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June 2016
WTI Transport Newsletter
Family Fun Day
A beautiful spring day at Ray Jenkins Arena in Northport, AL welcomed family and friends to WTI’s first Family Fun Day. On Saturday
April 23rd about 300 drivers, staff and family members came together
for fellowship and fun.
Rooms were available at the Quality Inn in Tuscaloosa for those
who wanted to stay the night before or after the picnic. Lunch included
hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, cookies and soft drinks.
After registering at the main entrance, DJ Tory Ezell, welcomed all
with an array of current and classic hits. Many drivers and staff started
the morning by bringing their families for pictures around and behind
the wheel of a 2017 Freightliner.
Activities included Putt Putt golf, Football toss, Corn hole, Balloon
art, Bingo, Face painting, Photo booth, Tug-of-War, the Super Heroes
Bounce House and Pedestal Jousts.
Prior to the Welcoming Address by Rendy Taylor, drivers and staff
were recognized for their years of service with WTI.
After lunch door prices were drawn. We gave away 81 total prizes!
Among the prizes were: Blu-Ray DVD Player, Stanley Wet/Dry Vac,
Cobra CB Radio, Samsung Galaxy Tablet, Cash, Vizio 24” TV, Gas
Grill, Canon Digital Camera, (5) Sets of tickets to Alabama football
games (18 total tickets), (2) tickets to the Alabama /Auburn football
game (Grand Prize).
Everyone seemed to have a great time. Below are some of the
comments we received:
“Everything was fabulous. There were games for all ages. Meeting
everyone was extra special. We are looking forward to the next one.”
“The music was Awesome!”
“This was such a nice thing to do for the employees and their families.
We will definitely attend next year.”
“The door prizes were awesome!”
“My daughter loved helping with the door prize drawing.”
Next year’s Family Fun Day is scheduled for April 22, 2017. We’ll
see you then!
Guy R. Martorana
Director of Human Resources
Professional at Work .............................. 2
Family Fun Day ........................................ 6
WTI Birthdays .......................................... 3
It’s Hot!!! .................................................. 8
Lease Purchase News ............................. 4
Open and Closed Doors .......................... 9
Why Our Drivers Love WTI .................... 5
2016 Graduates ................................... 11
A Message from Rendy Taylor
Well it is summertime here in the South and the weather is heating up; please remember
to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids and taking rest breaks often, while
working out in the heat. Freight has begun to pick up and we feel there is a great opportunity for our drivers to make good money in the next few months.
As you all know the most important day of the week, that determines your greatest Success, is delivering on Monday mornings with hours left to run. This takes a lot of planning on
your part, in determining the time you need to leave out in order to make that delivery and
have hours available to run.
In my 35 plus years in the trucking industry, I have had the privilege of watching, studying, and the pleasure of being associated with many Successful drivers. The one thing that
all these Successful drivers had in common was their trip planning and how well they started
their weeks out. They would always know by Wednesday or Thursday at the latest what
they had planned with their families for the weekend and we booked freight for them according to these needs. It is all about
Communication!!! Good Consistent Communication leads to Great Success, along with Doing What You say You are going To
DO. So let’s all Communicate, Communicate, Communicate for our SUCCESS.
Thanks for everything that each of you do for WTI, and we are truly Committed to the Success of each of YOU!!!
Be Safe in your travels, enjoy Life and Your Families, and always keep Safety First.
Rendy Taylor
Summer Heat
We are now full into the summer and all of the good and bad that go with it. The good is the busy season for flatbed
and no issues with the ice/cold limitations. The bad is the HEAT! I think the part that is most important is drivers taking time
to stay hydrated. I have seen over the years drivers who get in a hurry to get out of the heat and end up doing more harm
to themselves. It is important to all of us that our drivers take care of themselves, but don’t let the load come before your
health. Avoid sodas and drink plenty of water.
Equipment also takes a beating during the heat. We see more tire issues due to the heat and that means more vigilant
pre and post trip inspections. Tire inflation can rapidly change due to temperatures and that can cause blowouts. Make sure
you check tire pressures and stay ahead of the issue that may cost you a day of delivery.
Thanks for all you do and have a great summer!
