Quote of the Month - Super Service, LLCsuperservicellc.com/files/newsletter/july2017.pdf · ·...
Transcript of Quote of the Month - Super Service, LLCsuperservicellc.com/files/newsletter/july2017.pdf · ·...
Message from Ron Scalzo, President/COO
Performance Plus Pay—June Results
Fundamentals—Trucking 101
Drivers and Diners
Independence Day and Change
Strategic Planning
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
JULY 2017 NEWSLETTER
Quote of the Month
“If you tell people where to go, but not
how to get there, you will be amazed at
the results.”
- George S. Patton
Welcome New Non-Driving Employees:
Mandy Morgan—Background Investigator
Ethel Walker—Accounting Floater (MI)
Mychal Davis—Technician (GA)
Randy Davis—Technician (KY)
Jacqueline Shaner—Logistics Support (FL)
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Message from Ron Scalzo, President & COO
It has been seven weeks since I joined Su-
per Service and during that time I have met
many of you and look forward to meeting
and working with all of you over the com-
ing weeks. The market continues to be
challenging with no end in sight of the se-
vere industry-wide driver shortage. On the
plus side, van rates are at a two year high
and certain markets like the Southeast have
demand that far exceeds capacity.
We have made some changes both big and
small and have several initiatives in-flight
that we believe will provide benefits to Su-
per Service and will ultimately be reflected
in our performance. Some examples of
current initiatives include:
Adjustments to our network to put
us in a better position to meet our
service commitments
Rollout of our new driver pay pro-
gram along with enhancements to
our recruiting and truck staffing
functions
Launched a maintenance initiative
in Ellenwood, Somerset and
Grand Rapids focused on reducing
our leading causes of breakdown
and improving productivity
We still have much to do but we are begin-
ning to see results including:
Positive trend in service levels
First increase in staffed trucks in
more than three months
Improvements in revenue per
truck and net revenue
A record week and a strong tra-
jectory in our logistics business
As I have worked my way around the com-
pany one very obvious observation is the
renewed energy and excitement I see
across our business as we strive to be the
best we can. Let’s all make the 2nd half of
2017 a great one.
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“The best way to predict the future is
to create it.”
- Abraham Lincoln
Performance Plus Pay—June Results
Submitted By: Vaughn Yow, VP of Operations
June results for our new Performance Plus Pay program have been finalized! I am pleased to announce a large
majority of our drivers achieved their goals in multiple categories. Congratulations to those who took ad-
vantage of this opportunity to significantly increase their rate of pay. We truly do have some of the most talent-
ed drivers in the industry.
Recap of June Results:
If you have questions regarding Performance Plus Pay please contact your Driver Manager. An email and
results postcard will be sent out on July 3rd with a summary of your June performance and July pay rate. Re-
member your new performance pay rate will be effective on July 2nd, 2017 and reflected on your July 14th pay
check. Thanks for all you do to make our company successful!
Safety Measurement On time Service 59% of eligible drivers met all safety requirements 85% of eligible drivers had no driver related failures
MPG/Fuel Measurement Availability 47% of eligible drivers achieved their goal 70% of eligible drivers were available for 88% of the 22 working
days in June
# Drivers by Total Performance Plus Pay Rate
Rate per Mile Increase # of Drivers Qualified
0 9
1 cent per mile 46
2 cents per mile 109
3 cents per mile 118
4 cents per mile 138
5 cents per mile 143
FUNDAMENTALS—TRUCKING 101
Submitted By: Jay Thomas, Director of Safety
Over the past few weeks, several drivers have come in to visit and speak their minds. More often than not,
the issues they express are the same as those brought up in years past. Even when I was driving, I experi-
enced many of the same concerns. Breakdowns, sitting too long, or not enough miles are common themes
within the industry. It was not until I came off the road and became a Driver Manager, and later a Load
Planner, did I realize all the moving pieces of which the motor carrier has no control. Take for instance; a
maintenance man stays home from work and for whatever reason the assembly line goes down and the plant
is short staffed due to his absence. Production is reduced and now the shipment won’t be ready in time for
the scheduled truck. The driver (maybe you), who was planned on the load, who may have sat for a few
hours nearby, now is taken off the load. Of course the driver is upset. Also, the driver may have to either sit
longer or drive farther to pick up another load, which now may be late due to the breakdown of another driv-
er who was in route to pick up the load. Now the shipping manager yells at the driver for being late. Sound
familiar?
