There are proprietary touches to every MOB flatbed truck
Masters of Barricades takes pride in having one of the largest flatbed fleets in the area, but not everything that excites the largest privately owned traffic control company in the area is about quantity. Quality has become a big part of the company’s reputation, and that includes its trucks.
“When you look around the valley, most traffic control trucks are unmarked white vehicles with failing directional signage,” explains Scott Palmer. “All our well-maintained trucks are wrapped in the distinctive MOB brand of caution yellow and black. You can spot our trucks out of a crowd, at night too — they are the ones with working directional boards. Every light is blazing bright.”
Scott says that he and the other owners innovated many of the flatbed truck customizations. Not only did they want to make their trucks safer, but they also wanted their employees to drive the trucks they wished they had when they were Traffic Control Technicians. This includes placing the directional control box at eye level, ensuring drivers never have to look down while operating a vehicle.
“We also have a central communication network that empowers the closest employee to respond to a service call rather than the Traffic Control Technicians who set up the job,” says Scott. “It’s part of an overall operations plan to empower our team members to have our customer’s back.”
According to Scott, even the smallest details add up. MOB traffic has developed efficiencies in every area of the business, ranging from how equipment is stacked on a truck to matching dispatchers with customers so there is a central point of contact. The trucks, equipment, and signage are all part of the package.
“Some companies stock first aid kits and tourniquets and some don’t,” says Scott. “It’s one of those things you don’t think about until there is an emergency. We take great pride in being part of the solution. It shows, not only in our ability to respond but also in creating a company culture that matters. Our employees know we’re doing the best we can to make this the finest workplace atmosphere in the field, which then translates into more attentive and responsive customer service.”
Shirts, vests, sunscreen, first aid kits, and all the other little details provided by MOB traffic management might seem insignificant to some, but they are not. Scott says most other companies consider those items, along with certification, to be expenses covered by employees. But at MOB, it comes with the territory.
In fact, it’s not even out of the question to see a food truck pull up at an especially significant event or construction site at times. The occasional complimentary lunch and employee-of-the-quarter perks are all part of a bigger picture to be the premier traffic control and pedestrian management company in the region. Based on growth, it seems to be working.
