Memphis Stone & Gravel Uses Its Good Neighbor Trucking Policy To Educate Independent Truckers And Minimize Community Concerns.
By Therese Dunphy
Trucking complaints are a common challenge for aggregate producers, as neighbors often raise questions about noise, traffic and safety. For Memphis, Tenn.-based Memphis Stone & Gravel, and its sister company Lehman-Roberts, both wholly owned subsidiaries of Granite Construction, addressing these concerns has been key to fostering positive community relationships.
Their Good Neighbor Trucking Policy (GNTP) has proven to be an effective tool, ensuring smooth operations while demonstrating a commitment to being a considerate and responsible neighbor.
Implementing the Policy
“We rolled this (the GNTP) out back in 2009, and the motivation for it was that trucking is the number one concern that we have to deal with, particularly on a greenfield site,” said Alan Parks, vice president. “When we’re trying to permit an operation, trucking ranks right up there in the top three, and it’s usually the first. It’s usually a very irrational fear, but it’s very hard to defend.”
The policy was developed after consulting with peers in the industry. “The main reason we did it is that it gives us a policy in writing that we can use with independent truck drivers,” Parks explained. “It created a framework where we can explain our rules very clearly. If somebody doesn’t get on board, we can refuse to load them with our materials.” The need to take enforcement to that level, however, is quite rare.
Managing Complaints
While the policy sets clear expectations for independent trucker behavior, it doesn’t eliminate complaints completely. “Usually, where this comes into play the most is if an independent trucker is violating a designated haul route,” Parks said. “They may take a shortcut, because their business is moving product efficiently, and that’s how they earn their living.”
When a neighbor complains about a haul route violation, Parks or the superintendent request as much detail as possible to facilitate investigation. Sometimes, new drivers may use Google Maps and take the most direct route without knowing the designated haul routes. Parks sees this as an educational opportunity. “We tell them: ‘Hey, this is the deal,’ and usually that’s it. There’s no more enforcement action needed than that.”
Another common violation is trucks lining up too early before operation hours begin. These issues are addressed through regular communication and education, ensuring that drivers understand and comply with the company’s policies.
Since the policy was first enacted in 2009, it has been updated several times over the years. This allows it to incorporate new guidance when necessary and align changes to best practices or neighbor concerns. Newer versions of the policy, for example, remind truck drivers to minimize noise, another common neighbor complaint faced by members of our industry.
Its proactive approach to resolving issues has been well received by its neighbors. “They always say thank you,” Parks said. “The takeaway is that they see that we’re responsive. We’re not perfect, but we’re responsive in controlling it.”
“Alan, our superintendents, and the rest of the team have done a nice job with building those relationships with neighbors so they are comfortable calling in the first place,” noted Taylor McPherson, director of communications and engagement. “They have established an open-door policy and that’s half the battle.”
Building Relationships With Drivers
The success of the Good Neighbor Trucking Policy is based on three components: laying out the ground rules through the policy itself, providing site-specific supplemental information such as haul routes and operating hours that are linked to each operation’s permit conditions and specific local requirements, and having independent haulers sign the compliance agreement.
To facilitate relationship-building with these independent haulers, the company has had success with trucker appreciation days. Drivers are celebrated for their contributions through commemorative spotlights and company swag. The logistics team fosters good relationships with drivers as well as provides opportunities for them to sign the agreement.
“We want the truck drivers to understand they are part of our business,” Parks said. “We’re in this together.”
Memphis Stone & Gravel’s approach to trucking complaints isn’t just about solving problems – it’s about creating a partnership with its drivers and its neighbors. By rolling out a smart policy, training independent drivers, and keeping the lines of communication open, they’ve managed to keep the peace and the wheels turning. It’s a strategy that demonstrates how thoughtful practices can drive success while strengthening community bonds.
Therese Dunphy has covered the aggregates industry for nearly 30 years, while also serving multiple roles as a public official. As the owner of Stone Age Communications, she provides communications consulting services to help aggregate producers build stronger relationships within the communities they serve. She can be reached at [email protected].