Super Service Newsletter is now available!

Quote of the Month
“Correction does much, but
encouragement does more.”
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
(German Poet)
Welcome New Non-Driving
Employees:
Clifford Winston—Driver Recruiter (GA)
Amanda McIntosh—Driver Recruiter (KY)
JULY 2016 NEWSLETTER
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Random Thoughts with Dan Strong, CEO

New Performance Update Coming Soon!

In the Way of News

MI Truck Driving Championships

Internal Customer Loyalty

Drivers and Diners
Amanda Freeland—CSR (MI)
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Random Thoughts
with Dan Strong, CEO
Hopefully the picture strikes you
as a bit unusual. Automatic sprinklers running in the rain. I waited
until the rain cleared on Sunday to
do my powerwalk and when the
rain ended outside I went. I was
surprised to see as much sprinkler
activity as it was noon on a Sunday. Effective lawn watering happens best in the early hours, not
noon. But it brought a larger
point to me. “Automatic” can
sometimes mean, “redundant” or
“not necessary”…we always do it
this way…so it is “automatic”.
In times of tough economic uncertainty, we sometimes have to
check our “automatic” behavior. There are some things which
should be automatic, like pre trip
and post trip inspections, and other things, like running the
sprinklers every day at the same
time, regardless of weather conditions, which need to be evaluated. Just because you have,
“always done it this way” doesn’t
mean we should always do it this
way. We need to dig into our
usual processes and if it they
don’t make sense, we need to get
rid of them or change them.
So please take the opportunity to
identify your processes and make
sure they make sense and are not
just a habit.
Happy 4th of July!
NEW PERFORMANCE UPDATE COMING SOON
Submitted By: Vaughn Yow, Vice-President of Operations
Beginning in late July, a new performance update will be distributed to inform our professional drivers of their
bonus results for the previous quarter and Fast Track advancement status (if eligible). The update will be
mailed to each person’s home address and emailed to those with an email address on file. Staying true to our
company culture, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our incentive programs. I strongly encourage
everyone participating to ask questions to gain a clear understanding of how you can maximize your earnings
at Super Service. A sample letter is included below.
Sample Driver Performance Update
1st Quarter Bonus Results
John/Jane Doe, here is a summary of your 1st quarter bonus results.
MPG
MPG Result MPG Tier 1 Goal
7.68
7
MPG Tier 2
Goal
MPG Bonus Rate per Mile
(.02 cpm total)
Tier 1 = .01
cpm
7.35
Tier 2 = .01
cpm
Gross Bonus
Pay
MPG
$581.52
SAFETY
Preventable Accident
CSA Points Incurred
# of
Speedgauge
Events
No
0
1
Infinit-I Train- Safety Bonus
ing Complet- Rate per Mile
ed
(.01 cpm total)
Yes
.01 cpm
Total Gross Bonus Payout
Continued on Next Page...
Gross Bonus
Pay
SAFETY
$290.76
$872.28
1st Quarter Bonus Statistics – Total Company
% of Drivers Who Earned a Bonus Payout
Payment Details for Fleet
AverAchieved
Achieved
Achieved
Low
High
Total % of Drivers
age
MPG Tier 1
MPG Tier 2
Safety
PayPayEarning a Bonus
PayGoal
Goal
Goals
ment
ment
ment
60%
30%
36%
Yes
$244
$1038
$448
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE BEEN PROMOTED TO THE NEXT
FAST TRACK PAY LEVEL.
Fast Track Program
Promoted
to Next
Fast Track
Level?
52%
New Pay Level
New Pay
Rate
Next Advancement Level
Pay Rate @
Next Level
# of Bonuses
Needed to Advance
5 years
0.38
6 years
0.39
2
IN THE WAY OF NEWS
Submitted By: Jay Thomas, Director of Safety
Trucking has always been a heavily regulated industry; so it is important to stay up to date with the new and ever
changing regulations. This month, I will try to provide the highlights and lowlights of the current proposed and recently passed regulations.
