November 2013 Super Service Newsletter

Quote of the Month:
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving
up. The most certain way to succeed is
always to try just one more time.”
- Thomas A. Edison
Welcome New Non-Driving
Employees:
Curtis Johnson—Mechanic (GA)
Chris Alford—Mechanic (GA)
Chad Brant—Brokerage Manager (MI)
Charles Posta—Driver Manager (GA)
NOVEMBER 2013
NEWSLETTER
Kelly Dornon—Tracker (MI)
Kelvin Perry—Mechanic (GA)
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Augustus McClure—Mechanic (GA)
•
Driving Safely with Dan Strong, CEO
Deonte’ Lancaster—Safety Lane Tech (GA)
•
Customer Profile—Georgia Pacific
•
Making a Difference as a Trainer
•
Speed
•
Preparing for Flu Season
•
Trucker CB Lingo
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Driving Safely
with: Dan Strong, CEO
Dan and Vickie Strong at Notre Dame
Play Like A Champion Today
My wife and I had the pleasure of touring the
Notre Dame locker room a few weekends ago
prior to the game against the University of
Southern California. In the stairwell leading to
the field there is a sign which reads, “Play Like
a Champion Today”. Each player touches the
sign on the way to the turf to signify their commitment to giving a total effort for the team.
Play Like a Champion Today is a simple enough
concept. Some may think you don’t even need
to have a sign. You are playing for Notre
Dame! If you didn’t play like a champion, you
wouldn’t be there, right? However, some, if not
all, need gentle reminders throughout the day
to keep us in the game. It isn’t different at Super Service LLC. This is why we constantly harp
on the four building blocks and five themes. A
reminder is a good thing, even if it isn’t needed.
One definition of champion is “support the
cause”. Are we supporting the cause with each
and every action we take?
Last week I called through to a Super Service
associate who had no idea who was on the other
end of the phone. He answered the phone as if
whoever was on the other line was going to be a
complete bother to him. He was rude, abrupt
and certainly not friendly. Think about this the
next time you pick up the phone. If it is not an
internal call you should identify the Company,
your name and have a pleasant tone of
voice. Thank the person for calling. The opportunity of a lifetime may be on the other end of
the phone and you just missed it if you are rude,
abrupt and not customer loyalty focused. We
have to play like a champion every time we represent our company.
Georgia-Pacific was founded in 1927 by Owen R. Cheatham as a wholesaler of hardwood lumber and has grown
into one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of tissue, pulp, paper, packaging, building products and
related chemicals. There are 35,000 employees worldwide working for the company that is headquartered in Atlanta,
Georgia.
During the years 1941-1945, the company then known as Georgia Hardwood Lumber Co. was the largest supplier
of lumber to the U.S. armed forces and was awarded the Army-Navy “E” for outstanding service in the war effort. A
sample E award letter visible online in the Navy Department Library states “Since nineteen hundred six the ‘E’ has been
the traditional Navy symbol for excellence- for a job ‘Well Done.’”
Since the war, Georgia Pacific has seen many acquisitions, mergers, and name changes that lead to the production of many well-known household brands such as Brawny, Sparkle, Angel Soft, Quilted Northern and Dixie as well as
sales of more than $20 billion. While the company has a long history of success they also have a long history of caring
for the community starting with the creation of the Georgia-Pacific Foundation in 1957. In 1969 the public received a donation of California redwood groves, valued at more than $6 million. In 2001 Georgia-Pacific spearheaded a fundraising
effort amount Atlanta CEOs to help restore Ebenezer Baptist Church which was once led by the Reverend Martin Luther
King, Jr.
Safety has always been a priority for Georgia-Pacific who was the first forest products company to reach Star
Level from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for exemplary safety program. Being one of our Four
Building Blocks, a core concern for safety is something that
Super Service shares with Georgia-Pacific. This is one of the
many reasons Super Service and Georgia-Pacific make a
great team!
Submitted By: Becky Howard
MAKINGADIFFERENCEASADRIVERTRAINER
By: Vaughn Yow, Vice-President of Operaons
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” - Henry Adams
The number of new entrants joining the truckload industry through driver training schools
continues to increase every year. Many of these schools do not provide the quality training
or over the road experience necessary to properly prepare someone for a successful career in this demanding profession.
