pACE Setter A ce Re l o ca t io n

Sy s te m s, I n c . January 2016

In this issue:

Behind The Wheel 1

Main Street 1

Chuck’s Corner 2

Medical Exams 3

Winter Driving 3

Customer Support 4

Kathy’s Reminder 4

Ops/PVOs Meetings 5

Jim Hough Retires 5

Frontage Road 6

Important Dates 6

Our Space – HR Corner 7

Employee Spotlight 8

pACE Setter

Behind the Wheel - Jeff Beaumont, Ace 15

Jeff Beaumont resides in Springrun, PA with

his wife and two boys. He is the 4th genera-

tion of his family to be in the business. His

great grandfather owned a moving business

in the Philadelphia area. His grandfather was

partners in a moving business in Feasture-

ville, PA where he was an agent for Lyon

Van Lines. His father owned a moving com-

pany in Bucks County, PA where he was an

agent for Continental Van Lines and then

became an Atlas Van Lines agent.

At the age of 8, Jeff rode in a moving truck

as his family would take vacations to Disney-

land and the Grand Canyon in it.

Throughout high school he helped his dad in

the summer and on "educational trips". He

pursued a technical degree in heating and air

conditioning technologies while continuing

to do moves on his breaks. Although he

landed a job doing plumbing, heating, and air

conditioning, he didn’t feel the same satis-

faction that you get at the end of completing

a flawless move. Back to his dad’s company,

Jeff went and became a driver. After the

passing of his dad, and a company decline,

Jeff met Clay from Ace and joined our team!

Orlando $3,902,532.64

Maryland $6,398,585.31

Long Beach $2,297,747.14

Seattle $ 631,814.41

San

Diego $3,050,813.81

Chicago $1,996,022.60

San

Marcos $2,431,365.09

San Jose $4,508,349.63

Phoenix $1,876,059.32

When Jeff’s

at home he

enjoys

spending

time with

his family

and hanging

with his

boys. He

likes to

maintain his

truck and

collect toy

moving

trucks. He is also interested in classic cars.

Jeff enjoys stopping at the Texas Road

House on his long drives.

Jeff shared that “Ace operates seamlessly-

from dispatch to revenue processing.

They seem to search for finer and finer

improvements. Dispatch works with the

drivers, not against them”. On the road,

he is 100% focused on his work. To bring

great customer service he practices pa-

tience and good listening skills in order to

meet expectations.

Main Street - VP of Operations, Dan Lammers

Happy New Year. What will 2016 have in store for us? It's an election year,

so we will have some market uncertainty depending how the campaigning goes.

I’d like to look at the world with rose-colored glasses, but it’s my nature to be

cautious. The price of oil is decreasing which is great as a consumer but it

wreaks havoc on the world economy.

Ace has committed to 14 new Kentucky Trailers this year and we have secured

financing through our bank for additional power equipment. At the same time,

construction on the Illinois facility is nearing completion. We should be in our

new Chicago home by mid-February.

(Con’t on page 2)

2015 Hauling

(in dollars)

Please see the Video

Board for current Hauling

Excellence Numbers.

pACE Setter

FROM UNCLE CHUCK’S CORNER

SMOOTH OPERATOR AWARD

WINNERS FOR 2015

Long Haul: Josh Morton, Ace-64 Inspections-2, Violations-1, CSA Pts.-0,

Safety Points-0

Short Haul: Vince Conner , Ace-25

Inspections-1, Violations-0, CSA Pts.-0,

Safety Points-5

Local: Andy Pelman, Ace-25

Inspections-2, Violations-0, CSA Pts.-0,

Safety Points-0

Congratulations! For being the best in

Safety Compliance!

