summer 2010 - Northwest Tank Lines

NORTHWEST
TANK
LINES
N E W S L E T T E R SUMMER 2010
A
s I write this message,
the economy is showing
real signs of recovering
from the worst economic
recession since the 1930s. The price
for a barrel of oil recently climbed
above $75.00 and the Canadian
dollar is hovering around 97 cents.
Many economists are predicting
that the economy will continue to
strengthen over the coming months,
but they feel it will not fully recover
until some time in 2011.
SAFETY PERFORMANCE BY DESIGN
F
o r t h e t h i rd co nsecutive year,
Northwest has been judged the winner
of three awards in the National Tank
Truck Carriers’ 2009 Safety Contest.
Tom Blaney accepted these prestigious awards
on behalf of Northwest in May 2010, while
attending the NTTC’s annual conference in Chicago.
In a letter written to Tom, John Conley, President
of the NTTC, noted that “You and your personnel can be justifiably proud of the role you
played in the safety and maintenance programs
which led to this recognition.”
These awards are especially meaningful as the
NTTC is composed of more than 200 trucking
companies – representing over 80% of bulk
volume hauled in North America – and about
300 associate members who supply products
and essential ser vices to our tr uc king
membership. Singled out from among this
extensive membership, the NTTC’s acknowledgement is indicative of Northwest’s hardearned reputation as the pinnacle of safety
within the North American tank truck industry.
Northwest actively works with associations
like the NTTC, which advocates and represents
members on subjects including motor carrier
safety and legal compliance, as well as regulations
governing cargo tank design, maintenance,
and operations at a federal, state/provincial,
and local level. A proactive approach to safety
through these associations is essential as
Northwest strives for excellence.
Northwest has been a perennial winner of
safety awards for cumulative excellence in
safety performance since 2007. This success is
attributable, at a macro-level, to a comprehensive
management system, as well as at a micro-level
to persistent training and conscientious execution
of safe practices day after day by employees.
All employees at Northwest - especially the
drivers - understand the importance of safety,
reflecting each employee’s awareness of the
nature of the commodities that are hauled,
and the size and weight of the tractor and
trailer combinations relative to other vehicles.
Northwest drivers are commended for their
attention to detail and applauded for their integral
role in achieving excellent results with National
Safety Code ratings for British Columbia and
Alberta, as well as stellar results with the United
States Department of Transport ratings.
Northwest will continue its association with
organizations like the NTTC and the Chemical
Industry Association of Canada to ensure its
management practices are relevant, and that
Northwest’s safety continues to supersede customers’
requirements. It is an ongoing commitment
to these associations, a strong management system,
and relentless execution of safe practices that
make Northwest a very safe and reliable company.
There is some good news for the trucking industry; Class 8 tractor sales
have increased more than 30% in the first few months of 2010. Despite
modest improvements in various economic sectors, many trucking
companies throughout North America will not survive the next twelve
months. There will continue to be lots of mergers, acquisitions,
bankruptcies, and consolidations.
I recently returned from a trip to Chicago where I attended the National
Tank Truck Carriers’ Annual Conference. I was very proud to receive, on
behalf of everyone at Northwest, three Safety Awards that recognize our
outstanding work in this area. Northwest was judged the winner of the
following awards in NTTC’s 2009 Safety Contest:
Competitive Safety Grand Award
International – Over 5 Million Miles Class
Personnel Safety Merit Award
International – Over 5 Million Miles
Fifth Year Improvement Award
Our dedication to safety will always be a core value that will continue to
differentiate Northwest from our competitors. Northwest’s customers
value our unwavering commitment to safety and service excellence.
They are able to sleep soundly at night knowing Northwest’s professional
drivers are hard at work, and their products are in good hands.
In the May 2010 Bulk Transport magazine, it was noted that “tank
truck carriers reported that shipment volumes were down by as much
as 40% in some bulk sectors at the height of the recession. Carriers
parked equipment and laid off drivers, which added to an overall real
unemployment rate that approached 19%.” As the economy begins to
show signs of steadily improving, there is still much work to be done to
get all of our people and equipment working again. This will take some
time, but understand that our management team is working very closely
with our customers as we all climb out of this recession.
