Miller Truck Lines – Stroud, Oklahoma Business of the Month

Volume 3, Issue 2
www.millertrucklines.com Stroud/Tulsa, OK 918-447-2100
Apr-Jun 2016
Miller Truck Lines – Stroud, Oklahoma
Business of the Month
By Jim Miller
Stroud, Oklahoma has been the home of Miller Truck Lines for nearly 50 years, James and Bonnie Miller
purchased property in Stroud and built the office and truck yard in 1969. The coordinates are prime location
for a logistics company in that it is at the crossroads of Highway 66 and Highway 99, and Interstate 44, as
well as the railroad dissecting this town.
Over the next 14 years, Miller Truck Lines began to take shape and incorporated in 1983. Miller trucks have
hauled over 1.8 million loads over the past three decades. I attribute the success of the the business to the
526 employees and contractors. With terminals in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Houston, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; and
drop yards throughout the country, the corporate and home office remains in the strategically located, always
loyal and supportive, hometown - Stroud, America!
Visit www.millertrucklines.com/news to view company newsletters featuring MTL employees and business happenings.
Left to right starting with first row: James Miller, Dale Daugherty, Erica Clayton, Rhonda Franklin, Pauletta Pittman, Aprill
Melton, Julie Amos, Pam Hunt, Lexy Melton, Elaine Pierce, Dolores McClure, Jim Miller. Second row: Rick Craig, Bill Haikey,
Quentin Vinson, JoAnne Osborne, Mike Johnson, Melody Ham, Joe Johnson, Tawanna Gordon, Richard “RW” Williams, Shane
Cochran, Keith Beavers, Julie Haikey, Ray White, Richard Mascarenas, Roy East, Mike Crone, Chris Sena, Sam Kelly and City
Manager Tim Schook. Not pictured are: Charlie Harper, Amy Mitchell, David Henninger, Matt Howell, Justin Wyre.
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
Meet Miller Truck Lines…Pam Hunt
By Amy Mitchell
Pam began her employment with Miller Truck Lines 27 years ago.
She started out doing intrastate billing under Miller Transfer in the oil
division. She also performed general billing duties. She recalls
having to share a computer with her mom who worked here as well.
Pam said she did driver logs way back when, too. She says she has
been here as long as there has been dirt on the ground. Bobby Miller
introduced her to operations in 1996 where she was able to service
mass volume accounts such as Kwikset, Hilti, and Armstrong. She
transferred to Tulsa in 2008 and handled the load planning. Pam
returned to Stroud in 2011 and resumed billing responsibilities.
Pam has been a member of
the Oklahoma Chapter of
Beta Sigma Phi sorority for
18 years. She says that it is
a priority of hers to be
involved in the Stroud
community and also active in her church. She enjoys spending time
with her grandchildren as well.
She has multiple
examples of how
compassionate,
caring and kind
the Miller family
is. She said she
has seen each and
every one of them
in action helping
people.
Pam, does this take you back? To 1989
She shared a story of an old dog that Mr.
Miller had way back in the day…the dog
would attack police officers flashlights
every time they came around. That
would have been quite a scene to take in.
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
Stroud, Oklahoma
2016 Stroud Chamber of Commerce Banquet
Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Bonnie Miller
By Mike Brown
On March 24, 2016, a record number of nearly 350 were in attendance at the 2016 Stroud Chamber of
Commerce Banquet held Tuesday night in the Stroud Route 66 Coliseum. The theme for the membership and
awards banquet was, “Stroud - Ready, Set, Grow!”
The „Lifetime Achievement Award‟ was presented to Bonnie Miller. Making the presentation were Sylvia
Witty and Steve Witty, wife and son of Charles Witty, who last year received the award posthumously. Miller
was honored for her longtime service to the community through serving as a trustee of Stroud Hospital and
Development Authority, and by “continually growing the Stroud economy” through her family‟s business,
Miller Truck Lines. Mrs. Miller was born in Okemah, and attended school in Okemah and Slick. She and her
husband James and sons, Jimmy, Donald and Bobby, have operated the Miller Truck Lines terminal since 1969.
It was noted that Mrs. Miller was among “the dedicated and determined people” who got the local hospital rebuilt and re-opened after it was extensively damaged in the May 1999 tornado.
