It's called Maverick for a reason, according to Lori Furnell, director of recruiting for Maverick Transportation Inc. The 800-rig logistics and trucking firm, serving the mainland U.S. from its headquarters in Little Rock, Ark., has remained an industry leader by embracing new ideas and continuing to innovate.

"We're a very progressive company," says Furnell. "We try to look at things long-term and do things that will support our drivers."

Among those things: making sure drivers stay in touch with their families, both at home and on the road. More than 90% of Maverick drivers get through home each weekend, she says.

And when they can't be at home, Maverick's state-of-the-art Qualcomm OmniTRACS system keeps drivers in touch through e-mail.

"We've had so many stories where there was urgent family news, and we were able to alert the driver immediately," she says. "We were one of the first companies to put satellite systems in all of our trucks."

She attributes Maverick's emphasis on family to the company's founder, Steve Williams. "Steve was the son of a truck driver, and grew up with his dad being out on the road a lot. He understands the value of home time."

Driver Jim Peck, a Rayland, Ohio, native and Maverick's 2001 Driver of the Year, says that personal commitment was a big reason he decided to join the company 10 years ago. "Steve really impressed me the first time I got to meet and talk to him," Peck says. "He seems to have a real level head on his shoulders."

How often does Peck get home? "Generally every weekend," he says. "I really only get hung out three to four weekends a year." Peck, who has a wife and two children (Courtney is 10, and Derek will be 13 in October), appreciates the time with his family.

He says he also appreciates the top-of-the-line equipment that Maverick runs. "When I first thought about joining Maverick, I liked the looks of the Freightliner FLDs they had at the time."

Since then, all of those FLDs are being replaced by Century and Columbia models, in keeping with Maverick's desire to maintain the best equipment possible.

These late-model trucks are equipped with air-ride seats and 70-inch mid-roof sleepers. The standard equipment package includes spread-axle, aluminum trailers for easy loading, with non-skid floors for safety.

Maverick's commitment to safety extends to its drivers, as well. New hires participate in a rigorous driver orientation program, while drivers who lack flatbed experience can take part in the company's Co-Driver program. This hands-on training course pairs rookies with veteran drivers for a three-week period. Trainees make $125 a day during the program while learning invaluable tips of the trade from securement specialists.

Once trained, Maverick drivers can participate in a payment structure that ensures they'll make at least 27% of the revenue they generate for the company.

"It's one of the neatest things we've got going on right now," explains Furnell. "Each quarter, we run a report that shows you what your mileage pay was, and then we show you what it would have been based on percentage pay.

"If the percentage works out to be higher, we pay you the difference," Furnell adds. "Either way, we guarantee you'll make at least 27 percent."

Maverick drivers can also participate in "cafeteria" benefits plans, as well as 401(k) and profit-sharing options. Maverick offers full health coverage and has even implemented a scholarship program for drivers and their immediate families.

Maverick's quality service and genuine team atmosphere are no accident, says Furnell.

"We're a high-end trucking company," she says. "We hire great drivers, we use top-of-the-line equipment, and we keep it well maintained. Our drivers are very proud and very professional. They get things done."

For more information, call (800) 289-1100 or visit the Maverick Web site at /www.maverickusa.com.