EVANSVILLE, IN — Atlas announced the launch of its new Shuttle Fleet and plans to fill more than 100 driving jobs by June 2012 within the new fleet and its Commercial Truckload Division. Through its new DriveAtlas initiative, Atlas is offering sign-on bonuses and several other incentives, including a lease-to-purchase tractor program for new owner operators or those looking to upgrade their equipment. For the new Shuttle Fleet, Atlas is currently filling both over-the-road and regional driving jobs, allowing flexible home time for drivers in this fleet.

“For more than six decades, Atlas has earned its reputation through our expertise and care in full-service moving and transportation,” said Jack Griffin, president and COO of Atlas Van Lines. “The Shuttle Fleet positions we are filling are very specific to the transportation of loaded trailers, which means the drivers we are seeking will truly be responsible to just drive. As an addition to the existing agent fleet, this new fleet allows more ways in which Atlas will grow, succeed and deliver on the promises we make to our clients.”

Shuttle Fleet drivers are strictly responsible for drop and hook trailer delivery service and are paid by the mile. Drivers receive an average of $1.52 per mile, which includes fuel surcharge and payment on loaded and empty miles. Drivers signing on by May 1 will also receive a $5,000 sign-on bonus that will be paid in $1,000 installments to be issued at the contract signing and then at 30, 60, 90 and 180 days from the date of lease with Atlas.

The Commercial Truckload Division’s no-touch freight drivers are eligible for a $5,000 bonus as well, which will be paid in installments throughout the first year of employment. Drivers in this division receive an average of $1.64 per mile.

Benefits offered to new drivers in these two divisions include a discounted fuel program, weekly pay with direct deposit option, free PrePass, free truck washes, optional health, dental and life insurance coverage, fuel-saving light loads, cell phone allowance, maintenance and passenger programs and more.

For each position, Atlas is looking specifically for owner operators, team drivers and recent graduates; those still attending school will be considered for the Shuttle Fleet. A Class A CDL License is required. Drivers will also be offered 2,100 to 2,500 miles per week, depending on the division, and 3,100 to 4,000 miles per week for teams.

Atlas is also working with representatives of Freightliner of Evansville and other third-party partners to offer lease-to-purchase tractor programs for various makes and models. Both new drivers and existing drivers looking to upgrade equipment are eligible, and little to no down payment is required (depending on make/model).The programs’ basic parameters include2006-07 tractors with a mileage range of 450,000 to 550,000 milesandfinancing through Daimler.

In addition to offering more than 100 employment opportunities, DriveAtlasalso offers extra benefits to those referring potential drivers. For each new driver referred, qualified and signed on with Atlas, $500 will be paid out to the person who referred them. Referrals should be made to the Atlas recruiting department at 800-525-3029 or jobs@driveatlas.com.