On the other hand, from the company perspective, a company wants to earn as much revenue per truck as
possible with the least amount of dead-head miles (miles the company does not get paid for). In order to pay
for the overall operation, there is a cost per truck which must be earned. Therefore, it is in the best interest
of the company to make sure you, as a driver, are getting the best dispatches in the correct geographical are-
as (where there is return freight at the highest price) so the best utilization can be obtained for each tractor.
Doesn’t this sound like the same thing every driver wants? I know when I was driving, I told my Driver
Manager to get me the most miles and keep my wheels turning. I did not want to sit.
So if both the company and the drivers want the same thing, why is it so difficult? It falls back on the basics
and understanding the whole picture.
It doesn’t matter if you are pulling a flatbed, dry van, or refrigerated freight, every trucking company has the
same set of problems. Freight cancels, assembly lines go down, dock workers call in sick, and trucks or
trailers breakdown.
To understand the whole picture, it is important to look at our FOUR BUILDING BLOCKS:
SAFETY is number ONE. There is only one of you and you cannot be replaced. Your personal safety is
our number one goal. You are the captain of the ship. It is your license, you have the key and you put the
truck in gear. So if you do not feel safe, you don’t drive.
INTERNAL CUSTOMER LOYALITY - Number TWO. Every employee is an important component of
the team and needs to be treated with respect and given the opportunity to perform. Success is only achieved
when everyone works together as a team. If you see an opportunity to correct an issue or fix a problem, and
all you do is stand around and point fingers, then you are not part of the team…you might be part of the
problem.
EXTERNAL CUSTOMER LOYALITY – Number THREE – This is where our money is. These are our
customers who pay the bills. They also dictate the schedules. We need to do everything possible to ensure
we service the needs of our customers so we can keep their business and maintain a reputation of being a
good business partner. There is nothing better than word of mouth for advertising. On the other hand, nega-
tive comments spread like wild fire.
Finally, there is PROFITABLE GROWTH – If we remain safe, avoid accidents and fines, reduce driver
turnover by taking care of our drivers and internal staff, provide excellent service to our customers, fuel
where we are told to fuel and take care of our equipment, then we can achieve profitable growth. Profita-
ble growth allows us to by newer equipment and provide pay increases and bonuses.
The funny thing about trucking is, there are several employees who have left and returned. I review sever-
al rehire requests every week. While we are glad you returned to Super Service, we should all remember
there are going to be good and bad days. There will be times when the grass looks greener somewhere
else.
Keep in mind, trucking is trucking. For past 30 + years, I have been involved in the industry. Every com-
pany is bidding on the same freight and getting the same rates, which means there are only so many ways
you can split a dollar. If you are getting more in one place, you are losing it in another.
If you are having problems or you don’t feel you are heard, call either Richard Morrow, your Safety Man-
ager or myself. We want to hear from you. We cannot fix what we do not know is broken.
Thank you for everything you do for us and be safe.
DRIVERS AND DINERS
Submitted By: Fred Needham, VP of Sales/Marketing
AND
Carlos Brignoni was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He came to the United States
when he was twenty. He initially started working for American Airlines and later
ventured to employment with a couple of off-shore oil drilling companies before
becoming a full-time OTR driver. Carlos calls the Memphis area home and has
been with us for a couple of months. He says he enjoys working for Super Service
and really appreciates how he is treated and the good miles he receives.
Left to right: Tommy Taylor (Regional Sales Manager) and
Carlos Brignoni
Independence Day and Change
Submitted By: Steve Maat, Director of Human Resources
On July 4, 1776, our forefathers formalized the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia,
PA claiming freedom from King George III and the Kingdom of Great Britain. The Declara-
tion of Independence declared the thirteen colonies to be a new nation: the United States of
America. Can you imagine the level of courage needed to sign your name to such a declara-
tion? The people inhabiting the thirteen colonies were split (some favored independence;
while others were loyal to the crown).
Fast forward a few hundred years, and the United States has grown to become one of the larg-
est, most successful countries in the world.
Our forefathers recognized change was needed for the United States to be successful. Similar-
ly, Super Service must be able to recognize when change is needed and take action to be suc-
cessful.
In today’s world, change is constant, inevitable and necessary. Super Service must be flexible
and willing to adapt to industry and/or economic changes which affect our business. To do
this, we are constantly monitoring every aspect of our business to determine whether any
changes are needed to bring more success to Super Service.
As mentioned previously, our forefathers had to have immense courage to sign their names on
the Declaration of Independence. They had to have the courage to speak up and the courage to
act to achieve the result (i.e. independence) they were looking for.
