superior bulk logistics, inc.info.visiship.com/partners/sbl/drivingforce-june2009.pdf · superior...

8
SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC. SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC. JUNE 2009 NEWS QUARTERLY With virtually exclusive licensing of VisiShip and VisiTrack Transportation Management System (TMS) technology for the bulk shipping industry, Superior Bulk Logistics has strategically positioned itself to expand its logistics management services offering. Working in collaboration with Transportation Management Technologies and Cogent Solutions LLC, SBL committed to VisiShip and VisiTrack after a thorough search of competing TMS technologies. The VisiShip TMS is a web-based suite of logistics solutions for multiple modes of transportation and related processes. The system’s flexibility, low cost and ease of integration enable it to be implemented by small and large shippers alike, providing an immediate return on investment. Carry Transit VP-Business Development Joe Nolan, who spearheaded the VisiShip initiative and licensing agreement, commented: “Building on SBL’s sixty years of transportation and logistics expertise, this enhanced technology broadens our scope of transportation management services. The secure web-based platform allows the deployment of applications across multiple facilities to registered users, and provides robust applications to support full shipment lifecycle processes. In my experience as former Director of Global Logistics of a Fortune 500 company, this TMS system offers real advantages for cost-effective management of transportation modes.” VisiShip provides clients with integrated tools for planning, execution, visibility, communication, measurement and analysis. By using VisiShip as a management platform, and leveraging its own logistics expertise, Superior can meet the needs of clients who choose to outsource their trans- portation management functions by providing planning and logistics services to shippers of bulk and packaged freight. SBL’s Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer Gary Watt is pleased with the VisiShip choice. “We evaluated several TMS packages, some more complex and expensive than VisiShip, but we feel that given its ease of use, flexibility and affordability, VisiShip is the ideal fit for our customers. Joe Nolan was the right guy to drive this initiative because he understands what shippers deal with on a daily basis. Logistics managers tend to welcome VisiShip because it produces such positive outcomes in terms of efficiency — results that frankly make them look great.” Nolan feels that SBL’s VisiShip offering is particularly timely in today’s challenging economy, where customers are seeking every possible cost and time savings. “Customers clearly want more visi- bility of their supply chain operations and processes. SBL’s goal is to help customers realize those objectives. This technology can provide visibility to multiple users at multiple sites to coordinate and manage logistics operations. It’s easy to integrate and imple- ment, and because it provides the business intelligence needed to measure performance, the shipper can make cost-effective strategic decisions that result in lower costs and improved service.” SBL ENTERS THE TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS BUSINESS continued on page 2 TMS provides decision and process support throughout the entire transportation cycle.

Upload: others

Post on 02-Aug-2020

5 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.info.visiship.com/partners/SBL/DrivingForce-June2009.pdf · SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC. JUNE 2009 NEWS QUARTERLY WithvirtuallyexclusivelicensingofVisiShipandVisiTrackTransportationManagement

S U P E R I O R B U L K L O G I S T I C S , I N C .S U P E R I O R B U L K L O G I S T I C S , I N C .

J U N E 2 0 0 9 N E W S Q U A R T E R LY

With virtually exclusive licensing of VisiShip and VisiTrack Transportation ManagementSystem (TMS) technology for the bulk shipping industry, Superior Bulk Logistics has strategicallypositioned itself to expand its logistics management services offering. Working in collaborationwith Transportation Management Technologies and Cogent Solutions LLC, SBL committed toVisiShip and VisiTrack after a thorough search of competing TMS technologies.

The VisiShip TMS is a web-based suite of logistics solutions for multiple modes of transportationand related processes. The system’s flexibility, low cost and ease of integration enable it to beimplemented by small and large shippers alike, providing an immediate return on investment.

Carry Transit VP-Business Development Joe Nolan, who spearheaded the VisiShip initiativeand licensing agreement, commented: “Building on SBL’s sixty years of transportation and logisticsexpertise, this enhanced technology broadens our scope of transportation management services.The secure web-based platform allows the deployment of applications across multiple facilities toregistered users, and provides robust applications to support full shipment lifecycle processes. Inmy experience as former Director of Global Logistics of a Fortune 500 company, this TMS systemoffers real advantages for cost-effective management of transportation modes.”

VisiShip provides clients with integrated tools for planning, execution, visibility, communication,measurement and analysis. By using VisiShip as a management platform, and leveraging its ownlogistics expertise, Superior can meet the needs of clients who choose to outsource their trans-portation management functions by providing planning and logistics services to shippers of bulkand packaged freight.

