Driver of the Month Rookie of the Month

808 North 161st East Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74116
www.meltontruck.com
Driver of the Month
Facebook.com/MeltonTruckLines
Twitter.com/DriveMelton
YouTube.com/Drive4Melton
02
Message
From Bob
Melvin has been a professional driver
for 19 years and has been with
Melton for 17 years. Melvin is an
Ambassador of the Road and has
nearly 2 Million Melton Miles.
03
Celebrating Your
Success
04
Top Fleets and
Anniversaries
05
Celebrating Our
Drivers
06
Health Tips
07
Food For
Thought
08
Safety Tips
09
S.A.F.E.
10
Driver Reminders
11
Important Melton
Contacts
12
Top Fuel and
Road Recruiters
When asked what made Melton special,
Melvin said, “Melton is family oriented; they
treat us drivers well and make me feel like more than just a truck number.”
Melvin had some tips to help other drivers be successful; he said, “Once you
understand how Melton works, you can really get involved and be successful.
Dedicate yourself to your work and to Melton and if you work hard, it will
pay off. The most important advice I can give to anyone is to ask questionsespecially if it is safety related. Nothing is more important than safety.”
Rookie of the Month
Philip Devirian
Stats:
Date of Hire: 9/01/15
Fleet: 29
Truck #: 8854
Accidents: Zero
Tickets: Zero
DSC: Platinum Rank
Quote:
“You might not be there yet
but you’re closer today than
you were yesterday.”
Driver & Rookie
of the Month
Melvin Eason
Melvin is from Houston, TX, and
when he isn’t on the road, he likes to
relax and spend quality time with his
wife and family.
drive4melton
01
IN THIS ISSUE
13
Elite Fleet
14
Our Melton
Community
15
True Blue
Alliance
16
LifeWorks
Message From Bob
Welcome to our monthly edition of OpenLine,
First, I would like to congratulate our Driver of the Month, Melvin Eason and
our Rookie of the Month Philip Devirian. These drivers also get a chance to
earn Driver and Rookie of the Year.
The weather is warming up and summer is almost here. Warmer weather
brings more freight and more miles. And, warmer weather also brings
severe weather. Melton’s traffic lanes cover some of the most vulnerable
areas for severe weather. As most of us know or have seen, tornadoes and
flooding can happen in a matter of minutes and with very little warning. Stay
informed by checking the latest weather updates and remain alert for signs
of approaching bad weather. If driving conditions become poor, let your DM
know. No load is worth your life and driver safety is one of our top priorities
here.
No one can prevent severe weather, but you can be prepared for it. Keep a disaster supply kit in your truck
and home for when the unexpected happens. Your kit should include a 3-day supply of water, a change of
clothes, cash or credit card and some emergency tools like a flashlight, extra batteries and a radio.
We are excited to announce that we have a new cash incentive program for drivers that refer potential truck
buyers to our sister company Melton Truck & Trailer Sales. We know that the best recommendations come
from drivers and we want to reward you for that recommendation. Please refer to page 10 of this Open Line
issue for more information.
iCare enrollment is still open. Be sure to download the screening form from our website at meltontruck.com
and get your screening completed and sent to the Benefits Department. Remember your covered spouse
needs to complete their screening as well! If you complete your screening before June 30th, you will be
allowed to retest before the final deadline of September 30th with a $15.00 retest fee. Screenings completed
after June 30th will be final.
You can get free screenings at Melton Terminals, IMWell, or at your doctor’s office. Please call Maha Khan
at Compass for recommendations at 888.513.1667 ext. 486.
Speaking of IMWell, the new clinic in our remodeled old building is now up and running. It is open Monday
through Friday 8AM – 12PM. For an appointment, call 918.266.6470. In addition to the remodeled clinic, we
are also now offering haircut services for just $15.00! Brandie Clingan is a well-known, experienced stylist
who is on-site at the Tulsa terminal in the old building next to the laundry room. We are still working on a
schedule to see what day best fits our driver’s needs, but if you would like to make an appointment, just give
her a call at 918.627.1590.
Lastly, freight is picking up! The beginning of 2016 was a bit slower than we are used to so thank you for
your patience. We have our dedicated sales people out in the field working tirelessly to keep you busy and
your truck running.
Stay safe out there!