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
A Gathering Place
By Andy Bowen
Early in 2015, we got a somewhat random call from a company rebuilding a state highway bridge out by
Enid. They were looking for a carrier that could handle hauling some over dimensional bridge supports to a
job site on the highway. Rates were negotiated and schedules were discussed, and then it started raining and
raining and we did not hear from them for some time. Once the rain stopped they got back into contact with
us, and we successfully delivered 15 wide loads to the job site on US64 east of Enid. The name of that
company was Contech Bridge Solutions.
After that job, we did not hear from them
again until January of this year. Contech is
the company coordinating the manufacture
and install of the tunnel arches for the rebuilt
Riverside Drive in the middle of A Gathering
Place for Tulsa being constructed in
midtown Tulsa.
This project, being
produced by the George Kaiser Foundation
at a cost of $350 million dollars, will
completely transform the River Parks area
into 100 acres of parks, ponds, a lodge and
boathouse, playgrounds, bike trails and skate
parks. A large part of the park will be two
land bridges going over Riverside Drive
connecting the main park on the east side to river access on the west side of the park.
There will be four tunnels over Riverside Drive that will make up the land bridges, each one about 400 feet
long. Riverside Drive is being completely reconfigured with almost 2 miles of the road being raised and
straightened. Transport of the tunnel arches is where Miller Truck Lines comes in.
Arrowhead Precast in Broken Arrow is fabricating the 196 arches that are needed to cover the roadway and
form the tunnels. Each arch is 43 feet long, 8 feet tall and 13 feet wide lying on our trailer. The weight of
each arch is 55000 pounds. Arrowhead can produce 2 arches a day, but instead doing two loads a day, they
build up an inventory and we move a large number in a few days all at once. The first move was in March
for the first 30 arches. The second move in April had 60 arches delivered and installed, which completed the
first two tunnels.
The logistics and planning on this project has been extensive with Mike Cook being the point man on the
whole move and doing an excellent job coordinating a multitude of people and four different companies to
try to get these loads done on schedule. The move in April required 24 trailers, 4 pilot cars, 4 trucks and
drivers and 2 shuttle drivers on the job site for 6 days. Many thanks to all of those involved – Matt Gilbert is
handling all the permits and negotiations with the pilot car company. Paul Collins and Lonnie Van Dyne are
making sure things run smoothly on the site by shuttling loaded and empty trailers in and out of the park.
The biggest players are the four drivers who have safely and successfully delivered the first half of this job
with no problems. Many thanks to Chris Reid – 7618, Bob Simon – 7058, John Williams – 7579L and Ed
Wiideman – 250LB.
The rest of the arches should move in June and July and our job will be done. The park itself should be
finished sometime in the second half of 2017, when you will be able to drive down Riverside through the
tunnels and know that Miller Truck Lines successfully and safely handled the delivery of the arches that are
a permanent part of A Gathering Place.
http://agatheringplacefortulsa.com/
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
C-TPAT Program
By Houston Brittain
As a member of the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program, Miller Truck Lines (MTL) is committed
to ensuring a safe and secure supply chain. One of our company's primary goals is to prevent cargo loss and cargo tampering,
including the introduction of illegal merchandise, such as drugs and weapons of mass destruction, into our cargo boxes and shipping
containers. We are also committed to protecting our assets and employees by adhering to the following rules:
1) Secure and restrict access to all cargo loading and handling areas and all transportation equipment storage areas related to product
that will be imported by MTL into the U.S.
2) Secure, protect and restrict access to all electronic data systems, documentation and other information related to MTL cargo
shipments.
3) Ensure that all information and data used in the processing of cargo is legible, complete, and accurate and protected against the
exchange, loss or introduction of erroneous information as it relates to MTL.
4) Ensure that computer systems are secure, including the use of passwords, current anti-virus and anti-spy software, to prevent
infiltration.
5) Secure its facilities from unauthorized access. This may include electronic access systems, fencing, security guards, security
cameras and lighting.
6) Train staff on identifying and reporting suspicious people, activities, objects and packages.
7) Train shipping staff to properly inspect all merchandise and containers prior to loading and releasing from the facility.
8) Pre-screen, evaluate and monitor employees for suspicious or unusual information.
9) Regularly evaluate, self-assess and upgrade its supply chain security procedures and internal controls.
