LONG TERM ROAD CLOSURE – Brush College Road (north of Faries) Decatur, IL
Please be aware that Brush College Road north of Faries Parkway will be CLOSED beginning Friday, August 30, and will remain closed for nearly the remainder of the overpass project. Truck traffic will need to access Faries Parkway using Hubbard, 22nd Street, and Garfield.
Brush College Road south of Faries Parkway (using the underpass) will once again be open starting August 30. We will have the jug handle road ready for use about mid-September.
You will not be able to go north on Brush College Road from the Faries Parkway intersection
You can travel Brush College Road south of Faries Parkway between Faries and William Street
Additionally, the new E Harrison Ave road (west of Brush College Rd) will be open to access that area.
Please drive cautiously as work continues on the huge overpass project. Apologies for the inconvenience!
EDIT: Updated to reflect new closure date of 8/30 instead of 8/29
Truck drivers are constantly being thrown curveballs. Getting a load from point A to point B may sound simple, but it is frequently anything but. Drivers who plan ahead and are prepared for what may happen on the road are better equipped to solve those problems and keep moving. Think of all the problems that can come up: road hazards, inclement weather, tractor/trailer problems, load safety/securement problems, delays due to traffic, construction, shippers or receivers, etc. Drivers have a lot on their plates and have to continually adapt to anything that might happen on the road. Good problem-solving skills can help to turn a stressful situation into a learning opportunity.
When faced with a challenge, keep in mind these problem-solving steps.
Identification of the problem
Pay attention to your surroundings to observe any current or potential problems and investigate the situation.
Analyze the situation
Consider the risks involved and gather the information needed to solve the problem.
Use reason, logic, and common sense to form a plan of action.
Take a step back and look at the broader perspective to analyze how the decision will impact you and the company as a whole. Always make sure your decision aligns with company values.
Plan implementation
Decide the most appropriate plan of action and put it in place. Consider all the potential ways of fixing the problem.
Remember Occam’s Razor: the simplest explanation or solution is often the best. However, not all problems will have an easy fix. If you’re not sure what plan of action to take, always reach out to your Driver Manager.
Consider these scenarios to find the best solutions to the problems.
You just left a shipper and scaled out to find out that you are overweight. What do you do?
Can you take an APU exemption? Will you burn off enough fuel to be legal? Can you slide the tandems? Consider the simplest solutions first. If none of those apply, the best option is to go back to the shipper to have product removed or to rework the load.
What if you hook a trailer at a drop lot to finish a delivery and scale the load to find that it was overloaded and the original driver didn’t scale it? If you can’t use any of the above solutions, the best option is to ask the Driver Manager for guidance. You don’t want to deliver late, but that’s preferable to getting an overweight ticket or being put out of service.
Your clock is running low and you’re stuck at a shipper or receiver and are worried you will run out of time before you can find parking. What do you do?
Assuming you’ve already trip planned where you were originally planning to break, this curveball can ruin those plans. The first option would be to ask the facility if you can break on their lot. If that’s not an option or they don’t have any facilities available to drivers, your next option would be to PC a short distance, if applicable for an empty trailer, or use Safe Haven to get to a truck stop. Your DM can also help you find and reserve parking for you if needed.
Remember, experts aren’t made overnight. The longer you drive, the more experience and skills you will develop and you’ll be better able to problem-solve on the fly. Drivers who plan ahead and are prepared for what can happen on the road are better equipped to solve those problems and keep moving. And always reach out to your Driver Manager if you are having trouble.
Referring drivers can be incredibly beneficial for several reasons. When you refer drivers to us, you’re helping expand our fleet, which can directly impact the company’s success and profitability. Here’s how this benefits YOU and Marvin Keller:
Increased Revenue: More drivers mean more operational capacity. With additional drivers, the company can handle more shipments, serve more clients, and ultimately increase its revenue. This revenue growth is crucial for sustaining and expanding the business.
Enhanced Driver Compensation: With increased revenue, the company can offer higher pay and better benefits, boosting compensation and job satisfaction for all drivers. Referring more drivers supports this growth.
Investment in New Equipment: Higher revenue allows the company to invest in newer equipment and advanced technology, leading to greater efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and improved service quality.
Better Service and Customer Satisfaction: With more drivers and better equipment, the company can offer better service to its clients. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and potentially more business opportunities, which further drives revenue growth.
Referral Bonus: You will receive a $1,000 referral bonus and 500 pro-points when you make a referral.
