October 2009

A monthly newsletter for Saia Employees
October 2009
Sai
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an environment that respects employees and recognizes excellen
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Executive
Forum
Saia City and Line Drivers Recognized at ATA
National Conference
In September, the American Trucking Association
(ATA) honored 57 motor carriers and professionals
for their exceptional safety accomplishments at
iSaia Trip Enjoyed By All
the ATA Safety Management Council’s Safety &
Last month, I, along with Saia’s Vice President of
Human Resources National Conference.
Marketing and Customer Service Sally Buchholz
and Vice President of Western Operations Bill
Kennedy, had the pleasure of hosting 12 Saia
employees, who were the top point recipients
during iSaia’s inaugural year, along with their
guests to a weekend retreat at the Enchantment
In addition to this award, Saia city drivers also
Resort in beautiful Sedona, AZ.
received third place honors in the “General
Commodities/LTL” fleet driving 50 to 100 million
miles category. Our city driver DOT accident rate
was 0.96 accidents per one million miles. This
Saia line drivers received third place honors in
the “General Commodities/LTL” fleet driving
rate means our city drivers were involved in one
DOT accident for every 1,042,000 miles driven.
over 100 million miles category. Our line driver
Congratulations and thanks to all our city and
DOT accident rate was 0.35 accidents per one
line drivers for their safe driving during 2008. ATA
million miles. This accident rate means our line
plaques honoring our drivers and their dedication
drivers were involved in one accident for every
to safety have been placed in the reception area
2,850,000 miles driven.
at the ACO.
September Customer
Service Indicators
Pick-Up Performance
On-Time Delivery
POD Turn-Around
Invoice Accuracy
Claims-Free Shipment
Claims Settled In 30 Days
Third Quarter
President’s Club Winners
99.9%
99.7%
97.0%
97.0%
100%
99.9%
Large Terminals:
ATL
Dana Breneman
KCY
Cary Wepler
BMT/HST Albert McNeil
MIA/WPB Frank Barnett
As you will recall from the program’s rollout,
DLS
Chris Brunk
MKE
Heidi Munson
employee points were tallied within our city driver,
GRL
Jessica Hargis
ORG
Kim Lindsay
line driver, dockworker, maintenance and admin-
KCY
Lisa Smith
PHX
Kathy Rivera
istrative groups. From each of these groups, the
first, second and third place winners, or those with
Medium Terminals:
99.0%
99.1%
99.6%
99.5%
100%
99.8%
Goal
Actual
Sales
the most points, were invited on the trip.
CLV
Kim Featsent
GBY/WAU Kris Rau
CTN
John Odom
LOU
Kevin Hatfield
DAY/SID Randy Trimble
ORL
Michael Ouellette
ELP
Sandra Hernandez
SLC
Dustin Nicholls
FWN
Erich Wolff
TPA
Pat Maender
Small Terminals:
SBN Teresa Mercer
STK Sarah Ocampo
SPO Sean Freeman
Operations
ALX Annette Billingsley
PHX Doug Murray
AQE Kevin Russell
SBN Jim Ketch
GBY Steve Perry
SLC Gary Holyoak
During the long weekend, winners and their
GVL Craig Childress
SPO Scott Mager
guests were treated to several exciting activities
JAC Greg Smith
TFT Jerry Sumner
including an early morning hot air balloon ride,
NSH Scott McFetters
a fun Jeep excursion through the surrounding
continued on page 4
»
1
Benefits Corner
By John Ferguson – Director of Insurance & Privacy Officer
Swine Flu Immunization
The 2009 H1N1vaccine is government-sponsored
and is being distributed to local providers to dispense
to the public. It is a covered injection under Saia’s
health plan and is subject to an office visit co-pay.
It is our understanding that the government is
recommending that the cost providers can charge
be kept very reasonable – somewhere in the $15
water including bathtubs, sinks and toilets.
» Remember that puppies and kittens love to chew
on electrical cords so keep these out of their
reach.
» Make sure that nightlights are completely
range. Providers will be reimbursed separately for
plugged in. Partially exposed prongs can be a
the actual vaccine by the government. The provider
temptation.
charge to the patient is for only the administration
of the vaccine.
