines. They need to make a good living and have time to spend with their families. That is why Tango established their “Homerun Fleet.” Drivers in the Homerun Fleet are home 3 out of 4 weekends a month. Drivers in the OTR Fleet are home every 10-14 days and drivers have the option of switching between the two. Homerun Fleet drivers average 2,200 to 2,400 miles per week and OTR drivers about 2,500 to 2,700 miles per week. There are also opportunities for teams who can expect to run 5,000 miles or more a week. Tango Transport respects their driver partners and expects a minimum amount of detention time from their shippers and consignees. The company insists on timely loading and unloading of their trailers or they will refuse to haul for any problematic shipper. Tango is also focused on helping their drivers make a good living and prepare for retirement as well. Company drivers start at .34 to .38 cents per mile depending on their driving experience. Every driver receives a 1¢ per mile raise each year they stay with the company, up to 42¢ per mile. Teams are paid at 46¢ per mile. There are no gimmicks or fine print; everyone gets the raise every year. Each Tango driver can also earn a $100 bonus for each clean DOT inspection they have. This bonus is very achievable as the company operates 2011 and 2012 ProStar and Cascadia tractors. The company also has a safety and award program to recognize safe and conscientious drivers. Tango also offers a comprehensive benefit package as well. Drivers receive major medical and dental coverage after 90 days and one week paid vacation after 1 year of employment. The company will match your 401K contribution of up to 4% of your paycheck (direct withdrawal) with no vestment period. You can start saving for retirement with your first paycheck.

To learn more about the driving opportunities at Tango Transport log onto www.tangotransport.com, call 855-603-5266 or apply online at www.drivefortango.com. No HazMat endorsement is required.