Thanksgiving Dinner at Home Depot

 

 

To thank our drivers at The Home Depot Accounts in Monroe and Van Buren, OH, our team catered in lunch.  Our teams that support our retail clients are consistently subjected to working the holidays.  We appreciate all of their hardwork!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to Team Central Region.  This includes all of our professional drivers, managers and support group members.  Thank you for all that you do to serve our customers every day!  Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!

Welcome Chet Gilbert!

Please welcome the newest member of the Central Region, Chet Gilbert who is the new Operations Supervisor for the Family Dollar account in Ashley,IN. Chet is a proud graduate of Manchester College in North Manchester,IN where he studied history. Currently, Chet is working on completing his Masters of Science in Leadership with a focus in Environmental and Sustainable Management. Chet currently resides in Ashley,IN with wife Tess, and two children Jack and Jordyn. In his spare time, Chet enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and really all things outdoors. Please join me in welcoming Chet to the Central Region!

Thanksgiving Turkeys at C & S

As many people know, C&S does a lot of the little things that turn out to be big things in regards to Driver Dedicated. Above is a picture of Tyler Hall (Account Manager) passing out Thanksgiving turkeys that he purchased for the drivers. While many of the guys are out stocking up the stores with Thanksgiving trimmings, Tyler and Christopher Block (Operations Supervisor) have their birds provided by JB Hunt.

Great touch by the staff at C&S on helping to make sure their drivers realize just how appreciated they are to us!

CVD at Cargill in Batavia, NY

 

The email below came over today from our customer Cargill Animal Nutrition out in Batavia, NY.  This site has battled the winter storms all week and have operated flawlessly through it all.  Great job to Russ and his team!



As many of you have seen or heard, the WNY area has received some of the heaviest, fastest, & extreme snow fall in US history. When it’s all said & done, by the end of the today there will be towns in between Lake Erie & our Batavia Plant that have received over 80 inches of snow within 5 days. There were times this week where the snowfall reached 4 inches of snow per hour which is a rate, that even a place like buffalo that isn’t a stranger to extreme snowfall, isn’t capable of handling effectively.

I heard a news reporter comment that “Western NY can at times be a tough place to live, but the people that live here are even tougher!” I can’t think of a better comment that describes how our Cargill team responded this week. All in all, with one of the worst snow falls the area has ever seen, our people returned home safely & our customers were serviced. This week was nothing short of a complete & total team effort, while customers were struggling to keep their operation moving with some having to result to dumping milk, our teams found a way to get things done!

A huge shoutout to the following groups & I know that I’m missing a bunch

The Batavia Plant employees not only had the stress of figuring out how to service our customers, they had the stress of just getting out of their driveways. With several road closures in the area there were several folks that physically couldn’t safely make it to the plant. For the folks that could make it in, there were some long days & hectic scheduling but they found a way. Most folks will continue to work well into Saturday & Sunday to get caught up so a lot of well-deserved thanks are needed for that team.

Our JB Hunt drivers deserve a huge thank you. Still not sure how we got things delivered when it seemed like 7 out of the 8 roads in and out of Batavia were shut down, but for the customers that were out of feed & needed feed the most, they were there.

                                                                                                                                                     

The Liverpool & Jamestown Plant, both were there to create some breathing room many of the days this week when things got tight. I’ve got to think, in situations like this, our competition has to envy our footprint & our ability to service our customers, no one else could really do what we did this week that efficiently, really awesome to see.

The help of RMS, Formulation & Customer Ops were vital in all that went on the last five days. RMS somehow kept most bins full, formulation moved formulas around at a moment’s notice & our customer ops teams were constantly on the phone with customers tracking inventories & helping prioritize those with immediate needs. Huge shoutout to all of the folks behind the scenes that made it happen.

Finally, thanks to all of the folks across NY/NE area that reached out. I know many of you have been reaching out to check in or offer help.

We’re not out of the woods yet, we have some rain coming our way this weekend as well as some warmer weather which will produce some flooding challenges in some areas paired with short Holiday week. However, with all that’s gone one the past few days, it should be a walk in the park for this team!

