Ron McConnell admits one of the few mistakes he's made in his 20-year career is waiting as long as he did to become a company driver for Joplin, Mo.-based Sitton Motor Lines.

"The people, the equipment, the rate of pay – I couldn't match it anywhere else," McConnell says.

Dave Sitton and his two sons, Richard and Michael, started Sitton Motor Lines on July 4, 1979. The company was founded on three principles that remain just as important nearly 23 years later: Learn from the past, embrace the future and provide the best customer service in the industry.

Sitton Motor Lines is an irregular route carrier that serves all 48 states. Though the family-owned fleet works with almost 600 drivers (about one-third of whom are owner-operators), it prides itself on maintaining a friendly atmosphere where drivers are treated with respect.

"We're big enough to keep drivers busy, but not so big that we don't care about them," says Steve Bellis, Sitton Motor Lines' director of recruiting and fuel.

"Sure, we use truck numbers. But when dispatchers see drivers in the main terminal, they also know their names."

That's comforting to McConnell, who appreciates the personal attention and respect Sitton employees give drivers.

"You're not just another number in the computer. They recognize you're an individual, and they care about you," McConnell says.

"I especially like the open-door policy. I.could walk into the president's office at any time and talk to him about a problem I have."

The fleet transports most any commodity, everything from tile flooring to computers and even Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Because of the irregular routes, drivers don't have established runs.

"We go where the freight goes, so you never know where you'll be next. But who wants to wake up in the same place every day?" says Bellis.

Attracting and keeping the best drivers is the goal at Sitton Motor Lines, says Bellis.

"We admit to being very picky when hiring drivers. We want to hire the best, and then keep the best," he says. "You will jump through a few extra hoops to come to work for us, but we make it worth your while. We are thankful for the work our drivers do and appreciate their sacrifices to be professional, over-the-road truckers."

The fleet understands the importance of home time for drivers and does everything possible to accommodate requests.

"We know they have their own families," he says. "That's why most of them work."

Typically, drivers are out about two or three weeks and earn one-and-a-half days off for every seven days they're on the road. Drivers can bank up to six days at a time. After one year of service, drivers get one week of vacation, and that increases to two weeks after driving for two years.

"The best drivers are looking for a great pay and benefits package," Bellis says. "Plus, they're looking for someone to take care of their family and provide affordable health care and retirement benefits."

For that reason, Bellis says drivers with long-term career plans who are looking beyond just the next few months often fit best with the company.

Sitton Motor Lines' equipment consists of a mixture of Peterbilts and Freightliner FLDs, all of them 1997 or newer models.

Drivers can choose whether they want to unload their freight. If they choose to unload it themselves, Sitton Motor Lines compensates them. It will also pay for lumpers drivers need to hire.

To reward excellent drivers, Sitton Motor Lines names a Driver of the Year recipient. The driver is chosen based on his or her number of miles, safety record, fuel economy and attitude. Recipients of the award receive a new company truck, a savings bond, a jacket and a plaque.

McConnell has been recognized as Driver of the Year three times.

"The family has to have something to hang up on the wall at home," jokes McConnell, although the note of pride in his voice comes through loud and clear.

Sitton Motor Lines stays in touch with its drivers at all times with a mobile communications system from Aether Systems. Each truck has a multi-mode unit that lets drivers send and receive messages.

The fleet also uses technology to reduce deadhead miles and help drivers get home sooner. Special software allows dispatchers to direct drivers to the closest freight and swap loads with the nearby drivers.

To be eligible for employment at Sitton Motor Lines, drivers must have at least six months of experience, no felonies or DUIs in the past 10 years, and no speeding tickets more than 15 miles over the speed limit in the past three years.

Sitton is actively recruiting company drivers, owner-operators and contract drivers.

To apply for employment at Sitton Motor Lines, you can get an application online at www.sitm.com/common/driverapp.htm, or call (800) 533-4765.