Smooth Operator Award Criteria

Months in service-12, Missing logs with

Atlas or Ace-0

Safety Points- 50 or Less, CSA Points-15

or Less

Roadside Inspections-1 or More,

Violations-1 or Less

Out of Service Violations-0,

Suspensions-0

DRIVER HIGHLIGHTS

Safe Driving Awards

Ray Toliver (Ace-66)

350,000 Miles

Scott Marconi (Ace-15)

350,000 Miles

Mike Smith (Ace-08)

200,000 Miles

Art Watkins (Ace-15)

100,000 Miles

Clean Level 1 Inspections

Gilberto Tapia (Ace-75)

Roberto Araujo (Ace-75)

Juan Luna (Ace-25)

New ELDs Installed

Jason Price (Ace-15)

Aaron Huamani (Ace-15)

(con’t New ELDs Added)

Rod Knott (Ace-25)

Brett Scott (Ace-62)

Brian Fortin (Ace-96)

ROOM FOR

IMPROVEMENT

Rule 4 Administration Fees

Delinquent Log Charges -

$1400.00

Log Book -$5500.00

Using unqualified Driver -

$550.00

2015 Late Log Charges-

$27,295.00

2015 Other Rule 4 Charges-

$21,199.00

Page 2

(Main Street – con’t from page 1)

As we continue to invest in this industry, we must also see that our business partners remain healthy as well. Our

relocation company clients, the direct contract business, the private consumer and our Contract PVO's must suc-

ceed simultaneously. A lot of things must happen at the same time in order for this to work.

We've committed in operations to reduce waste and capitalize on opportunities each day. Our Operations Man-

agers are headed to San Diego for our Semi-Annual Operations meeting on Feb 29th, March 1st and 2nd. Also

our 2nd annual Operations Week is planned for March 14th-18th. We will be focusing on being better than our

competition and providing a high value customer experience. - Dan Lammers

WINTER TRUCK DRIVING TIPS

Volume Page 3

Maintain your vehicle and have it “winterized” by a professional.

Do a proper pre-trip inspection to make sure all systems are working properly.

Keep the fuel tanks as full as possible. A half-full tank can lead to water condensation in the fuel line.

Carry some extra fuel treatment and use when needed to help prevent the diesel from gelling.

Stock your vehicle with basic supplies like warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, extra food, bottled water,

road flares and a first aid kit.

SLOW DOWN and adjust your speed appropriately for the road conditions.

Allow extra distance between you and the vehicles ahead of you.

Avoid using cruise control.

Use extra caution when traveling across bridges and overpasses as they freeze before the road.

Listen to weather reports and allow extra time BEFORE you head out.

Clear snow and ice from all windows, hood and roof, including your trailer.

Make sure headlights and taillights are cleaned frequently.

PLAN AHEAD and know where truck stops are, so you can stop should the weather turn bad.

Carry the correct amount of tire chains required.

If the time comes and chains are needed . . . STOP!

We are still having a problem with PVO’s waiting until the last minute to complete

their new DOT physical.

Obtain the new medical examination at least one month prior to the expiration date of the current medical

examination.

If at all possible, obtain the new medical examination in your domiciled state.

The medical examiner used to obtain the medical examination MUST be listed on the National Registry

of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME). If you need help in finding a certified clinic call Ace Safety.

Submit a copy of both the medical examination form and the medical examiner’s certificate to Ace Safe-

ty and we will review it for you to ensure the medical examiner’s certificate is completed in full and then

submit to Atlas for you.

You must submit a copy of the medical card to the state DMV immediately after obtaining the new

medical examination.

The copy of the medical examiner’s certificate must be submitted to the state DMV within 5 days of

obtaining the medical examination.

Once received by the state, the van operator’s driving record is to be updated with the current medical

information within 10 days.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION/DOT PHYSICALS

pACE Setter Page 4

Happy New Year!

As I sat at my desk wondering what the best way

would be to start this article, I thought to myself- how

to we convey an attitude of gratitude towards our

PVO’s and Contractors? Then it came to me… I will

start with a simple “THANK YOU”.

To all our Professional Van Operators and contractors,

thank you. We appreciate all you do (on and off the

record) to make sure our customers receive the best

possible service; you are the heart and soul of Ace,

and we owe you a debt of gratitude.

New this year, we will be sharing information, as well

as reminders, to hopefully make your job easier! For

our inaugural launch, I will leave you with these 9 tips

to providing excellent customer service:

-Know Your Product/Service – Know what it takes to

do the job inside and out.

-Be Friendly – A warm handshake and a smile can go

a long way when someone is under stress. Keep your-

self open and friendly.

-Say Thank You – Offer an attitude of gratitude, it

goes a long way in the eyes of the customer.

-Train your staff – Train your helpers and give them

clear expectations.

-Show Respect – Offer respect to the customer with-

out them having to earn it.