SBL’s Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer Gary Watt ispleased with the VisiShip choice. “We evaluated several TMSpackages, some more complex and expensive than VisiShip, butwe feel that given its ease of use, flexibility and affordability,VisiShip is the ideal fit for our customers. Joe Nolan was the rightguy to drive this initiative because he understands what shippersdeal with on a daily basis. Logistics managers tend to welcomeVisiShip because it produces such positive outcomes in terms ofefficiency — results that frankly make them look great.”

Nolan feels that SBL’s VisiShip offering is particularly timely intoday’s challenging economy, where customers are seeking everypossible cost and time savings. “Customers clearly want more visi-bility of their supply chain operations and processes. SBL’s goal isto help customers realize those objectives. This technology canprovide visibility to multiple users at multiple sites to coordinateand manage logistics operations. It’s easy to integrate and imple-ment, and because it provides the business intelligence needed tomeasure performance, the shipper can make cost-effective strategicdecisions that result in lower costs and improved service.”

SBL ENTERS THE TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENTSYSTEMS BUSINESS

continued on page 2

TMS provides decision and process supportthroughout the entire transportation cycle.

L7358:8 Page Format- Mar 6/9/09 7:51 PM Page 1

Page 2: SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.info.visiship.com/partners/SBL/DrivingForce-June2009.pdf · SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC. JUNE 2009 NEWS QUARTERLY WithvirtuallyexclusivelicensingofVisiShipandVisiTrackTransportationManagement

2

One popular feature of the VisiShip technologyis its security versatility, which permits customers tochoose which data are shared with other system users.Watt commented: “Shippers can firewall certain data— say, rates of other carriers — that they don’t wantus to see.” Additionally, SBL offers a variety of VisiShipimplementation solutions from full shipper controlwith SBL solution design and implementation assis-tance only, to shared shipper and SBL daily use, tofull outsource by the shipper to SBL. The latter solutionis a further enhancement of a working arrangementthat has existed for years in which SBL personnelare located onsite in customers’ plants and offices.

Along with Nolan, Logistics Analyst DaveKrimpenfort and Strategic Analyst John Burns III

were instrumental in getting VisiShip off the groundat SBL. Superior’s Executive VP-Sales Wes Stone ledthe successful marketing effort for SBL’s first imple-mentation of the technology with a major distributorof food grade products in the Cincinnati, OH area,with excellent results for both the shipper and SBL.Watt observed: “Going forward, SBL will dependupon its sales team to identify target accounts, andwe’ve got a short list already in place for expansionof this new service.”

Through its VisiShip and VisiTrack TMS technologyand logistics management service offering, SBL con-tinues to demonstrate its commitment to helping ship-pers achieve cost effective supply chain excellence. �

SBL ENTERS THE TMS BUSINESS...continued from page 1

BENEFITS OF VISISHIPTMS TECHNOLOGY

Lower Freight Costs: Hard dollar benefits in routingguide compliance, load planning, freight paymentand overall process efficiency. Carrier/rate optimi-zation of existing contracts alone typically reducesfreight costs by 5-10%.

Logistics Control: Improved shipment visibility,automation and measurement for the complete orderlifecycle. Costs controlled through up-to-date, accuratefreight accruals and fuel surcharge calculations.Comprehensive reporting package for carrier score-cards, operations status and financial performance.

Customer Service: Enhanced customer servicethrough real-time tracking, advanced shippingnotices, automated event notification and dynamicexception management. Manages exceptionsthrough automated detection and immediate high-lighting for your attention. Robust tendering engineimproves ability to get loads covered efficiently.

Decision Support: Better planning and logisticsdecisions driven by optimization recommendations,key performance metrics and instant carrier score-cards. Translates to more time for managing andplanning, less time wasted on manual tasks.

Advanced Communications: Immediate access toelectronic communications [EDI and internet]with your carrier base. Notifies key parties as oper-ational events occur [configurable to send automaticmessages to transportation managers, warehousesand customers].

High Return on Investment: VisiShip implementa-tions proceed quickly, and projects typically payfor themselves within the first three months. Theeasy-to-use, intuitive system adapts to fit yourbusiness process.