We continue to provide strong leadership support in Western Canada
to the Community Outreach Programs under the Chemistry Industry
CONTINUED ON BACK PAGE
CALLING ALL STUDENTS!
The Northwest Tank Lines Opportunity Through Education scholarship application deadline is fast approaching! Providing two $1500 scholarships to families of active
Northwest employees, this is a great opportunity for every student. Those pursuing education at an accredited vocational or trade school, community college, or university in
Canada or the United States are eligible. Kathy Guy, Chairperson of the Scholarship Program at Northwest, emphasizes the accessibility of this great opportunity, encouraging all
eligible students, including former recipients, to apply; we are ready to be wowed! Applicants are evaluated on their academic achievement, career planning and goals,
community involvement, and extra-curricular activities.Visit www.northwesttanklines.com/scholarship.html or call 1.800.663.1664 to apply by this year’s August 15th deadline.
TANKERS AS
TERRORIST TARGETS
A
ccording to a study released by the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security, tank
trucks filled with gasoline would likely be
the favoured surface transportation weapon
for terrorists. Commissioned by Homeland
Security to conduct the study, Mineta Transportation
Institute’s report “Potential Terrorist Uses of HighwayBorne Hazardous Materials” suggests that terrorists
are considering how to weaponize trucks carrying
hazardous materials such as gasoline, and to a lesser
extent propane, in order to attack specific targets in
the United States.
While the report centres on the United States, the report
findings have relevance in Canada. As Northwest is in the
business of hauling hazardous materials, some commodities transported may attract the interests of terrorists.
A critical process, as noted in the report, is the ability to
track vehicles, an action that the authors call on
government to mandate. While the cost of this technology
may be prohibitively expensive for some operators,
Northwest installed on-board satellite communications
on all tractors in 2007, thus enabling dispatchers to
monitor the position of equipment at all times.
At Northwest, processes are continually analyzed and
improved where necessary. And, in the case of potential
terrorist threats, Northwest’s combination of technology
and well-trained, alert drivers is the best prevention.
Northwest subscribes to the following anti-terrorism
tips for drivers, as issued by the Department of
Homeland Security and the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration:
• Leave your truck in a secure parking lot or truck
stop if possible.
• Be alert when driving. Look for vehicles following
you, especially if there are three or more people
in that vehicle.
• Never leave your vehicle while it is running
with the keys in it. Shut off the engine and lock
the doors when you leave the vehicle.
• If you believe you are being followed, call dispatch
or 911 immediately.
• Protect your vehicle and inspect it for tampering.
• When parked in a yard or loading terminal, be
aware of any abnormal surveillance of your tractor.
• Stay alert for any unusual behaviour and report
anything of concern immediately.
• Do not discuss your cargo, destination, or trip
specifics with anyone you don’t know.
• When at a traffic stop, be aware of anyone
approaching your vehicle.
While Northwest considers the terrorist threat to its
drivers and equipment as low, ongoing vigilance, in
addition to technology and training, is the key to
safe operations.
2010 WINTER OLYMPIC SECURITY – EMERGENCY RESPONSE ASSISTANCE
D
uring the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic
Games held in Vancouver and Whistler BC,
Northwest’s Emergency Response Team and
equipment were on standby in the event of an
emergency involving propane. This commitment
is part of Northwest’s association with the Liquefied
Petroleum Gas Emergency Response Corporation,
whereby Northwest’s ERTeam provides emergency response
for southern BC, including Vancouver Island.
From January 26 to March 4 of 2010, Northwest’s ER
team led by Elton Smith, Director of Health, Safety, and
Environment, ensured emergency response equipment
and personnel were on standby to perform expert
remediation procedures, including transferring, flaring
products, and purging liquid petroleum gas containers.
Fortunately, Northwest’s ER Team and equipment were
not required for emergency assistance, as security at
the Games was exemplary. It is gratifying, however,
for Northwest to be recognized for its investment and
training, and noted by experts as a very capable
emergency responder.
