Category: Announcement & Hot Topics

Just a couple weeks after Hurricane Helene passed through the Southeast US, leaving a vast swath of damage across multiple states with people still currently stranded and in danger, Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida. If you’ve been to Florida or the Southeast in the past couple of weeks, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the disruptions: shippers and receivers closed or behind schedule, road closings and the traffic backups that result, or lack of truck parking due to all the evacuation vehicles. Unfortunately, there isn’t much good news on the horizon as Milton threatens to disrupt supply chains even more.

While Milton didn’t create as much trouble for Tampa as originally feared, it still dumped around 18 inches of water and left millions without power. The wind has whipped up a path of tornados and there is still the possibility of storm surges in the aftermath. Major distributors in the storm’s path such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, and other food distributors moved their products to distribution centers outside of the impact zone and will move everything back in as the storm passes and power is restored. Economic losses due to the storms are likely to be in the billions of dollars. The loss of products, buildings, and equipment in the storm area will likely add to inflation as exports will be more expensive due to the shortages, especially in Florida’s citrus trade and tourism markets.

In addition to the national disasters wreaking havoc on the supply chain, recently the contract negotiations for the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the port workers union, reached an impasse in September, the union boss threatened to cripple the economy if their demands weren’t met. While the strike only lasted three days, workers are still behind as the strike affected 14 ports along the East Coast, including three of the busiest ports in the US. Any rerouting of freight bound for the Tampa Bay port might put additional strain on those ports.

At Marvin Keller, we’re adjusting our normal network to avoid the hard-hit areas, but considering a lot of our business is in Georgia, South, and North Carolina, and some in Florida, it will be difficult for a while. At this time there are still road closures from Helene that are projected to take a year or longer to reopen, causing considerable rerouting and probable traffic congestion. If you are heading into the impacted areas, you are advised to give yourself extra time for likely delays. Always reach out to your driver manager if you need help with routing or reserving parking for the night. We’re here to assist you and make sure you safely get where you need to be.

Did you know that 25% of Marvin Keller’s total maintenance costs stem from physical damage repairs on our tractor-trailers? This includes collisions from third parties and single-vehicle accidents. This eye-opening statistic emphasizes the critical importance of properly maintaining our tractor-trailers. As responsible operators, it’s imperative that we prioritize the maintenance of our tractor-trailers—not just to protect our investments but to uphold the integrity of our industry.

Safety First

Keeping our equipment in top condition serves multiple purposes, with safety being the foremost. Even minor damage, like a dented fender or a cracked windshield, can adversely affect visibility and aerodynamics, creating hazardous driving conditions. This is why promptly reporting any issues is crucial for timely repairs and safer journeys.

Financial Implications

Neglecting physical damage can lead to significant financial consequences. What starts as a minor repair can escalate into major problems if ignored, resulting in increased costs and potential fines for operating unsafe vehicles. By addressing damage early, we can budget more effectively for repairs and avoid larger expenses down the line.

Spotting Problems Early

Regular inspections play a key role in preventative maintenance. Conducting thorough pre-and post-trip inspections allows us to identify issues before they escalate into costly repairs, ensuring we stay on the road. For example, discovering a flat tire during a routine pre-trip inspection enables immediate repair, saving you from the complications and expenses of a blowout on the highway.

Commitment to Safety

Ultimately, maintaining our tractor-trailers isn’t just about equipment—it’s about the safety and efficiency of our operations. By embracing a culture of safety and responsibility, we can enhance the longevity of our vehicles and protect everyone on the road.

Let’s commit to conducting those essential pre and post-trip inspections and reporting any damage as soon as we see it. Together, we can build a safer, more reliable industry—because our success depends on it.

Embracing positivity is more than just putting on a happy face or being agreeable. It’s a mental and behavioral pattern that always seeks out opportunities and solutions, one that doesn’t dwell on the negative. Those who are most successful in their careers are optimistic about their prospects because they have a can-do attitude. They have opened themselves up to solving any problem that comes their way.

Studies have shown that positivity leads to greater happiness and performance in the workplace. When you employ a positive outlook, others around you are more likely to do the same, creating a positive environment and earning the trust of your coworkers. It increases productivity by opening your mind and allowing you to think logically, improving decision making and problem solving. Negative emotions create distractions that drain your energy and keep you from performing at your best. You are more open to learn from others and gain new skills and take advantage of new opportunities. Customers are also more likely to want to work with those who stay positive, which will lead to long-term working relationships.