Clearing Up Misconceptions:
All leads are good leads. A common misconception is that you might face negative consequences if a referred driver has an accident or performs poorly. Rest assured, you won’t be penalized for their actions. You’re only responsible for your performance, and referring someone doesn’t make you accountable for their behavior.
Recruiting Materials:
Not sure where to start when referring? We offer various recruiting materials to help you make others aware of Marvin Keller:
Handouts: We recently invested in some new recruiting materials to give to potential candidates. The handout explains who we are as a company and what we have to offer. All you need to do is ask your DM and we will mail them to you as soon as possible.
Business Cards: With your name and our contact info on the card, these make for a great recruiting tool. Ask your DM for some business cards and we will be happy to place an order for you.
Website: Direct anyone you talk to about working with us to www.marvinkeller.com. There is a lot of valuable information about job details, including our application for them to fill out!
If you have any questions about referring, ask your DM or our Recruiting Department.
By referring drivers, you play a key role in our growth and receive a referral bonus. Use our handouts, business cards, and website to share information about opportunities at Marvin Keller. Your referrals play a pivotal role in our mutual success, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Start referring today!
Life on the open road can be full of surprises, and for truckers, these surprises can sometimes lead to challenges and uncertainties. From sudden weather changes to unexpected mechanical issues, staying prepared for emergencies is crucial for ensuring both your safety and a successful journey. Here are some tips from Ryan, our most tenured driver with 22 years on the road, to help you be prepared:
Stock Up on Essentials:
Food and water. Always carry ample food and water. You might find yourself stranded away from stores or restaurants due to breakdowns or severe weather.
Clothing: Pack extra clothing suitable for various weather conditions, such as raincoats, waterproof boots, and work gloves. In winter, include additional winter coats, overalls, or bibs. Layering with hoodies and long-sleeve shirts is also a good idea.
Cash: Keep some cash on hand; you never know when it might come in handy.
Electronics: With our reliance on electronics, carrying a power bank is a good idea for emergencies.
Items to Keep in Your Truck:
Oil, Coolant, & Washer Fluid: Carry a gallon of oil, washer fluid, and a couple of gallons of extra coolant to address minor issues or top-ups.
Winter Gear: For winter driving, bring salt and/or cat litter, a small shovel, and a bottle of rubbing alcohol to prevent frozen air lines. Before winter arrives, make sure your truck is equipped with new wiper blades.
Tool Kit: Keep a basic tool kit with wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers for minor repairs. Including duct tape and a flashlight can also be very helpful.
Pre-Trip Inspections:
Conduct thorough pre-trip inspections to ensure your equipment is in working order, minimizing the risk of roadside issues.
These are just a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. No matter if you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, it’s always good to be prepared for any type of emergency. By staying proactive and ready, you’ll navigate the road with greater confidence and safety.
In the trucking industry, teamwork is more than a concept—it’s a necessity for success. The foundations of great teamwork are built on personal responsibility, selflessness, and effective collaboration. These principles not only enhance operational efficiency but also ensure safety and reliability on the road.
Personal Responsibility is crucial for any team member, be it a driver, dispatcher, or support staff. Each person must diligently manage their responsibilities—drivers ensuring their vehicle’s condition and adhering to schedules, and dispatchers efficiently planning routes and managing communication. When everyone upholds their individual duties with care, the entire team functions smoothly.
Selflessness In the world of trucking, teamwork extends beyond individual roles. Drivers must be willing to assist one another, share vital information, and collaborate on problem-solving. Selflessness might mean offering help during a breakdown, sharing insights on traffic conditions, or stepping in to cover a load when needed. This mutual support not only helps navigate the challenges of long-haul trips but also ensures customer satisfaction and promotes a safer, more efficient operation.
Collaboration Effective teamwork goes beyond just drivers. It includes coordinating with dispatchers, maintenance crews, and other team members. By communicating openly, sharing updates, and working together on route planning and problem-solving, you help ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently. Collaboration leads to fewer delays and a safer working environment for everyone.
By focusing on these principles, truck drivers can contribute to a more cohesive and effective team. Start applying these principles today—reach out to a colleague, offer support, and share your ideas for better collaboration. Teamwork in trucking not only enhances operational efficiency but also promotes safety and reliability on the road.
In the competitive world of trucking, success hinges not only on moving freight safely and efficiently but delivering exceptional service. At Marvin Keller, we pride ourselves on our extensive customer network and the trust we’ve built over the years. This article explores how our performance and commitment to strong customer relationships sets us apart in the industry, supported by hard data that showcases our operational excellence.
