driver newsletter

DRIVER NEWSLETTER
Spring 2012
Table of Contents
From the Desk of Pat Gallagher…. Pg. 2
New Million Mile Drivers …..……….Pg. 2
From the Desk of Gregg Troian …..Pg. 3
Marcellus Shale Update .…………….Pg. 3
From the Desk of Joe Vargo …..…..Pg. 4
Hours of Service .………………………..Pg. 4
Safety Update …….…….. ……………..Pg. 4
Drivers of the Quarter …………….….Pg. 5
Cell Phone Reminder ………………….Pg. 5
Recruiting Referral Information ....Pg. 6
Medical Certification Reminder ….Pg. 6
New Safety Lane in Monaca ……….Pg. 7
Mat Foster Profile ………………………Pg. 7
Send us your stories
Since this newsletter is for you, we are
encouraging you to e-mail stories and news
about anything you would like considered to
be included in this newsletter publication to
Scott Monit, Director Community Relations
and Government Affairs at
[email protected].
We are looking for stories about you
families, driving, achievements, etc. Also, if
you have photos to include with your story,
please e-mail those as well.
Riding the Wave of the Driver Shortage
By Rhonda Yost, Director of Driver Resources
The trucking industry is facing a shortage of drivers. Economists forecast trucking
growth of four to six percent over the next three years. The demand for drivers is
growing and there simply are not enough drivers available. The growth of work
has outstripped the capacity.
The American Truck Association has begun a national driver recruitment
campaign to promote positive images of truck driving and to recruit truck drivers
for motor carriers and truck driving schools. The overall goal is to increase the
base of drivers, and to include previously untapped labor pools. The advertising
program is designed to raise the image and esteem of trucking so that
prospective drivers see it as an employment option that stands out among the
rest.
At PGT Trucking, we are fortunate to have a nice mix of employed drivers and
independent contractors. But like many others, we are also feeling the pinch of
the driver shortage.
“On any given day, we could easily add 35% more capacity,” said Rich Casoli,
Executive Director of Operations at PGT Trucking. “Unfortunately we do not have
enough drivers to accommodate that capacity at present.”
The driver shortage affects everyone. Manufacturers are experiencing backups
on their docks and late or canceled appointments due to the hard time they are
having finding a trucking company with the capacity to move their freight.
Trucking companies have to turn down load requests due to unavailability.
By next year, the US Department of Transportation predicts the driver shortage is
expected to hit 200,000, this number increasing to nearly two million by 2018.
The average age of drivers is 51 and there are not enough young workers to
replace those retiring. More concerning is the fact that of those that do enter the
industry, only about 10 percent stay.
If you know of anyone looking to join the industry, PGT Trucking wants to speak
to you. Did you know that PGT offers two different Recruiting Referral Bonuses?
Recruit a company driver and you will receive $500.00 after your recruit has
completed 90 days. Recruit an Owner Operator, and receive $1,000.00 after your
recruit has been leased with the company for 90 days. Contact the Recruiting
Department at 800-824-0723 for some literature or tips to help you recruit and
put more money into your pocket!
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PGT TRUCKING
From the Desk of
Pat Gallagher,
CEO
As we begin a new year, allow me a moment to reflect on the year we just ended. PGT
Trucking had a very good 2011 and a good bit of that success was due to all of you. No
matter whether you are a driver, a mechanic or a staff accountant, PGT’s success would not
happen if your dedication was not evident. I am blessed to work with such a talented
group of individuals on a daily basis. Our mutual trust and respect are what allows PGT to
continue to grow and evolve. From the moment I started this business, I have always
believed that everything depends on the relationships we create, whether it is with our
customers or with each other.
I look forward to 2012 and the opportunities that await us. Between the revival of
manufacturing in this country and the Marcellus Shale industry, PGT is poised to take that
next step up the ladder of success.
Congratulations New Million Mile Drivers
SAMMY ADAMS
JERRY ARMSTRONG
RICKY BAHNSEN
CHUCK BEDISION
JIMMIE BOLSTON
DOUGLAS BRAYSHAW
JAMES CODNER
LARRY DWOREK JR
MARK ELLER
PGT is excited to announce the purchase of 130
new trucks! Last month they started coming in
and will continue throughout the first half of
2012! All new trucks are equipped with Qualcomm electronic logging mobile communications.
We also ordered an additional 50 new trailers.
ROB ESTERLE
JIM FERRARO
RICK FRANKLIN
DONNY GALLAGHER
BRUCE GOCHENOUR
GLENN GRAY
DAVID GROSS
JAY GROSSIC
JIM HAAS