Here are some ways to implement a positive mindset:

• Instead of complaining about problems when they arise, offer possible solutions. When you think positively, challenges and obstacles become opportunities for improvement. You build resilience and are more adaptable to change, making you stronger and more capable of growth. A positive mindset also helps you manage feedback and conflict by being open to changes and constructive criticism.
• Use introspection to analyze your mindset and thought patterns. If you find yourself in a pattern of negative thinking, challenge those negative thoughts and try to reframe them by looking at it from a different point of view.
• Focus on the big picture. If you find yourself getting worked up about a problem, ask yourself if it will matter in the long run. If the answer is no, don’t let it bother you.
• Make changes to things that are in your control. If you can solve a problem, do it. If it’s beyond your scope, ask a colleague or manager for their input.
• Consider others’ opinions and show appreciation for the contributions of others. Always be willing to listen to and respect others’ viewpoints.

Conversely, a negative mindset is focused on problems rather than solutions. Those with negative attitudes frequently complain, become defensive, and have a tendency to blame others. These behaviors are toxic and destructive to teams.

Positivity is a value at Marvin Keller. It’s part of our culture and is integral to our continued success.

If you’re like most people, the idea of an evaluation from a supervisor isn’t the most appealing activity. No one is thrilled to be told what they’re doing wrong, but if you don’t know, how will you ever improve? Those who strive for success and professionalism in their careers are open to criticism. When you do everything you can to be a reliable and high-performing employee, it follows that you believe you’re doing everything the best way possible. But sometimes it’s easy to be blind to our own
shortcomings. That’s why it’s necessary for our managers to evaluate our performance and provide constructive criticism.

When receiving criticism, it’s important to be aware of the levels of normal human reaction. On the most basic level is instinct, a gut reaction that takes no effort on our part. Emotion is a step above that, with rational thought and reason residing at the highest level. Always stop your first reaction and stay calm; avoid emotional reactions. Maintain open body posture and try to avoid negative facial expressions. Your first instinct might be to get upset, but if you remember that the whole purpose of constructive criticism is to benefit you and help you improve, it will help you stay calm. None of us are perfect and there is always room for improvement.

Before you react to criticism, always let the reviewing party finish their complete thought without interruption. That will give you time to think and not act impulsively or emotionally; emotions distort the truth and cloud our judgment. Ask for clarifying questions and, if needed, help finding solutions to the issues.

Don’t take constructive criticism personally. Avoid resentment, defensiveness, or retaliation. There are ways to tell if criticism is constructive or destructive.

• Who is providing the criticism? Is it a coworker or a supervisor?
• Is the criticism emotional or sincere? Just like it’s best to avoid emotional responses to criticism, it’s important that the reviewer also avoids personal attacks or negative emotions
• Was the criticism in a private one-on-one setting or in front of a group?
  

It’s ok to get a second opinion. Others are not necessarily correct. If you sincerely believe you have been unduly criticized, ask someone else. Just make sure you stop and reflect on the issue before reacting.

Learning and self-improvement are lifelong endeavors. Everyone wants employees in an organization to perform at the highest level they can. MK is committed to helping everyone become top performers.

Celebrating the End of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week with a Bang! We’re thrilled to announce another giveaway! Watch the video to find out who won the brand-new truck seat, generously donated by Truck Centers.

Thank you and stay safe! 

Backing up a tractor-trailer is one of the most challenging tasks professional drivers face. It demands precision, patience, and a keen sense of awareness. Drivers must navigate tight spaces, avoid potential hazards, and adapt to varying conditions, which can quickly become overwhelming when backing a 53-foot trailer into a dock. To refine your backing techniques and make the process smoother, consider these valuable tips from driver trainer Ryan:

Techniques to include in your backing routine:

1. G.O.A.L – Get out and look.
2. Hazards – Always turn on your flashers as it warn others around you that you are going to be performing a backing maneuver.
3. Minimize distractions – Turn off the radio and any other distractions.
4. Open Your Windows – you need to be able to hear what’s going on around you.
5. Back from Your Sight Side – Whenever possible back from your sight side. Back in so you can see down the left side of your vehicle.

Tips & Tricks:

1. Don’t Chase the Trailer – When backing you don’t want to oversteer. If you are constantly steering hard left and right to keep control of the trailer you are oversteering.
2. Patience – Don’t let yourself get flustered. It takes time to get skilled at backing.
3. Learn from Others – When you’re sitting in a dock, pay attention to how other drivers set themselves up and back in. Every driver has their own way of doing things. You can learn a lot from watching others.
4. Use Tire Tracks as a Guide: If you are backing into a space that lots of other trucks have been in and out of, you can use their tire tracks as a guide to show you where your tires should be as you back.
5. Practice Regularly – Whenever you get a chance to practice, take advantage of the opportunity.

As professional truck drivers, we must develop a thorough backing routine and continually practice in different conditions. Applying this approach and the tips listed above will not only enhance your precision and control but also ensure safety and operational efficiency. It will also help better prepare you for diverse backing scenarios on the road. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and every maneuver counts. Stay vigilant and never hesitate to seek assistance when needed.

 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!