VISISHIP SERVICES

RFP Management and Transportation Procurement• Utilizes its rating engine to model your business toprovide lowest cost analysis for your shipments• Provides critical analysis for carrier selection andnetwork optimization

Rate, Contract and Carrier Management• Rating engine provides web-based reference toolfor rate look-up• Includes access to PC*MILER• Manages carrier performance and non-confor-mance events• Rate and contract management services may besubscribed to separately

Order Processing• Load planning and optimization• Shipment tendering utilizing multiple methods• Critical event and shipment status notification

Freight Settlement• Eliminates need for external third party audit andsettlement services• VisiShip rating engine builds accruals for eachshipment• Integrates with accounting system to providefinancial data• Rates are audited and flagged if necessary basedon shipper’s tolerances• Mass settlement tools increase productivity

Business Intelligence and Reporting• Document Imaging – Can store and view scannedimages of shipment documents. Files can be locat-ed by a simple search for the shipment, order,PRO or BOL number.• Event Notification – Users can subscribe to ship-ment events and exceptions; when these occur,the user is immediately notified by email or fax.

L7358:8 Page Format- Mar 6/9/09 7:51 PM Page 2

Page 3: SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.info.visiship.com/partners/SBL/DrivingForce-June2009.pdf · SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC. JUNE 2009 NEWS QUARTERLY WithvirtuallyexclusivelicensingofVisiShipandVisiTrackTransportationManagement

Recent customer feedback reminds us that nomatter how large your company, great service usuallyboils down to “small” one-on-one interactions andindividual performance excellence. In April, ColonialTerminals Account Representative Paul Meyer wroteus to say: “I just had the pleasure of talking with twoof the nicest Superior drivers. One was taking theBayer load to Columbus, GA, and the other was waitingto load Evonik Degussa. Both men represent Superiorin a most honorable way. It is refreshing to knowthey are driving for my account. I just had to let youknow.” Superior’s Savannah, GA Operations SupervisorDeborah Long, identified these dedicated employeesas Curtis Clifton (Columbus, GA) and Charles Brown(Theodore, AL). Meyer subsequently wrote toSavannah Terminal ManagerWil Nichols: “When wefirst started shipping for Celanese years ago, Superiorearned my business and respect. Using Superior foranything makes my life easy. The icing on the cakeis working with the people. I feel sure it’s this wayfrom the president/CEO down to the man who changesthe rig’s oil. I will not/cannot believe it has anythingto do with me. It is your company.” Thank you, Paul. . . and rest assured, our success is a team effort!

In another example of how drivers are our bestPR reps, we received an email from Kay McCoy,Senior Account Manager/Technical Sales for PulchraChemicals, a Cognis customer, complimenting GreerIndependent Contractor Tony Anderson: “The [March19th] delivery to Orian Rugs where we offload intototes went very well. The personnel at Orian com-mented to me that the driver was very helpful andpleasant to work with. He left a very good impressionwith the Orian customers.” J. Machen Clark, ourLogistics Support Coordinator at the Mauldin, SCCognis plant, echoed McCoy’s comments: “I wasadvised that Tony was more than helpful with theunloading of the product even though it was a customerunload. In this tough market, it is good to hear suchpositive comments about our drivers from the cus-tomers we serve.” Thank you, Tony, for your consis-tently positive attitude and work ethic.

“Once again, our Greer and North Charlestondrivers have demonstrated that they are Superiordrivers!” commented Greer Terminal Manager PhilHenderson on SBL’s recent performance at theannual South Carolina Trucking Awards competition.“The combined terminals won the ‘Tank Inter-City2,000,001 to 5,000,000 Miles’ category as well as the‘Tank Combined 2,000,001 to 5,000,000 Miles’ com-petition.” Safety Supervisor David Durham, Directorof EHSS Randy Vaughn, and North CharlestonTerminal Manager Linda Berger all extended theircongratulations on the awards, which were presentedat SCTA’s 75th Anniversary Safety Awards Banquetin Columbia, SC on March 25th. Southern RegionVP Brian Nowak added: “The Greer, SC andCharleston, SC terminal teams are to be highlycommended for their constant adherence to safeoperating practices.” �

3

WHY OUR FRONT LINE PEOPLE ARE OUR BEST PR!

SUPERIORCARRIERS

News In Brief

Superior Carriers News...continued on page 4

IN MEMORIAMDonald “Donnie”Guy Lee

We regret to announce thepassing of Greer, SC Terminaldriver Donald “Donnie” GuyLee, age 36, on February 23,2009. Donnie was a well-likedover-the-road driver hired bySuperior Carriers out of

Greenville Technical College in December 2007.Prior to joining our company Donnie served in theU.S. Army, and worked as a Greenville City policeofficer and as a pilot for Continental Airlines.