We’ll continue to keep everyone up to date if there are any major events, but in the meantime , enjoy your weekend, keep those that were heavily effected with this storm in your thoughts & Happy Thanksgiving in advance.  

Clayton Wood
_­­| Cargill Feed & Nutrition | Business Development Manager

Supporting the Indianapolis Food Bank!

 

This week, our customer at Quaker came to our Account Manager Josh Kimble about the possibility of helping to deliver food to a local food bank.  Josh was able to utilize one of the Service Partners account trailers and drivers from both Quaker and Service Partners to help deliver the food to the New Life Worship Community Food Bank in Indianapolis. Great job to Josh Kimble, Rob Miller (MILR5), and Mark Bullock (BULM1) to help feed the hungry during the holiday season!

New Hire Class in Columbus

 

Here's our group photo upon completion of the New Hire Orientation Class. Pictured below left to right front row is Terry Galyon, Michelle Simpson, Eric Holman, and Michael Cohen. In the back row left to right is Adam Stampfer, Tracy Walker, Raymond Colio, and Joseph Elliott.

Above, AMMs John Dodson and Cort Duggins

explain what items we should be looking for when inspecting trailers during Maintenance 101

 

 

This week in Columbus, OH we had four managers take part in New Hire Orientation. Eric Holman, Raymond Colio, Michael Cohen, and Joseph Elliott were our participants in this training. These managers received classroom and interactive training on several topics including Workday, Safety Culture 101, Maintenance 101, Freight Manager, Customer Service, Driver Dedicated Culture, PACE, PeopleNet, RAIR, and Smith System. We hope these folks enjoyed the training and will bring great value back to the accounts they go back to work at. We would like to give special thanks to Megan Perez, Tracy Walker, John Dodson, Cort Duggins, and Terry Galyon for leading their respective sessions this week.



Cargill Swanton, VT

Driver Norm Loiselle sweeps out his bin during his unload

From Left, AM Ed Thompson and OS Jake Maas.

The Town of Swanton is one of the most attractive communities in Vermont. It is located in the northwestern corner of the state bordering Lake Champlain on its west and Quebec Province in Canada on its north. The earliest inhabitants of this region dating back about 10,000 years were the Abenaki whose tribal headquarters and museum are located in Swanton. The town was chartered on August 17, 1763 by New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth when this territory was claimed as part of that state. Today, approximately 6,500 people make Swanton their home. It is a pleasant place in which to live and work and an exciting place to visit.

 



We have been partners with Cargill in Swanton, VT since September of 2008.  In Swanton, we employ 14 Drivers and 2 Managers.  Our Drivers are responsible for delivering over 2,000 tons of bulk animal feed every week throughout VT, NY, NH, and ME.  Our drivers operate in some of the toughest conditions in the country.  In addition to the winter weather they battle 5 months out of the year, they deliver into some of the most difficult terrain there is.  Our team in Swanton has made tremendous strides over the past year and we continue to look forward to a positive future with this client!

JB Hunt Visits Western Kentucky University

 

 



Our team recently visited Western Kentucky University to speak with a Supply Chain classroom about JB Hunt and opportunities within the company. Region Operations Manager Anthony Warchol spoke with the group about our 4 divisions and how each is integrated into the Supply Chain process. Jonathan Brand, Account Manager of Southern States, talked about the increasing driver shortage challenges we face and our Driver Dedicated program used to increase retention. HR Manager Megan Perez followed up with different opportunities we offer upon graduation. We have multiple WKU Alum within the Central Region and look forward to increasing our recognition on campus and continuing to further our college recruiting efforts!

GI Jobs Top 100 Military Friendly Employers 2015

On November 11th GI Jobs released the list of Top 100 Military Friendly Employers for 2015. J.B. Hunt is on this list for the 9th consecutive year, moving up to our highest ranking yet at number Seven! 

Southern States Park City Feed Mill of the Year

 

Congratulations to our partners at Southern States in Park City, KY for winning the 2014 Feed Mill of the Year.  Each year the American Feed Industry Association names a mill of the year in the US.  This is a very detailed process, with over 90 entries each year.  The award is based on a number of factors and is a very prestigous award within the industry.  Congratulations to our customer in Park City for a great accomplishment.

