7300 Clyde Park, S.W., Byron Center, MI 49315 www.mtstrans.com Phone (616) 455-8850 Fax (616) 281-7553 Breakdown 24/7 (800) 968-3188

Digest2018 Issue 4

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‘Legal Marijuana’?

The Never-Ending Battle Against Fatigue

Employee Assistance Program

Bay Logistics Update

Len’s Final Compliance Corner

Drivers Of The Month

Winter Driving Safety Starts in the Yard

Cookin’ On All Cylinders

Ready To Quit Tobacco?

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE‘Legal Marijuana’? Nothing Much Changes in Our World

More places around the U.S. – and Canada, too – are making marijuana possession and use legal.

Some places that means it’s only legit for medical purposes. In others, a person can possess/use some standardized amount.

In the case of the trucking industry –

since most of our employees are Class “A” or Class “B” CDL drivers - all this comes to a big nothing. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has no recognition of “legal” marijuana. You cannot have it, use it, or be under the influence of it if you want to retain your CDL and earn a living driving a semi on a U.S. public roadway.

Non-driving folks don’t have a lot more freedom when your employment becomes part of the equation. An easy comparison is alcohol, which has been legal for adults to consume since prohibition died in the early 1930s. Still, everyone knows you don’t slug down a couple beers while taking your lunch break, or show up for a work shift stewed on booze. You can’t be under alcohol’s mental and physical impairment influences while working. It jeopardizes your safety, the safety of everyone around you, and ruins the quality of your work.

If you sub in marijuana for alcohol, you’ll find most of the guidance you need here. Any further questions, contact HR or Safety.

Congratulations to Jamie Johnson who was the BIG winner during driver appreciation BBQ at our Marshall terminal!

“GET Social

with MTS!”#

MTS Digest Page 2

One may be tempted to believe the federal mandate of Electronic Driver Logs has eliminated the dangers of driving fatigued. One would be wrong in that belief.

Nothing invented now – or in the foreseeable future – will absolutely eliminate the chance someone will be driving while tired or fatigued. With truck drivers having to operate up to 14 hours a day and up to 70 hours in 8 days, the possibility always exists a driver could be “running legal” on electronic logs, yet still be running in a tired or fatigued state.

It’s natural: Everyone gets tired. A nap or good night’s sleep can fix that situation. Separate from that is fatigue – that bone-weary condition of total exhaustion. That’s cumulative from pushing past tired daily, and it requires serious rest overcome. Fatigue builds after a long, hard week where you have been shorting yourself on proper rest daily, combined with tough work conditions that drain you physically and mentally. That’s why the 34-hour break exists.

Being tired and/or fatigued similarly affect your abilities to operate a tractor/trailer safely. It affects your vision, your reaction time, your situational temperament, and your physical health.

Here are some signs you are tired or fatigued and in need of some rest:

• Yawning or blinking frequently.• Eyes burning.• Difficulty remembering the past few miles driven.• Missing your exit.• Drifting from your lane.• Hitting a rumble strip on the side of the road.• Rubbing the back of your neck repeatedly.• Stopping suddenly, or taking quick evasion, because you failed to recognize a dangerous situation developing ahead.• An inability to hold a steady speed.• Head nodding.• An overwhelming temptation to close your eyes “for just a minute”.• Finding yourself leaning on temporary remedies like coffee, energy drinks, rolling the windows down,

turning up the radio, turning on the air conditioner, or talking to someone on the phone (another distraction you don’t need!).

The Never-Ending Battle Against FatigueBy Jeff Wood

Director of Risk

MTS Digest Page 3

For dispatch/operations personnel who deal with drivers daily, there are also signs your driver is fatigued:

• Heavy eyes.• Inability to focus on the conversation or take accurate notes.• Bags under the eye with dark circles.• Blood-shot eyes.• Constant yawning.• Slow reflexes.• Moody and irritable.

Life isn’t perfect, and situations can pile on the stress, making it hard to sleep. Issues at home with children, relationship strife, serious family illness, or financial problems can compound on the road to wear you down. Be honest with your dispatcher about issues causing you to lose sleep.