Miller Truck Lines is committed to meeting the requirements for this certification. We are also committed to protecting our employees
and assets. Over the next year, you will see many changes in the way we conduct business at our facilities across the country. For
example, in Tulsa and Houston we are currently making some security changes and facility changes. Parking lots are being
constructed and re-done to ensure safety for all employees by allowing everyone a safe place to park. Name badges are being worn
and security cameras are being installed to help identify employees as well as unauthorized personnel. Specific areas are being secured
to protect our employees.
As we move forward our goal is to become safer and more secure. These changes are not always favored by all; however, each one of
us plays an important role in protecting ourselves and those around us. Please embrace the changes and offer up ideas to help us
become compliant with this certification and also to protect our work family.
Clean Driver and Vehicle Inspections
First Quarter 2016 - January, February, & March
Congratulations to all the drivers that continually achieve clean inspections and strengthen our CSA scores.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 3
Pisit Lertchala
Christopher Reid
John Hromanik
Dean Payne
Jonathan Green
John Pritchard
Dallas Briggs
Troy Petit
Roy Jobe
Tye Schoepflin
James Fields
Darrell Lee
Jason Leochner
Stanley Miller
Steven Cook
David Holt II
Darrel Jensen
Jerry Ragen
Douglas Potter
Albert Jenkins
Joanne McDonough
Gregor Schwartz
Ken Dailey
David Holt II
Gregory Larkin
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
Level 3
DOT Regulations & Miller Policies - Myths vs. Facts
By Ramie Burkett
During conversations with drivers in the Safety Department, Brad Gass and I (Compliance Coordinators) hear a
lot about “how things are done at other companies” or “what DOT requires”. To help clarify, the following are
some Myths vs. Facts regarding disputed DOT rules and regulations.
PERSONAL CONVEYANCE
MYTH - Owner Operators – “I can use personal conveyance however I choose, it is my truck
and I am making the payments.”
FACT - Yes, it is your truck…but you are running under Miller’s DOT number so the
regulations stand. A good rule of thumb is to never use personal conveyance if you have a
trailer or are going to pick up a trailer. Reference DOT - FMCSA §395






The vehicle must be unladened.
Movement is of a “short” distance solely for personal use.
The driver is relieved from work and all responsibility for performing work.
The driver is relieved of all duty and responsibility for the care and custody of the
vehicle, its accessories, and any cargo or passengers it may be carrying.
The driver must be at liberty to pursue activities of his/her own choosing.
No work should be done until driver is ready to return to duty.
LOAD TIRE CHECKS
MYTH – That applies for Hazmat Only
FACT - The DOT Regs Book states: “All CMV must check their load and tires within the first
50 miles of their day, when they make a duty status change or the CMV has driven 3 hours or
150 miles whichever occurs first.” The rule doesn’t apply to the driver of a sealed commercial
vehicle who has been instructed not to open, or inspect cargo, however Miller Truck Lines
Policy requires all drivers to check their tires using the same rule denoted by DOT.
SAFE HAVEN
MYTH – “I can use the safe haven rule if I ran out of time and can’t find parking. Or I can use
it if there was an accident on the highway. And it applies too, if I need to get to the shipper or
truck stop because there is nowhere to park.”
FACT - There is no safe haven rule that allows a driver to exceeded his 11/14/70 Hours of
Service Regulations. There is an adverse weather rule; however it can’t be used if it is a
forecasted event. If the weather service has been predicting a snow storm for a week and you
get caught in that snow storm the adverse weather rule would not apply to you.
We understand that things will happen, but we have noticed a trend. The solution to all of these items is to make
sure you are pre-planning your days to allow for possible delays. We appreciate your efforts in staying
compliant. Call us with any questions if you don’t know whether a situation is a Myth or Fact.
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
April 2016 Issue
By Jami Mattox
Photography by Scott Miller
Television personalities, doctors, home builders and attorneys are just a few of the many careers and
walks of life represented by the 40 Under 40 Class of 2015. Forty personalities and 40 unique
stories share one common bond: Each of these 40 has worked hard to be successful at a young age.