The year of 2017 is half way over. Let’s look inward and find those change opportunities to
bring Super Service to the top of the truckload world.
We have a fantastic team in place. Thank you for being a part of it!
THE MAINTENANCE MINUTE—INSPECTION LANES
Submitted By: Luke Smith, MI Service Manager
The safety inspection lane is designed to check the overall condition of equipment
coming in or out of our facilities. While the vehicle is in the safety inspection
lane, the driver will be asked if he/she has any known defects or concerns. They
will be asked to submit the defects on a DVIR.
Shop personnel will inspect the condition of the brakes, lights, tires, tire pressure,
grease seals, fluids, air leaks, federal inspection, PM status, decals, placards and
permits. If a safety or DOT defect is found, it will be immediately addressed or
the vehicle will be placed out of service until it can be repaired. Less critical is-
sues which may need attention will be scheduled or put into a “work pending sta-
tus” to be addressed at a later date. These repairs will normally be addressed on
the scheduled PM. Additionally, any PM due will be scheduled or communicated
to the driver and operations for scheduling at a later date.
All safety inspection lanes are located for ease of access at each facility. While
each facility has a slightly different path to the inspection lane, each facility is
clearly marked with signage to assist with the process.
The safety inspection lane is not designed to replace a quality pre- and post-trip
inspection by our professional drivers. It is an additional inspection process to
keep our equipment safe and prevent breakdowns between scheduled mainte-
nance intervals.
Help us keep our equipment safe and use the safe-
ty inspection lanes at all our facilities.
SAN ANTONIO COOKOUT
Submitted By: John Kidd, Director of Dedicated Services
In mid-June, we had a cookout for our San Antonio Vascor account employees.
Below are a few pictures:
No one on earth understands the complexities of electronic logging better than the
American truck driver. It stands to reason, a driver’s livelihood depends on completing
11 hours of driving before the 14 hour rule has lapsed. John Wooden, the late great
UCLA basketball coach told his players “Focus on what you can control, not what is
out of your control”. Taking charge with a positive and constructive approach will
contribute to the overall success of your career and earning potential. I have outlined
some basic concepts. I’m hoping this will open the doors to some great conversations.
SET YOUR OJECTIVES: At times, looking at one day’s productivity or even a week
can be frustrating. Best practice is to look at a month at a time. Ups and downs will hap-
pen. However, set your sights on winning the month. Set a goal: let’s say 9500 miles
for July. If you are home 7 days in the month of July, you have worked 24 days. Doing the math, the average daily miles needs to
be just short of 400 paid miles per day to reach 9500 miles for the month. Keep track and report your daily average to your Driver
Manager, “Boss, I am averaging 375 miles for each day worked. I’m a tad short of my objective of 395 miles.” Working together
to bring your average up is much more effective if we have a clear picture of your objective. This approach saves time and energy
to focus on results.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP: Thirty minute rest breaks, fuel stops, perhaps combining both in the same location. The options are
endless. Strategizing the smallest detail can potentially enhance your productivity results. Another example is if your customer has a
staging area, planning your ten hour break in that location might gain you the advantage in the next days 14 hour clock. Having the
wherewithal to have provisions ready makes this option possible. Keeping your options open to maximize potential miles is taking
control and planning strategically.
COMMUNICATE YOUR TRIP: Send macro 31 in daily. Mornings are best, but if you are working late, send it in before you
change status to Sleep Berth. Remember the bottom right “Send” light will not illuminate and enable send until all fields are filled
out correctly.
HOW MANY HOURS WILL YOU HAVE LEFT TO DRIVE AFTER EMPTY? - This information is vital to the Planners.
This will help maximize your earning potential. If you just completed your break this number might be as high as 11.
TRAILER # insures the proper equipment for your next assignment. Different loads require different types of trailers. If you
have no trailer leave it blank.
REVISED ETA DATE: (Estimated Time of Arrival of your next destination). If you are under dispatch and have an appoint-
ment time or an open window, this will communicate your ETA. If you are not planned, the time you arrived at your current
location is the time you would want to insert. This way you have earmarked your wait time for your next plan.
ETA TO: The location of your next destination, or if not planned, where you are presently.
NEXT HOME TIME DATE: Fill in the date you need to be home. Generally, midnight on that date is considered a success.
Please plan accordingly.
LOCATION – City and State you have arranged with your DM. Or, you have the option of varying the location as long as we
run that lane and you have arranged in advance the location.
PREV DAY HOURS OF SERVIVE: - Insert date and Hours worked, the combination of Drive Time and On Duty time for that
day.