Now let’s flip it around: It’s not always about problems. Really great weekends can leave you tired or fatigued. A few examples are: A big party Saturday night, a wedding and reception, remodeling, hauling the kids around to sports travel leagues, or staying up way too late Sunday night watching sports. Too much to do, and not enough time to sleep, can lead to you hitting the road for your first load of the week and you’re already shot. Here you get “Sunday Night Truckin’ Hero Syndrome”: “I didn’t get any sleep today, but I’ll be OK to run all night. I’m a pro.” You’re a trucking hero, until you’re on your side in the ditch, that is.

Certain medications – even legal over-the-counter medications – can cause you to be tired on the road. Make sure you know how medicine affects you before you try taking it and driving for 11 hours. Finally, big meals can also put you in a sleepy carb fog. Keep it light and healthy during driving shifts. Save the fried chicken buffet and pie for when your next trip is to the bunk.

Do I understand these pressures? You bet! I was “home weekends” as a driver. But most weeks that meant coming in sometime Saturday and leaving on Sunday. My wife and children had to adjust to Daddy doing a lot of sleeping when he was home, and not always being available for every outing.

That’s because nothing short of deep, restful sleep will fix most of these situations. You drive for a living, but you’re also still human. You need to fully utilize your breaks to get proper rest, both between duty cycles on the road and at home on your 34-hour reset breaks.

One last caveat: Lose the cruise control! It grieves me how many times in 30 years I’ve seen drivers use cruise for auto pilot to keep the truck moving at highway speed when they’re unable to maintain a consistent pace on the foot throttle due to fatigue. This is a terrible idea that can leave you rushing into a really bad situation with no way out. The only good solution is to work with Operations so you can park it and get some good, quality rest.

The Never-Ending Battle Against Fatigue Continued...

MTS Digest Page 4

Martin Transportation Systems, Inc. - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Personal problems can affect the lives of employees both at home and at work. When life’s events become challenging, we’d like to remind all Martin Transportation Systems, Inc. employees about our Employee Assistance Program, or EAP. The EAP will supply professional counselors to counsel employees and their families in a safe, private atmosphere—at no additional cost. All the information disclosed will remain confidential.

Martin Transportation Systems, Inc. understands that everyone experiences periods of stress and that some stress is normal, but if your feelings become persistent and overwhelming it may be an indication of a serious medical problem. That is why we want to make you aware of all the resources available to you through Martin Transportation Systems, Inc. EAP.

Magellan Health ServicesOnline: www.MagellanHealth.com/member

Toll-free counselor: 1-800-450-1327TTY for hearing impaired: 1-800-456-4006

For more information regarding Martin Transportation Systems, Inc. EAP, please contact Meghan Bultema, Benefits Administrator at (616) 455-8850 option 6 or email meghan.bultema@mtstrans.com.

Please be assured that all information provided to the EAP is confidential.

© 2007-2009, 2011 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

MTS Digest Page 5

“It’s Better at Bay!”

A Retirement and Five Promotions!Chief Operating Officer Kurt Cuncannan recently announced the retirement of a long-time employee, and a series of five promotions within the Bay team.

Rex Slomsky, Manager of Bay Logistics HECLA Hazmat Operations, retired this past September. Rex started with Bay in 2006 at the Canton, MI, warehouse on Haggerty Road as Manager of the PCA Box-Building Operation. Rex later spent time in Hamtramck and West Chester, OH, before landing in Detroit to become our foremost authority on Hazmat and Class III Flammables. The Bay Management Team hosted a retirement celebration at the Jolly Pumpkin in Detroit where Rex was honored for his diligence, team work and service. We wish him well in the next chapter of his life.

Jarvis Duhart moved into the position of Manager of Bay Logistics HECLA Hazmat Operations, after having tutored under Rex for more than a year. In four short years, Jarvis’ career path has been meteoric: laborer, forklift operator, staff assistant, supervisor and now warehouse manager. Jarvis is a classic example of Bay’s commitment to promote from within!

Krystal Ford, former Manager of Wayne Operations, has accepted the new position of Project Manager. Krystal is in the midst of a whirlwind tour of all Bay Logistics sites, learning about all aspects of our business, including Information Technology, accounting, billing, pricing, business development, operations, safety, HR, etc. Krystal began her career with Bay Logistics as a staff assistant in Livonia and has risen quickly through the ranks.

MTS Digest Page 6

Taking over the reins as Manager of Wayne Operations is Dylan Kennaley. Dylan started out fast at Bay Logistics as an extremely talented reach truck operator, working 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week, during the Eberspaecher Campaign at our Ypsilanti operations. Dylan also spent time as a staff assistant and floor supervisor, preparing him for his next opportunity as warehouse manager.