To overcome this challenge we have developed a comprehensive training program designed to supplement the CDL school curriculum while also providing several weeks of valuable hands on experience. Our driver trainers play a critical role in helping student drivers
learn the skills necessary to be safe and productive employees.
Teaching and training others can be a very rewarding experience. Beyond the satisfaction
associated with helping others, additional benefits are available for driver trainers at Super
Service.
Benefits include:
•
•
•
•
Drive the latest equipment.
Incentives to keep your weekly pay higher ($50 per day while training a student).
Local opportunities to help with road testing in terminal locations.
Company apparel provided identifying you as a member of an elite training team.
General criteria necessary to qualify:
•
•
•
•
•
1 year or more of over the road driving experience with at least 6 months of that time
employed at Super Service.
Performance based recommendation from your Driver Manager.
No DOT preventable accident within the past 12 months and no minor preventable accident during the past 6 months.
Total CSA points less than 80 with no critical CSA violations during the past 6 months.
No preventable DOT hours of service violation in the last 6 months.
If this sounds like an opportunity you would be interested in please contact your Driver
Manager for further details.
TIPSFORTRAVELLINGWITHFIDO
By: Chuck Creekmore, Safety Manager
If you’ve been considering bringing your pet on the road but aren’t sure where to start, this list should help.
1. Make your pet feel at home
It’s important to give your dog a place to sleep and play. Designate a space with
pet bedding and toys where your dog knows he or she can feel at home. A dog
crate if you have the room works nicely also.
2. Bring treats, leashes, other supplies
Store a small, sealed container filled with treats and other pet supplies in an easyto-reach place. Have a backup collar and leash just in case. Plan for Restraint: Have a plan for how you're going to
properly restrain your dog in your vehicle. This is a crucial element of pet travel which is not taken seriously enough.
The reality is that hundreds of pets are injured or even killed each year because they are allowed free reign in cars,
trucks, RVs, and SUVs. Even more real is the toll in human life and property damage caused when an "enthusiastic"
animal distracts a driver, leading to an accident. Vehicle pet barriers, pet seat belts, pet car seats, and pet travel crates
are all excellent ways to keep your pet (and you) safe when traveling in your vehicle. It's important to familiarize your
pet with the vehicle restraint of choice weeks or months before traveling so that they are comfortable.
3. Keep the cab spotless
If you have a dog, you know how much they like to chew on things they shouldn’t chew on. Keep your cab as pristine
as possible for the health of your dog.
4. Plan for health issues
What will you do if Spike gets sick? Will you have time to stop? Where are the emergency vet clinics along your route?
It’s incredibly important to keep all of these things in mind before starting your trip. Healthy Start: The last thing you
need is a sick pet when traveling. This means a visit to the vet for a medical checkup and to ensure your pet is up-todate with all necessary vaccinations. The veterinarian can also issue a health certificate for your pet. If you and your
pet will be traveling across state lines, you must obtain a recent health certificate and a certificate of rabies vaccination.
5. Check the company’s pet policy
If you’re a company driver, make sure you understand the company’s pet policy. Do not take your dog on the road until
you’re sure Sparky is allowed to be there.
Temporary ID Tag: In the unfortunate event that your pet runs off while you're traveling, a temporary identification
tag, along with a photo of your pet will help ensure their safe return. Attach a temporary ID tag to your pet's collar in
addition to their permanent tag. Include the address and phone number of where you'll be staying along with your cell
phone number and perhaps your email address. This is one of the most important aspects of traveling with your pet,
but also one of the most overlooked. In addition, bring along a current photo of your pet. A photograph will make it easier for others to help you find your lost pet.
SPEED
By: Rick Earl, Director of Safety
Speed, what does it mean to us? One of Webster’s definitions of
speed is “the rate at which something happens or is done.” Now
we can think of that as the rate we travel down the road or the
rate we get things accomplished. There is a childhood story we
all know and it talks to us about the need for constancy.
The Tortoise and the Hare by Aesop: This classic story concerns
a Hare who ridicules a slow-moving Tortoise and is challenged by the tortoise to a
race. The hare soon leaves the tortoise behind and, confident of winning, takes a nap
midway through the course. When the Hare awakes however, he finds that his competitor the tortoise crawling slowly but steadily, has won the race.
We all know this story but do we live it? Do we plan the time and make the accommodations to be steady in the race? Speeding is not the solution. It accounts for about
60% of our unsafe violations. We will control it, we have to. To help we are introducing
SpeedGauge.