“Donnie was one of those guys you were happyto see walk in the door, and he always had a smileand handshake,” recalled Greer Terminal ManagerPhil Henderson. “He was highly thought of by man-agement and drivers alike.”

Superior Carriers extends its deepest sympathyto Donnie’s family and friends. �

L7358:8 Page Format- Mar 6/9/09 7:51 PM Page 3

Page 4: SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.info.visiship.com/partners/SBL/DrivingForce-June2009.pdf · SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC. JUNE 2009 NEWS QUARTERLY WithvirtuallyexclusivelicensingofVisiShipandVisiTrackTransportationManagement

We congratulate Mike Brown, Aurora, NCTerminal Manager, on his recent retirement aftermany years of dedicated service to our company. Mikebegan his career as a driver for Central Transport inSeptember 1982 in Nitro, WV. He was an over-the-road driver until April 1990, when he was promotedto what he called “terminal manager, tank cleanerand chief bottle washer” in Aurora, NC, at the time anew terminal with very limited facilities. In 1994,Mike assisted in the building of the present-day ter-minal, and moved in with his staff in October 1995.

Since the facility opened, the Aurora terminal hasprovided dedicated service to PCS Chemical. Mikeand his team take the service they provide to thiscritical customer very seriously. Over the years onmany occasions PCS has extended their appreciationfor the top-notch performance demonstrated byMike and his team.

Mike’s immediate retirement plans include visitingfamily in Utah. He’s indicated that he may move backto West Virginia to be closer to his grandsons. Weextend our warmest wishes to Mike, who has earnedevery minute of his retirement!

Mike is leaving Aurora in good hands, as driversupervisor Larry Oetter has been promoted toAurora terminal manager. A 19-year veteran of thetransportation industry, Larry has spent the lastdecade working by Mike’s side servicing PCS. Larryhas been a professional photographer for 29 years,and currently lives in Aurora on the Pamlico Riverwith his wife Carolyn and daughters Michelle andJamie. We are confident that Larry will continue toprovide Superior Carriers with the same level ofgreat service that has been established at Aurora.

We also are pleased to announce that DannyWillis will move from a dispatch trainee role to

dispatcher. Danny joined Superior Carriers as a driv-er in November 2005. Since becoming a dispatchtrainee several months ago, Danny has exhibited anexcellent ability to learn the day-to-day activities ofthe Aurora facility. Prior to joining Superior Carriers,Danny served in the United States Air Force as asecurity policeman. While in the service his respon-sibilities included dispatching response teams toemergencies (in civilian life this would be a 911 dis-patcher). Danny was later retrained in aircraft main-tenance for the F-111 aircraft where he not onlyrepaired aircraft but coordinated personnel andparts to meet flight schedules. Danny says he is“married to a great wife who is a hospice nurse”.Danny’s interests include close-up or macro photog-raphy. Congratulations, Danny! We are confidentthat you will do a fine job.

Please join me in commending Mike, Larry andDanny on their respective achievements. �

4

AURORA, NC TERMINAL UNDERGOES PERSONNEL CHANGESby Johnny Williams, Eastern Region VP

Superior Carriers News...continued on page 7

Superior Carriers News...continued from page 3

Eastern Region VP Johnny Williams congratulatesretiring Aurora, NC Terminal Manager Mike Brown.

Aurora Terminal Manager Larry Oetter (left) withDispatcher Danny Willis

NEWS FLASH!SBL HAS BEEN CERTIFIED

TO THE NEW

ISO 9001:2008

STANDARD

L7358:8 Page Format- Mar 6/9/09 7:51 PM Page 4

Page 5: SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.info.visiship.com/partners/SBL/DrivingForce-June2009.pdf · SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC. JUNE 2009 NEWS QUARTERLY WithvirtuallyexclusivelicensingofVisiShipandVisiTrackTransportationManagement

Since the last Driving Force was published, wehave announced and presented the awards for our2008 Annual Terminal Safety Challenge.

All winning terminals received a “travelingplaque,” to be displayed until next year’s winners areannounced. Each winning terminal also received apermanent plaque and banner, which will remain attheir terminal location as continuing recognition oftheir success in 2008. Personnel at the winning ter-minals who were employed during the contest periodreceived a gift recognizing their contribution to thesafety effort.

