National Trails: Cultivating a Winning Company Culture as Detroit’s Premier Transportation Company

At National Trails, we're more than a transportation company; we're a family!

With every mile we travel and every destination we reach, our focus remains on creating a company culture that keeps our employees engaged, motivated, and proud to be part of the #NTfam. Since National Trails was acquired by Austin Arksey in 2019, our journey has been one of exponential growth, driven by a strong commitment to both our team members and our values.

From a modest start in 1982; growing to a small business with only 10 employees and 5 charter buses, we’ve since grown into a transportation company with nearly 300 team members and a fleet of 28 charter buses and over 160 school buses. With our ever-expanding fleet, we're committed to serving Southeast Michigan and beyond with unparalleled dedication.

But the heart of our success lies not only in our services but also in the thriving culture we’ve built within our team. Here’s how National Trails continues to be a standout in the industry and one of the Best Places to Work in the Metro Detroit area.

Building a Legacy of Family and Company Pride at National Trails

Company Culture has been the “secret sauce” behind National Trails’ growth and ability to retain top talent in a very competitive industry, with nationally declining rates of CDL Operators. In fact, studies show that organizations prioritizing employee engagement see an average 23% higher profitability, and businesses that emphasize strong company culture are more than twice as likely to retain their employees over time.

At National Trails, we believe that taking care of our employees translates into taking better care of our clients and delivering award-winning customer service that sets us apart. We call our team the #NTfam because we are dedicated to making transportation feel like family!

How we've cultivated a winning company culture at National Trails

Team-Building and Engagement Through Monthly Activities

Creating a work environment that values and celebrates each individual is at the heart of our mission. National Trails places a strong emphasis on monthly employee engagement activities, from special lunches to personalized, branded gifts. In September, each team member received a custom National Trails crew neck sweatshirt to show off their #NTfam pride. To celebrate the fun and festivities of Halloween, we gave each employee a free pumpkin; encouraging participation in our Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest at the Halloween Party.

Such gestures of appreciation and engagement foster a sense of belonging and ownership among team members, enhancing both job satisfaction and team spirit.

National Trails Spirit Week: Celebrating Togetherness and Fun

One of our most anticipated events of the year is the National Trails Spirit Week. Held this past October, Spirit Week is designed to bring our team together and make each day at work memorable. Every day of the week features a different theme, creating excitement, perfect attendance, boosting team morale, and encouraging everyone to get involved.

This year, Spirit Week included:

• National Trails Day on Monday: Employees wore their favorite National Trails swag with pride.
• Fall Flair Day on Tuesday: Team members got creative with fall and Halloween-themed attire.
• On Wednesdays We Wear Pink: In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
• Halloween Costume Day on Thursday: Costumes filled the office, adding to the festive spirit.
• Michigan Sports Team Day on Friday: The team showed off their love for Michigan-based sports teams, with plenty of Detroit Lions gear on display.

What made this year’s Spirit Week extra special was the friendly competition between our terminals. Congratulations to our team at Detroit Public Schools Community District - East Terminal for winning the 2024 Spirit Week competition! As a reward, they will enjoy a complimentary lunch of their choice, courtesy of National Trails.

Recognition and Appreciation All Year Round

Our commitment to team appreciation doesn’t end with Spirit Week. Throughout the year, National Trails continues to show our gratitude through holiday gifts like Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas hams. These traditions are just a small part of the kindness and heart that define our company culture.

At National Trails, each employee is more than just a member of the team; they’re family.

Investing in our Drivers with Competitive Wages: The Positive Impact on National Trails Customers

At National Trails, we believe in paying our drivers competitive wages, recognizing that they are the heart and face of our company. Numerous studies reveal that paying drivers a higher wage not only increases job satisfaction and reduces turnover but also directly benefits our customers in terms of safety, reliability, and service quality.