SpeedGauge combines analytic tools to allow us to identify high-risk driving behavior,
control vehicle speeds, and monitor, rank and rate drivers on all types of roads. Excessive speed is a major factor in 30 percent of fatal truck accidents and is a leading
indicator of other types of poor driving behavior. Speed-related crashes result in nearly 1,600 deaths and $6 billion in lost productivity in the U.S. each year. Excessive
speed is also a leading contributor to poor fuel economy and vehicle maintenance
costs.
We need to learn to control our speed. It does damage to our reputation, your license
and impacts our relationship with our customers. By using this system we will help you
understand your driving habits. Help protect your license and learn that a steady approach wins the race.
Preparing for Flu Season
Are you on the fence about getting a flu vaccine? Consider these flu vaccine myths and the facts which suggest the flu vaccine is your best
bet for reducing your flu symptoms or avoiding the virus altogether this year.
MYTH 1: I’m worried the flu shot will give me the flu.
The fact is...flu shots cannot cause flu illness. That is because the influenza viruses contained in a flu shot are inactivated (killed), making
them incapable of causing infection. Flu vaccine manufacturers kill the viruses during the process of making the vaccine, plus batches of flu
vaccine are tested to ensure their safety. In randomized, blinded studies, where some people were given flu shots and others received saltwater shots, the only differences in symptoms were increased soreness in the arm and redness at the injection site among people who got
the flu shot. There were no differences in terms of body aches, fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat.
MYTH 2: The flu is not particularly serious so I don't really need the vaccine.
Although many people who contract the flu recover without complications, for some flu is a serious disease. In fact, according to the Centers of Disease Control, estimates of annul flu-associated deaths in the U.S. range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people during a 30 year period (between 1976 and 2006).
Those at the greatest risk are young children, older adults, and people with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease
or diabetes. But keep in mind, any flu infection can carry a risk of serious complications, hospitalization or death, even among otherwise
healthy adults and children. Therefore, getting vaccinated is a safer choice than risking lives.
MYTH 3: The current vaccine is designed to protect against the same strains as last year’s vaccine, so I don't need to get it again.
Even when the vaccine is not changed from year to year, the CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for just about everyone six months or
older. That’s because a person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccination is needed to get the best
protection against the flu.
MYTH 4: I’ve read about people who have serious reactions to the flu vaccine so I don't want to take the risk.
Serious allergic reactions to flu vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination. While these reactions can be life-threatening, effective treatments are available.
The one exception is individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to eggs, which are often used in creating the vaccine. Make sure
your healthcare provider knows about any previous allergic reactions to eggs.
MYTH 5: I know people who got the flu even after getting the vaccine, so I might as well skip it.
There are several reasons why someone might get the flu or a flu-like illness, even after he/she has been vaccinated:
1.
Some people can become ill from other respiratory viruses besides flu, such as rhinoviruses, which are associated with the common
cold, cause symptoms similar to flu, and also spread an cause illness during the flu season. The flu vaccine only protects against influenza viruses, not other viruses.
2. It is possible to be exposed to influenza viruses, which cause the flu, shortly before getting vaccinated or during the two-week period
after vaccination that it takes the body to develop immune protection. This exposure may result in a person becoming ill with the flu
before protection from the vaccine takes effect.
3. It’s possible for an individual to be exposed to an influenza virus that is very different from the viruses the vaccine is designed to protect against. The ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends largely on the “match” between the viruses selected to make the
vaccine and those spreading and causing illness. Remember the flu vaccine is designed to protect against three or four viruses each
season, but there are many influenza viruses which can cause illness.
4. Although the vaccine is effective for most people, it doesn't always provide adequate protection against the flu. This is more likely to
occur among people who have weakened immune systems or people age 65 and older.
Despite these possibilities, it still makes sense to get the flu vaccine each year.
The upcoming 2013-2014 season’s flu vaccine will protect against the three influenza viruses which research indicates will be most common
during the season. The vaccine consists to two type A strains (H3N2 and H1N1) and one type B strain.
If you choose to get vaccinated, your best bet is to get the vaccination early in the flu season, well before holiday gatherings begin. After all,
holidays and family events are prime opportunities for the spread of cold and flu viruses.
Protect Yourself
•
An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older.
