Companies across industries, especially trucking and logistics, are increasingly taking advantage of advanced technology to improve processes and the customer experience and to gain a competitive advantage.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this adoption of cutting-edge technology, especially regarding employee training. Training is particularly vital for new hires, and a lot of companies have searched for ways to make this part of onboarding more convenient for all, increasing the potential for improving retention rates.
Founded in 1999, Vertical Alliance Group is a full-service web-based training platform that provides customizable online training and communication tools for companies looking to improve their bottom line.
With a background in finance, Jay Wommack, founder and CEO of Vertical Alliance Group, made his way into the trucking industry after seeing the need and interest in technology.
“It’s an exciting time to be alive and in this industry. This technology revolution that we are seeing right now — with artificial intelligence and the speed of computers, is going to change the world in ways we can’t even imagine,” Wommack said. “I realized I needed to start a company that takes advantage of this.”
He started by creating a driver recruiting website — Bubbajunk.
He later realized the need and desire for more web-based training programs, to create a convenient way to train while simultaneously taking advantage of advancing technology.
After some time, the company became Vertical Alliance Group. It has made its way across many industries, with a heavy presence in trucking and logistics.
Today, Vertical Alliance Group prides itself on its seamless integration — helping customers recruit and retain more drivers in a hurting economy, Wommack said.
“According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the economy is not going to get better, it’s going to get worse — trying to hire people, not just trucking drivers, everybody. Onboarding is more important than ever and integration is an important part of that,” Wommack said. “Roughly 40% of new hires are making a decision about whether to stay with your company or not in the first week of employment. If your onboarding process is not seamless, they are probably already making the decision to leave your company.”
While there is an option for general training programs, the platform allows customers to create content based on their specific material, creating opportunities for more advanced and clear training and communication up front.
“A good percentage of our client base creates custom content,” Wommack said. “Everybody is moving toward custom content, and with technology progressing, it is becoming more valuable.”
About our sponsor
Driving-tests.org has helped thousands of truckers obtain their CDL at nearly double the standard pass rate and now, employers can use driving-tests’ tools on-demand with their new hires. Their training platform is fully remote, DMV-approved, and costs a fraction of standard training fees. Head to driving-tests.org/cdl-premium/corporate to learn more
Click for more FreightWaves content by Britni Chisenall.
More from Taking the Hire Road:
Building driver loyalty and engagement