Bob Peterson
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
02 | Vol: 16 | Issue: 4 | Message From Bob
True Blue Alliance
Ways to entertain your kids on a Budget
1. Get them gardening: Growing plants is great fun and it’s even more fun if
they can watch their hard work pay off and get to watch the plants get bigger
and flower right in front of their eyes. There are lots of plants that even a
young child can grow without too much trouble, from small trees to herbs and
vegetables. If you don’t have a garden, no problem! A window box or small
pots are an affordable and practical alternative. And with planters inside you
can plant all year long! We recommend starting with herbs like basil, parsley or
cress - that way they can eat them once they’ve grown. It’s a great cost effective way to teach kids that if they are
patient, they will be rewarded!
2. Get them in the kitchen: Now of course you shouldn’t turn the stove on and then just walk away, Safety and
adult supervision are a must when you are dealing with sharp knives, open flames and raw food. Once you teach
safe habits for when they are in the kitchen you can try out simple recipes. Ant’s on-a-log for example. If you have
children that are too young to be getting things in and out of the oven, then why not try making some chocolate
crispy bars, which have to be chilled in the fridge, no heat required. If they embrace the cooking then challenge
them to come up with different sandwich fillings for their lunches. They may not always particularly enjoy the
results, but you’re teaching them about taste, as well as having fun!
3. Make a treasure hunt: OK, so this means a bit of work on your behalf, but this idea does not require you to buy
new gifts or rent an easter bunny. Simple funny clues attached to smaller items/treats hidden around the house
and/or garden is bound to give your kids a fun exercise in riddle solving! Extra bonus could be if they solve all the
clues they get a prize at the end. Age: 5+
4. Check out your local library: If you haven’t managed to create a bookworm, then this could be the perfect place
to start. There’s something for everyone here, regardless of whether they’re a sports buff, adventure fan or prefer
something more girly. Best of all, if they find some they like, it costs nothing to check out a book! Also be sure to
check out your local library online. Many libraries now offer free services online like movies, education programs
and even foreign language learning software. Age: 6+
5. Get messy with play dough: Almost a rite of passage, play dough is easy to play with and customizable. Don’t
want to have to buy a gallon tub? Look online for fool proof play dough recipes so you can keep the cost down
while giving your child a new toy. Age: All ages love play dough, but perhaps just make sure they’re at an age
where they understand it’s not the best thing to eat!
GEAR
By Tracy Schroeder, General Store Manager
I’d like to begin by saying thank you! I’ve been with Melton for just over a year now
and I couldn’t ask for better people to spend my days with! From drivers, to office
personnel, to management, and everyone in between, you all have been nothing
but welcoming and I’m truly grateful.
For those of you that may not know, our online store is up and running! Simply go
to www.meltontruck.com/gear and begin filling your cart! It’s a safe, easy way
to get your GEAR mailed to the house, sent to a friend as a gift or held here at the
Tulsa terminal until you arrive.
We also offer payroll deduct for your online purchases. Once your order is placed and you have selected the
payroll deduct option, I receive an email letting me know an order needs approval. I will then call you on the
number you’ve listed on the order for confirmation.
For those of you having earned special discounts or Elite Fleet & Top 100 dollars, your discounts will be applied
before closing out the sale. You do however have to use the payroll deduct option to receive these discounts. You
will then receive an emailed receipt with the correct deducted amount.
To close, I’d like to offer a special summer time promotion, in store and online!
Stay hydrated this summer and buy a 64 ounce Melton Mug for $12.00 and receive a $10.00 GEAR
Gift Certificate to use on your next $20 or more purchase. Gift Certificates can be redeemed
starting one week after initial purchase and are available only while mug supplies last!
15 | Vol: 16 | Issue: 4 | True Blue Alliance
Our Melton Community
Celebrating Your Success
Driver Kudos
We love it when our drivers and employees notice each other doing a great job. We appreciate all of our
drivers, but it is great to see other drivers show their appreciation. When you see a driver going above and
beyond, let us know on Facebook or send an email to kennedy@meltontruck.com.
Mark Burton (8918) would like to give kudos to
We had a customer call in to tell us about John
Joe Riffle (9128) and Michael Maines (10654)
Burden (9918). The customer said, “John’s
for helping him with a load. Mark said, “Without
professionalism, timeliness, and excellent
their help, I would have been at the shipper for
customer service has made a wonderful
hours trying to determine the best securement and impression on us. Thank you John for being a
tarping strategy. They were both of great help.”
high-class professional.”
“
Robert Hopper (9216) would like to give kudos to
Robert Carver (10058) for remaining calm and
being patient at a shipper while they adjusted his
load.
One of our customers called to tell us how great
Samuel Pollard (9634) is. The customer said,
“Samuel is always welcome here. Although it is
rare that we meet a crabby Melton driver, Samuel
was exceptionally patient and easy to work with.
We really appreciate drivers like Samuel, they
always brighten our day!”