•
Children six months to eight years may need to have two vaccine doses in the first year of vaccination. This should be discussed with
the child’s pediatrician or family practice physician.
•
The flu vaccine is not recommended for people with a severe allergy to chicken eggs, or people who have had a severe reaction to a flu
vaccine in the past.
Bruce on his ATV w/ Ella and Grayson
The Marshall Family
Employee Profile of the Month—Bruce Marshall
Bruce Marshall joined Super Service, LLC in September 2013 as the Fleet Manager in Somerset, KY. He most recently was employed as the Terminal Manager with Keystone Freight and
spent the previous 14 years as an Operations Manager for Celadon Trucking. Bruce has been
in the trucking industry for 20 years.
Bruce and his wife (Kelli) have been married for 9 years and have 5 children ranging from age
3—22 years old. The two youngest children, Ella and Grayson, love going to cross-country ATV
races with their Daddy to cheer him on. Bruce is an avid land and water sports enthusiast
and has been racing ATVs since he was 14 years old. The entire family is involved with their
local Christian church, where Bruce and Kelli volunteer, and they love family time. Bruce, Kelli, and the youngest two Marshalls are relocating to Somerset, KY from Indianapolis, IN. Bruce
has already bought his first UK jacket. So I guess it’s official...
TRUCKERCBLINGO...JUSTFORFUN
By: Steve Maat, Director of Human Resoruces
10-4 = Ok….or Copy
Chicken Coop = Weigh Station
Motion Lotion = Diesel Fuel
10-33 = Emergency
Chicken Lights = Lots of lights on a truck
Parking Lot = Car Hauler
10-20 = Your Location
City Kitty = City Cop
Pickle Park = Rest Area
10-36 = What’s the correct time?
Clean Shot = I didn't see any cops
Salt Shaker = Snow Plow
Alligator = Blown tire tread in the road
Coloring = To write in a log book
Sesame St = Channel 19
Ankle Biter = Children
Comedian = Median—section between lanes
Short Short = short time
Antler Alley = Deer Crossing
Comic Book = Log book
Sleeper Leaper = prostitute
Baby Bear = Rookie Policeman
Coming in Loud & Proud = You are sounding strong on CB
Taking Picture = Radar Cop
Back Door = Behind You
Covered Wagon = Flatbed trailer with covered load
Travel Agent = Dispatcher
Back ‘em Down = Slow Down
Crotch Rocket = Motorcycle
Yard = Company Terminal
Bear = Policeman
Deadhead = Tractor with no load / empty
Yard Stick = Mile Marker
Bear In The Air = Police Helicopter
Diesel Cop = DOT Cop
Wagon = Trailer
Bear Bait = Speeding Automobile
Dispatcher Brains = Light load or empty trailer
Handle = CB Nickname
Bear Trap = Parked Cop with Radar
Double Nickel = 55 miles per hour
Bean Popper = Person who pops pills
Dragon Fly = Truck dragging up hill & flies down hill
Big Hole = Top Gear
Granny Lane = The slow lane / right lane
Big Road = Interstate Highway
Ground Pressure = Getting the tractor weighed
Bird Dog = Radar Detector
Hammer Lane = The fast lane / left lane
Blew My Doors Off = Passed you at a high rate of speed
Hammer Down = Go Faster
Bobtail = Just the tractor...no trailer
Hand = Truck Driver
Brake Check = Traffic has come to a stop ahead
Home 20 = Your Home
Break = Need to have everyone’s attention
Large Car = Large and nice truck
Break 1-9 = Need to have everyone’s attention on 19
Left Coast = West Coast
Cash Register = Toll Booth
Lot Lizard = Prostitute
Catch Ya On The Flip-Flop = Return Trip
Meat Wagon = Ambulance
November Driver Years of Service Recognion—Thank You!!!