Darren Lee
VP of Operations
Professional at Work
Motorist Sherry Griswold called in to report that she is traveling Interstate 85 South today in AL. She said that she was
in heavy traffic construction zone and commercial trucks have ‘been flying’ around her. She said that she noticed one
truck that was driving safely and professionally, not following too close or speeding. The WTI truck is 4428L, Mr. Ezell
Mason. Ms.Griswold said that it’s refreshing and comforting to know that there are still safe big trucks out on the highway. She said that there’s a world of difference in the way that the WTI truck driver is driving and the other trucks that
are flying beside her. Her wish is for us to pass along her personal thanks to the WTI driver.
Great job, Mr. Ezell.
Jem Blair
Safety VP
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WTI Birthdays
We’d like to wish our Driver Associates & Staff a Happy Birthday.
April Birthdays
Caleb Peterson
James Simpson
Kenneth Williams
Terry Simpson
Adrian Tate
Nathan Cannon
Jeffrey Fochtman
Dominic Clark
Richard Silvia
Ricky Statham
James Eaglen
Milton Jenkins
Dennis Spangler
Jason Loudermilk
Chuck Parker
Will Akins
Nathan Dodson
Jonathan Papizan
Anthony Harris
Randy Richards
Brandon Haynes
Thomas Smith
David Horn
Dean Haggerstrom
Brandon Raines
Norman Gilreath
Marque Perkins
Marlowe Rooks
Kevin Boquist
Andra Hayes
Roydrick Madison
Melissa Hall
Bobby Atkins
Stacey Dunlap
Leo Lafond
Thomas Sharpe
Roderick Ashford
Willie Cooks
Percy Evans
Samuel Woodford
Michael Holmes
May Birthdays
Donovan Dixon
Larry Head
Dennis Taylor
Harold Doremus
Barry Marcellin
Eric Haley
Johnny Thompson
Robert Buckles
Ezell Mason
Troy Morris
Shawn Bellew
Kevin Thompson
Josh King
Jamal Norman
Ronald Henry
Mark Vulich
William Hamler
John Kennedy
Jack Potthoff
Bryan Jaynes
Gerald Mcwilliams
Daniel Williams
Jerry Lowry
Stanley Walsh
Justin Farmer
Willie Moore
Harold Street
Josh Weaver
Steven Johnson
Jawann Myers
Joseph Sexton
Richard Dison
June Birthdays
James Howard
Curt Gauthier
Curtis Miller
Joshua Price
Johnny Herrin
Stanley Hollins
Garry Leonard
Curtis Salter
Michael Johnson
Alan Martin
Claude Frost
Kenneth Sherbett
Joe Hartsfield
Stephen Frazier
Julius Rivers
Lane Conway
David Cofield
Steven Davis
Carl Engram
Jones Bennett
Rusty Drury
Alford Bullock
Terry Martin
Trent Bondy
Robert Knight
Michael Gaines
Neal Tidmore
Brandon Haver
Warren Hambright
Phillip Wesner
Alvin Bruton
Jeffery Daniels
Kim Lett
Allen Gay
James Wilson
Danny Wall
Steven Kimbrell
Happy Birthday Celebrations for our Driver’s Spouses & our Employee’s Spouses
April Birthdays
Elizabeth Mcdowell
Shakeda Ford
Helen Jensen
Sharon Hamler
Melissa Browning
Rita Robbins
Cynthia Oates
Julie Hudson
Beverly Davenport
Melissa Sudduth
Olya Keys
Tina Schmidt
Lanita Hill
Debra Kinser
Diana Hudson
Chaka Worthen
David Mercier
May Birthdays
Sandy Carpenter
Pam Drury
Mary Spangler
Tracey White
Michele Blair
Sha Cannon
Kroka Render
Lorraine Michonski
Faith Colburn
Janay Washington
Kim Rexwinkle
Amy Nichols
Lucy Greenwood
Tammy Reed
Amanda Peterson
Lanesha Hedgeman
Royneka George
Tammy Vanhuss
Angel Haver
Kelly Monseglio
Kathy Haley
Tammy Gay
Kayleigh Yarbrough
Jennifer Jones
Susan Rice
Tammy Kershaw
Cindy Gail
Tammy Fanning
June Birthdays
Temeacher Huff
Elizabeth Jernigan
Athena Johnson
Tim Stewart
Glenda Miley
Stacey Noon
Lisa Gann
Danielle Head
Jane Wilson
Edna Mason
Melissa Brinyark
Kayla Cook
Latanza Edinburgh
Valrie Samuels
Dawn Rushing
Jennie Hoskins
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
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Happy Birthday Celebrations for our Driver’s Children & Employee’s Children (age 18 & younger)
April Birthdays
Haylee Keys
Paige Williams
Noah Ewing
Logan Dodson
Melchi Tyree
Alleah Lucas
Valencia Coleman
Asia Harris
Keyana Taylor
Ashley Anderson
Chloe Sisson
Julianna Gilreath
Nonnie Sharpe
Mikesha Spencer
Zoe Hearron
Prezell Mason, Jr.