James Chilewski (9110), would like to give a
shout out to Ambassador, Michael Ziggy Wilson
(10204) for helping him tarp a load. James
thought it was very cool that an Ambassador took
the time to help a newer driver.
Employee Services Coordinator, Shayla Williams,
would like to give kudos to Amabassador, A.J.
Winans (8706). Shayla said, “He is one of the
sweetest drivers we have. Everyone loves it when
he is in Tulsa. He has a genuine goodness about
him that he shows in his giving nature. I say this
while drinking my smoothie he bought for me from
the café. He thought he could be anonymous for
it, but no way. Thank you for all you do for us AJ!”
Another customer wanted to thank Andrew
Johnson (9308). The customer said, “We were all
so impressed with how helpful and patient Andrew
was. Thank you for sending such a great driver.”
Madison Barlow – Lead Recruiter
Rebecca Tatum – Driver Manager
Julie Naifeh – Logistics Coordinator - Conexus
Nicole Bivens – Logistics Coordinator - Conexus
14 | Vol: 16 | Issue: 4 | Our Melton Community
Our office employees representing Melton at the
Tulsa Heart Walk
Bob congratulates DM Chris
Sharrock on 3 years of service
Andy Sword (9702) would like to thank a few
people. First, Shawn Davis (10020) for always
being helpful and being a good friend. He would
also like to thank Duane, Roy, and Don in the
shop for helping him multiple times.
A customer called in to tell how great of an
experience he has with every Melton driver. He
said “Melton drivers are the best in the business,
keep up the great work!”
Congratulations to a group of our
student orientation graduates
A driver from another company called to give
kudos to Prem Paryani (10614). He said, “Prem
helped me tarp my load and gave me tips for
future loads. He is an outstanding person and a
true professional. He was more helpful than other
drivers within my company. Prem, showed pride in
his job and his pride in Melton.”
A customer of ours called in to thank Josh
Leighton (10842). The customer said, “Josh
showed up on time and was very patient with us.
We realized we had given him the wrong load
after he had tarped and secured it, he tarped and
secured the new load without any complaints and
had a smile on his face the entire time. Josh is
a great reflection of Melton, he is welcome back
here anytime!”
Kyle McCabe – Driver Manager
Abby Lickteig – Marketing Associate
Dee Herring – Inside Sales
John Jackson – Mechanic Intern
Congrats to Jesse Richesin
on his new bundle of joy
Jeff Robinson presenting Larry
Etter with the keys to the historic
500,000th truck from the Chillicothe,
OH. KW plant
Congratulations to Terry Johnson (9250) on
his newborn, Camille Gabriella Johnson
A Hero Among Us
Drew Bunch (10294) said, “I couldn’t think of a
better company to drive for. I want to give a shout
out to my DM, Kaitlyn Grim, and every driver I’ve
met on the road for being friendly and helpful.”
Thank you to every Melton employee that works hard to keep us going. These are the things that truly make
Melton special!
New Hires
Drivers and office staff after our Driver
Roundtable meeting in Tulsa
”
You may remember the horrible flooding that occurred in Texas in
mid April. Many people lost their houses and vehicles in the flood.
Thousands of drivers were forced to abandon their vehicles and
retreat to safety. For one driver, he was unable to leave his truck.
Luckily, a brave Melton driver came to his rescue. April 19, 2016
– In Brookshire, TX just outside of Houston, Melton driver Daniel
Sieczkarski (8916) was driving across I-10 and noticed a refrigerated
semi-truck stuck in flood waters by the exit right before the highway
bridge. Daniel pulled over and ran back to check on the driver of the
refrigerated semi-truck. The driver was trapped in his truck that was
being flooded by rapidly rising water so Daniel borrowed a life vest
from another onlooker, tied a rope to himself and jumped in the water
to save the other driver. He swam to the stranded truck cab, grabbed
hold of the cab door, convinced the stranded driver that he needed
to leave his truck, opened the cab door and grabbed the driver and
swam them both back to dry land.
Both drivers are now safe and not hurt, but it could have gone very
differently if Daniel had not intervened.
This story quickly went viral on social media and was featured on
many local Houston news outlets and the Weather Channel.
This is an incredible feat of heroism; we are thankful to have such a great driver like Daniel.