ELD MANDATE
In a recent webinar, Brandon Wiseman, an attorney for Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, one of the largest
transportation law firms in the country, predicted the current electronic logging device mandate will withstand the legal
challenges and by December 18, 2017 the use of ELDs will apply to all commercial drivers required to keep a record of
duty status.
In the past few days, the ATA filed a brief in the Seventh Circuit favoring the mandate.
Currently, industry research indicates 53% of carriers are now compliant with the ELD mandate, either by using the
older AOBRD or the new ELD devices. Shippers concern over losing capacity has led to them wanting to know if their
carriers are using electronic logging devices, and if not, when they plan to implement them.
DETENTION TIME AUDIT
The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General will begin to collect data on the effects of detention time
in the trucking industry as directed by the FAST Act highway bill. OIG says detention time causes travel delays and
lost wages for drivers; which often makes drivers want to drive faster to make their delivery appointments or violate
the hours-of-service regulations to make up for the lost wages.
During the audit, drivers and motor carriers may sign up to participate in the study.
COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE DRUG AND ALCOHOL CLEARINGHOUSE
The publication of the final rule is slated for August 29, 2016. On May 18th, the rulemaking was sent to the Office of
Management and Budget for approval. The rule will establish a database of CDL holders who have failed or refused a
drug test and require all motor carriers to upload such information and query the database when hiring drivers. Currently, only 6 states have mandated reporting for drivers who fail or refuse drug tests.
Additionally, this rule will require all Owner Operators to provide the FMCSA with the name of their consortium or
third party administrator and submit their testing results to ensure compliance.
Once a driver has been listed on the database, the driver will be required to complete substance abuse counseling and a
Substance Abuse Professional will be required to upload the completion of the program into the data base.
Positive results and refusals will remain accessible for five years after completion of the required SAP Counseling program. Drivers who fail to complete the return-to-duty counseling process will have their information stored in the
clearinghouse indefinitely.
SPEED LIMITERS FOR TRUCKS
The proposed rule to require the installation and use of speed limiters has been sent to the White House’s Office of
Management and Budget. The rule would require all trucks weighing more than 26,000 pounds to be governed at 65
mph or less.
Once the OBM stamps its approval, the rule will be published and will be open for public comment for 60 days. After
the comment period, the rule will be submitted for final review to the OMB and the rule will likely go into effect two
years following publication of the final rule.
Since it has been over 60 days, and the OMB has not approved the rule, it is not expected to be published now until late
August or early September. The possibility of the final rule making is unlikely until next spring resulting in the enforcement date being pushed out until July 2019.
SLEEP APNEA RULEMAKING
The comment period for the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking has been extended to July 8, 2016. In the fall of
2013, a bill was signed into law requiring a formal rulemaking process to be followed regarding sleep apnea testing and
treatments for all safety sensitive function drivers and operators within the transportation industry. In December of
2015, the proposed rulemaking was sent to the OMB. On February 3, 2016, the White House’s Office of Management
and Budget approved the rule. This now clears the way for the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
CLOSER TO HOME
June 24, 2016 closed out the June CSA period and we reduced our CSA violation points in all basics. This should result
in yet another reduction in our CSA scores, which will be released on July 5, 2016. Last month, we saw a reduction in
all basics with the exception of one. The basic did not have any violations in the past two months and yet we did not see
a reduction in our score.
We also saw a reduction in preventable accidents per million miles (PMM) in May and we are currently trending to have
a repeat month in June.
Safety is our FIRST PRIORITY, our FIRST BUILDING BLOCK, and our FIRST OF FIVE THEMES. Without
safety, our cost of repairs and claims rise, our insurance premiums rise and; without a good safety score, our drivers and
customers do not want to do business with us.
Although, we cannot control the economy, we can control our future and the success here at Super Service LLC. It all
starts and ends with safety. Obey the speed limits, do not follow too close, wear your seat belt, Get Out And Look
(G.O.A.L.) and always use three points of contact.