Dana Wilson
Hayden Sisson
Rylan Duncan
Laura Brinyark
May Birthdays
Jaeger Averhart
Aniyah Tyree
Tyquan Hall
Braylen Radney
Brianna Schmidt
Erica Herbin
Kenya Christian
Tommy Sharpe
Alquan Armstrong
Joseph Wohlers
Aslia Colmon
Mackenzie Nichols
Emma Croft
Kylie Ritchea
Alyana Tyree
Gunnar Averhart
Z’nyiah Keys
June Birthdays
Shaundra Mcdowell, Jr.
Devin Williams
Aniya Mason
Rachel Shults
Keyshauna Taylor
Skilar Whaley
Lilly Godwyn
Dylan Schmidt
Zane Sanford
Joshlynn Ritchea
Amber Bellew
Jacob Bellew
Brantley Haynes
Aylssa Brooks
Batson King
Cameron Christian
Emmalyne Mitchell
Jeremiah Worthen
Melanie Mae
Jalen Luckey
Arriona Brinson
Tommie Reynolds
Jaedyn Clark
Nicholas Doremus
Tristen Jones
Dewayne Land
Adam Watts
If your child’s birthday was during April, May or June & they aren’t listed,
Please email [email protected] with child’s name and birthday (month, day & year).
Lease Purchase News
The lease program is in full swing right now as freight is strong and the trucks are moving! All of our lease drivers are
putting in the work this time of year to prepare for the slower winter months ahead. The LP and LM programs are open
for a few more months this year and there are a few drivers in line to get into the LP program. Our LP program is one of
the strongest in the industry and will continue to grow along with WTI.
Please let me know if there are any questions about leasing that I can answer. I look forward to hearing from you!
Will Akins
Leasing Manager
Employee of the Month
Congratulations to each of you for doing an outstanding job!
April – Kelli Schlatter
May – Ronny Matherson
June – Allyn Williford
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Driver Associates of the Month
Based on Revenue, Fuel Compliance, MPG’s, Safety & Length of Employment, the following Company Drivers have been
selected for April-June:
April- Ricky Statham
May – Kelley Clair
June – Steven Carpenter
Based on Revenue, Deadhead %, Loads Per Week, Safety & Length of Employment, the following Owner/Operators,
Lease Purchase & Lease Maintenance Drivers have been selected for April-June:
Owner/Op
April – Anthony E. White
May – Lashawn Murray
June – Patrick Rainville
Lease Purchase
April – Doug Kershaw
May – Gregory Ellison
June – William Hearron
Lease Maintenance
April – Nathan Cannon
May – Milton Jenkins
June – Thomas Sharpe
Why Our Drivers & Families Love WTI
“We get treated like family and that’s a feeling mere words can not express the impact and feelings of worth that y’all give
us everyday. WTI has people who treat drivers with respect and help the driver more than any other company I’ve worked
for. We love y’all and appreciate everything y’all do and that ‘s what makes it such an amazing place to work.” – John B
(Driver Associate)
“To me, it seems like the people at WTI are more like family than just another trucking company.”