03 | Vol: 16 | Issue: 4 | Celebrating Your Success
Elite Fleet
Top Fleets & Anniversaries
Top Fleets
As a result of our continued growth and expansion of our fleet, we continue to strive towards rewarding drivers that
deserve special recognition. The Elite Fleet recognizes the Top 25% best drivers in our fleet according to the Driver
Scorecard and will be celebrated each quarter along with the Top 100. One of our Twelve Traditions states; “We
celebrate each others’ successes” and this is just another way for Melton to reward drivers on a job well done. Not only
will these drivers be recognized, they will also receive Melton Money that can be used in the general store. The names
highlighted in blue also made our top 100 list for the quarter! Great job drivers, keep up the good work!
Best Expert Fuel Compliance
1. Staci Butler ― Fleet 23 with compliance of 85.80%
2. Roberto Torres ― Fleet 15 with compliance of 85.24%
3. Paul Marquez ― Fleet 30 with compliance of 85.10%
Entire fleet compliance was 77%
Best Average M.P.G.
1. Stephen Daley ― Fleet 10 with an average of 6.83 MPG
2. Todd Yokum ― Fleet 22 with an average of 6.80 MPG
3. Kaitlyn Grim ― Fleet 29 with an average of 6.63 MPG
Entire fleet average was 6.52 MPG
Ambassador of the Road
John Snow (9350) FLT 27
Don Earl (9058) FLT 09
Gordon Greenman (8608) FLT30
Chester Foster (9172) FLT34
Carl Klink (10348) FLT12
Ramsey Haynes (10132) FLT25
Anniversaries
Randall Staggs
Albert Adams
Jeff Williams
Lesley Vincent
David Seeden
Mary West
David Taylor
William Bell
Katrina Cromartie
Dustin Koehler
Brian Suddarth
Elry Haywood
Mark Albrecht
Carmen Carrier
Don Earl
Mary Gosnell
Harold Harper
Elisa Thompson
20
19
17
16
15
13
12
11
11
10
9
9
9
9
8
8
7
6
04 | Vol: 16 | Issue: 4 | Top Fleets & Anniversaries
Dennis Williams
Kenneth Spencer
Shane Lease
Jesus Hernandez
Norma Herrera
Mark Gilchrist
Jose Rocha
Jack Hand
Jason Coley
Cindy Villegas
John Bleichner
Jaime Pantoja
Brian Dickert
Drake Wesson
Ronald Kilde
Ramsey Haynes
Alejandra Bustamante
Donald Eiden
Donald Eiden (9844) FLT23
Joseph Cull (9838) FLT14
Samuel Hurt (9498) FLT22
Wyn Norsworthy (9706) FLT15
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
Joseph Cull
Samuel Hurt
Wyn Norsworthy
Arnulfo Romo
Christopher Hupp
Edward Dahms
Hussain Al Aboudi
James Mickens
Bryan Williams
Don Warren
Curtis Close
Hicham Oukayou
Jessy Caballero
Kyle Fjordholm
Matthew Komblevicz
Anthony Dobbins
Carter Alexander
David Allen
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
Haskell Fields
James Vawter
Jason Jackson
Joseph Chase
Kenneth Johnson
Nathan Oropeza
Patrick Ball
Terry Johnson
Thomas Binder
Timothy Welch
Karlie Shook
Paige Hackman
Bob Walker
Todd Mabe
Joshua Fenley
Kenneth Huggins
Martin Howard
Phillis Collier
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Abdoulaye Gage
Adam Phillips
Addison Meagley
Adrian Negrette
Albert Adams
Albert Randle
Albert Shed
Alex Madrid
Andrew Winans
Anthony McMillan
Artur Deminski
Ben Arredondo
Benjamin Fulton
Billy Wallace
Bobby Dunn
Brent “Peewee” Adcock
Brian Dickert
Brian Rogers
Brint Sandner
Carlos Ruiz
Cass Bongard
Cesar Ramirez
Chad Tarver
Charlemagne Williams
Charles Bishop
Charles Britton
Charles Hyde
Charles Parker
Charlie Burgess
Chris Grubb
Christofer Lodge
Christopher Bass
Christopher Myer
Christopher Patterson
Christopher Powell
Christopher Storm
Cleo Hampton
Coit McConnell
Dalus Dunn
Dane Lemons
Daniel Dvojack
Daniel Hufford
Daniel Sieczkarski
Daniel Thomas
Danny Brand
Darrell Pardue
David Apple