Customer Network and Relationships
We’ve cultivated relationships with a diverse range of shippers across the country, ensuring a steady flow of freight opportunities for our drivers. This network is not just about quantity but quality too; we prioritize partnerships that are built on reliability, transparency, and mutual benefit. We have regular calls with our customers to review service levels, and potential new lane opportunities and to build relationships with their team. Each customer has an assigned Account Representative from our office to make sure their needs are met and they are happy with our performance.
Data-Driven Operational Excellence
80% of the loads we haul are booked directly through our customers. We offer dropped equipment to many Customers so that our drivers can keep moving and skip lengthy live load/unloading experiences. In addition, our Account Reps are working to fill gaps in our network with new lanes to help reduce the amount of empty miles we drive. We bid on hundreds of new lanes each quarter with the intent of increasing the density in certain regions. This will allow us to deliver the reliability our customers expect from Marvin Keller Trucking.
At Marvin Keller Trucking, we go beyond logistics to deliver exceptional service that exceeds expectations. As we expand our network and refine operations, we’re committed to meeting evolving customer needs with the highest standards of performance and satisfaction.
Each quarter, the Producer Badge is awarded to drivers who are in the Top 10% of the fleet in which they exceed the quarterly productivity goals. This badge symbolizes the driver’s hard work and success within Marvin Keller.
Congratulations to the following drivers who earned the Producer Badge for 2024 – Quarter 2!!
Owner Operators – Top 10% Total Revenue for the Quarter
Miller Team
Johnathon Neumann
Kyle Luesmann
Robert Willis
Terry Hodge
Company Drivers, OTR – Top 10% Fleet in Total Miles
Bruchman Team
Richard Merrill
Branham Team
Wesley Ryden
John Kledzinski
Company Drivers, 4 On/4 Off – Top 10% Fleet in Total Miles
Every week, each of our driver managers takes a moment to acknowledge one of their drivers for their outstanding performance. We want to give a special thank you to the following drivers for their exceptional work, which serves as a great example of what it means to be an MK Driver.
Travis Bartels – While he was waiting to get a tire repaired, he moved several trailers that were finished at Fleetmaster’s in Effingham over to the drop lot. Thanks for knowing what we needed without even being asked to do it!
Randy Murphy – Recovered a load for us that another driver had fallen off and helped us make on-time delivery. Thanks for being so flexible!
James Rheinecker – We had a rejected trailer at the GP Mill in Augusta, GA and Jim was able to get the tandems to slide without having to call a repair truck to fix them.
Jimmy Hendrix – Located a trailer for us that was in the wrong location at Stratas in Decatur and moved it to the correct spot. Thanks for being someone we can count on!
Josh Voeks – Found a trailer at Clarksville, TN that had a lighting issue and got it moved over to the nearest Loves to get it taken care of so we didn’t have to call roadside for repair. We appreciate it!
Kamenn Gittinger – Had a really long day this week with a difficult late-night delivery. Thank you for keeping a good attitude through it!
Wes Thomas and Joseph Bass – Recovered a truck in OH for us this week.
Wes
Joseph
Rick Merrill and Paul Evans did a meet and greet to save a delivery on a load. Thank you for helping us keep our customers happy!
Marc Bear – A fellow MK Driver was broke down on I-80 and Marc was able to get him unhooked from his trailer and then hooked to it safely so he could keep it moving. Thank you for being so willing to help out.
Eric Loy, Tina Barlow, Terrance Parks, & Frank Rich have all worked extra days in the past few weeks to help us make on-time deliveries. We appreciate the extra work from all of you!
We would like to present the MK Elites for April to June 2024! Congratulations to the following drivers! Your dedication to prioritizing safety and upholding these high standards is deeply valued.
Jessica Branham
Terry Branham
Dave Bruchman
Rhonda Miller
Junrey Montejo
Daniel Nunez
The Pro-Formance Scorecard is designed to evaluate your driving skills based on 12 different risk factors. Breaking down your performance into specific categories helps you identify the areas you need to improve. These factors are divided into these sub-categories: Safety, Compliance, and Performance, each rated out of 100. The goal is to score green in all three categories to achieve MK Elite Status!
A driver can earn 1,000 Pro-Points for each green score in Safety, Compliance, Performance, and MK Elite (green in all three categories). This means you can get up to 4,000 Pro-Points!
You can find the Safety Scorecard in the Resource Library.
Keep up the great work and strive to improve your driving performance! We’re here to help in any way we can!