Elsewhere, Chell Smith will retain management responsibilities of the Bay Logistics CC&A Indoor Container Pierson Road facility, while also focusing her attention on Marketing, Presentation Development, Social Media, Employee Training Programs, and Website Design. Chell’s talents, enthusiasm and prior work experiences will greatly benefit Bay Logistics as it seeks to expand its market and public presence.

Finally, Shawn Gaglio has assumed the job of Manager of the Bay Logistics CC&A Outdoor Rack Yard. Formerly the supervisor, Shawn knows what it takes to succeed in the fast-changing Michigan weather you face working an outdoor yard. Shawn’s hands-on personality and go-getter attitude have not gone unnoticed. We warmly welcome her to the Bay Management Team!

The above announcements are testimonials to Bay’s philosophy of promoting from within and rewarding talented, hard workers with increased responsibilities.

“It’s Better at Bay!”

A Retirement and Five Promotions Continued...

MTS Digest Page 7

“To Train, Educate and Guide the MTS Team on FMCSA Rules and Regulations, and Encourage and Enforce the Safe, Legal and Effective operation of the MTS fleet”

Compliance CornerBy Len Marchlewski—Compliance Manager

Winter Driving and Hours of Service

As we are getting into winter driving, drivers often find travel slow at times. This limits the amount of miles that can be driven within the FMCSA’s federal guidelines. The Compliance department often gets calls from drivers asking for “an extension” to get to their destination.

There are only a few situations that allow for a driver to drive past their 14 hours of On Duty Time or their 11 hours of Drive Time.

For Home Daily Drivers, there is the 16 hour Short Haul Exemption. If you start and stop at the same terminal each day, you may qualify for this extension. This allows you to have an extra 2 hours of On Duty time once per week between 34 Hour Resets. If you were stuck at a shipper or held up in other ways, this can help you utilize all more of your 11 Hours of Drive Time. It never allows you to drive more than 11 hours!

If you find yourself out there and something unforeseen comes up such as an accident that creates a stoppage or some sort of detour on the highway, you may qualify for the Adverse Driving Exemption. This extension can only be granted if the situation could not have been known at the time of dispatch, and your run could have otherwise been completed except for this unforeseen incident. Forecasted weather and construction do not meet the criteria to be granted the Adverse Driving Exemption.

Avoid the “Big One”

Speed and Space management is even more crucial during the winter months than at other times of the year. Visibilities are lower, roads are slicker, and unsafe drivers are even more of a threat.

Watch your Following Distance— not giving yourself enough time to stop can get you caught up in a bad situation.

Lower your Speeds—this will increase your opportunity to stop in plenty of time when the unfortunate occurs in front of you.

Stay our of the 3rd Lane—not only is it against the law to drive in the 3rd lane in most areas, but driving in the 3rd Lane on snowy roads creates a white out for other drivers, which could lead to a big wreck.

Wear Your Seatbelt— not only is it required by law and MTS policy, it could save your life in the event a bad accident did occur!

This will be my last column for MTS. I have accepted a position as Director of Safety with another company and will begin that on December 3rd. I will always cherish the friendships and working relationships that I formed here at MTS, and I wish everyone the best in their future endeavors.

A Retirement and Five Promotions Continued...

MTS Digest Page 8

Drivers of the Month!

July

Martin Transportation Systems wishes to congratulate Adam Keib from our Flint, MI terminal as Corporate Driver of the Month for July 2018!

Adam has been a dedicated employee with MTS since January of 2012. In his nomination, Mike Eddy, Flint Terminal Manager, stated, “Adam is a great driver. He is very dependable, never complains and is always very safety conscious. You can always count on Adam to go above and beyond with everything he does. He is great with the customers and is a great representative for MTS.”

Congrats Adam, keep up the good work!