David Champlin
David Gazaway
David Landry
David Richardson
David Seeden
David Solomon
David Taylor
David Windsor
Deanna Hartley
Dennis Williams
Don Earl
Donald Vasbinder
Donnie McCuddy
Doyle Hester
Earnest Randle
Edward Carmichael
Edwin Watkins
Elry Haywood
Emmanuel Molina
Enrique Huggins
Ernest Field
Ernest Shutt
Farron Lonidier
Franklin Raulerson
Gary Hendry
Gary Jones
George Mcardle
Gilbert Martinez
Gregory Williams
Gregory Williams
Gustavo Chavez
Harold Schultz
Hector Rodriguez
Henry Shumate
Ian Murray
Ibrahima Niang
Immael Magessa
Jack Hand
Jack Schroeder
James Johnson
James Allen
James Bowers
James Evans
James Halvorsen
James Howe
James Jackson
James Jones
James Peavler
James Swetter
James Thornton
James Tinnin
Jared Myers
Jean-Louis Jabouin
Jeffrey Bram
Jeffrey Granat
Jeffrey Hartzell
Jeffrey Noah
Jeffrey Renfro
Jeremy Schultz
Jerry Hoffpauir
Jesse Davis
Jessie Ewing
Jessy Caballero
John “Roland” Clark
John Bleichner
John Childs
John Powell
John Snow
Jon Ingram
Jose Albino
Jose Gonella-Perez
Joseph Chase
Joseph Cull
Joseph Green
Joseph Rego
Joseph Stievenart
Joshua Copeland
Juan Garcia
Juleton Jean Louis
Jun Chang
Justin Denardo
Keith Smock
Kenneth Irby
Kenneth Lansdown
Kenneth Spencer
Kevin Cooper
Kevin Fritz
Kingston Saintiche
Krushner Lee
Kurt Lockhart
Lamar Degges
Lance Zajic
Laroy Nicholson
Larry Burt
Larry Etter
Larry Haskins
Larry Moran
Lazaro Borges
Leon Wert
Leslie Brown
Lloyd Cruz
Lonnie Robertson
Lonnie Rumble
Luis Rubio
Luis Ruiz
Marc Engebretsen
Mark Albrecht
Mark Treichel
Marlin Clagg
Martil Palomo
Marvin Geddings
Matthew Brophy
Matthew Cain
Matthew Komblevicz
Matthew Miller
Matthew Nichols
Matthew Thomas
Maurice Dotson
Mauricio Clavel
Melvin Eason
Michael Gascoyne
Michael Hipp
Michael Johnson
Michael Dukes
Michael Leon Smith
Michael Livingston
Michael Pauley
Michael Robertson
Michael Ziggy Wilson
Mike Strawbridge
Minh Tran
Napoleon Grant
Nathan Oropeza
Nathaniel Virgil
Norman Chamberlain
Oliver Blagg
Parnell Bourg
Paul Voss
Paula Angelos
Perien Dudley
Petros Patronas
Philip Devirian
Rafael Alvarez
Randy Wilkins
Raymond Calderaz
Raymond Worrall
Ricardo Matthews
Richard Mike Simpson
Richard Riley
Rick Castleberry
Ricky Legue
Ricky Katipunan
Rob Manke
Robert Bird
Robert Churches
Robert Francis
Robert Hamman
Robert Slaughter
Rodney Meyer
Roger Rank
Romeo Castillo
Ron Doughty
Ronnie French
Ronald Harrison
Ronald Kilde
Ronald Starke
Roy Hinebauch
Samuel Harris
Samuel Hill
Samuel Thomas
Scott Humphreys
Sean Price
Shane Lease
Shawn Allen
Stacey Thorman
Stapleton Brown
Stephen Phillips
Stephen King
Stephen Kosman
Stephen Mee
Steven Fanslow
Stuart Vandenberg
Sylatha Biley
Tarren Williams
Terry Edwards
Thomas Binder
Thomas Compton
Thomas Maffei
Thomas Spence
Thomas Terry
Thurlene See
Tilford Thompson
Timmy Blandburg
Timothy Crawford
Timothy Randall
Tre Dinges
Vic Slaughter
Victor Jones
Virgil Childress
Warren Evans
Wendell Bonds
Willie Bobo
Wyn Norsworthy
13 | Vol: 16 | Issue: 4 | Elite Fleet
Top Fuel and Road Recruiters
Celebrating Our Drivers
Top Fuel Drivers - 2015
With fuel costs constantly rising, we always try to be fuel efficient. In 2015, our fleet as a whole
did a great job driving fuel efficiently. There were 9 drivers in particular that were exceptional
at conserving fuel. These drivers earned “Top Fuel” by averaging over 7 MPG during the entire
year. To show our appreciation, first year winners will receive a Top Fuel jacket, and drivers that
have been in the top fuel for multiple years in a row receive another special award.