Because this is a government-sponsored program,
there is an abundance of alternative sites/sources
that are providing the swine flu vaccine for a very
reasonable cost. Some of the major chain drugstores,
malls, county health departments and outreach
» Keep halogen lamps away from areas pets frequent
because, if tipped over, these lamps can start a
fire.
» Discourage pets from curling up and napping
behind electrical equipment like computers
clinics, to name just a few, are offering the immu-
Dependent Audit
nization. It might be more cost effective for you to
Each year we conduct a dependent audit to insure
consider visiting one of the alternative resources
that only eligible dependents are allowed on Saia’s
versus your primary healthcare provider depending
health plan. We are obligated to conduct the audit
on your individual circumstances.
because Saia has a self-insured, self-funded plan.
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has
recommended that certain groups of the population
Recently, we sent out communications to some
employees asking for additional information in order
to be able to continue their coverage.
receive the H1N1 vaccine first. These target groups
Response to this request was good and, in most
include pregnant women, people who live with or
cases, we were able to certify the dependant and
care for children younger than 6 months of age,
allow continued coverage. However, there are still
healthcare and emergency medical services personnel,
some employees who have still not provided the
persons between the ages of 6 months and 24
necessary documentation requested. If you have
years old, and people 25 through 64 years of age
received a request for verification from Saia’s
who are at higher risk for H1N1 because of chronic
Insurance Department, you are encouraged to
health disorders or compromised immune systems.
submit the requested items so we can verify
Check with your provider to see if you or someone
dependent status.
in your family is a candidate.
Protect Children and Pets from
Injury
August and September
18 Again! Results
Announced
» Don’t forget to keep all appliances away from
New Transit Time
Improvements Announced
Congratulations to the following driver and sales
representative teams who surpassed their 18
shipments per day goal for the months of August
and/or September:
ATL Michelle Boswell
HKY Rick Hernanadez
Dana Breneman
IND Marty Hill
Carla Richter
LAX Dave Urdank
CGO Larry Lagesse
LRK Dennis Wood
LOU Dawn Campbell
Ryan Vasko
CIN Brian Kressin
CLV Dave Yeropoli
MIA Frank Barnett
CMB Jeremy Leeds
MON Patrick Ruiz
CTN John Odom
MPS Joe Wilson
DEN Melody McGinnis
MSP Regina Key
DLS Cathy White
NSH Candice Stephens
OKC Lorene Summers
Bob Taylor
Kevin Hatfield
According to the U.S.
Saia has reduced transit
ELP Sandra Hernandez
ORG Tina Nissen
Consumer Product Safety
times from the com-
FON Monica Hernandez
PDX Christy Brainerd
Commission, home
pany’s Nashville, TN
GRA Tim Wright
accidents and injuries
terminal to facilities
GVL Steve Bruce
SAN Tammy Leal
result in millions of
located in Kansas City
Tom Catafygiotu
SEA Steven Ahlin
injuries to these two
and Springfield MO.;
John Hern
most vulnerable members
Detroit and Jackson, MI;
HST Cheryl Eddins
SBN Teresa Mercer
of your family. However,
and Cleveland, Toledo
Guillermo Guijosa
SLC Kristin Facer
with just a few precau-
and Mansfield, OH.
Garon Eddins
SPO Sean Freeman
tions, these injuries can
be avoided. Follow these
tips:
»Install tamper-resistant outlets that protect small
Because of the reduced transit times customers
will now receive a one-day delivery improvement
on freight moving between these points. Transit
times have also recently been reduced from 11 Saia
Billy Childers
Patrick Smith
JAX Deanna Jones
SPT Jason Ham
KCY Lisa Smith
STL Joan Acton
Shanda McKenzie
TUL Seth Alexander
Cary Wepler
WAC Leslie Clay
children from inserting foreign objects into them.
facilities located in the Midwest to over 30 other
Simple plastic caps can be removed by some
facilities located in the company’s 147-terminal
children, but still remain an option to prevent
network.
Division teams achieved “18 Again!” status.
Transit time reductions were made possible because
Four terminals exceeded their per day shipment
injuries caused by electrocution.
»Keep electrical cords tied up and out of sight.
»Unplug all appliances until you are ready to use
them. These include hair dryers, toasters and
coffee makers.