Other finalists who are named Terminal Driver of the Month for July include:

• Tammy Allen - Bertrand, MO• Joseph Slentz – Coldwater, MI• Melvin Heard – Grand Prairie, TX• Vincent Cooperwood – Grand Rapids, MI• Martin Williams – Indianapolis, IN• Lon Mcallister – Kansas City, KS• Andrew Duarte – Lansing, MI• Jose Robles – Laredo, TX• Kelly Legendre – Lima, OH• Dennis Ferris – Marshall, MI• Rance Magee – Port Huron, MI• Benjamin Wilson – Spring Hill, TN• Jimmie Walker – Springfield, IL• Paul Wilhelmi – Toledo, OH• Tony Liedtke – White Pine, TN• Randy Oatman – Windsor, ON

August

Martin Transportation Systems wishes to congratulate David McCulley from our Bertrand, MO terminal as Corporate Driver of the Month for August 2018!

David has been a dedicated employee with MTS since December of 2014. In his nomination, Barista Clark, Bertrand Terminal Manager, stated, “David is one of Bertrand’s best, no exaggeration! He comes in to do his job, plus more. He has always been put on some of our most toughest runs and of course it’s never a challenge for him. We at MTS appreciate David for not only his great work ethics, but as a person. We couldn’t ask for better. Thanks, David!” Congrats David, keep up the good work!

Other finalists who are named Terminal Driver of the Month for August include:

• Stephen Doolittle – Coldwater, MI• Clarence Cooper – Flint, MI • David Bryant – Grand Prairie, TX• Frank Jando – Grand Rapids, MI• Derrick Rodgers – Indianapolis, IN• Dylan Ames – Kansas City, KS• Alen Coric – Lansing, MI• Jose Robles – Laredo, TX• Lamar Bolen – Lima, OH• Dennis Ferris – Marshall, MI• David Flaga - Port Huron, MI• Richard Grubbs – Spring Hill, TN• Low Leak – Springfield, IL• Arlander Graham – Toledo, OH• Ronald Honaker – White Pine, TN• Sean Donellan – Windsor, ON

These drivers will receive a Driver of the Month certificate, and will still be eligible in the coming months to win Corporate Driver of the Month, as long as they continue to meet the criteria. Criteria for Driver of the Month includes fuel mileage, truck operation statistics, no CSA points, no tickets, no accidents, no log issues, no injuries, no customer complaints, no SpeedGauge issues, attitude, truck upkeep, and no at-fault late loads.

MTS Digest Page 9

Driver of the Month!

September

Martin Transportation Systems wishes to congratulate Joseph Slentz from our Coldwater, MI terminal as Corporate Driver of the Month for September 2018!

Joseph has been a dedicated employee with MTS since November of 2015. In his nomination, Derek Gibson, Coldwater Terminal Manager, stated, “Joe is a driver you can count on showing up, doing his job professionally, thorough and is willing to help in anyway he is needed if asked. He also leads by example. ” Congrats Joseph, keep up the good work!

Other finalists who are named Terminal Driver of the Month for September include:

• David McCulley – Bertrand, MO• Leonard Mitchell – Flint, MI • Edward Smith – Grand Prairie, TX• Hrin Khum – Grand Rapids, MI• Michael Anderson – Indianapolis, IN• Martin Lima-Alcantara – Kansas City, KS• Fernando Molina – Lansing, MI• Jose Robles – Laredo, TX• Jeff Moore – Lima, OH• Michael R Swartz – Marshall, MI• Calvin Naylor - Port Huron, MI• Jimmy Vick – Spring Hill, TN• Joseph Schmidt – Springfield, IL• Johnnie Short – Toledo, OH• Ronald Honaker – White Pine, TN• Aaron Thomson – Windsor, ON

Are you currently participating in the MTS 401(k) Plan through American Funds? If not, why NOT? MTS matches 25% of your weekly deferral up to 15% of your gross pay! You must be 21 years of age and employed for 6 months to be eligible. You are 100% vested upon entry and have 14 mutual funds to invest in. Contact Meghan in Benefits at (616) 432-5516 to sign up or for more information.

Ready for retirement?

These drivers will receive a Driver of the Month certificate, and will still be eligible in the coming months to win Corporate Driver of the Month, as long as they continue to meet the criteria. Criteria for Driver of the Month includes fuel mileage, truck operation statistics, no CSA points, no tickets, no accidents, no log issues, no injuries, no customer complaints, no SpeedGauge issues, attitude, truck upkeep, and no at-fault late loads.

