Random Thoughts with Dan Strong, CEO

Building Effective Relationships

2016 Safety Recap

Drivers and Diners

Frank Tolle—20 Years!!!

Matthew Cathey—Employee Profile

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

JANUARY 2017

NEWSLETTER

Quote of the Month

“You cannot have a positive

life and negative mind.”

- Joyce Brothers

Welcome New Non-Driving

Employees:

Skye Fisher—Load Tracker (MI)

Michael Hager—Technician (KY)

Darrin Wilson—Technician (KY)

Wendy Self—Driver Recruiter (TX)

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Random Thoughts with Dan Strong, CEO

Recently, I hiked Pinnacle Peak on a Sunday. I

was surprised how sore I was the next few days. I

have made the hike fifty times before…heck, I

used to run it 15 years ago. Why was I so sore all

of a sudden? Probably because I am getting old-

er. I’ve commented many times we all have to stay

alert as to what is happening in the world because it

is changing so fast. The most recent Presidential

election is proof.

The traditional media in the United States was sure

Hillary Clinton would be the next President of the

United States. During the last two months of the

campaign, Hillary and her supporters spent

$142,000,000 on television and radio advertise-

ments. Donald and his supporters spent $5,000,000

during the same period. Hillary’s campaign spent

28 times more on traditional media during the last

two months than Donald’s campaign. Additional-

ly, she outraised him by more than a two to one

margin in total funds. All experts thought she had

it locked up. She spent more, much more, than

Donald.

However; the world has changed. Donald Trump

used free social media to get his message out. He

clearly outpaced Hillary Clinton and her group by

using social media. Near the end of the campaign,

Donald would have five times as many live events

as Hillary, and his followers would Tweet, Snap

Chat, Instagram, Facebook, etc. the heck out of

each event.

His campaign received much more exposure to

voters for free as compared to what her campaign

did, which was run advertisements on television

and the radio. Many of our population don’t even

watch traditional television or listen to traditional

radio anymore. The old way of reaching voters

has changed. Donald’s group knew it and

adapted. Hillary’s group, deeply imbedded in tra-

ditional media, did not adapt. The media experts

her campaign had hired didn’t know their own in-

dustry well enough. Don’t expect the same mis-

take to occur next time.

So what is your takeaway from all of this? On the

business side, Super Service LLC uses social me-

dia in a variety of fashions. We have a website,

use Facebook and other social media sites to up-

date our team and recruit future associates. The

old days of print media have gone away. Adapt or

go away, this is the business world we live

in. Sometimes free is very good!

The world is changing, so we need to keep our

eyes and ears open to the change, and change with

it.

Let’s have a safe, healthy and productive 2017!

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BUILDING EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Submitted By: Vaughn Yow, VP of Operations

Job satisfaction is always near the top of the list when employees are polled re-

garding what they value in a career or company. Many factors play a role in the

level of enjoyment each of us experience in the workplace with some being unique

to our own personal preferences. One common theme found in most successful

companies is a high level of satisfaction among peers and co-workers. We refer to

this as internal customer loyalty.

Building relationships with other employees is one opportunity everyone can take

advantage of regardless of the position they hold. Accomplishing this task is not

difficult and typically requires skills most of us utilize in everyday life.

Tips for building effective working relationships:

1. Welcome newcomers. Joining a new company can be a challenging experience.

Make it your personal mission to ensure new employees get off to a positive

start.

2. Get to know the people you work with. It is not unusual for people to spend

more time with those they work with as compared to family or friends. Yet, it is

not uncommon for employees to know very little about one another.

3. Be patient. Resist forming a lasting opinion of someone or the company you

choose to work for until sufficient time has passed.

4. Positive recognition. Take the time to thank someone when they do something

well.

5. Follow up and responsiveness. Actions do speak much louder than words. Fol-

low up on promises or commitments and respond to others in a timely manner.

2016 SAFETY RECAP

Submitted By: Jay Thomas, Director of Safety

2016 was a good year in regards to safety. We reduced our CSA scores in unsafe driving

to 44, which is the lowest we have ever been since the inception of CSA.

As a company, we reduced our per million mile ratio for work place injuries & preventa-

ble accidents for the third year in a row.

THIS IS SOMETHING WE CAN ALL BE PROUD OF - though we still have a lot of

room for improvement.

In the 4th Quarter of 2016, Following too Close and Speeding 6-10 violations, rose to the

highest level since the 3rd quarter of 2014. 11 and 14 hour violations also rose to the highest level since Super Service

implemented ELDs.

Drivers who are violating the HOS regulations are stating they are trying to find a safe haven. Keep in mind we do not

haul Class 1 Hazmat so the terminology of a safe haven does not apply to Super Service drivers. If you have exceeded

your 11, 14 or 70 hour clock - YOU ARE IN VIOLATION and if stopped you can be placed out of service and CSA

points will be added to your safety record.