Monica Neeley, 33 Tulsa Controller, Miller Truck Lines
As controller of Miller Truck Lines, a family owned and operated business, Neeley has the
opportunity to work side by side with three generations of her family to keep the business at the top
of the industry. “I am so proud of the culture at Miller Truck Lines,” she says. “We meet at the
crossroads of innovation and tradition. Our brand upholds experience and forward thinking.”
Although Neeley’s job keeps her busy, she prides herself on balancing her home and professional
life. She and her husband have two children, and she says one of her favorite activities is watching
them play sports. She also volunteers with OK2Grow, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma and
Sustainable Tulsa. “While serving others, a sense of peace and happiness overcomes me,” she says.
Article courtesy of Oklahoma Magazine
https://issuu.com/graphicsmgr/docs/april_2016_oklahoma_magazine
___________________________________________________________________
Case Study: MET Industrial Services
By Monica Neeley
We were recently called out to a job at a local company that cleans out tankers between use of different
materials being transported.
Our manager of environmental services, Bob Kennedy went out to assess their needs. He did analytical testing
and profiling of materials and determined that approximately 85% of the waste stream was non-hazardous. Bob
then helped the organization set up a proper Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for future storage and labeling
of the product. MET then procured disposal agreements and we washed the
exterior of totes then transported and disposed of all of the materials per
Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) standards.
The 15% remaining that was determined to be hazardous still needed a
resolution. Bob identified the product within their process that was actually
causing the materials to be classified as hazardous. He profiled the material,
isolated the chemical causing the issue, and made recommendations to utilize another product that would render
the final stream as non-hazardous.
This saved the customer money for future disposal and their employees’ exposure to this
process is now safe. It was a WIN-WIN for all parties involved.
For help with your waste management or industrial service needs, contact us and see if
our team can help your company with efficiency and cost-saving initiatives.
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
Shop Talk
By Tommy Horvath
Who are the guys that keep our trucks on the road?
Well, I’m going to tell you about one…his name is Chester
Chastain. He's been with Miller for 2 years.
He's married to his beautiful wife, Chantel. Together they
have four children and two grandchildren. His hobbies are
working on hot rods and model trains. He loves spending
time with his family most of all. And in case you didn't
know, Chester's dad, Rodney, his mother, Diane, and his
brother, James all drive for Miller. So if you get a chance
say, “Hi” to Chester when you see in the shop!
Big “ATTABOY” to Jeff Lolley, Owner Operator of this beauty…RL Hughes, his driver manager, shared the following:
Jeff was at a customer waiting in line; the driver (not a Miller driver) of the truck in front of him was on his trailer. That
driver lost his footing and unfortunately, he fell. The driver had to be
transported to the hospital by ambulance.
Jeff and another driver
stepped right up and
secured and tarped the
load for the injured driver
& his company.
It is always great to hear
about the level of
professional courtesy our
drivers extend to others.
Great job, Jeff!
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
Miller Cares
By Lori Clutter
Hamburger & Hotdog
Cookout - $5.00
Held the 3rd Friday of each month
July 22nd & Aug 19th
For the summer months we plan to make it
simple, we will be grilling out each month.
Come join us for some great food!
Also, it’s not too soon to start thinking about
the holidays…if you have a suggestion for
fundraisers or raffles, contact Lori. Your
continued support has been tremendous and is much appreciated.