JERRY HENRY
RICH HOON
ROBERT JANSEN
ROGER KALE
KEVIN KEETON
RANDY KELLY
STANLEY KOZLOWSKI
BARRY LATHAM
JEREMY LAUBER
ROBERT LYNCH
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LARRY LEUPP
MICHAEL MALSON
MICHAEL MARTIN
JERRY MATHES
CARL MINEHART
KEN MONTGOMERY
GUY MUSSORI
SCOTT NEILL
RICH POWERS
SCOTT ROWLEY
RICHARD RUBECK
JAMES SAVANT
LORENZO SMITH
DENNIS STOCK
DAVE STOKES
TIM SULLIVAN
BILLY THOMPSON
JEFF TOWNSEND
JEFF TRENKAMP
LONNIE LEE TUCKER
BILL NEAL VANCE JR
GREG WALTERS
MILFORD WATKINS
TOM YOUNG
DONALD BATTLEDAY
JOHN CANTWELL
JIMMIE DAVIS
MIKE KERKMAN
RANDALL OWNBEY
JOE ROWLEY JR
PGT TRUCKING
Moore’s Law, named after Intel co-founder Gordon Moore, suggests that the power of
computing technology doubles every 18 months. The evidence of Moore’s Law is
everywhere, embedded in devices millions of people use every day, such as laptops, and
mobile phones,—as well as inspiring, important technological innovations in automobiles,
and life-saving medical devices. The trucking industry is also affected as new software
enhances our ability to gauge time, distance, fuel consumption, track vehicles and materials.
We just purchased 130 new trucks that are all outfitted with the latest QUALCOMM
technology. QUALCOMM’s equipment allows the drivers to use truck routing navigation,
text to speech, and electronic logging. The QUALCOMM Hours of Service unit is an
electronic on-board recording system (EOBR) that automatically creates driver logs that are
fully compliant with the latest rules of the FMCSA.
From the Desk of
Gregg Troian,
President
I also would like to reinforce the importance of the CSA scores. CSA is a Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve safety and reduce commercial
motor vehicle (CMV)-related crashes, injuries and fatalities. These scores affect not only the
driver, but the company as well. Our customers look at these scores and determine
whether they will do business with us based on how we score as an organization. If there is
anything you need from us at PGT regarding these scores, please contact our safety
department immediately.
Remember, at PGT Trucking, safety is everyone’s job – all the time.
Marcellus Shale Opportunity
by Chad Marsilio, Sales Manager, Oil and Gas/Heavy Haul
Over the past year, PGT has benefited from the increased gas and oil exploration initiatives by energy companies.
Historically, PGT has been a steel, aluminum, and building materials flatbed hauler. However, with the advancements
in technology that have allowed the energy companies to drill horizontally, PGT has witnessed a substantial increase in
flatbed shipments to support the drilling operations.
PGT is now hauling casing onto the well pads across the US and line pipe to the new right-of-ways being constructed to
transport the oil and gas to the market place.
Energy companies such as Shell, Exxon, and Chevron have spent billions of dollars to purchase smaller energy
companies who have held large acreage positions in the Marcellus region of NY, PA, OH and WV. We view that as
evidence that these energy companies are committed to developing clean domestic energy sources within the United
States.
To support the drilling operations, PGT has added 30 new drivers in the
Marcellus region whose sole responsibility is transporting pipe each day.
Our presence in the Marcellus has led PGT into new markets supporting
the Oil & Gas Industries in Texas, North Dakota, and Louisiana. Our drivers
now have 25 to 75 long haul opportunities per week to transport oilfield
materials.
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PGT TRUCKING
From the Desk of
Joseph Vargo,
Executive Vice
President
As we begin 2012, we are rolling out some new processes to help further identify and index
scanned paperwork. We have updated our trip sheets to include bubble markings for truck
number, allowing us to use an extra identifier in the process to link the paperwork scanned in
to the correct manifest and driver. This will help to further ensure our driver’s paperwork is
received and processed accurately.
We also are implementing new billing software which will allow paperwork to be processed
around the clock. This software will automatically recognize the scanned paperwork, index it,
and bill it when all parameters are met. If an error is identified in the paperwork, it will be
routed to a workflow queue for our Billing Specialists to review and address the issue. This
new process will help to streamline workflow, manage variability in volume, and scale for
future growth.
Safety Update
Hours of Service Reminder
By Gary Dietsch, Executive Director Safety
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's new
Hours Of Service (HOS) final rule limits a driver's work
week to 70 hours. In addition, truck drivers cannot
drive after working eight hours without first taking a