Driving fuel efficiently not only helps Melton, but it can also help you. By keeping fuel efficiency in mind, you
can earn up to 4 CPM extra pay. Below are the drivers with the best average MPG for 2015:
First Year Winners
James Johnson – 7.06 MPG
Alton Jackson – 7.04 MPG
Stephen King – 7.08 MPG
Melchor Aguirre-Ramirez – 7.00 MPG
A.J. Winans – 7.05 MPG
Second Year Winners
Larry Etter – 7.24 MPG
Stuart Vandenberg – 7.10 MPG
Third Year Winners
Robert Wilson – 7.48 MPG
Jeffrey Granat – 7.00 MPG
Road Recruiters
Melton’s 12th tradition states, “We count on each other to be here. Illness,
injury and absenteeism hurt us all. We practice safe work habits and believe in
a healthy lifestyle.”
This tradition is the core of everything we do at Melton - whether it be a driver, a
mechanic, or an in office staff member. We all count on one another in order to
be a success. So with that being said, we also count on the fact that we will all
take care of ourselves and each other.
Melton stands behind this tradition by offering a free medical clinic on-site for
our employees and their families, a dental clinic on-site, a 24/7 high technology
gym, and our Fuel Café that offers healthy homemade meal choices. It is important in this industry that we
educate our drivers on meal options, exercise routines on the road, and ways to reduce stress in such a high
demand position. A great resource that can help our drivers with this is Brett Bingham, our amazing wellness
manager. He is there to help each and every one of us become and stay a healthier asset to Melton.
Our safety department is also a crucial part of keeping our drivers safe and healthy. They are there to guide
our drivers and help them make wise choices when performing load securement or tarping freight. They
help our drivers learn the skills to avoid injury on the job, which increases driver success and Melton’s future
as a safe company.
Practicing safe work habits and making healthy choices are crucial to be successful at Melton. So please
reach out and take advantage of the many resources available to you and share our great company with
other potential Melton drivers. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Michele Wagner at 918270-9633.
12 | Vol: 16 | Issue: 4 | Top Fuel and Road Recruiters
Top 100
Driver scorecard leaders
March 2016
Aaron DeSilva
Adam Phillips
Albert Adams
Alex Madrid
Allan Johnson
Andrew Winans
Casey Miller
Charlemagne Williams
Charles Britton
Charles Hyde
Charles Parker
Charlie Burgess
Christopher Storm
Cleo Hampton
Coit McConnell
Daniel Dvojack
Daniel Hufford
Darrell Deering
David Richardson
David Windsor
Don Earl
Doyle Hester
Ernest Shutt
Gary Jones
Gilbert Martinez
Harold Schultz
Hector Rodriguez
Henry Shumate
Ian Murray
Immael Magessa
Jack Schroeder
James Bowers
James Howe
James Jones
James Strahan
Jared Myers
Jeffrey Granat
Jerry Hoffpauir
Joel Sears
John “Roland” Clark
John Childs
John Kennedy
John Powell
Jose Albino
Joseph Chase
Joseph Green
Joseph Stievenart
Juan Chavez
Juleton Jean Louis
Jun Chang
Keith Ryder
Keith Wade
Kevin Cooper
Kevin Fritz
Lamar Degges
Larry Etter
Larry Haskins
Leon Wert
Leslie Brown
Lonnie Robertson
Luis Rubio
Marc Engebretsen
Matthew Cain
Matthew Komblevicz
Matthew Miller
Matthew Thomas
Melvin Eason
Michael Johnson
Michael Livingston
Michael Robertson
Minh Tran
Mitchell Henize
Parnell Bourg
Patrick Ball
Paula Angelos
Philip Devirian
Randy Wilkins
Raymond Worrall
Rex Brumley
Ricky Legue
Ricky Katipunan
Rob Manke
Robert Bird
Robert Churches
Romeo Castillo
Samuel Harris
Sean Price
Shawn Allen
Stacey Baker
Stacey Thorman
Stephen Kosman
Steven Fanslow
Thomas Binder
Thomas Compton
Thomas Terry
Timmy Blandburg
Timothy Keeney
Timothy Randall
Timothy Smith
Victor Jones
Wyn Norsworthy
Safe Driver Milestones
Fleet
FLT06
FLT06
FLT23
FLT14
FLT19
FLT22
FLT27
FLT12
FLT19
FLT24
FLT08
FLT22
FLT19
FLT93
FLT34
FLT30
FLT12
FLT18
FLT29
FLT06
FLT25
FLT08
FLT30
FLT08
FLT23
FLT34
FLT06
FLT27
FLT15
FLT31
FLT22
FLT29
FLT27
FLT24
FLT06
FLT12
FLT23
FLT32
FLT31
FLT06
FLT12
Truck #
9088
10192
10202
10344
8964
9412
10596
9776
9718
10198
9908
10760
9836
9616
9172
8608
10348
10208
10446
10320
10540
9692
9138
9716
9262
10680
10500
8940
9154
10302
10086
8842
9594
9122
9308
9980
8978
9532
10064
8838
10480
Name
Ronnie French
Jesse Davis
Robert Francis
Lamar Degges
Christopher Patterson
Christopher Powell
Christopher Myer
Martil Palomo
Randy Wilkins
Steven Zanzi
Paul Allen
James Peavler
Christopher Storm
Jeffrey Batchelder
Chester Foster
Gordon Greenman
Carl Klink
Ben Moss
Dennis Belanger
Robert Berry
Norman Chamberlain
John Jenne
David Kennedy
Moses Kiggundu
Matthew Miller
Kenneth Moss
Manuel Ontiveros
Willie Owens
Arie Plugge
Kenneth Puckett
Kristopher Stauffacher
Robert Hamman
Gerald Harden
Kenneth Irby
Andrew Johnson
Sean Price
Sean Ray
Lonnie Robertson
Demeccio Rockingham
“Mike” John Strawbridge
Bruce White
Yrs Safe
26
18
16
13
13
11
7
7
7
7
6
6
5
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
05 | Vol: 16 | Issue: 4 | Celebrating Our Drivers
THIS IS WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD.