COMMENTS: PTA (Projected Time of Availability) and/or anything else you feel would be relevant to your DM or the Plan-
ners about your next load or other needs.
Sending this information daily really helps productivity. Be consistent, constructive and positive. A good rule of thumb is to resend
whenever anything changes. The most accurate and up to date information makes for the best plan. Please direct your questions to
your DM. I’m always interested as well in hearing your questions, thoughts and views. Please feel free to send me an e/mail:
[email protected] or call my extension # 1701. I also monitor macro 24 messages.
Strategic Planning By Richard Morrow – Retention Manager
Employee Profile—Mark Collins
Mark Collins started his tenure at Super Service as a Driver from 1989-1993. In October of 1993, he transitioned into the office and has been employed with Super Service for 24 years. Mark is currently a Breakdown Coordinator on first shift. Previously, Mark has been in dis-patch, planning, and managed the Toyota account during his time at Super Service. He loves working at Super Service and learning more about the transportation industry every year.
Mark has been married to his wife (Diana) for 29 years. They have one Son (Kyle –26), one Daughter (Kaylene –24), and three Grandchildren (Madisyn-8, Emma-5, Jeice-9 months). Di-ana graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Kyle graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and Kaylene is in the process of earning her Business Administration degree.
Mark’s hobbies include working on cars and pick-ups, metal detecting, fishing and working with the local library on Truck Day every year for the kids.
He would like to thank everyone for letting him be a part of the Super Service family. He is proud to be part of the team.
3
July Driver Years of Service Recognition—Thank You!!!
Name Years of Service
Vaughan, Susan 6
Hodges, Michael 7
Lowe, Russell 8
Westerfield, Michael 8
Borovikov, Alexander 15
McClure, Thomas 15
Brooks Jr, Clifford 19
Jasper, Ronald 19
Bolin, Glen 22
Deer, Glenn 23
Briseno, Joe 26
Name Years of Service
Balch, James 1
Carter, Jeremiah 1
Hebel, Daniel 1
Lindsey, Ralph 1
Allen, David 2
Dehkam, Ramin 2
Edwards, Scottie 2
McCormick, James 2
Premo, Walter 2
Cowherd, Darren 5
Dugger, Richard 5
Hill, Richard 5
Lawson, David 6
Ruffin, James 6
July Non-Driving Employee Years of Service Recognition
Thank You!!!
Name Years of Service Position
Timothy Cooke 1 Shop Shift Foreman—GA
Dawn Lane 1 Driver Recruiter—FL
Lin Novak 1 Accounts Payable—MI
Brad Bastin 2 Technician—KY
Caitlin Denzinger 4 Equipment Manager—MI
Fran Kephart 5 Director of Maintenance—GA
Scott Reoch 5 Sr Financial Analyst—MI
Laif Lampson 6 Body Shop Technician—MI
Matt Larkin 6 Parts Manager—KY
Bobby Wells 7 Technician—KY
Brian Dykstra 12 Technician—MI
Terri Tucker 16 Billing Specialist—KY
Tony Doornbos 17 Driver Manager—MI
Jeff Tackett 23 Asst Service Manager—KY
June Clean Road Side Inspection List
We Pay $50 For Every Clean, Properly Logged Inspection
Sheehan Merritt Anthony Salvo Jerry Boga
Richard Chaplin Edward Raymond Gregory Finney
Mark Kennedy William Harrison Terrance Brown
Audrey Shoffner Sovath Sovann Lori Ward
Martha Barnes David Deckard Kimberly Lucas
Danielle Dryden Tony Walker Holly Jessie
Jerry Sherrod Jonathan Stewart David Kirumba
William Duke
Earn Up To $2,000 for
Driver Referrals
We know our Super Drivers come in contact with other safe, experienced professional drivers every day. We hope you will consider sending them our way! Now, telling them about the opportunities at Super Service is even easier.
We created a new handout, espe-cially for referring prospective driv-ers. So, when you find someone who could be a great fit for the Su-per Service Team, send them our way! Drop by the Recruiting De-partment and pick up a few of the new driver referral door hangers to-day or contact recruiting at 800.326.8889 for all the details! Re-fer safe, experienced drivers and start earning $$$$ today!
- Super Service LLC Recruiting
We have Safety Meetings every Friday at
Super Service terminals. Join us for some
good grub and important safety information.
Safety will be available to answer questions.
Upcoming Events
Super Service, LLC
6000 Clay Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
616-530-8558 x1341 ph
616-588-6391 fax
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Super Service Blog:
http://blog.driveforsuperservice.com/