break of at least 30 minutes. Drivers can take the 30minute break whenever they need rest during the eighthour window. The final rule retains the current 11-hour
daily driving limit. The rule requires truck drivers who
maximize their weekly work hours to take at least two
nights' rest when their 24-hour body clock demands
sleep the most - from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. This rest
requirement is part of the rule's "34-hour restart"
provision that allows drivers to restart the clock on their
work week by taking at least 34 consecutive hours offduty. The final rule allows drivers to use the restart
provision only once during a seven-day period.
What is the Unsafe driving BASIC? This Basic
specifically addresses the requirements within the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
(FMCSRs) Parts 392 and 397 and refers to the
operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs)
by drivers in a dangerous or careless
manner. Some examples of roadside safety
violations that may cause a motor carrier to rank
poorly in this BASIC include speeding, reckless
driving, improper lane change, and inattention.
PGT’s CSA score in the Unsafe BASIC continues to
rise! Speed warnings/citations are our number
one cause for this increase followed by seatbelt
violations. The State of Indiana leads the pack
followed closely by Texas and Ohio in writing
most of these warnings/citations. Under the CSA
system, a warning carries the same points as a
citation. Slow down and know what the posted
speed limits are where you are traveling. Wear
your seatbelt at all times, it’s the law! To avoid
being cited, DO NOT REMOVE YOUR SEATBELT
until the inspecting officer has arrived at your
door and sees you wearing it.
Trucking companies that allow drivers to exceed the 11hour driving limit by three or more hours could be fined
$11,000 per offense, and the drivers themselves could
face civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense.
Drivers and companies must
comply with the HOS final rule
by July 1, 2013. The rule is
currently available on FMCSA's
Web site at http://
www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
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PGT TRUCKING
Meet PGT’s Drivers of the Quarter
Sudbury Driver of the Quarter
Independent Contractor of the Quarter
Tim Inman
Craig Marple
Nominated by: MJ Coyle
Nominated by: Frank Taormina
Tim joined PGT in January of 2010. He runs out of the
Rockport terminal and resides in Carleton, MI. Tim
and his wife have been married just shy of 12 years,
and they have two children. Prior to driving, Tim
served in the USMC and was a part of Operation
Desert Storm. Tim spends his off time with his family,
and occasionally gets a free weekend to bow hunt.
PGT Trucking is proud to announce Tim Inman as the
Independent Contractor of the Quarter for the Fourth
Quarter of 2011.
Craig joined PGT in January of 2010. He runs out
of the Monaca terminal and resides in Johnstown,
PA. Craig spends his off time with his son Ian –
the apple of his eye. He is a Pittsburgh Steeler
and Penguin fan. He also enjoys hunting and
skiing. PGT Trucking is proud to announce Craig
Marple as the Sudbury Driver of the Quarter for
the Fourth Quarter of 2011.
Cell Phone Reminder
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enacted the new rule banning cell phone use while driving a
commercial vehicle. The final rule prohibits commercial drivers from using a hand-held mobile telephone while
operating a commercial truck or bus. Drivers who violate the restriction will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750
for each offense and disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for multiple offenses. Additionally,
states will suspend a driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) after two or more serious traffic violations. Commercial
truck and bus companies that allow their drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving will face a maximum
penalty of $11,000. Approximately four million commercial drivers would be affected by this final rule.
The new law is part of a push by federal transportation officials to cut down on the number of crashes caused by
distracted driving, specifically those caused by drivers using cell phones. This law does not affect CB use.
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PGT TRUCKING
Recruiting Referral Bonus
Safety is everyone’s job...all the time!
We're offering a big reward for finding OwnerOperators–after all, being the best means finding
the best. We're on the lookout for professional
and enthusiastic Owner-Operators, and if you help
us find them, there could be $1,000 in it for you.
If you refer a company driver to PGT, we are offering a $500 bonus. Both referral bonuses require
the new driver to be employed for at least 90
days. How's that for a reward? Contact us at 866637-5009 or find us on Facebook.