»Keep appliances such as hair dryers out of your
children’s bathroom.
»Teach children not to touch appliances or anything
electrical when their hands are wet
of improved density in these lanes, which allowed
for more direct moves. These improvements build
on transit time reductions made earlier this year.
Saia continues to provide customers with 97 percent
plus on-time service in the company’s one-day
lanes and 98 percent on-time service in its intra-state
lanes.
All totaled 18 Eastern Division and 14 Western
goal for August. They were GVL, NSH, SPO, and
WAC. Additionally, four terminals exceeded their
per day shipment goal for September. These
terminals were GVL, KCY, MPS, and NSH. The KCY
terminal was a first-time winner this September
while GVL was a first-time winner in August — and
a repeat winner in September. The other terminals
all have received “18 Again!” status more than
once with NSH being the only terminal in our system
to have reached their goal every month since the
program’s inception. Congratulations NSH!
2
Employee Service
Anniversaries
Letters
October
Alan Cunningham
ending with the dockworker helping load his truck.
25+ Years
10 Years
National Account Executive
He said he couldn’t have been treated any nicer
HGO Patrick Coombs (28)
AMR Edward Lumpkins
DLS
and with such a completely professional attitude.
HST Travis Simmons (33)
ATL Stanford Eason
Hello Alan:
Thank you for your help!
KCY Ronald Ryan (31)
Marcus Fields
Terrell Harris
LAF Leo Morrison (40)
Roy Ridley
MAD Larry Sokolak (28)
Albert Varnado
BGO Amanda Termine
I am writing to let you know that I appreciate the
above and beyond service you and others recently
provided. GRL Operations Clerk Cindy Sharp
helped Denise and GRL Operations Clerk Jamalyn
Bowen spent a long time working with me. She
was very thorough and helpful. I have always had a
good experience when using the expedited service
center. They are fast and friendly. This week was
the first time we had a problem that had to be
dealt with and you guys responded in admirable
fashion. It is appreciated. You all helped us protect
a valuable customer relationship.
Marty Zweifel (29)
Doug Williams
NFK Gary Kiepke (30)
CBS Danny Harris
National Account Executive
NOL Michael Leibfritz (28)
CTN Timothy Brown
SEA
Kenneth O’Brien (26)
DLS Teresa Goode
Robyn Rabalais (36)
John Hilton
Joachim Terranova (36)
Ricky Morgan
I hope you are doing well. I just wanted to let you
Hong Tran (26)
ELP Joshua Huitron
know that Chris Fejeran, BGO special accounts
Ernest Wilkes (26)
Frank Marquez
representative, has been a tremendous help for me!
OKC Roger Tanksley (26)
Jaime Meza
SXF Timothy Rasmussen (28)
FON Myron Nevens
Hi Doug:
He always has a sense of urgency for my needs and
questions. Having Chris as my resource has helped
Thanks!
me in my sales efforts because I confidently refer
20 Years
Steve Maberry
Saia to my clients knowing that any question I have
CMB Cindy Emmons
CFO
with any of their shipments can be answered by
Professional Coating Technologies, Inc.
Chris.
HGO Lee Breaux
Cedar Hill, TX
Thank you for putting me in contact with him. I greatly
appreciate his help!!
Bruce Stevens
HST Carolyn Hatcher
Marquis Haynes
Gary Woodson
Trey Mauldin
Lisa Neff
LAF Troy Broussard
Regional Sales Manager
Senior Shipping Consultant
MPS Kecia Carlock
DLS
Unishippers
NOL Shawn Monroe
NSH Hugh Kiker
Trey:
Hope you guys are doing well. I just wanted to
Daniel Rodriguez
mention your driver, WFL City Driver Dewayne
Operations Manager
Holt. I want to inform Saia that this driver has a
ORG
great attitude towards us here and he gets along
well with my shipping crew. His work ethics are
great. I just believe drivers should get credit where
credit is needed and he’s one who cares about his
company and gets the work task completed with a
SEA Brian Wagner
SPT Mandy Coleman
15 Years
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting one of your
drivers, ORG City Driver Felix Pauu. The reason
I am writing is because I wanted to share an example
ATL Eddie Kendall
Robert Miller
Chris Smith
DLS Winford Bibles
of an employee who exemplified the term
“customer service.” Mr. Pauu arrived on-time and
Richard Hamrick
was very friendly with all of my staff. When he met
Ronnie Herriage
Thank you!