 



Benefits Enrollment Ends November 15

Limited East Brunswick, NJ Visit

This past weekend, Limited Logistics Operations Supervisor Mike Jackson went out to NJ to visit our fleet based in East Brunswick.  Mike will be out there the entire front half of the week to do ride-alongs with our drivers, conduct roundtables, and take our team out to dinner.  While in the area, Mike and one of our drivers Bob Brown caught the Steelers vs Jets game at Metlife Stadium. Unfortunately for Mike the game did not go the way he wanted but I'm sure Bob enjoyed himself during the 20-13 Jets victory!

Thank You Veterans!

With today being Veteran's Day I thought it would be appropriate to recognize some of our members of the Central Region who have either served or who are currently serving in the reserves.  In addition to the managers highlighted below, we have a number of drivers, managers, and support personnel in this company who have served.

Jeremy Starry - Falcon Packaging Account Manager
Jeremy is an Executive Officer (XO) in the Army National Guard out of Springfield, OH. Jeremy has been in the Army National Guard for 9 years and has been commissioned since May 2011.

Kyle George -FD Ashley Operations Supervisor
 Kyle spent 7 years in the Air Force as a fire fighter where he worked himself up to a Staff Sergeant. Kyle was deployed in 2009 to Al Udeid Air Base while support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Jason Craig - JMC Richmond Account Manager
Jason spent 13 years in the Army National Guard where he was a Motor Transport Operator and was a Staff Sergeant. Jason served our country with a deployment to Iraq from 2008 until 2009.

Ryan Odell -- PPG Shelby Account Manager

Ryan served 8 years in the United States Army Reserve as a Quartermaster/Logistics Officer after graduating and being commissioned through the University of Cincinnati Army ROTC program. He spent a majority of his time assigned to a reserve unit in Twinsburg, Ohio where he commanded a headquarters detachment of approximately 60-70 Soldiers. Ryan was also deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait from March 2008 to March 2009 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom with a reserve unit based out of West Los Angeles, California.

Brian Welsh -- PPG Operations Supervisor

Army National Guard: Enlisted 2005 in the Infantry. Commissioned as an officer in the Armor Branch. Currently serving as an Armor Company Commander in the Ohio Army National Guard.

Corey Palmer -- CAN Liverpool Account Manager

After high school, Corey enlisted active duty in the Air Force as a gunner on B-52’S. He spent nearly three years stationed in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan before deciding to get out and go to college and live a normal, civilian life. As a civilian, Corey missed the Air Force life and decided after many years that he wanted to return to the military life, but this time on a part time basis. He re-enlisted in June of 2010. Currently, Corey is a flight engineer on C-130’s and belongs to the Air Force Reserve unit in Niagara Falls NY. Although it is a very challenging field, he enjoys the satisfaction of contributing to the Air Force and our country. He was recently deployed for four months in January of 2014 and flew several combat missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Yemen, as well as other countries in the Middle East while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Chris Person -- CAN Albany/Salem TGM

Chris served in the Marine Corps infantry for 8 years with deployments to Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

 

 

Thank you to all of our men and women who serve or have served in the military.  We have the freedom that we have because of the sacrifices you have all made.

Thank A Veteran

Americans will celebrate Veterans Day Tuesday, honoring those who have served their country. But have you ever wondered why we celebrate the holiday on a Tuesday and how it all got started? Turns out, Veterans Day as we know it traces its roots back to Alabama.


Here's what you need to know:

Difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day: Veterans Day is a federal holiday that is celebrated on Nov. 11 each year. It's often confused with Memorial Day, which is set aside to honor those who died serving their country. Veterans Day is for all those who have served in the armed forces.

Armistice Day: The origins of the holiday date back to U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, who proclaimed Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919 to mark the end of World War I. The armistice between Germany and the Allied nations that ended WWI was signed on that day and a ceasefire went into effect on the 11th hour of Nov. 11, 1918. An interesting note on that day, however. The war didn't have its official end until seven months later, when, on June 28, 1919, the parties signed the Treaty of Versailles in the Palace of Versailles in France.

How it was first marked: The initial celebration included a short work stopping at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11.

