When hiring is urgent, clarity and execution matter. That was the case for Panhandle Express, a 105-truck fleet based in Hereford, Texas.

They partnered with KJ Media and Double Nickel to accelerate their process. The results came fast—and they didn’t just fill seats. They built momentum.

A Recruiting Team Ready to Perform

Panhandle’s in-house recruiting team had experience—but they were stuck dealing with inconsistent leads, slow turnaround times, and too many unqualified applicants. They weren’t lacking effort—they were lacking a system that could keep up.

“We just weren’t excited to make the calls anymore,” said Suzanne London, who leads driver recruiting at Panhandle. “We were spending too much time talking to people we couldn’t even hire.”

The Power of an Aligned Partnership

KJ Media stepped in to lead advertising strategy and full-funnel campaign execution—targeting the right drivers, in the right areas, with messaging that resonated. Everything was tailored to Panhandle’s hiring goals.

Meanwhile, Double Nickel provided a clean ATS and automation layer that allowed the recruiting team to act fast—without getting buried in admin work.

Together, both partners stayed aligned on execution, communication, and measurable outcomes.

“We’ve been through tech transitions before. They’re usually painful and drawn out. This one was seamless.”

The Results (in Just 60 Days):

  • 20 hires (compared to 12 in a typical period)
  • Offers sent within 24 hours of lead entry
  • 100% close rate on top candidates
  • Internal team morale fully re-energized
  • Now preparing to build a waitlist of qualified drivers

“We’re finally excited to make the calls again—because the right drivers are coming in.”

Why It Worked

  • KJ Media delivered strategic advertising execution that drove qualified, local applicants
  • Double Nickel powered the backend with efficient ATS workflows, AI tools, and visibility
  • Panhandle’s internal team stayed focused—because they trusted the system

“We didn’t have to follow up or chase things. We asked for something—and it got done.”

Bottom Line

This wasn’t just about solving a short-term hiring need. With KJ Media and Double Nickel, Panhandle Express created a high-velocity system built for growth—and now they’re building a waitlist.

Want to see what this approach could do for your fleet?
 Book your free 30-minute recruitment audit link HERE