Congratulations to all drivers, tank washers,mechanics, unloaders and office personnel who com-pleted 2008 accident and/or injury free. Thank youfor your commitment to our Safety Mission, and tothe commitment YOU make to yourself and to yourfamily. �

5

WIRELESS VEHICLE INSPECTIONSBECOMING A REALITYby J. J. Keller

It may sound like science fiction, but significantprogress is being made on a government-testing pro-gram that may soon lead to the wireless inspectionof commercial motor vehicles.

Phase Two pilot testing of the “Wireless RoadsideInspection Program” is now underway, with the goalof evaluating various technologies and systems that,from the roadside, can:

• Wirelessly identify a commercial motor vehicle,its operating carrier, and driver; and

• Check the status of the driver and carrier, includinghours of service, operating authority, and othercompliance issues.

The pilot test will provide data and analysis tohelp decide if more extensive testing should be pur-sued, ultimately leading to the establishment of anational program. Pilot testing is expected to contin-ue for another year before it is rolled out nationwide.Several states currently are using the program.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier SafetyAdministration (FMCSA), a fully functional wirelessinspection program would allow the inspection ofdrivers and vehicles “100 times more often” thanpossible today. A side benefit is being able to keepdrivers and vehicles moving and alleviating congestion.

The Wireless Roadside Inspection Program is acooperative effort among FMCSA, the CommercialVehicle Safety Alliance, Oak Ridge NationalLaboratory, the Tennessee Department of Safety,Volpe National Transportation System, and otherorganizations. �

SafetyZone

CONGRATS TO SAFETY CHALLENGEAWARD WINNERS!by Randy Vaughn

RAIR Technologies Log Audit Program UnderwayOnMay 11, Superior Bulk Logistics in association with RAIR

Technologies began the GPS driver log-tracking audit process.This initiative ensures our compliance with the new FMCSA regu-lation pertaining to the audit of GSP tracking (position status) ofbulk transport vehicles. RAIR Technologies will be auditing driv-ers’ logs in accordance with the FMCSA regulations as it pertainsto Part 395 - Hours of Service of Drivers (14 Hours on Duty – 11Hours Driver - 10 Hours required off duty break – DOT RoadsideInspections), and as of May 11, the GPS tracking position informa-tion. All drivers should accurately record the information on theirlogs as they run their loads, and they will not have a problemwiththe new FMCSA/ DOT log auditing GPS requirements. �

VEHICLE ACCIDENT FREQUENCYWINNERSSuperior CarriersOver 2 Million Mile Category:Sulphur, LA with a frequency rate of .89

Under 2 Million Mile Category:Parker, AZ with a frequency rate of 0.0

Carry TransitOver 1 Million Mile Category:Decatur, AL with a frequency rate of 1.75This was the second consecutive year that Carry’s Decaturterminal won this award. This is a note-worthy accom-plishment, and we wish them continued success in 2009!

Under 1 Million Mile Category:Lafayette, IN with a frequency rate of 0.0

PERSONAL INJURY WINNERSSuperior Carriers25 or More Total Personnel:Atlanta, GA with zero incidents in 2008

Under 25 Total Personnel:Axis, AL with zero incidents in 2008.

Carry Transit15 or More Total Personnel:Decatur, IL with one incident in 2008

Under 15 Total Personnel:Jacksonville, FL with zero incidents in 2008

L7358:8 Page Format- Mar 6/9/09 7:51 PM Page 5

Page 6: SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.info.visiship.com/partners/SBL/DrivingForce-June2009.pdf · SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC. JUNE 2009 NEWS QUARTERLY WithvirtuallyexclusivelicensingofVisiShipandVisiTrackTransportationManagement

6

103rd Street TBT Under CarryManagement

In August 2007, Superior Bulk Logistics wasselected by Norfolk Southern Corporation as theoperator of its Chicago (103rd Street) ThoroughbredBulk Transfer (TBT) site. Conveniently located on thesoutheast side of the city, for nearly two years thefacility has transloaded food grade products as wellas nonhazardous chemicals, carefully maintainingadequate railcar separation to meet customer productrequirements and food safety/HACCP procedures.

As of May 1st, Carry Transit assumed fromSuperior Carriers the primary operation of this facility.