– Dewayne O (Driver Associate)
“I like that when the loads are there, (or the DM has the loads ready with the proper load numbers & appointment times), the
money is good. When it isn’t, or when something goes wrong, it feels like family, when the company helps you out. I like the
family picnic we recently had and the opportunities to voice concerns or opinions. This has been the best company to drive
for.”– Lori S (wife of Driver Associate)
“It means a lot to us that WTI has someone in place for us wives to come to with all questions and/or concerns that we may
have. So many times, WTI has made sure to get my spouse home for important family matters like surgeries or a death in the
family. WTI stays in touch with the families of the drivers. We have our own separate Facebook support page for wives. This
just names a few personal reasons that mean a lot to me.” – Audra K (wife of Driver Associate)
“WTI has been the only company my husband has worked for that has had anything to do with the family. He is home when he
wants to be & stays out as long as he wants. He makes great money and I look forward to him staying with the WTI family for
many more years.” – Malachi P (spouse of Driver Associate)
“I like the fact that my husband has pretty decent home time, a decent salary and a good relationship with his dispatcher and
the rest of the WTI staff. Personal emails and phone calls to try to actually get to know the family helps me feel connected to
WTI. WTI has been a part of our family for years and my husband truly loves working for WTI.”
– Charmain B (wife of Driver Associate)
“I have never worked for a company that is as family oriented as WTI. I’ve been trucking for around 27 years & I have never
had a Dispatcher that goes above & beyond to try to meet a driver’s needs as mine does. I make good money & still get home
when I want to. As far as I’m Concerned, WTI is by far the best company I’ve been employed with .”
– J.D. B (Driver Associate)
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WTI Transport’s
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Family Fun Day
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Best of the Best MPG
MARCH TOP 10 MPG’S
APRIL TOP 10 MPG’S
MAY TOP 10 MPG’S
Willie Peebles
Richard Monseglio
Richard Silvia
Raydise Cooper
Joseph Edwards
James Vanhorn
Mark Dean
Richard Hoffman
Cedric Hood
Jeffrey Luckey
Cedric Haymer
Richard Hoffman
Bryan Nelson
Mark Dean
Willie Peebles
Joseph Edwards
James Vanhorn
Jeffrey Luckey
Leandrew Banks
Liberato Lupo
Richard Hoffman
Joseph Edwards
Sytaniel Varnado
Jimmy Lewis
Daniel Morgan
Van Averhart
David Baker
Alford Bullock
Stephen Frazier
William Hearron
7.60
7.50
7.50
7.40
7.40
7.40
7.20
7.20
7.20
7.20
8.00
7.80
7.60
7.50
7.50
7.40
7.40
7.30
7.20
7.20
7.50
7.40
7.30
7.20
7.20
7.10
7.10
7.10
7.10
7.10
IT’S HOT!!!!!!!
If you are outside for a brief moment, you will realize that it’s summer in the South!! Make sure you are taking care of yourself first! So we know what that means, it means the temperatures will take a toll on everything on your equipment. Keeping this
in mind, it only takes a few minutes every day to find a potential problem that can cost you downtime.
• Air pressure most critical point in tire life. Not checking
tire pressure can lead to casing failures, blowouts, irregular wear, or waiting for a
service truck on the side of the road.
Owners & Lease Purchase /Lease
Maintenance Operators as you
check your truck make sure
you are checking the trailer
tires for the same things.
Drive & trailer tires 105psi--steer- 110psi---super single
– 110 psi
• Pre-trip & post trip, before
you start your day and
when you finish up your day
these two actions that you
can take is what can make you
successful or if you fail to do this
you will not be successful.
• If you do have any kind of truck or
trailer problem, call the maintenance department immediately. We have a great group of people that
work very hard each day to handle any kind of breakdown.
When we are contacted we immediately go to work looking
for the right place to get help to get you back on the road.
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• Engine issues— need to be caught early, watch for temps
on your gauges rising and excessive coolant or oil usage.
• P.M. services goals for trucks are set at
25,000 miles, so be aware of when your
truck is due or coming due so we can
work it out with your fleet manager.
Trailer p.m. goals are set at a 90 day
interval.
• Be sure that you have you’re a/c
system checked when you come in
for a service; you cannot survive
these hot days and nights with your
ac working properly.
• If you are having ac problems &
cannot get it fixed immediately, ask to
be put into a hotel, we do not want any of
our people exposed to trying to sleep in a
hot vehicle.
This only took a few minutes to read, but can save you
hours in downtime!!!! Remember “IT’S HOT”!!!!