Your Cholesterol Matters
Keeping your cholesterol levels healthy is a great way to keep your heart healthy – and lower your chances of
getting heart disease or having a stroke. When too much cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in
the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances, cholesterol can form a
thick, hard deposit called plaque that can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible. This condition is known as
atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, a heart attack or stroke can result.
Important Melton Contacts
It is important for all of our drivers and spouses to be able to contact us when they have questions or issues. It is even
more important that you know who to contact. Knowing the right person to call for your question will save you and our
office staff a lot of time and headaches.
The first person you should contact with concerns is your Driver Manager. You DM will be able to answer most of your
questions or get you to the right person quickly. However, sometimes you will need to directly contact someone other
than your Driver Manager. Below is a list of the best contacts to answer your department specific concerns.
But first, you have to know your cholesterol numbers. Good News!! If you choose to enroll in iCare, you’re in LUCK!
Part of our annual biometric screening process measures your cholesterol, LDL, HDL and Triglycerides.
Benefits and Insurance:
Stacy Huggins (918-270-9477)
Your test report will show your cholesterol levels in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). To determine how your
cholesterol levels affect your risk of heart disease, your doctor will also take into account other risk factors such as age,
family history, smoking and high blood pressure.
Payroll:
Staci Timmerman (918-270-9469)
A Complete Fasting Lipoprotein Profile Will Show The Following For:
Total blood (or serum) cholesterol: Your total cholesterol score is calculated using the following equation:
HDL + LDL + 20 percent of your triglyceride level. Less than 200 mg/dl = Healthy
HDL (good) cholesterol: With HDL cholesterol, higher levels are better. Low HDL cholesterol puts you at higher risk
for heart disease. People with high blood triglycerides usually also have lower HDL cholesterol. Genetic factors, type 2
diabetes, smoking, being overweight and being sedentary can all result in lower HDL cholesterol.
Women >50 mg/dl = Healthy, Men > mg/dl = Healthy
LDL (bad) cholesterol: A low LDL cholesterol level is considered good for your heart health. However, your LDL number
should no longer be the main factor in guiding treatment to prevent heart attack and stroke, according to new guidelines
from the American Heart Association. For patients taking statins, the guidelines say they no longer need to get LDL
cholesterol levels down to a specific target number. A diet high in saturated and trans fats raises LDL cholesterol.
Less than 100 mg/dl = Healthy
Triglycerides: Triglyceride is the most common type of fat in the body. Normal triglyceride levels vary by age and sex. A
high triglyceride level combined with low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol is associated with atherosclerosis, the
buildup of fatty deposits in artery walls that increases the risk for heart attack and stroke.
Less than 150 mg/dl = Healthy
What’s the treatment?
If you are diagnosed with hyperlipidemia, your overall health status and risks will help guide treatment. Making healthy
diet choices and increasing exercise are important first steps in lowering your high cholesterol. Depending on your
overall risk, your doctor may also prescribe medication in conjunction with healthy eating and regular exercise.
If you have questions about cholesterol, please contact our on site IMWell nurse at: 918-270-9612.