me and another employee at our storage shed, he
William Mauldin
Ricky Chavez
went above and beyond what we expected of him
Eddie Moore
Ship/Production Personnel Manager
in helping us store our gun safe in its temporary
Willie Taylor
Powerseal Pipeline
location. Mr. Pauu was patient with my staff as we
HGO Dinah Braud
Wichita Falls, TX
waited to move a patrol car so he could remove
Kristi Cotton
a damaged safe and maneuver the new one into
Cynthia Dupre
the shed. This patience was even more incredible
Penny Hansen
considering this was his last drop-off of the day.
Deidre Holmes
I do not think this e-mail adequately describes how
Jeanne Howard
much we appreciate Mr. Pauu’s great attitude and
Kelly Jukes
I just wanted to say that CLT City Driver Vincent
helpful manner. I want to personally thank him and
Monique Louviere
Caldwell had done the best job of any driver that
Saia for a job well done. He is a great representative
Cindy Martin
has delivered our product in the three years I have
of Saia and you must be very proud to have him
HST Kenneth Smith
been here. I just wanted to make sure that you
as one of your employees. Thanks again and I look
LAF Sonny McGee
were aware of the great job he did.
forward to doing business with your company again
MPS James Carmichael
in the near future.
Major Hudson
Nathaniel Strong
great attitude.
Rod Prevatt
Terminal Manager
CLT
Terri
Manager
Warmest Regards,
Starbucks
Jeff Hutchison
Charlotte, N.C.
Assistant Chief of Police
PHX Wayne Johnson
UC Irvine Police Department
SAN Ollie James
Irvine, CA
TOL Oscar Massie
Tom George
Sales Representative
Jere Worcester
OMA Dennis King
TUL Connie Wilson
TYL Roger Burgess
WAC Allan French
BHM
WTK David Walker
FWN Jackie Davis
GNC Billy Hines
HGO Denise Lirette
Shannon Rodrigue
LAX Melinda Latham
MIA Chris Gonzalez
MPS Jerry Deen
RCM Jose Moreira
SAG Donald Johnson
SEA Charles Lambert
James Williams
STL Luke King
TPA Chuck Hayley
TYL Jeffery Davis
WPB Tim Okeefe
5 Years
BGO Judith Christensen
BRG Kassler Simpson
CGO Samuel Cosylion
CLV Aaron Smith
DLS Christopher Atkins
Robert Dinwiddie
Ricky Linder
Karen Nellen
Derek Williams
DSM Marvin Seals
EUG Robert Munger
FON Manuel Rodriquez
FSN Michael Sigala
GBO Thomas Combs
GBY Richard Kraning
GRJ Lamar Wareham
GRL Donald Grant
HKY Ricky Henley
JCY Shannon Stapleton
LOU Randall Walston
MPS Ricky Crutcher
NSH Michael Brewer
Barry Bush
ORG Brian D’Errico
Daniel Mowrer
PHX Robert Kretkowski
RAL John Foster
SBN Danny Cox
SEA Carol Pugh
Rick, the Legg salesman, wanted me to know that
Letters Are Edited
his experience with Saia in Dallas was the most
Letters to Saia Directions are edited for length and
SJO Lori Wilson
professional he had ever had — everyone from
clarity. The editor strives to preserve each writer’s
STL Kevin Hall
the guard at the gate, all through the office, and
point-of-view.
WPB Louis McPherson
SID Scott Dean
A monthly newsletter for Saia Employees October 2009
3
Company Update
Williams Named New JCY TM
Brad Williams has been named the new terminal
Brad has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from
manager for Johnson City, TN. He has been with
Troy University. When he isn’t working, he enjoys
Saia since 2006 — most recently working as the
spending time with family and friends, watching
TM/SR in Florence, S.C.
and playing sports, as well as the outdoors.
