Thursday, March 5, 2015

A Day in the Life of Melvin Martell







 
 
This past week our Account Manager for Cargill in Salem, NY conducted a RATLA with Melvin Martell.  We recently changed our observation policy to requiring our managers to get out on the truck with our drivers a minimum once every six months.  The intent was not only to give us a better safety presence but also improve our knowledge of the business and improve our relationships with our drivers.  We can learn more by spending time out on the trucks then anything else we do.  Below is an excellent write-up by Eric Schleicher on his experience.
 
 
Eric Schleicher Writeup
 
One can never truly appreciate the value and service our drivers bring to not only JB Hunt, but to our customers until we actually experience it for ourselves.  I had the pleasure of experiencing this on February 24, 2015 with one of our more seasoned drivers, Melvin Martell.  Melvin is a 4 year JB Hunt veteran.  And let me tell you, when it comes to delivering feed, he really knows his stuff! I must admit, I learned more about farming, and feed delivery in the 12 hours I spent with Melvin then I have in the last few months as a new manager.

When we arrived at our first farm, I did not know what to expect.  Of course, this was my first time out on a truck in the “agriculture business.”  I was surprised to see there was a TON going on. Trucks coming in and out faster than you could imagine!  This didn’t bother Melvin at all. He got out of the truck, put a big smile on his face, walked right over to the farmer, and gave him a firm hand shake. “JB Hunt here to deliver your feed!” Melvin was an expert in communication. This guy could talk to anyone. And I mean ANYONE! For as busy, and stressful as this job can be, it never fazed him. He always had a smile on his face and knew exactly how to provide excellent customer service.
“Park the truck, engage the PTO, open the pockets, position the auger.” He went through his job with ease. It was like he was putting on a show for everyone around.
The feed poured out! And when it was all finished, ‘Wait! Is he allowed up there?!’
He swept out the pockets, lowered the safety rails, closed the pockets, and we were on our way to the next farm.




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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