Photo by Danny & Betty Brown
The Miller Media Team appreciates all the pictures
contributed by our drivers. Be the next to send in
pictures and see them featured in our newsletter, on
Facebook, on Twitter or even in a national ad. Send
them to: [email protected]
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
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Company Drivers
April
Curtis Degraff-19
Glenn Cannon Jr-1
Steve Melton-1
May
Ken Gazaway-12
Eric Gibson-1
June
Sam Henson-15
William Watson-1
James Jones-7
Troy Kelley-1
Robert Wood- 6
Dwayne Johnson-1
Mark Whitmire-4
Skip Crank-1
Rollie Berry-11
Thomas Hampton-1
Louis Johnston-6
William Sharp-5
Charlie Greeno-14
Anderson Douglas-1
Jon Johnson-7
Lee Likens-6
Bo Kammavongsa-7
Mark Phillips-5
Natalie Blevins-4
David Loredo-3
Brad Felton-2
Rick Allen-6
David Stamper-4
Jerry Blevins-4
Luis Reyes-3
Rommel Torres-1
Troy Petit-5
Dean Hazelton-4
Jeovany Romero-4
Monte Luinstra-3
Jason Perry-9
Stanley Miller-6
Mark Ketchum-3
Glenn Sorrells-2
Artie Baskett-8
Howard Brannam-6
Ben Thomas-3
Rodney Chastain-1
Kevin Graham-8
Raymond Wilson-5
Lino Canas-3
Diane Chastain-1
Robert Taylor-10
Mark Chambers-6
Miguel Lujan-3
Jeff Woodruff-1
Steve Surrell-8
Wayne McDowell-8
Dewayne Moss-6
Jose Garza-5
Ignacio Pachecovargas-2
Joe Taylor-9
Amy Mitchell-9
Pat Cloud-11
Ray McCoy-2
Monica Neeley-10
Canzada Taylor-5
Steve Bauman-12
John Pinkston-3
Michael Wayland-1
Pauletta Pittman-10
Austin Hunt-2
Joanne Osborne-8
Karen Webb-1
Owner Operators
April
Tom Bowen-14
Greg Clark-5
Jason Sweet-4
John Wiest-4
Reno Sorrells-2
May
Floyd Alexander-13
Ronnie Pollard-7
Roger Cornett-4
Don Hareid-2
Brett Watson-1
June
Steve Huff-13
Kenny Calhoun-7
David Delain-5
Brian Lewis-1
Office
April
Pam Hunt-27
May
Deborah Perkins-14
Jan Darr-4
June
Austin Seals-19
Renesa Barbee-3
Stacy Martin-1
Shop
April
Richard Hendricks-13 Spencer Haddock-1
May
Tyler Miller-8
David Henniger-4
June
Richard Williams-31 Dale Daugherty-10
Fernando Montelongo-1
Kenneth Garell-1
Damon Bounds-1
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
Canzada Taylor – Data Compilation
Driver Recognition
Program
By Sara Carter
As some of you may know, we have recently restarted the driver recognition program for years of
service. You may have heard or may hear from
drivers about this...the program is as follows:
Ken Daugherty – 11/04/1992
We are currently recognizing drivers who have
10 or more years of continuous service. We are
presenting them with a certificate of recognition,
a MTL cap, and years of service pins (the pins
highlight milestones - 1 year, 5 years, 10 years,
15 years, etc.)
Sammy Henson – 06/08/2001
There are 30 drivers who have worked with
Miller for 10 years or more. We have started the
process by asking these drivers to come to the
Recruiting Department when they are in the
Tulsa Office for the presentation of the
certificate, cap, & pins. You can also see
pictures and info about the drivers on Miller's
Facebook page.
Our goal is to recognize all drivers as they reach
these milestones. We are working through the
process and contacting the drivers with the most
tenure first and working our way through the
entire fleet.
I know you will all extend your congratulations
to the drivers for their years of service as they
come through your area. If your time allows,
please take quick pictures with these drivers
and send them via email to my attention. We
will make sure that the pictures get included on
Facebook and/or the newsletter.
Hal Roulston –09/05/2002
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
Celebrating our Drivers’
Years of Service
Fred Friend – 10/02/2003
This program has already been received very positively
by our drivers. We appreciate your help in continuing
to extend Miller's appreciation of our drivers for their
years of service. Don't hesitate to contact me, if you
have any questions. Again, look for pics and info on
Miller’s Facebook page. We will continue to publish
pictures in future issues of The Miller Times. (NOTE:
Pictures are not in order of number of years of service.)
Ray Chasteen – 07/01/2004
Ken Daley – 12/11/2003
Lytle Bills – 08/26/2004
Terry Dickert – 11/17/2005
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
11/17/2005
4
Thank you for making Miller Truck Lines GREAT!
Ken Gazaway – 05/20/2004
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
Congratulations!
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
Quarterly Safety Meeting 2016
Special thanks to all who help plan, organize, prepare, cook, clean, and attend the Quarterly
Safety Meetings. These meetings have been a great success. Current company information
and updated safety regulations are shared with the group. General questions are answered and
a good lunch is served. Look for information for the dates on the next scheduled event.
The Miller Times – Apr - Jun 2016
Sara Carter – Editor & Newsletter Design
Zenna Beasley – Proofreader