Executive Forum: iSaia Trip Enjoyed By All
»
continued from page 1
desert, a hike to some ancient Native American
earned. These employees earned this recognition by
ruins, a golf outing, an evening of star gazing,
making each day count. From saving the company
and spa services offered by the resort itself.
thousands of dollars by locating missing freight
Several employees who went on the trip said that
it was one of the best experiences of their lives.
to posting DBE results of 200 or more, they all
have earned the respect of their fellow employees
and our customers. Each of these employees is
“I had one of the best times of my life,” said Frankie.
really to be commended for their dedication. They
“I appreciate what Saia has done for me.”
truly make Saia the great company that it is.
“We enjoyed everything,” explained Roger.
In closing, I want to again congratulate all our
“Being able to meet other Saia employees was
iSaia winners. I also want to remind everyone
wonderful and we enjoyed the resort, the food
that the program’s first year ended on June 30,
and the entertainment — especially the hot air
at which time every employee’s point count was
balloon ride and the jeep tour.”
re-set to zero. We began awarding points for the
The hard work that these individuals put forth goes
This group is the HST terminal’s top outbound DBE performers
for September. As a whole, HST’s dockworkers set a new all-time
best DBE of 97 last month. All the guys pictured above ran over
a 100 DBE. According to HST Assistant Terminal Manager Don
Langford, “These guys understand the importance of ensuring
that every Saia customer has a perfect delivery experience.” HST
dockworkers pictured from left to right, sitting/squatting,
include Marcus Ware, Leroy Williams, and Pedro Martinez.
Dockworkers pictured in the second row, from left to right,
include James Meeks, Marcus Provost, Byron Brooks, Felix
Flores, Charlie Labra, and Derrick Taylor. Dockworkers pictured
in the third row, from left to right, include Elgin Dillard, Horace
Murray, Johnny Mathis, Ralph Denman, and Matt Evans.
2009-2010 program year on July 1.
CMB City Driver Tom Bowman, pictured above, is currently
stationed in Iraq. Recently, he sent his Terminal Manager, Jere
Worcester, an e-mail to say hello and let his coworkers know he
is okay. In part, Tom said he sent the photo above so employees
would get an idea of the “beast” he gets to ride around in. He
said he is thinking of bringing it back with him to use on his
P&D route on the eastside of Columbus, OH. Thanks for the
update Tom. We all wish you a safe and speedy return home!
far beyond any recognition that they could have
iSaia trip winners and guests pictured kneeling, from left to right, include ATL Dockworker Kalvin Maddox, President and CEO Rick
O’Dell, CeCe Cobb, BMT Line Driver Don Cobb, Jonnie Kennedy, and Betty Bagwell. Trip winners and guests pictured standing, from
left to right, include ATL OS&D Specialist Frankie Partin, Barbara Partin, HST Operations Office Manager Sue Lobue, Christopher
Lobue, Angela Mathews, Donna Allen, CLT City Driver Roger Allen, Samantha Ellis, Autumn Holcombe, ATL Dockworker Joshua
Wall, Janice O’Dell, Karen Guidry, LKC Line Driver Charles Guidry, Kerri Stone, CLT City Driver Paul Stallings, Erin Noblitt,
Vice President of Western Operations Bill Kennedy, LAF Line Driver Eric Noblitt, CLT City Driver Vincent Caldwell, Rita Caldwell,
VP of Marketing and Customer Service Sally Buchholz, Dennis Buchholz, and ACO Linehaul Regional Dispatcher Ken Bagwell.
4
Recently, Saia University was honored with
a 2009 Telly Award for a Saia Hazmat
Training DVD that was executive produced
and written by Training Manager Gary
Jones. He said Video Quest, Inc. is the
company who did the actual filming and
editing and its president, Dan Marcacci,
submitted the video for consideration. The
Telly is the highest honor that a corporate
video can achieve. While only broadcast
videos can receive Emmys, the Telly allows
corporate and non-broadcast entities to
be able to compete for excellence awards.
Congratulations!
A monthly newsletter for Saia Employees October 2009
[email protected].
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1
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Company Update
Letters
Employee Service Anniversaries
Benefits Corner
August and September 18 Again! Results Announced
New Transit Time Improvements Announced
Saia City and Line Drivers Recognized at ATA National Conference
Executive Forum
Third Quarter President’s Club Winners
Johns Creek, GA 30097
Suite 400
11465 Johns Creek Parkway
October 2009
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