Finally, last week, the Safety Managers attended a two day Safety Boot Camp to review where we have come from and
where we are heading as a company. After two days of training and brainstorming, we all went out and had some fun in
the 1st Annual Super Service Caddy Shack Golf Scramble. Next year, I hope some of you will join us in the fun. You
just have to have great golf attire!
Left to Right: Vic Tuck, Dan Haggerty, Roger Beachy and Jay Thomas
MI TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Submitted By: Dan Haggerty, Regional Safety Manager
On June 10 and 11, Super Service participated in the
Michigan Truck Driving Championships in Lansing,
MI.
Super Service was represented this year by four
drivers: Thomas Beahm, Jim Dugger, Dennis Hamilton and Terry Jergens. To qualify, a driver must
have a year of safe driving and no accidents, preventable or non-preventable.
When you see Dennis Hamilton, make sure you
congratulate him. He raised the bar this year by
placing second in Sleeper Berth. He joins the ranks
of Terry Jergens and John Wildbahn (who scored
awards in previous years).
From left: Terry Jergens, Dennis Hamilton, Thomas Beahm
and Jim Dugger
Super Service was on the field in every capacity representing our drivers and company. Our equipment was the official Sleeper Class tractor-trailer and on the course for inspections. We blanketed the
pre-trip inspection with volunteers and most of the 140 competitors worked with a Super Service representative as a result. Ron Komdeur, Driver Manager, took to the field and managed the “Rubber
Ducky” challenge where drivers make a right turn by placing the blind side tandems as close to the
duck without quacking it. Sounds simple...but blindsiding within two feet without a fender mirror?
Max points under 6 inches? Trust me when I say the duck gets quacked a lot!
Dennis Hamilton holding his 2nd place trophy
A special shout out to our volunteers: Ron Komdeur, Nicole Ash, Al Newman, Mendie Hamilton, Kora Hamilton, and Linda Wildbahn. Supporting the drivers and the event is a critical part of our success.
The Super Service crew representing at the MI Truck Driving Championships
The MI Truck Driving Championship, commonly known as the Truck Rodeo, is a two day event focusing on
three skill challenges. The challenges include a written test, a pre-trip inspection (where the driver has 8
minutes to find 6 defects hidden on the tractor-trailer), and the skills course featuring 6 different challenges.
The skills challenges are similar to the Student Graduation Courses we have at two of the our terminals...but
the challenges vary every year from a pool of 70 skill problems. To make it even tougher, it is also timed,
fender mirrors are covered, and you are not allowed to G.O.A.L. (Get Out And Look).
Needless to say, only the best in the business take on such a challenge and once again we represented!!!
The MI Truck Driving Championship of 2016 was successful and we are already looking forward to a bigger
2017. We hope to see you out there as well!
INTERNAL CUSTOMER LOYALTY
Submitted By: Richard Morrow, Orientation/Safety Instructor
I am excited to introduce a new service to our drivers. It’s
called the Internal Resolution Center. The purpose of this
line is to resolve issues in a professional and timely manner. In most cases, the Driver Manager relationship is the
primary approach in resolving all issues. Contacting your
Driver Manager first is always the most professional and
efficient way in resolving issues. However, if you feel
your issues are not being reasonably addressed, the Internal Resolution Center gives you another resource to
communicate your perspective. Other than safety, driver’s
careers are the most important focus we have at Super Service. We are all committed to your success and want you
to prosper. If you feel we are not living up to our commitment and you have exhausted all other means, please call
and let us know. Our Driver Services Line 855-4178737 has multiple extensions to help drivers with various
needs and information. We are establishing option #4 as
the designated “Internal Resolution Center” option.
Please call and leave your name and number and we will
return your call promptly.