Remember to wear your seatbelt at all times…

Remember to drive the speed limit…

Remember to only use your cell phone with a hands
free device…

Remember to maintain adequate tire pressure…

Remember to take sufficient breaks and rest…

Remember to be careful, a job injury hurts everyone...
Medical Certification Reminder
Effective January 30, 2012 and no later than January 30, 2014, all CDL holders must provide information to their State
driver licensing agencies (SDLA) regarding the type of commercial motor vehicle operation they drive in or expect to
drive in with their CDL. Drivers operating in certain types of commerce will be required to submit a current medical
examiner’s certificate to their SDLA to obtain a “certified” medical status as part of their driving record. CDL holders
required to have a ”certified” medical status who fail to provide and keep up-to-date their medical examiner’s
certificate with their SDLA will become “not-certified” and they may lose their CDL.
What does this mean? Beginning January 30, 2012 and when you go to renew, add an endorsement, or transfer your
CDL to another state, you will be required to present a valid DOT medical card, and, declare your operating status of
what type of commerce you operate in; interstate or intrastate and if you are “excepted” (does not require a medical
card) or “non-excepted” (requires a medical card). Be advised, all drivers at PGT and Southern Pines fall into the “nonexcepted” category and are required to have a valid medical card.
What you must do if; your CDL does not renew, you don’t add an endorsement, or transfer your CDL to another state –
prior to January 30, 2014. You must contact your state and self-certify your operating status and you may be required
to submit
If you have questions or concerns you can access the FMCSA website at: www.fmcsa.dot.gov or contact the safety
department.
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PGT TRUCKING
New Safety Lane in Monaca
Employee Profile
The terminal in Monaca, PA has added a new and
unique service to all drivers. It is a Safety Lane and it is
intended to help all drivers get a Level One review
(brakes, tires, air, etc.) from a DOT trained inspector
before they get on the road. This is a new benefit for
all PGT and IC drivers and is free. The only cost would
be if a repair is needed. If the repair will take less than
one half hour, it will be performed immediately. If the
repair will take longer, then the truck will be
scheduled as a walk-in and fixed accordingly.
Mat Foster
Maintenance Shop Supervisor
Our safety inspector is Jeff Barr. Jeff spent several
years as a driver and is very mechanically inclined.
The Pittsburgh Department of Transportation has
trained Jeff and will continue to train him on an
ongoing basis so that he is updated on the latest
requirements. Jeff and the Safety Lane have been in
place since November 2011.
Mathieu (Mat) Foster joined the PGT Trucking family
in August 2011 after a 20 year career in the Marine
Corps, where he retired as a Gunnery Sergeant. Over
his two decades with the Marines, he spent time in
California, South Carolina, Austria and Guinea, which is
located on the west coast of Africa.
The goal with the Safety Lane is to have an extra set of
eyes check the truck before it leaves on a trip and to
help lower the CSA scores for the drivers and the
company. PGT will be adding a second inspector in
the near future to help improve the workflow and get
drivers through faster and on the road.
Mat spent most of his military career in aviation
maintenance ranging from general management to
working as a flight engineer, where he worked hand in
hand with the pilot and co-pilot in the cockpit.
Upon Mat’s discharge from the Marine Corps, the New
Jersey native moved his family to Western
Pennsylvania when he joined PGT Trucking. In his role
as Maintenance Shop Supervisor, Mat oversees the
maintenance facility in Monaca and its 35 employees
including the new Safety Lane.
Mat is married and has two sons. In his spare time he
enjoys hunting, fishing and building models.
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