More importantly, should you be involved in an accident, more times than not and regardless of fault, the acci-

dent will be deemed YOUR fault for being in violation of the Federal Hours of Service Regulations.

It is extremely important you communicate with your Driver Manager if you are running short on your clock before

you put yourself into a situation where YOU may be in violation.

For several years now, the DOT has not really checked drivers who are using ELDs. However, the Commercial Vehi-

cle Safety Alliance (CVSA) required all Motor Carrier Enforcement Officers to become certified to operate and read

the ELDs by August 1, 2016. Since then we have seen an increase in ELD enforcement and violations. Don’t get

placed OOS for violating the Federal Hours of Service Regulations. Communicate with your Driver Manager and stay

legal.

As we enter into the official winter season, it is important you exercise extreme caution while driving. Never drive

when the roads are snow covered or icy. There is no load worth your life or the lives of others.

If you do have an accident or incident where your equipment comes in contact with something, you are required to re-

port the event immediately. In the event of an incident or accident, a Safety Manager and myself are on call 24/7, 365.

Failure to report an accident or incident is a terminating offense. Do not let a minor incident end your career at Super

Service.

As the winter temperatures continue to drop, keep your body protected from the cold temperatures and keep your truck

stocked with provisions in the event you become stranded. You never know when there may be an accident or weather

conditions which may shut down a highway for hours or days. Be sure you are prepared.

The winter months brings slippery conditions, be sure you wear proper footwear and always use three points of contact

to protect yourself from an injury.

Finally, I have calculated the 2017 Safe Driver Awards. If you have been employed with us for more than 12 months

and have not had a preventable accident, please stop by and pick up your Safe Driving Certificate and Truck Decal.

Remember, Safety is a resource to you. If something does not seem right or you have questions, pick up the phone and

ask. Thank you for everything you do and please BE SAFE.

BRING ON 2017!!!

Submitted By: Fred Needham, VP of Sales/Marketing

AND

The transportation industry has had many challenges in 2016, but the past has passed and it is time to look to the New Year. Govern-

mental regulations will continue to play a big role with the mandatory adoption of ELD's (Electronic Log Devices) by next Decem-

ber and pressure will continue for implementation of speed limiters in all tractors; as well as hair follicle drug testing of commercial

truck drivers. Here at Super Service, we already have each of these things covered. Trucking is a simple supply and demand busi-

ness; and for the majority of 2016, there were more trucks on the road than loads available. Given the factors outlined above and con-

tinued optimism for economic growth, shippers will likely see the market turn strongly in the other direction; which will create a

capacity crunch. When this occurs, we are well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunity and continue to improve our freight mix to

be even more driver-friendly and profitable.

We, the sales team, have deep appreciation and admiration for the hard work professional drivers put into servicing our customers.

One of the ways we try to tangibly show this is through the driver lunches we have throughout the year. The other way is always

trying to ensure the business we bring aboard provides you the miles you need and expect. Thank you again for everything you have

accomplished this year and let’s collectively go out and have a SAFE AND FANTASTIC 2017!!!

Jim lives in Zanesville OH and has been with us for 3 months. In his free time, he enjoys fishing and spending time with his

grand kids. Jason resides in sunny Jacksonville, FL and has been here for 2 months. Sports car racing is one of his prime inter-

ests and he relishes time spent with his family. Tommy recently achieved his 15th year anniversary with the company and is

someone who loves the outdoors and his family even more.

Left to right: Jim Johns, Jason Mathos and Tommy

Taylor (Regional Sales Manager)

CONGRATS FRANK TOLLE!!!

Submitted By: Steve Maat, Director of HR

Congratulations to Aubrey “Frank” Tolle on 20 years of dedicated service. Frank

Tolle has worked for Super Service since December 2, 1996. He has always been

a safe, reliable driver and we are glad he is part of the Super Service family. He is

currently working on our Vascor dedicated account.

John Kidd (Dedicated Operations Manager) , Clifford James (Vascor Operations

Manager), and Cindy Molden (Vascor Driver Manager) took Frank out to eat to

celebrate his 20 years of service.

Left to right: Clifford James, Cindy Molden, and

John Kidd. Seated: Frank Tolle

Employee Profile—Matthew Cathey

Matthew joined the Super Service team in November of 2016 as a Regional Sales

Manager. Previously, he has worked in truck load operations for 12 years. He

graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science de-

gree. Upon graduating from college, Matthew began his transportation career in

extended coverage/operations. Throughout the years, he had many opportunities to

grow and develop his skill set in transportation.

Matthew has been married to his wife, Whitney, for 12 years. They have two chil-

dren, Grey (9) and Nash(6). The Catheys reside in Priceville, Alabama. He enjoys

coaching his children, volunteering at their church and is a C.A.S.A. (Court Ap-

pointed Special Advocate).