Carry’s Bridgeview, IL Terminal Manager Brian Cosler,who oversees the 103rd Street site, stated: “Wetransload a high volume of various kinds of flour at thisbusy, FDA-registered location, and it’s a 24/7/365operation. Because Superior Carriers still managessome nonhazardous chemicals there, the staffed siteremains a collaborative effort between our twocompanies.”

The TBT continues to operate as an “open” facility;meaning rail shippers are free to select the bulk truckcarrier of their choice for shipping. For more infor-mation, please contact Brian Cosler at 708-594-2200.

Argo Newest Transload Site for CarryIn February 2008 after a two-year hiatus, Carry

Transit once again began offering food grade product

transfer services out of its Bridgeview, IL terminal.The short line serving the facility, the IndianaHarbor Belt Railroad Company (IHB), works withCarry to transload product at that location.

Again in conjunction with the IHB, Carry recent-ly has added a second Chicago-area bulk transloadlocation in Argo, near its Bridgeview terminal. Thefacility features 15 rail car spots, expandable to 100.Most important strategically, Argo is a “ multi-railservice” site; the IHB short line connects to all majorrailroads servicing the Chicago market. Carry ispleased to expand its business relationship with IHB,which is the largest switch carrier in the U.S. Its

short line circles Chicago from near O’Hare Airportto northeast Indiana, and roughly parallels I-294and I-80/94.

Carry President Jim Blackmon commented: “AtArgo, we hope to continue our tradition of quicklyexpanding our transload sites to capacity, as we havedone in Memphis, TN, Stockton, CA, Lakeland, FLand Arlington, TX. IHB and Carry Transit havejointly invested in the site development and willjointly market the facility. We anticipate anothersuccessful cooperative effort.”

For more information about bulk transloading inthe Chicago area, please contact your Superior BulkLogistics sales professional or our corporate office at800-654-7707. �

SUPERFLONews in Brief

CARRY TRANSIT EXPANDS CHICAGO AREA TRANSLOADING

Rail siding at Carryʼs Bridgeview terminal

L7358:8 Page Format- Mar 6/9/09 7:51 PM Page 6

Page 7: SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.info.visiship.com/partners/SBL/DrivingForce-June2009.pdf · SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC. JUNE 2009 NEWS QUARTERLY WithvirtuallyexclusivelicensingofVisiShipandVisiTrackTransportationManagement

On April 28, Pioneer Valley Railroad’s VicePresident and General Manager Mike Rennickeand SBL’s Senior VP & Chief Marketing OfficerGary Watt made a presentation on our joint bulktransload facility in Holyoke, MA, at the annualmeeting of the American Short Line & RegionalRailroad Association (ASLRRA). The presentation,which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, was infollow up to Pioneer Valley receiving the ASLRRA’s2007 Marketing Award for this project.

In February 2007, Superior Carriers openedthe rail transfer facility in Holyoke thanks to thecombined efforts of a progressive community, aleading New England candle manufacturer, and

Pioneer Valley Railroad. The project representedan unprecedented level of cooperation betweenprivate industry and the city, boosting levels ofindustry within Holyoke, enhancing logistics forthe customer, and expanding Pioneer Valley’spresence into underutilized track in the community.Pioneer Valley Railroad, part of the Pinsly Railroadgroup, is a short line which operates primarilyin western Massachusetts.

Following the ASLRRA meeting, Rennickeand Watt visited SBL’s bulk transload site in Parker,Arizona and toured the nearby office and yard ofArizona & California Railroad, a RailAmericashort line operator. �

7

HOLYOKE, MA SUPERFLO PROJECT FEATURED ATASLRRA ANNUAL MEETING

Superior Carriers News...continued from page 4

KINGSPORT TERMINAL WINS EASTMAN SUPPLIER EXCELLENCE AWARDby Steve Hicks, Kingsport, TN Terminal Manager

On April 30, in recognition of our accomplish-ments in 2008, the Kingsport Terminal received theEastman Supplier Excellence Award. This is the secondconsecutive year that Kingsport has been honoredwith this prestigious award.

All areas of the transportation industry, includingdry van, tank, rail, and marine, were commended fortheir service accomplishments. In order to qualify forthe Eastman Award, a supplier must meet or exceedcarrier reliability and on-time delivery expectations.In 2008, the Kingsport Terminal achieved 98.18%on-time delivery.