-Listen – Make sure to listen to what the customer is

saying by using your interpersonal skills.

-Be responsive – Make sure to respond in a timely

fashion. Even if you don’t know the answer, let them

know you will it find out.

-Ask for Feedback – Ask the customer if you per-

formed to their expectations.

-Use Feedback to your advantage – Good or bad, take

the feedback into consideration.

We will be here cheering you on throughout 2016 and

beyond!

-Nancy Fiechtner, Customer Service Manager

MESSAGE FROM CUSTOMER SUPPORT

KATHY’S REMINDER

Remember to get your own Weight Ticket when picking up a Military Shipment from a NTS warehouse.

Any warehouse you pick up from, you need to have your own scale ticket. You CAN NOT use the

warehouse’s scale ticket. You must also RIDER the shipment from the inventory they provide to you for

that shipment. Happy & Prosperous New Year to everyone!

Page 5 Volume

The 2016 Professional Van Operator/Operations Man-

agement meeting schedule has been determined. Due

to the coming ELD mandate, proposed and expected

enhancements in the CSA program and changes in the

governmental van operator qualification requirements,

it is extremely important for all available van operators

and agency operations staff to attend one of the meet-

ings.

After the safety discussion, the meetings will address

operations, company overview, claims, customer satis-

faction, and other van lines topics expected to be of

interest.

The meetings will begin at 8 am and conclude around

1 pm, with a light breakfast served before the meetings

and a lunch provided during the meeting.

The dates and locations of the 2016 meetings are:

Tustin, CA Saturday, January 23, 2016 Alexander’s Mobility Services (207)

2942 Dow Avenue

Tustin, CA 92780

Phone: 714-731-1658

Atlanta, GA Saturday, February 20, 2016

Atlantic Relocation Systems (1037)

1314 Chattahoochee Ave., NW

Atlanta, GA 30318

Phone: 404-351-5311

Evansville, IN Saturday, April 2, 2016

Atlas Corporate Headquarters/Annex Building

1212 St George Road

Evansville IN 47711

Phone: 800-638-9797, Extensions #2450,

#2809

Carrollton, TX Saturday, March 5, 2016

(Dallas) Nelson Westerberg (1511)

3214 Commander Drive

Carrollton, TX 75006

Phone: 972-447-0040

Naperville, IL Saturday, April 9, 2016

(Chicago) Prager Moving & Storage Co.

(1555)

155 Fort Hill Drive

Naperville, IL 60540

Phone: 630-276-1200

Upper Marlboro, MD Saturday, April 23, 2016

(Baltimore) Ace Relocation Services (15)

1400 Commerce Drive

Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

Phone: 301-867-0400

2016 PVO & Operations Management Meetings

Jim Hough Retires!

Jim spent the last 10 years of his career at

Ace 66 and has done everything from sales to

surveys to quality control. He is officially

retiring so he can now concentrate

100% on his wood working capabilities! Enjoy your

retirement Jim, and thanks for your great work!

Happy New Year from Phoenix!

2015 was a tremendous growth year for Ace 96 and

we look to continue the pattern in 2016. With the ad-

dition of Mande Moses and John Stodder to our sales

team, our objective is to take back the market share

with Private client business. Realtors continue to be

our focus and Scott Bennett is leading the way back

into the Commercial marketplace as well. We are

actively recruiting for OTR and Local Contractors as

we begin the preparation for the upcoming season.

Our Goal remains “To Meet or Exceed the Level of

Expectation” with all our clients. The more

education and training we can do before the season,

the better prepared we will be.

We service all four corners of Arizona, for the most

part, so please keep us in mind for shipments in

Albuquerque, Las Cruces, El Paso, Yuma, Tucson

and Las Vegas.

None would be possible without the support, culture

and great attitude of everyone in the Ace Family,

and for that, we Thank You. To a prosperous and

rewarding 2016 from your Cactus

office….Cheers!

-Tad Allies , GM

Frontage Road - David Wood and Staff at Ace 15 Page 6

Frontage Road - Tad Allies and Staff at Ace 96

pACE Setter

Check the video bulletin board at any Ace branch office

for the latest Hauling Excellence ratings and reviews!

HOW ARE WE DOING?

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Martin Luther King Day - Monday, January 18th

Operations Management Meeting in Tustin, CA - January 23rd. See page 5 for all meeting dates.