MTS Digest Page 10

Winter Driving Safety Starts in the YardBy Jeff Wood

Director of Risk

As if winter roads aren’t enough of a problem, the fact is your problems can start before you exit the yard. Cold weather is tough on equipment, just like it’s tough on the operator. Here are some tips (hat-tip to the School of Hard Knocks) to keep you trouble-free this winter:

WATCH YOUR HOOK-UPSnow and ice in a 5th wheel’s jaws – or just cold/frozen/dirty grease – can foil the best hook-up attempt and set you up for a big trailer de-couple wreck once you leave the yard. The only way to be sure things are right is to do a proper pre-trip after you hook up. This includes looking underneath to be sure the release latch is all the way in. Then follow up by looking into the king-pin pocket with a flashlight to be sure the lock is engaged. A frozen 5th wheel that is closed - but not locked - might pass a tug test, especially on a snowy parking lot with no tire resistance when you pull the trolley valve. Then it’ll open once you’re on the road. It’s like a hand grenade with a loose pin. Usually this happens the first time you turn, hit a bump, or hit the brakes on dry road. A de-coupled loaded trailer is a 50,000-pound weapon over which you have zero control once it leaves your tractor.

WATCH YOUR STEP, TOOIt’s dangerous enough getting in and out of a truck in good weather. Compound this action with snow and ice and you are in some first-class peril. Keep your three-point grip in mind. One hand and two feet - or two hands and one foot – are in contact with the vehicle at all times. Watch your step when you hit the ground. Don’t ever jump! Wear good quality work shoes with slip-resistant, traction-providing lugs or tread pattern. You can also purchase secondary soles with traction wires or studs for the bottom of your shoes or boots. These are usually held in place with rubber binders or cloth straps. They’re everywhere on Amazon now, reasonably priced and easy to put on and remove.

FROZEN WHEELS ARE A BAD DEALCan’t escape frozen wheels (especially on trailers) in the winter. The trailer hits the yard, brake drums are wet, and the shoes freeze to the drum as the equipment sits overnight. Next driver hooks up, slams the air to the trailer and hauls out the gate. One mile down the road he’s on the shoulder with 2 blown tires, a trail of rubber and smoke marking his path. Nothing says “rookie” like dragging a trailer down the road until the rubber blows off the rim. Check for free wheel spin before you leave the yard. Charge the brakes and ease it around the yard, turning your tractor left and right until you can see the trailer tires and make sure they’re all rolling. If they’re not, get the shop to help you get the drums freed from the brake shoes before you hit the dry pavement. When you return to the yard, leave the trailer brakes charged for a few minutes while you close out your paperwork. This allows the water to run off/dry on the drums and shoes. When you have one with frozen brakes, a big hammer and steel bar will help bust shoes loose from a frozen drum if you don’t want to wait for a road service call at a drop lot.

PREPARATION IS KEYInspect your equipment well before leaving in bad weather. Clean all lights and glass. Make sure your wiper blades are good and the washer bottle is full. Drive with your lights on at a safe, sane speed – especially on curves, in turns and on ramps. Avoid panic moves and panic braking. Don’t tailgate. Don’t drive faster than what conditions dictate. If it makes sense, shut down to keep you, your load and the motoring public safe. Keep the cruise control turned off. Keep the Jake Brake turned off. Anticipate ice on wind-blown roads, overpasses, shaded spots, and underpasses. Carry bottled water, extra warm clothes and blankets, boots, a couple candles in tin cans for warmth, and some non-perishable food in case you break down or get stuck.

Are you ready to quit using tobacco?Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Tobacco Cessation Coaching program can help

Did you know tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States? Whether you just started using tobacco or you’ve been using it for years, now is a great time to quit.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Tobacco Cessation Coaching program, powered by WebMD®, includes five calls from a health coach over a 12-week period. You can schedule your calls when they’re most convenient for you. If you need additional support, you have unlimited access to call your health coach any time. During your coaching calls, your health coach will help you work toward your goal of quitting tobacco. You also have access to many online tools through the Blue Cross® Health & Wellness site that can help you quit tobacco.

The program ends after 12 weeks of participation or after you’ve completed five coaching calls. Once you’ve completed the program, you have unlimited access to call your health coach if you need additional support. Your health coach will contact you about seven months after the program ends to check on your progress.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is a nonprofit corporation and independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. R045089OD 15205 OCT 15

WebMD Health Services is an independent company supporting Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan by providing health and wellness services.

Tobacco Cessation coaches are available:

Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Call 1-855-326-5102 to schedule your first Tobacco Cessation Coaching call.

All hours are Eastern Standard Time.