Name
Faust, Fernley
Fralick, Bonnie
Francis, Percival
Gooch, Kevin
Years of Service
1
1
1
1
Gutierrez, Roger
Hall, Carl
Hylton, Richard
1
1
1
Kidd, Michael
Levy, Raymond
Marshall, Kem
McLeod, Aaron
1
1
1
1
Morel-Diaz, Maximo
Ochs, Carlin
Prather, Rickey
1
1
1
Pulis, Gerald
Riggs, Timmy
Sanford, Jeffrey
Smith, Ernest
1
1
1
1
Strickland, Raymond
Trevino, Jesus
Ward, Lori
Weiss, Gary
1
1
1
1
West, Danny
Wollaber, Kenneth
Bolthouse, Daniel
Bracewell, Michael
Delaney, Anthony
1
1
2
2
2
Dicks, Alonzo
Evans, Robert
Fullerton, Brian
Hodge, Billy
2
2
2
2
Jernigan, Jeffrey
2
Montero Michael
Moody, Edwina
2
2
Pangborn, James
Smith, Anthony
Thomas, Damien
Wiggen, Wallace
2
2
2
2
3
Name
Ballinger, Anthony
Dean, Thomas
Miles, Kirk
Years of Service
3
3
3
Montgomery, Mark
Nelson, Brian
Dudley, Gary
McDonald, Charles
Robinson, Terry
3
3
4
4
4
Simon, Angelo
Tucci, Sonja
Williams, Armin
4
4
4
Faughnan, Thomas
6
Hurd, James
Young, Marvin
Scaffe, Michael
Menkov, Alexander
9
13
14
16
Dufur, Charles
Bolin, Larry
Henson, Michael
Reynolds, Alfred
17
17
20
20
Andrews, Joel
23
November Non-Driving Employee Years of Service Recognion
Thank You!!!
Name
Years of Service
Position
Eric Gagnon
1
Mechanic—MI
Jeanne Lawhorn
1
Planner—KY
Chad Luster
1
Mechanic—MI
Fred Needham
1
Director of National Accounts
Mark Pickett
1
Safety Coordinator—KY
Stephen Smith
1
Regional Sales Manager
Isaac Korodan
6
UPS Planner—MI
Steve Cromwell
7
Mechanic—MI
Cindy Hinkle
8
General Accounting—MI
Tim Mounce
8
Body Shop Tech—KY
Sherry Wesley
9
Customer Service Rep—KY
Chuck Creekmore
10
Regional Safety Manager—KY
Brian Kiander
13
Accounting Manager—MI
Bill Sutherland
20
Terminal Manager—NY
October Clean Road Side Inspection List
We Pay $50 for every clean inspection!
Jeffrey Freel
Barbara Grider
Alan Fallen
Carol Snipe
Todd Grider
Patrick Higginbotham
Matthew Wells
Matthew Bowen
Michael Henson
Vern Nice
Jude Ruzzi
Karen Peles
Bryan Latham
Felix Garcia
John Fox
Kevin Wray
Todd Wheeler
Jeremy Maples
William Myrdal
Judy Delaney
Harvey Chappel
Thomas Faison
Brian Kennedy
Kenneth Clem
John Might
Larry Dunmire
Billy New
Frank Johnson
David Swett
Mark Reed
Kevin Kern
Justin Stewart
Larry Parks
Jason Stutz
John Price
Jeff Netemeyer
Demarquenese Browder
Lloyd Dixon
Paul Waggoner
Jerrod Colson
Nathan Stone
Yaniel Rodriguez Marrero
Robert Regan
Raymond VerMuelen
Asbury Childers
Anthoney Gantt
Thomas Hooker
Sue Wilson
Rodney Cloud
Richard Allen
Clarence Williams
Gregory Payne
Alfred Heard
Buddy Glidewell
Fernando Key
Antonio Lewis
Edward Kivel
Joel Smollen
Robert Hofer
Darell Shaw
James Morgan
Cynthia Zachary
Frederick Lewis
Sandra Weisner
Harold Wilson
Upcoming Events
•
We have Safety Meengs every Friday at
Super Service terminals. Join us for some
good grub and important safety informaon.
Safety will be available to answer quesons.
Refer Safe, Qualified
Drivers and Earn $$$$
As we all know, one of our seven compa‐
ny goals is “number of staffed trucks.”
The success of our company is commen‐
surate with our ability to attract safe,
qualified drivers to our company.
Super Service, LLC offers a generous
$2000.00 recruiting bonus for each safe
qualified driver you refer. And now, we
offer the recruiting bonus for owner‐
operators as well!
Contact recruiting for all the details! Re‐
fer drivers & owner‐operators and start
earning $$$$ today!
‐ Super Service LLC Recruiting
Driver Managers Chris Russo and Alex Rodriguez
Super Service, LLC
6000 Clay Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
616-530-8558 ph
616-261-4942 fax
[email protected]