Alan Martin
V.P. of Maintenance
Open and Closed Doors
The men in my family love college football. It was fun to have part of our family over for
a big game a couple of years ago. There was fun, laughter, chatter, food, excitement and a
little nail-biting, but our beloved Tide won!
While the game was on, my 18 month-old grandson Joseph was walking around the kitchen and living room. My wife was in the kitchen and everyone else was in the living room.
All of a sudden my daughter-in-law Kelly shouted, “Oh my! Joseph just opened the front
door. Get him!” (Kelly had a broken foot so moving rapidly was not a possibility.) Someone
scooped Joseph up quickly before he got out the door. The unlocked door has a lever handle,
and he simply pulled down on the handle, and was about to walk through a door that he was
not mature enough to handle. I learned that day that the front door must be locked at all times
to keep Joseph from walking into situations for which he is not ready.
In Joseph’s mind, the open door was just what he wanted. He loves the outdoors, but Joseph did not understand, that
the timing was totally wrong for him to walk through the door. Joseph would have been in a dangerous situation. Joseph
would have wandered with no direction. The day will come when he will be ready for what is beyond the door, but not at
this time in his life.
Open doors in life can mean opportunity, progress and promotion, but there are times when open doors close, or sometimes the door just doesn’t open at all. Often we cry out, “God, where are you? Is it all over for me? Why don’t you
open the door, God?”
This cry comes from disappointment or even desperation. As God’s children we need to walk in greater trust concerning the doors that are before us. Closed doors do not mean that it is the end of the road. They do not mean that God has
stopped caring about our lives. It is actually quite the opposite.
The key to every door is in His hand. If you are a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and you desire His will in all things,
you can be certain that He will open the right doors at the right time. You can also be certain that He will close doors.
There are times that He does use open and closed doors of circumstances, finances, relationships and many other things to
help guide us.
Will you be bold enough to ask God to close all doors except the ones that He wants you to go through? We should never
force doors to open, or pull strings to make things work out. Try not to dwell on the disappointment of a closed door, for like
Joseph, we might find ourselves walking through a door that looked so inviting, only to find it was a wrong place for us.
“I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.”
Revelation 3:8
Gaylon Benton
Corporate Chaplain
Shout out to 2nd Shift Mechanics
I wanted to take the time to let you know that 2nd shift did a great job on my truck last night. The mechanics don’t get
enough credit here, but they were shorthanded and worked until their last available minute to make sure I had my truck
and a place to sleep. Moreover, they detected a leak that I still can’t believe they found and 1st shift knocked it out this
morning. I appreciate everything they do to watch my back and keep me rolling at the same time. Thanks again,
– Chris 4344L
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WTI Driver Service Salute
Thank you for your service and hard work.
April
David Hoskins
7 Years
Derrick Martin
1 Year
Milford Samuels
2 Years
Joshua Costley
6 Years
Jessie Pasteur
1 Year
Isaac Caldwell
2 Years
7 Years
Calvin Pope
5 Years
Hubert Worthen
1 Year
Anthony Harris
2 Years
Eugene Lawrence
7 Years
Jerry Lowry
4 Years
Cornell Duhon
1 Year
Michael Williams
1 Year
Tyrone Hamilton
5 Years
Brandon Haver
4 Years
David Croft
1 Year
Ivy Willis
1 Year
Douglas Asbridge
5 Years
Wayne Rexwinkle
4 Years
Bradley Skaggs
1 Year
Jerome Chapman
1 Year
Lorne Patterson