The Statistics Behind Higher Driver Wages

Investing in competitive wages for drivers isn’t just good for our team—it’s an investment that pays off for everyone, including our customers. Research shows that companies with higher wages see a 50% reduction in turnover compared to companies paying industry-standard or minimum wages. Lower turnover means our customers can count on experienced, dedicated drivers who know our routes, vehicles, and safety protocols inside and out.

Additionally, data reveals that drivers who receive higher wages are 20% less likely to experience fatigue-related incidents due to having a more manageable work-life balance. At National Trails, we are proud to say that our drivers have a safer driving record because we prioritize both fair compensation and manageable schedules.

How HIGHER DRIVER WAGES Benefits National Trails Customers

By investing in competitive wages, we’re not just supporting our team—we’re supporting our customers’ experiences.

Here’s how:

1. Enhanced Safety and Reliability: With better wages, our drivers are more motivated and committed to maintaining a perfect safety record. Customers can feel confident knowing they’re riding with experienced professionals who prioritize safety.
2. Superior Customer Service: Higher wages contribute to a positive work environment, which means our drivers are more likely to go above and beyond to provide excellent customer service. They are more engaged, friendly, and eager to help with everything from managing luggage to offering local tips for the destination.
3. Consistency and Familiarity: Since our drivers are more likely to stay with National Trails long-term, customers often enjoy a familiar face and consistent service when booking with us. Familiarity helps build trust and allows drivers to better anticipate the needs and preferences of frequent clients.

National Trails is proud to invest in competitive wages for our drivers, knowing it leads to safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable travel experiences for our customers. For us, it’s all part of creating a company culture where excellence is not just expected but rewarded—so that our team and our customers can journey together with confidence.

Why National Trails is One of the Best Places to Work in Detroits Transportation Industry

By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, National Trails fosters a sense of pride and ownership among its employees. Here’s what some of our team members have to say about working at National Trails:

“Working for National Trails was the best life-altering decision I’ve ever made. In an ever-changing and competitive field, National Trails has kept me captivated with good pay, benefits, and quality treatment of employees. I greatly enjoy being part of a company that treats you like family – not just part of the bottom line. Most concerns are met and addressed in a timely manner. National Trails is where employees matter!”

-Yolanda C. National Trails School Bus/ Motor Coach Driver

“I appreciate how National Trails goes out of its way to show they care about our well-being. Our owner truly cares about our entire staff and sees to it that we are all engaged. It’s great to work somewhere that values both hard work and having fun.”

-Jeni S. Confirmations Specialist

“Since joining National Trails, I’ve felt like part of a family. The team culture and support I receive from my Dispatchers make me proud to come to work every day. I am well-compensated for the work that I do and acknowledged for the effort I put into my job!”

-Regina M. National Trails School Bus Driver

“I love working for National Trails because we feel like a family. The company puts in a lot of effort to make us feel that way. You don’t see that kind of appreciation everywhere.”

-Jennifer B. National Trails School Bus Driver

“What I like most about National Trails is my Dispatch team at my terminal. They always greet staff members with warm, loving smiles; we couldn’t have asked for a better group of leaders!”

-Bernadette R. National Trails School Bus Driver

“I’ve worked for another transportation company, but I didn’t feel the closeness like I do at National Trails. I love working here!”

-Sarah F. National Trails School Bus Driver

These testimonials reflect the core of what makes National Trails not only a successful Charter Bus & School Bus Transportation Company but also a workplace where employees can truly thrive!

Why National Trails is the Best Choice for Transportation Jobs in Metro Detroit

By focusing on company culture, National Trails has cultivated an environment where employees feel valued and supported.

It’s our belief that when employees love where they work, they’ll go above and beyond to provide the best service to our clients. 

Whether you’re searching for a Charter Bus Company for your next group outing or considering a career with a transportation company known for its commitment to culture, National Trails is here to exceed expectations. Let us show you the National Trails difference when you become part of the #NTfam!

Contact National Trails today to book your Charter Bus or School Bus rentals with confidence, knowing your group’s safety is our top priority. Experience the difference with our modern, professionally equipped fleet – because at National Trails, safety comes first.

We can't wait to have you ride with us!