At Centerline, our people make everything possible. Our Mobile Driver solution allows us to temporarily relocate experienced, reliable drivers to high-need markets and remote locations where the driver pool is small.
We spoke with Virginia Barragan, Manager of Mobile Services, to learn more about what makes Mobile different and how our team brings this unique solution to life.
- What’s your background and how did you get into this business?
I have nearly three decades of experience in transportation, with about half of that time dedicated to staffing. My journey began in the freight brokerage sector, overseeing operations for truckload, LTL, rail, OTR, and air freight. I invested numerous years in this industry, even owning my own brokerage firm for several years. Roughly two decades ago, I made the transition to Centerline, where I've been stationed, aside from a brief hiatus focused on startups within the staffing industry. I’m currently managing the mobile division for Centerline.
- How many drivers does your team support and how do you match drivers?
Our Mobile team has an amazing pool of drivers that we connect with jobs across the country.
Typically, we manage a pool of drivers between 100-150 on average during peak seasons.
Depending on client demands, our team could have close to 200 drivers operational at any given time.
The Mobile team dedicates itself to meticulously matching our drivers' skill sets with our customers' requirements. We ensure that our drivers possess the necessary experience and expertise to excel in their assignments. Our priority is to equip them with all pertinent information and details to ensure their success on-site with our clients.
Depending on client demands, our team could have various drivers with tanker, hazmat, flatbed, multiple-stop delivery, and over-the-road skills in our pool at any given time.
- What do you love most about your role?
What I cherish most about collaborating with the Mobile team is our ability to offer job opportunities to our drivers. This isn't just about work; it's about supporting their families and ensuring their well-being. It's incredibly rewarding to forge connections with these drivers, hear their stories, and match them with roles they genuinely enjoy. This aspect of our work holds immense power and impact.
I also find immense joy in being part of the Centerline team. The culture here, fostered by both the leadership and the Mobile team, is truly exceptional and unlike anything I've experienced elsewhere. There's a remarkable willingness among our team members to support one another, our drivers, and our clients. We stand united to tackle challenges and ensure tasks are completed, and I believe this camaraderie reflects in the satisfaction of our drivers and customers.
- What makes mobile different from other solutions?
The Mobile division at Centerline stands out for several reasons, with the exceptional quality of our drivers being paramount. Consistently, our customers highlight the professionalism and skill of our drivers as unparalleled in their experience. I'm proud to say that our team puts in considerable effort to recruit top talent in the industry. Moreover, our Mobile team distinguishes itself by going the extra mile in communication with both our customers and drivers. This dedication truly sets us apart and makes a significant difference in our service delivery.
- What’s one thing you wish people knew about mobile?
One thing I really wish more people knew is just how dedicated our Mobile drivers are. Every single day, I witness their unwavering commitment to their roles and the immense dedication they bring to their jobs. These drivers sacrifice a lot, often spending weeks or even months away from their families while on assignments. Not only that, but they also face a wide array of challenges, constantly having to adapt to different types of assignments. One week they might be behind the wheel of a flatbed truck, and the next they could be delivering food services. While this diversity keeps their skill sets sharp, it can also be incredibly challenging to navigate these varied experiences while being away from home. Yet, despite these obstacles, our drivers handle it all with incredible grace and professionalism. Their resilience and dedication truly deserve more recognition.
Thank you Virginia for being the absolute champion of Mobile. The expertise you bring to the team and to our drivers is unmatched.
To learn more about our Mobile solution or request Mobile drivers, get in touch with our team here.