Retention Matters:
A mother sees her daughter holding two apples. "May I have one?” she asks. The daughter
looks at her, takes a bite out of one of the apples, and with little hesitation takes a bite out of
the second. The mother is saddened; thinking her daughter was being selfish and rude. Then
the daughter hands an apple to her mother and says, “Here Mommy, this one is sweeter.”
So many times in my life I would have loved to have not been judgmental, and been slower to
anger. Each time going forward I promised to be a better person. Another great take away
from this little story is to always be apologetic as soon as possible when you have inserted your
foot in your mouth.
“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” – Mother Teresa
Thank you Dennis Duerksen for taking this awesome photo!
DRIVERS AND DINERS
Submitted By: Fred Needham, VP of Sales/Marketing
AND
On July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress declared the thirteen American colonies were a new nation, the
United States of America, and no longer a part of the British Empire. As the years have passed, Independence
Day is now commonly associated with parades, barbecues, picnics, fireworks and family reunions. In keeping
with the theme of Drivers and Diners, I especially love the part which involves eating. The 4th of July is typically one of the two or three times a year I prepare my baby-back ribs, accompanied by homemade sauce. My
brother, who is a 20+ year driver, says they are great, but does not understand why anyone would take 4-5
hours to cook anything.
We sincerely appreciate what each of you do for our organization on a day-in/day-out basis and the importance your work has on our nation’s economy. I hope each of you have the opportunity during the holiday
to spend some time with family and friends while enjoying your favorite activities – all surrounded by some
amazing food!
Please remember to practice smart firework safety and do not be the 10 year old version of myself who once
thought lighting single firecrackers and holding them in your hand until the time was “just right” was a great
idea – until one blew up in my hand…….
Left to right: Tommy Taylor, Regional Sales Manager, Marcus Tuck
and Ed Coleman.
Marcus Tuck has only been with us for a couple of weeks. He likes his experience here at Super Service. He
lives in Northern AL and enjoys hunting, fishing and riding both his motorcycles and his Tennessee walking
horse.
Ed Coleman has been here for about two years and resides in Northern MS. When he is enjoying his home
time, Ed mostly likes to fish – but finds a lot of his time spent working on projects around the house.
Left to Right: Fred Needham, VP of Sales, Nathaniel Davis, Jerry Mealey and
Richard Morrow, Orientation Instructor
Nathaniel Davis hails from Western TN and has driving in his blood. He loves following the Los Angeles
Lakers and hopes better times are ahead. One of his sons is a Christian rapper, who has forged a very successful career.
Jerry Mealey is a current student-in-training from West Virginia where the state motto is “Mountaineers are
always free”. He lives in a town of less than 100 people and the closest Wal-Mart is 45 minutes away. He is
returning back to the industry after taking a couple of years off and is recently engaged. He loves his 9 year
old daughter and Ford Trucks.
The Molden Family
Employee Profile—Cindy Molden
Cindy Molden started at Super Service LLC on May 19, 2000 as a clerk in the Log Department. After 6
months, she accepted a Customer Service Assistant position for the VASCOR account. After a year of becoming familiar with the day-to-day VASCOR operations, she was given the opportunity to move up to the dedicated VASCOR Driver Manager position. She still currently holds this position after 15 years and handles the
Guntown and Georgetown divisions.
Cindy is always interested in learning more about operations and other departments. Luckily, being at Super
Service, she has been fortunate to learn many different skills in safety, claims, billing, truck registration, and
truck licensing. Most currently she has been trained in the EDI Department and helps out there on a daily basis.
Cindy has been happily married to Bart Molden for 17 years and they have three children: Sarah 23, Ryan 13,
and Will 12. Bart is a licensed electrician and has worked for Area Supply and Plumbing for the past 15 years.
Cindy’s oldest daughter Sarah is a Data Entry Operator for the VA. Sarah and her husband, Jon, have a one
year old daughter named Kendall Skye, who was born on June 19, 2015. Cindy’s two sons, Ryan and Will, are
in middle school and are enjoying being out of school for summer break. Cindy’s family enjoys spending time
with one another, getting involved in church and community activities and playing with their 5 year old lab
Magic. Cindy’s family is looking forward to their family vacation in July as they will be going to Saint Pete
Beach, Florida.