5 Years
Samuel Woodford
4 Years
Michael Burleson
1 Year
Steven Wilson
1 Year
Darren Morrison
4 Years
Shaundra Mcdowell
4 Years
William Landers
1 Year
Charlie Ponder
4 Years
Olan Butler
4 Years
June
Brandon Haynes
1 Year
William Edwards
4 Years
Royce Hughes
3 Years
Bobby Atkins
20 Years
Tony Greenwood
3 Years
Demetrius Brown
3 Years
Willie Peebles
14 Years
Joseph Jones
3 Years
Christopher George
3 Years
Ronald Henry
7 Years
Tony Jones
3 Years
Jeffery Daniels
3 Years
Scott Reddick
7 Years
Kelley Clair
2 Years
Gregory Ellison
3 Years
Jerome Donaldson
6 Years
Percy Jackson
2 Years
Nathan Dodson
2 Years
Phil Loughery
6 Years
Martin Anderson
2 Years
Mario Lawrence
2 Years
James Spencer
5 Years
Steven Watkins
2 Years
Randall Penton
2 Years
Claude Frost
5 Years
Lawrence Williams
Dennis Brinson
11 Years
Andra Hayes
1 Year
James Merry
2 Years
Dexter Ford
4 Years
Curt Gauthier
1 Year
Steven Carpenter
2 Years
Willie Cooks
4 Years
Christopher Daniel
1 Year
Paul Jones
2 Years
Eric Carpenter
3 Years
Jerry Haynes
1 Year
Thomas Sharpe
2 Years
Michael Roy
3 Years
May
Russell Watkins
1 Year
Karl Taylor
3 Years
Thomas Bevly
1 Year
Johnny Anderson
3 Years
Ronny Milsap
13 Years
Daryl Harper
1 Year
Jimmy Lewis
3 Years
Dean Haggerstrom
12 Years
Russell Jones
1 Year
Van Averhart
2 Years
Robert Buckles
8 Years
Wallace Jefferson
1 Year
Justin Barefoot
2 Years
Rodney Adams
8 Years
David Keller
1 Year
Charles Miller
2 Years
WTI Staff Service Salute
Thank you for your service and hard work.
April
May
June
Bruce Brinyark
16 Years
Mike Hamner
17 Years
Meko Stewart
15 Years
Darren Lee
15 Years
Anthony Prewitt
16 Years
Allyn Williford
8 Years
Alan Martin
11 Years
Jesse Hines
16 Years
Lee Collins
1 Year
Josh King
3 Years
Frannie Prestwood
5 Years
Joe Morley
1 Year
Kelli Schlatter
3 Years
Christie Baker
4 Years
Ray Breeding
2 Years
Melissa Hall
2 Years
Billie Jean Clayville
Family Care Specialist
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The Food Truck
BBQ PULLED PORK
Appliance used
12V Slow Cooker or a 150w Inverter and a 60w Slow Cooker
Ingredients needed:
• Approx. 3 lbs. Pork Tenderloin
• 1 bottle Barbecue Sauce (18 oz.)
• 1 can Coca-Cola (12 oz.)
• Optional: 1/2 white onion, slice
Directions for cooking•
•
•
•
•
•
Place sliced onions on the bottom of slow cooker.
Place Pork Tenderloin in slow cooker on top of sliced onions
Mix together BBQ Sauce and Coke in mixing bowl or cup and stir well.
Pour BBQ Sauce and Coke mixture over Pork, and cover Crockpot.
Cook on LOW for 6 – 7 hours, or until done.
Remove from slow cooker, and shred using 2 forks.
• If you would like to submit a recipe for The Food Truck, please email it to: [email protected]
Meko Stewart
Recruiting Specialist
Congratulations to our 2016 Graduates
We are proud of you!! Follow your dreams!!
Left to Right
Andrea Martinez - Daughter of Jason & Melody Quinn
Cody Morris - Son of Troy & Mary Beth Morris
James Poteet - Son of Bradley & Nickey Skaggs
Morgan Skaggs - Daughter of Bradley & Skaggs
Left to Right
Joshua Thomas - Son of Marlowe & Patricia Rooks
Marteniece Rooks - Daughter of Marlowe & Patricia Rooks
Karen Patty - GrandDaughter of Chase & Annie Wienke
Steven Kyzar - GrandSon of Chase & Annie Wienke
Left to Right
Sydnee Keys - Daughter of Tommie & Olya Keys
Nicholas Doremus - Son of Harold & Brandi Doremus
Keyana Taylor - Daughter of Dennis & Charmain Brinson
Cierra Prewitt - Daughter of Darren & Mary Morrison
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WTI Transport, Inc
P.O. Box 020968
Tuscaloosa, AL 35402
Presorted Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 114
Tuscaloosa, AL.
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WTI Transport’s Mission Statement
“WTI Transport’s mission is to safely serve our customers, drivers, and associates with
pride and integrity. We will meet these needs and expectations through communication,
technology, honesty, and a strong work ethic.”