Early description of the holiday: Wilson's proclamation noted: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."

Congress joins in: On June 4, 1926, Congress passed its own resolution asking President Calvin Coolidge to issue another proclamation to observe Nov. 11 as a holiday designed to celebrate world peace and the end of WWI.

Alabama's role: In 1945, Birmingham veteran Raymond Weeks, a veteran of World War II, led a delegation to then Army Chief of Staff Gen. Dwight Eisenhower to convince him to turn Armistice Day into a time to honor all those who served in the armed forces. Weeks led the first national celebration in Alabama in 1947, something he continued to do until his death in 1985.

Name change: Eisenhower, by then president, signed a bill into law in 1954 and Congress voted to change the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

Day change: Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October in 1971 but was changed back to its original Nov. 11 date in 1978. If the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then it's observed on Monday or Friday, respectively.

How it's celebrated now: Veterans Day is now observed on Nov. 11, regardless of which day of the week on which day it falls. Federal and most state offices are closed on the day, as are most schools.

Congrats Brian Sayles on Winning the October 2014 Driver of the Month

 

 

Congratulations to Brian Sayles for winning the October 2014 Central Region Driver of the Month.  Brian has been with JB Hunt for 19 years, and is currently a Million Mile Driver.  Brian currently serves on the LenCo Lumber Account in Buffalo, NY.  Considering LenCo is a seasonal account, Brian has been instrumental at helping at other accounts in Western, NY.  Below is the writeup from his Manager Mark Passantino:

 

Brian has proven to be able to handle anything thrown his way in a safe and efficient manner. In October, Brian has delivered loads for Len-co, Niagara Sheets, and has also delivered many 3rd party loads. Brian has also proven to be a valuable problem solver. An example of this is when another driver was making a delivery, he ran into some problems getting some of the 48' beams that were part of that delivery where the customer needed them. Brian went in in his personal vehicle to assist the other driver, who was about an hour away. Brian was able to use the other driver's Moffett to safely move the beams where the customer needed them.

In addition:

-Brian has over 1.5 million safe miles.

-He has zero points in RAIR for October.

Account Manager Mark Passantino offered this quote up to discribe Brian "If the Len-co Lumber account lost Brian, it would be like the Cleveland Cavaliers losing Lebron James and replacing him with some ordinary back-up. You might be able to win a few games, but you're not a championship contender any longer." Congratulations on DOM Brian. You earned it!

 



Congrats Art Lowe!

 

Please help me congratulate Art Lowe at Marco's Pizza Distribution for hitting 1 year collision free. Art is one of our Central Region Smith System Certified trainers.

Please note Art is standing by our Marco's Accident/Injury Free day tracker. Marco's Pizza Distribution hit 300 days Worker's Compensation Free this week as well. Great job Marco's team!!!

The Squirrel Whisperer

This pic reminds me of Christmas Vacation when the squirrel is on Clark's back

 

There are few animals that get ready for cold weather better than a squirrel.  The squirrels understand the importance of gathering supplies and making plans for the winter.  Recently, NY ARM Al Valachovic sought counsel to make sure his accounts were prepared.  

 

All accounts should be wrapping up their contingency plans and having discussions with their customers on snow removal.



Getting Ready for Winter in Ashley, IN

Operations Supervisor Brad Middleton shows off a Winter Hat

 

To prepare for winter, our team at Family Dollar in Ashley IN is ordering winter hats for all of our drivers.  This hat not only helps keep our drivers warm, but also can be used in addition to our normal reflective vest for improved visibility.  The cost for these hats is $7.50 and can be purchased through your Area Maintenance Manager.  Everyone needs to start preparing for winter over the next few weeks.  You will see increased communication from our maintenance, safety, and fuel departments on what we can do to get prepared.  

Tyson Robards 1st Annual Fall Festival

 



This past week we had our first Annual Fall Festival at Tyson in Robards, KY.  We catered in lunch for all of our drivers as well as played some Corn Hole with our new DCS Corn Hole Board!  All of the drivers, as well as the customer, had a great time.  The purpose of this event was to continue to show appreciation and thank our drivers for the hard work they do for us!