The letter from Eastman Chemical announcingthe award stated in part: “As a recognized logistics

supplier to Eastman Chemical Company in 2008,you have earned the status assigned to Eastman’smost valued suppliers. This designation signifiesconsistent performance in furnishing Eastman withhigh quality services and working on Eastman’sbehalf to improve our efficiency and competitivenessin today’s challenging market.”

We have an excellent staff and maintenancedepartment in Kingsport, and we could not havereceived this award without their “Superior” efforts.The support from Superior’s management and salesteams also has been invaluable. It takes everyoneworking together to achieve success. �

Front row, left to right: PamTilley (Eastman ChemicalCompany), Larry Goodman andSteve Hicks (Superior Carriers),Dustin Adams (Eastman).Back row,left to right: Eastmanpersonnel Tina Davis, JimFlemming, Ed Palmer.

L7358:8 Page Format- Mar 6/9/09 7:51 PM Page 7

Page 8: SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.info.visiship.com/partners/SBL/DrivingForce-June2009.pdf · SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC.SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS, INC. JUNE 2009 NEWS QUARTERLY WithvirtuallyexclusivelicensingofVisiShipandVisiTrackTransportationManagement

8

In our last “For Your Benefit” column, we talkedabout how important it is to recognize and managestress, especially in financially trying times. We re-minded you that our Employee Assistance Program(EAP) has counselors able to help with any problemsyou may have.

The day-to-day stress experienced by many peopleis typically a cumulative mass of anxieties abouthealth problems, employment issues, financialconcerns, etc. This is fairly normal, but largeand unremitting amounts of stress take a huge tollon you physically and emotionally. Here are sixstrategies for coping:

Watch for and managesymptoms of stress. Thesecan inc lude changes insleeping and eating pat-terns, difficulty in concen-trating, headaches, irritability,anger, and depression. Youmay be able to counteractsome of these symptoms bygetting adequate rest, eatinghealthy foods, exercising, and spending more timewith family and friends.

Limit your exposure to media. As we all know,“good” news rarely makes the news. It’s great to stayinformed, but overdosing on bad news about theeconomy or world events will make you feel moreanxious, especially if you watch an evening programand take your worries to bed with you. Limit your view-ing, listening or reading to a few sources that you trust.

If finances worry you, pull together with familyand friends for emotional support and to brain-storm ideas on how to save money. You might sharethe cost of childcare, or swap caregiving responsibilities.Carpooling lets you do something good for the envi-ronment while you’re saving money.

Review your budget realistically. Track your spendingfor a month. You’ll be amazed at how much you wasteon unnecessary extras! Trim visits to restaurantsand take-out meals; plant a vegetable garden instead,and let the whole family contribute to high quality,

inexpensive, heathy eating. Limit entertainment,cable television, cell phone and Internet use. Makefrugality a game, and shop smart: use coupons, buyin bulk. Ask yourself if you really need your nextpurchase; often waiting a day or two will put thatimpulse buy in perspective. Use the money you saveto pay down debt or increase your emergency cashfund. Twenty dollars a week saved equals more thana thousand dollars a year! Start small, and be consistent.

If you are in debt and at risk of falling behind onyour payments, call your creditors before that hap-pens and see if they will lower your interest rateand/or monthly payments.

Manage at-work stress. Ifyour current financial situa-tion is affecting your abilityto concentrate at work,speak with your managerabout it, and go over whatsteps you are taking to han-dle your stress. Make a habitof doing breathing exercisesand taking short breaks. Let

your manager know if you have concerns about youremployment. Don’t get caught up in rumors; ask yourmanager about them if they worry you.

Revisit proven stress-busting strategies. What hasworked for you in the past? Reviving your pleasure ina favorite hobby? Enjoying low-cost outings withyour family, such as summer picnics? Sports activity,or meditation? Try to stay in a positive frame of mind,and eliminate toxic, negative people from your life.Don’t hesitate to seek help from the professionals atCeridian’s LifeWorks program at LifeWorks.com—user ID “superior”, password “bulk.” �

For YourBenefitEASY DOES IT!Six Ways to De-stress Your Life NOWby Diane Wright

“God grant me the serenityTo accept the things I cannot change;Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.”

From The Serenity Prayer, by Reinhold Niebuhr

SUPERIORBULK LOGISTICS, INC.

711 Jorie BoulevardSuite 101 North

Oak Brook, IL 60523630 573 2555

L7358:8 Page Format- Mar 6/9/09 7:51 PM Page 8