The Elvis Times
FEBRUARY 21 2005
VOLUME 1 NUMBER 12

Division Manager Comments
We have recently raised our mileage pay and now we are doing it AGAIN!

I am proud to announce that we are going to once again RAISE OUR MILEAGE PAY by another $.01 effective March 1 2005. (Yes this will be our second pay increase in 2005!) The starting pay for our Division will then be $.32 $.34 $.36 based on the length of the trip. For those of you that have achieved a higher pay scale you will also receive an additional penny. We have been able to offer these pay increases because of the hard work and dedication from everyone on our team. This will be our fifth mileage pay increase since September 2003 and we have given you the opportunity to earn two (2) additional pay increases through our performance pay program. Many of our Driving Associates have already achieved performance pay however if you haven?t; please see your Driver Manager for more information on what you need to do to receive it.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns with our Division. I welcome any ideas that can help our Division to become even more successful. I am committed to your success and will continue to make this the best job in the industry. My challenge to you is to continue to be safe work hard and have a strong line of communication between you and your dispatcher. Keep up the good work!…Bo

Hours of Service

Company policy states that no driver is to be dispatched unless his/her hours are current in the computer system. Planners have started to refuse to give out loads to dispatchers if the driver?s hours aren?t current in the computer. Please make a habit of entering your hours before your work day starts. If your hours are always current you won?t have to hassle with your dispatcher telling you to update your hours every time you call for a load. Update your hours in the Qualcomm using MACRO 7.

Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist:

1. Approach the vehicle and look at the general appearance of the tractor/trailer. Look for leaks and anything out of the ordinary.
2. Check under the hood. Check all fluid levels. Look for wear and cracked hoses.
3. Start the engine and check inside the cab. Listen for unusual engine noises. Check cab instruments.
4. Check headlights. Make sure they are clean and operational.
5. Conduct a walk-around inspection. This important inspection can alert you of many problems from blown lights to leaking bearings suspension and tire hazards. Check service stickers to see if a service is due.
6. Check signals and lights. Mare sure signals and lights are clean operational and the correct color.
7. Check air brake system. Brakes are so important. It is worth your time to examine brakes carefully for any signs of damage or wear.

Safety Notes

Many of you have been asking me lately about the new policy regarding the HAZMAT certification process that the DOT has recently enacted. Basically what it states is that anyone that DOES NOT HAVE a current HAZMAT certification on their CDL will have to undergo a personal background check immediately. The process starts by going to your local license bureau and they will direct you to where you need to go to get this done. It will take approximately 6 weeks to get the results back. The cost will vary slightly from state to state.

If you currently have a HAZMAT endorsement and renew your CDL before May 31 2005 you WILL NOT be required to go thru the background check. For those who currently hold a CDL with a HAZMAT certification that expires far out into the future expect some type of notification from your state in the future that will require you to come back and be recertified before the expiration date. Some states have already decided to limit the length of time a CDL can be renewed to 5 years to coincide with the HAZMAT recertification.

If you renew your HAZMAT certification anytime after May 31 2005 you WILL have to undergo the background check. The important item to remember is that you need to start this process 2 months in advance of your CDL expiration date. The reason for this is the 6 weeks it will take to get the results of the background check. We don?t want to wait until the last minute to get this done. If you have any questions about these new regulations get with me when you?re in the office.

Thanks

Kevin
Safety Director