The Catheys

3

January Driver Years of Service Recognition—Thank You!!!

Name Years of Service

Browder, Dana 7

Lineback, Leroy 7

Gilbert, Dennis 8

Sims II, Thomas 8

Carter, Randy 9

Gartside III, Frederick 9

Hanawalt, Jeffrey 9

Erbe, Gene 10

Johnson, Timothy 10

Jergens, Terrence 14

Hamilton, Dennis 16

Smith, David 16

Castle, Robert 17

Carroll, Burke 22

Hughes, Raymond 22

Reynolds, Erik 24

Castle, Jerry 26

Colbert, Nathaniel 28

Name Years of Service

Brown, Christopher 1

Campbell, Edward 1

Dugger, Don 1

Franlin, Michael 1

Halverson, Kevin 1

Halverson, Mari 1

Hawkins, Holly 1

Leach, Kerr 1

Lester, Curtis 1

Nees, William 1

Sheriff, Michael 1

Slater, Cody 1

Hafford, Sharon 2

Walker, Tawne 2

Cano, Larry 3

Carroll, Roger 3

Everts, John 3

Glenn, Steven 3

Miller, Daniel 3

Morehead, Luther 3

Rose, Bruce 3

Watson, John 3

Williams, Billy 3

Hooker, Thomas 4

Sherman, James 4

Tobias, Fred 4

Wyant, John 4

Cason, Earl 5

McDowell, James 6

January Non-Driving Employee Years of Service Recognition

Thank You!!!

Name Years of Service Position

Ron Komdeur 2 Driver Manager—MI

Theresa Cain 3 Driver/Trainer Manager—MI

Barry Adams 4 Driver Manager—KY

Gary Shelton 4 Shop Shift Foreman—GA

Brittney Snell 4 Driver Recruiter—GA

Tony Celii 5 National Sales Executive—PA

Steve Maat 7 Director of Human Resources—MI

David Santee 7 2nd Shift Driver Manager—KY

Aaron Brinks 9 3rd Shift Driver Manager—MI

Sherry Daughetee 11 Cash Applications—KY

Heidi Waters 13 Amway Operations Manager—MI

Jim Wolffis 15 Hours of Service Manager—MI

December Clean Road Side Inspection List

We Pay $50 For Every Clean, Properly Logged Inspection!

Bryan Latham Ferdinand Guisti Jeremiah Carter

Mark Clark Larry Wine Lewis Arrowood

Patrick Smith Dennis Wilson Darius Burke

Annette Sanchez Herbert Corbett Charles Noltie

Esiquio Cabezuela Bruce Lapen Jonathan Browning

Robert Brown Jeremy Anderson Daniel Hebel

Mark Jonczy Billy Fayne Marcus Adams

Michael Westerfield Shirley Reichert Gregory Coleman

Susan Wright Israel Norwood Andre w Moore

Hashan Taylor Douglas McKenzie Pharis Skipwith

Leroy Burr II Daniel King Jessie Cunningham

James Slough Luther Morehead Tommy VanArsdale

Have You Moved?

It’s W-2 season again! W-2’s will be mailed in January to the ad-

dress we have on file as of December 31st. W-2’s are not for-

warded, even if you have a forwarding order on file with the US

Post Office, so it’s crucial for Payroll to have your correct address

by December 31st. This is especially important to note if you

have moved AND do not receive a weekly paper pay stub on

which to confirm whether we have the correct address for you or

not. If you’re unsure, please contact your Payroll Representative

(Drivers), Angela Johnson x1268, or Faith Kleiman x1243, and

we will be happy to help you out. Thanks for all that you do to

make Super Service great!

Earn Up To $2,000 for

Driver Referrals

We know our Super Drivers come in contact with other safe, experienced professional drivers every day. We hope you will consider sending them our way! Now, telling them about the opportunities at Super Service is even easier.

We created a new handout, espe-cially for referring prospective driv-ers. So, when you find someone who could be a great fit for the Su-per Service Team, send them our way! Drop by the Recruiting De-partment and pick up a few of the new driver referral door hangers to-day or contact recruiting at 800.326.8889 for all the details! Re-fer safe, experienced drivers and start earning $$$$ today!

- Super Service LLC Recruiting

We have Safety Meetings every Friday at

Super Service terminals. Join us for some

good grub and important safety information.

Safety will be available to answer questions.

Upcoming Events

Super Service, LLC

6000 Clay Ave SW

Grand Rapids, MI 49548

616-530-8558 x1341 ph

616-588-6391 fax

smaat@superservicellc.com

Super Service Social Media Program

https://www.facebook.com/superservicellc

https://twitter.com/superservicellc

Super Service Blog:

http://blog.driveforsuperservice.com/