July Driver Years of Service Recognition—Thank You!!!
Name
Allen, David
Allen, Ellis
Dehkam, Ramin
Edwards, Scottie
Hadden, Gary
Haynes, Robert
Kincaid, Larry
Kincaid, Phyllis
McCormick, James
Mitchell, Logan
Years of Service
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Premo, Walter
Ray, Calvin
Snetter, James
Spencer, Myrone
Walker Jr, Gay
Fickling, Jerome
Gadsden, Susan
Hammond, Calli
Jones, Anthony
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
Montford, John
Pratt, Nicolas
Kalmowitz, Andrea
Key, Fernando
Cowherd, Darren
Dugger, Richard
Hill, Richard
Lawson, David
Ruffin, James
Vaughan, Susan
2
2
3
3
4
4
4
5
5
5
Hodges, Michael
6
3
Name
Lowe, Russell
Westerfield, Michael
Park, Kenneth
Years of Service
7
7
8
Gaugh, John
Borovikov, Alexander
McClure, Thomas
Callina, James
Brooks Jr, Clifford
10
14
14
16
18
Jasper, Ronald
Bolin, Glen
18
21
Deer, Glenn
Briseno, Jose
22
25
July Non-Driving Employee Years of Service Recognition
Thank You!!!
Name
Years of Service
Position
William Bastin
1
Technician—KY
Dwayne Brock
2
Technician—KY
Lisa Durham
2
Background Investigator—TX
Caitlin Denzinger
3
Load Planner—MI
Fran Kephart
4
Director of Maintenance—GA
Scott Reoch
4
Sr Financial Analyst—MI
Laif Lampson
5
Body Shop Technician—MI
Matt Larkin
5
Parts Manager—KY
Renae Turner
5
Detention Processor—KY
Bobby Wells
6
Technician—KY
Brian Dykstra
11
Tire Technician—MI
Larry Smith
11
Technician—SC
Terri Tucker
15
Billing Administrator—KY
Tony Doornbos
16
Driver Manager—MI
Jeff Tackett
22
Shop Shift Foreman—KY
June Clean Road Side Inspection List
We Pay $50 For Every Clean, Properly Logged Inspection!
Michael Hayes
Jeffrey Hampton
Jimmy Harris
Carlos Grady
Marquon Fleming
Jeffrey Horne
Wallace Wiggen
Tyrone Alexander
Oliver Byrd
Samuel Thompson
Jimmy Warbritton
Benjamin Chao
Kenneth Clem
Roger Pimentel
Shawn O’Neill
Jose Ovalle
Michael Masinelli
Ronald Vore Jr
Anthony Jones
Simeon Reeves
Jerry Mahurin Jr
Gabriel Frausto
Scottie Edwards
John Gaugh
Curtis Clay
James Pangborn
Robert Brown
Randall Beauregard
John Everts
Essau Wilson
Shawn Brouse
Mark Bradley
Ted Papendick
Steve Lavery
Reginald Mclendon
Ashley Rosado
Philip Boeteng
Annette Sanchez
Clarence Williams
Upcoming Events

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.
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, especially for referring prospective drivers. So, when you find someone
who could be a great fit for the Super Service Team, send them our
way! Drop by the Recruiting Department and pick up a few of the
new driver referral door hangers today or contact recruiting at
800.326.8889 for all the details! Refer safe, experienced drivers and
start earning $$$$ today!
- Super Service LLC Recruiting
Super Service Social Media Program
https://www.facebook.com/superservicellc
https://twitter.com/superservicellc
Super Service Blog:
http://blog.driveforsuperservice.com/
Super Service, LLC
6000 Clay Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
616-530-8558 x1341 ph
616-588-6391 fax
[email protected]