N
OFFICE SAFETY
AT NORTHWEST
W
ith Northwest’s excellent road safety performance, it is no surprise that safety programs
and training are also in place at Northwest’s
offices. Led by Elton Smith, Director of Health,
Safety, and Environment, all Northwest staff
enthusiastically participate in:
4 Online fire extinguisher training, followed by
“live fire” fire extinguisher discharge training
4 Fire drills
4 First aid training and recertification
4 CPR and defibrillator training
As a core value at Northwest, safety is embedded in the
minds and actions of all employees, whether on the road,
in the office, or at home. The importance of safety is
integral to Northwest’s culture, and a key component of its
drive for excellence.
THE REINVENTION OF:
THE CANADIAN
CHEMICAL PRODUCERS’
A S S O C I AT I O N
ITUPDATE
ROAD SAFETY
O
n January 1, 2010 the British Columbia
government amended the Motor Vehicle
Act to include a ban on the use of hand-held
devices while driving, such as cellular
phones and iPods. Alberta’s proposed Bill 16, Distracted
Driving Legislation, will introduce a comprehensive
ban on potentially hazardous activities behind
the wheel, including hand-held device use and
make-up application.
Northwest is dedicated to enhancing safety of both
the public and employees. Accordingly, employees are
expected to adhere to all applicable legislation, and
are reminded to discontinue use of hand-held devices,
instead utilizing hands-free technology while driving.
Northwest President Tom Blaney also encourages families
of employees to observe these regulations, improving
British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan road
safety, and helping to ensure the safety of loved ones.
NORTHWEST’S C.A.R.E.S.
COMMUNITY
ACTION
SAFETY
ENVIRONMENT
RESPONSIBILITY
R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y
In honour of Northwest’s 55th anniversary,
all Northwest’s corporate citizenship
initiatives now appear under one common
banner – C.A.R.E.S. – which includes
Community, Action, Responsibility,
Environment, and Safety. Northwest is
very proud of the many initiatives and
programs that underscore its culture, and
of the financial investment that supports
the communities we serve.
E N V I R O N M E N T
O
n January 1, 2010, the Canadian Chemical
Producers’ Association of Canada launched
its new name, role, and mandate. This
change – including the name: Chemistry
Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) –
reflects the association’s need to broaden its membership base, as well as to formalize and communicate
the chemistry industry’s continued focus on risk
management of chemicals, and the association’s total
commitment to environmental sustainability. The
CIAC is expanding along the value chain of the chemistry
industry to include services and technologies, products
and producers, and, of course, transportation partners.
Northwest is associated with the CIAC through its
status as a verified Responsible Care® partner – the
only bulk tank-truck carrier partner in Western Canada.
Northwest understands the chemistry industry’s
responsibility to environmental sustainability, and
incorporates the essence of Responsible Care into all
aspects of its business, including environmental
protection, resource conservation, occupational health
and safety, process safety, product stewardship,
purchasing, security and social responsibility, and 365
days-a-year transportation services. This partnership
requires engagement with communities along
transportation corridors, emergency responders, critics
and advocates, as well as with governments at all levels,
to advance laws and regulations in support of sustainability.
Northwest welcomes the changes implemented by
the CIAC, and will continue to support the chemistry
industry’s commitment to sustainability through Responsible Care partnership. It is this partnership with
the chemistry industry that helps Northwest remain
one of the safest bulk tank-truck carriers in North
America. A company that devotes significant hours
and resources to ensure best practices are in place not
only for the safe movement of products, but also, in
the unlikely event of a leak or spill, for a rapid and
responsible emergency response.
S A F E T Y
NEW FACES AND
NEW PLACES
NEW FIRST -TIME MUMS
AND NEW BABIES
TIM BARBER was recently
appointed Operations Manager
with a primary focus on operations
in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Tim adds considerable value
to operations, with two years
at Northwest and previously as
an Operations Manager with a
transportation company.
BRIANNA BLANEY is working
for the summer at Northwest and
applying her marketing skills to assist the sales team. In September Brianna starts her fourth year at UBC’s
Sauder School of Business where
she is pursuing a degree in Marketing , Real Estate, and
Entrepreneurship.
SASHA BLANEY is providing
valuable support in administration
this summer, is replacing Darlene
Taschereau who is on maternity
leave. Sasha is a second-year student
at the University of the Fraser
Valley where she is majoring
in psychology.
