Nelson Freight Service | Volvo Trucks

At Nelson Freight Service, “Service Is Our Business,” is a motto and tagline that has stuck with the company since its inception. This motto symbolizes more than just a commitment to customers by moving goods from point A to point B. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover what sets Nelson Freight Service apart is their commitment to their drivers and their customers – a philosophy that has paid dividends over the years for the business.

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Nelson Freight Service began with Jon Nelson, an owner-operator who initially ran hauls for local paper mills in and around Wisconsin. In 1994, Jon relocated to Peshtigo, Wisconsin, where he established the company’s headquarters and its operations. Over the years, the business expanded with multiple additions to accommodate an increase in demand.

“We maintain a family atmosphere. We know all the drivers. We provide great service to our customers. That’s what we instill in the drivers: be punctual and on time.”

– Corby Jardanowski, President of Nelson Freight Service

GROWING THE BUSINESS

Corby Jardanowski has been instrumental in driving the business forward. “I started here as a mechanic in the shop in 2004 helping Jon in the dispatch office, and after a few years, he asked if I wanted to purchase a couple of trucks. I pulled money together, and we did a good job. Jon was impressed enough to ask me to take over when he retired.”

Jardanowski’s transition to president was marked by significant mentorship from Jon. “A lot of it was done through mentorship in the office,” Jardanowski explains. “Working with Jon, who’s done this his whole life, was invaluable.”

Under Jardanowski’s leadership, Nelson Freight Service has doubled in size and expanded its hauling capabilities to cover hauling freight in 48 states and in multiple industries, including paper, automotive, and industrial. For Jardanowski, investing in top-notch equipment for drivers is paramount.

“We’ve had drivers in other model trucks and brands, and usually, once they get into a Volvo, they don’t want to switch. They like it. And we try to keep them happy.”

KEEPING DRIVERS SAFE AND COMFORTABLE

Nelson Freight Service uses a driver-focused purchasing strategy. When selecting and specifying truck builds, Jardanowski heavily relies on driver input. “When the driver comes in and he says he wants a Volvo, we do our best to get one. We spec them all like an owner-operator truck, so there’s no downsizing.”

Nelson Freight Service has added several new and used Volvo trucks to its fleet due to their experience with driver satisfaction, service, and support. From advanced safety features to comfort, Volvo’s commitment to safety with the VNL cab’s structure is crucial for Nelson long-haul drivers. “The Volvo cab is one of the safest in the industry. The quietness and comfort in the Volvo cab are second to none,” says Jardanowski.

UPTIME & CONNECTIVITY

“I think one of the best things that I’ve seen is the remote diagnostics and the over-the-air programming,” says Jardanowski. As a former mechanic, Jardanowski values the connected fleet services onboard every Volvo truck in his fleet.

These connected uptime services work together to provide fleet owners and drivers increased productivity through near real-time onboard telematics, diagnostics data, and software updates.

REMOTE DIAGNOSTICS

Remote Diagnostics provides real-time diagnostics for engine, transmission, and aftertreatment performance, which are transmitted and reviewed through the Uptime network.

The fully integrated diagnostic package means there’s no need for additional hardware or software purchases to manage fleet vehicles. That connectivity also means more time on the road, reducing diagnostic time by more than 70%.

“It’s so handy. You don’t have to worry about what a driver thinks the truck is doing. The truck is telling me what it’s doing. That’s a huge benefit for me.”

– Don Smith, Fleet Manager, Nelson Freight Service

REMOTE PROGRAMMING

Taking a vehicle out of rotation to perform software and parameter updates can decrease productivity for fleets like Nelson. By using remote programming, updates for software and parameters are done over the air, so there is no need to remove trucks from service. Drivers can simply pull over, connect to the Volvo Uptime Center, and upgrade the needed software over the air. Volvo’s uptime and connectivity services ensure trucks are diagnosed, updated, or scheduled for service as swiftly as possible, minimizing downtime and keeping trucks moving wherever they are while keeping drivers informed.

Fleets also have the support of 400-plus dealer locations within the Volvo Trucks Dealer Network. For parts and other maintenance needs, Jardanowski works primarily with his local dealership, Kriete Truck Center – Green Bay.

“Kriete’s service department does an excellent job of ensuring our trucks get back on the road quickly. The support to find parts is second to none,” Jardanowski states.

“Having the Uptime Center schedule service or tell us where we can find the closest dealer is a great help. It’s been excellent in supporting us.”

In an industry where driver satisfaction, efficient service, and uptime are paramount, Nelson Freight Service stands out as a company that understands and meets the needs of its drivers and customers ensuring that they are not only satisfied but also proud to be part of the Nelson Freight Service family.

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