Category: Announcement & Hot Topics

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.

The Central IL Truck Convy is taking place on August 24, 2024, at the Effingham County Fairgrounds. All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish.

If you are interested in participating, please let us know and we can help you register!

https://www.centralillinoistruckconvoy.com/home#register

Please join us in welcoming Kanen Byard – the newest member of our team!

“Hi, my name is Kanen Byard. I am excited to join the Marvin Keller operations team as a Driver Manager. My logistics experience consists of wearing a few different hats. I started in the industry 8 years ago as an Operations Analyst for Celadon Trucking’s flatbed division in Indianapolis. They were bought by Blair Logistics, which gave me the opportunity to be a Driver Manager for one of Blair’s flatbed fleets working out of their Memphis, TN terminal. I then continued my career by moving back home to Central Illinois to be the Logistics Clerk for CHI Overhead Door’s fleet. At CHI I was the accounts payable for their drivers and helped the other transportation employees with load planning, dispatch, safety, and LTL when needed. CHI then gave me the opportunity to acquire my CDL and drive for them which I did for 6 months. I tried out trucking over the road, but ultimately decided operations is where I am best suited, however, I will always remember that experience as a driver.

So after coming off the road, I found an opportunity as the Traffic Coordinator for Lester Building Systems for a short stint and now have found a home at Marvin Keller. A little about my personal life… I have been married for 4 years now. My interests include camping, amateur hunter and fisherman, and hanging out in the woods. I also consider myself a researcher at heart. I love learning about history, biblical history, and reading the Bible. I also enjoy learning about homesteading and food preservation, off-grid living, and bushcraft skills and trying to practice them little by little. Fun fact about my family history… My great grandfather’s first cousin was LT Cdr Ralph Duncan Byard who was a survivor of the sinking of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Don’t be a stranger if you see me around! I look forward to getting to know everyone here at Marvin Keller.”

A strong work ethic breeds success. The level of company and individual success is a direct result of the quality of work performed. Successful businesses are those in which individual and company values and goals are aligned. When this is the case, everyone wins. Marvin Keller expects all employees to perform to the best of their abilities. The highest-performing drivers are reliable, flexible, dedicated, disciplined, and productive. Here are a few of the ways that you can demonstrate a strong work ethic:

• Work your assigned schedule: Unplanned absences are detrimental to the company and to you as a result. If you share a truck, your partner is also affected by your absences as this may result in your schedules being disrupted.
• Be on time: Be where you are supposed to be every step of your day. This involves discipline and trip planning. Not everything runs perfectly, but trip planning and giving yourself extra time helps to avoid long delays if you miss appointments due to traffic congestion or other unforeseen delays.
• Be efficient with your time. When your time is regulated and you only have so many hours to work, you have to make them count.

A good work ethic results in enhanced job performance, career advancement, and better pay. Marvin Keller is focused on service and driver performance; we are monitoring on-duty/not-driving times to ensure we are being efficient and productive. We are here to support you and if you feel there is anything standing in the way of your success, please reach out to the Driver Manager team. We want to make sure everyone is able to perform at their full potential.

Our driver managers need your help!

Please ensure that you send in your ETAs and keep our team informed of any delays at shippers/consignees, as well as any general delays such as breakdowns or heavy traffic. We are currently training new driver managers over the next few weeks and we need your support while we are short-staffed.

Our aim is to provide you and our customers with the best service possible!

It’s no secret that drivers who are polite and courteous to customers, shippers, and receivers are more likely to experience fewer delays and a smoother loading and unloading experience. Customers are a premium at any time but that especially holds true during freight recessions when customers and freight are hard to come by. Truly elite fleets are set apart from the rest and get priority business by providing good service and showing respect.

Another way to show respect for customers is to pick up and deliver loads on time. When you follow a shipper or receiver’s schedule, you show that you have respect for their time. Having the product off or on the dock when they need it goes a long way in maintaining customer relationships and growing your business with them. If you’re going to be late due to circumstances out of your control, let your driver manager know so the customer can be notified. Showing up late without notice is unacceptable and leads to loss of business.

Marvin Keller is laser-focused on service and is watching service levels carefully. The driver manager team is here to support you. If you are struggling to meet our service levels, reach out to them and they will form a plan to help you succeed.