We are very pleased to announce the Calgary office has expanded its roster
with three beautiful babies! The babies are the first for the mums and husbands:
Allie Layton arrived on March 21st – proud parents Jamie (Operations
Coordinator) and Wade
Drake Robinson was born on March 19th – proud parents Erica and Eric
(Operations Supervisor)
Morgan Viegas also entered the world on March 21st – proud parents
Kathy (Operations Supervisor) and Caj
started
with Northwest In May and
works out of the Langley office
in administration. She has extensive experience in accounting, and brings a plethora of
other administrative skills that
are a very welcome addition
to Northwest.
RHONDA BRISTOW
KENT KONONOFF joins the sales
team in the newly created position
of Director of Business Development.
As the former Operations Manager
for Alberta and Saskatchewan,
Kent’s excellent operational experience and considerable customer
knowledge will provide high value
to both customers and Northwest.
A M A N DA M AC D O NA L D i s
covering for Shannon Wrede, who
is temporarily replacing Jamie Layton
while Jamie is on maternity leave.
Amanda brings her reception and
administration talents to Northwest
and has quickly adjusted to her
new role with a great attitude
and sense of humour.
ALAN PENNER was recently
appointed Director of Sales after
two years as Sales Manager. Alan
will continue living in Langley, British
Columbia with his family, and will
work with Kent Kononoff to further
develop sales for Northwest.
KYLE PORTER joined Northwest
in February and works in operations
at the Calgary office. Kyle has a
great mix of business and educational
experience, and is a recent Commerce
graduate from the University of
Calgary with a degree in Business
Process Management.
MAURICE WINTER was recently
appointed our new VP of
Operations. Maurice combines
his extensive sales experience
with an operational background
to ensure Northwest continues
with outstanding customer service
and exemplary maintenance
programs. Maurice remains an
integral member of the executive
committee, and will continue to
work in Calgary.
Spirit is published by
Northwest Tank Lines
Congratulations to all the new parents,
and welcome Allie, Drake, and Morgan!
Langley Office:
MILESTONES
Congratulations to the individuals who have reached milestones with
Northwest. It’s great employees who ensure Northwest the privilege of
gaining and retaining its fabulous customers.
3
YEARS
5
YEARS
Lawrence Carmichael
Ian Crawford
Bruce Hunt
Roger Holtom
John Morton
Andrew Schwartz
Henry Wilkinson
Kathy Viegas
Jamie Layton
Owner Operator Driver
Owner Operator Driver
Owner Operator
Company Driver
Company Driver
Company Driver
Company Driver
Staff
Staff
Robert Mackay
Roman Bagri
Steve Dryden
Robert McDougall
William Pearson
Heather Cox
Myung Hwang
Maurice Winter
Owner Operator
Owner Operator
Company Driver (Charge Hand)
Company Driver
Company Driver
Staff
Staff
Executive
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CONTINUED FROM FRONT
Association of Canada’s TransCAER Program. And the tremendous work
we did over the past four years, under the leadership of Terry Litchfield,
becoming the first Verified Responsible Care Partner in Western Canada
continues to make Northwest a better company.
In July, Northwest will participate for the fifth year at the Benalto Rodeo
to honor the memory of Braeden Chamberlain, who tragically lost his
life in a rodeo accident at the age of nine. The special Belt Buckle we
sponsor goes to the Junior Steer Rider Winner. We would like to wish
every competitor the very best at the rodeo.
Summer is just around the corner and I would like to take this opportunity
to encourage everyone to think about safety both at work and at home.
Remember to include safety when you, your family, and your friends are
swimming, boating, and enjoying your special times together.
7025 - 272nd Street
Langley, British Columbia
Canada V4W 1R3
Tel: 604 856 6666
Fax: 604 856 5102
Toll Free: 800 663 1664
Chetwynd Office:
5021 49th Ave
PO Box 958
Chetwynd, British Columbia
Canada V0C 1J0
Tel: 250 788 3384
Calgary Office:
3415 - 29th Street NE
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T1Y 5W4
Tel: 403 216 7680
Fax: 403 250 7801
Toll Free: 800 661 5528