Valentine’s Day - Sunday, February 14th

Operations Management Meeting in Atlanta, GA - February 20th. See page 5 for all meeting dates.

Operations Staff, from left to right:

Tad Allies, Roger Smith, Marty Proffitt, Debbie Kennard

Sales Staff, from left to right:

Scott Bennett, Mande Moses, Jennifer Neal,

John Stodder

Page 7 Volume

Get in Slow Lane

Does your inner voice keep saying, slow down?

You’d like to, but can’t find the time with nonstop deadlines, child care, places to be and people to text. Getting a lot done isn’t bad, but feeling constantly rushed is. During this busy season, give yourself permission to move into the slow lane. Here are 3 simple practices:

Pause. Say you’re sur rounded by traffic jams, chattering people or noisy crowds consciously shift your focus from these annoyances to the tangible things around you such as light, air and objects.

Observing the stillness of these elements can pro-vide a brief reprieve from rushing thoughts.

Retreat. Enjoy time-outs. Take a short walk and breathe in fresh air. Have a quiet lunch or

spend a few minutes reading. Meditate. Try it r ight now: Take a deep breath and relax your facial muscles. Lower your shoulders and arms, and loosen up your hands and wrists. If seated, uncross your legs or ankles; you’ll feel your thighs sinking into your chair, and your calves be-coming heavy. Now slowly breathe in and out. You’ve just activated your relaxation response.

Ease off the gas pedal and welcome the calm.

Make some new habits in 2016!

Good Sleep Runs

In The Family

Modern families face many barriers to getting quality

sleep. They’re busier and more dependent on smart devic-

es than ever before. In the 2014 National Sleep Foundation

(NSF) poll, parents cited evening and homework as the

most common reasons for missing sleep.

The poll also found that electronic devices, including TVs,

smartphones, tablets and laptops, are pervasive in bed-

rooms; 72% of children have at least 1 device in their bed-

room. Smart devices can disturb sleep through light and

noise, as well as use up time needed for sleep.

More than 90% of parents polled believe in the importance

of sleep for their family’s health. Yet 45% of kids age 6 to

17 aren’t getting the 9 hours of nightly sleep needed

through childhood and adolescence.

Ongoing sleep deprivation raises our risk for serious mala-

dies, including type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular

disease. For children, sleep is critical to brain development

and emotional health.

Besides poor concentration and performance, sleep-

deprived kids are more likely to be depressed, sick or

obese and have behavior problems.

Here’s advice from the NSF:

1. Set regular bedtimes and enforce them.

2. Be a role model; practice good bedtime habits.

3. Experts advise removing TVs and all screen devices

from bedrooms. Children need to stop using electronic

devices at least 1 hour before they go to sleep.

4. Ask your child’s teacher about any related behavior,

such as alertness problems or falling asleep in class.

5. Talk to your child about the importance of sleep.

6. Try to ensure that your child’s homework and activities

can be completed without interfering with the routine

bedtime.

GET IN THE SLOW LANE!

pACE Setter Page 8

https://twitter.com/acerelocation

https://twitter.com/AceReloPVO

https://www.facebook.com/acerelocation

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ace-relocation-systems

Joe Nasca has been the

local dispatcher at Orlan-

do since May of

2015. He was born and

spent 10 years in Buffalo,

NY. He lives with his

wife and two children,

and has a grandmother

Kathy Fleming has been

working at Ace for 8 years,

starting out in local dis-

patch, and is currently in

transition from Interstate

Dispatch to becoming the

operations manager for 43

on February 1. She was

born and spent the first 12 years of her life on

Long Island, NY, and her two daughters and five

grandchildren live in Florida. Her favorite non-

work activity is going to the casinos. Kathy says

the best things about Ace are the people and diver-

sity of the many hats she wears. She holds to this

day the Pompano Beach High School record in

440 track. We wish Kathy success in

her new position.

and two uncles close by in Florida. Joe likes working

with his team in Orlando. He spends his free time

participating in BBQ competitions and is headed to

Sonny’s Smokin Showdown along with 80 other teams

at the end of this month. Joe and his team will prepare

tasty masterpieces in four categories:

Chicken, pork ribs, pulled pork and beef

brisket. Good luck Joe!