The Importance of Stretching
10 Essential Stretches for the Over the Road Truck Driver
Flexibility exercises or stretching can increase the range of motion throughout a
joint. Increased range of motion can improve mobility in sporting events as well
as everyday activities. Proper range of motion in the joints allows for the natural
alignment of the body to be maintained throughout the day, which may prevent or
decrease pain or injury.
General Stretching Guidelines:
1. Stretch 1-2 times each day.
2. Stretch until mild tension is felt, then hold for 5-10 seconds.
3. Avoid bouncing or stretching to the point of pain.
4. Breathe deeply to intensify the stretch.
For additional questions about flexibility training, exercising while on the road or
nutritional guidance – please contact our wellness manager, Bret, at: 918-270-9611
06 | Vol: 16 | Issue: 4 | Health Tips
Safety Questions:
Kevin Gordon (918-270-9605)
License & Permits:
Lisa Potter (918-270-9464)
Jennifer Benitez (918-270-9467)
Logbook Questions:
Josh Garner (918-270-9606)
Load Securement Questions:
Kevin Gordon (918-270-9605)
Josh Garner (918-270-9606)
Cesar Ramirez (956-718-8180)
Physical & License Renewals:
Sandra Gonzalez (918-270-9623)
Kristi Weathers (918-270-9603)
Fuel Management Questions:
Stefanie Ryan (918-270-9604)
Accident and Damage Reports:
Blanca Banuelos (918-270-9609)
Patti Arroyo (918-270-9607)
Injury Prevention:
Kristi Weathers (918-270-9603)
Scott Stephan (918-270-9602)
Driver Relations:
Darla Shew (918-270-9613)
Paige Hackman (918-270-9635)
Road Trainers:
Charles Cozart (918-270-9617)
Driver Mentors:
Pax Rolfe (918-270-9638)
Road Recruiters:
Michele Wagner (918-270-9633)
Company Store:
Tracy Schroeder (918-270-9475)
Health and Wellness:
Bret Bringham (918-270-9611)
Inquiries about the True Blue Alliance program should be directed to our Driver Relations Coordinator, Darla Shew. Her
direct line and fax number is 918-270-9613. Her email is shew@meltontruck.com.
Other Helpful Numbers
Lifeworks: 888-267-8126
Confidential concierge service to address legal, financial, counseling, eldercare, childcare, and health issues.
Compass: 800-513-1667
Assistance with medical care decisions (i.e. choosing a qualified doctor, getting quotes on procedures, reviewing billing,
saving money, making doctor’s appointments, etc).
ImWell Tulsa Clinic: 918-292-8464
Free same day medical appointments to assist in managing health issues.
VIP Dentistry – Green Country Dental Arts of Catoosa: 918-266-6470
Free same day dentist appointments to maintain good oral hygiene or address emergency dental needs.
Drivers Legal Plan: 800-580-8789
Optional legal resource to deal with traffic violations (Driver must elect and pay for coverage).
401(k): 866-412-9026
Investment advice or retirement planning assistance.
Blue Cross & Blue Shield: (800-672-2567)
Health and dental insurance resources.
Driver Referrals: (800-635-8669)
Road Recruiting options to refer qualified driver for $1,000 bonus
11 | Vol: 16 | Issue: 4 | Important Melton Contacts
Driver Reminders
DON’T STOP.
YOU’RE IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT.
Stay Connected
Healthy Eating On The Road
We know it can be hard when you are out on the
road to stay informed on the latest news.
By Ron Harrison, Executive Chef, FUEL Cafe
Is there a new app to download? Severe weather
heading my way? When is the iCare screening
deadline? Etc.
As you all know, we truly care about your health and wellness. We also
know that being healthy starts with what you put into your body. In an effort
to educate and encourage everyone to eat healthy, we are implementing a
new program with the Fuel Café.
Well have no fear, for social media is here! Currently Melton has a profile on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram,
Google +, and YouTube. Go to meltontruck.com and glance at the top right of the page for links to all these pages or a
quick Google search for Melton Truck Lines (input social media platform name here) will help you find us online. You do
not have to follow or tag us in posts, it is really just another tool for us to share information with drivers.
This program is called Color Matters. The Color Matters program will help
us easily identify healthy meals and not-so-healthy meals. Recently, every
meal in the Café has had a color associated with it. The colors are based
on a traffic light; Green, Yellow, and Red.
You can access any of these platforms on your computer or mobile device making it quick and easy to catch up. And if
your family is feeling out of the loop have them sign up for our TBA newsletter. It’s an informative monthly email we send
out to family members of drivers that keeps them up to date on the latest. If you or a family member would like to receive
the newsletter just have them, or yourself, message us on the Melton Facebook page with their name, email address and
your truck number. Or feel free to email our Social Media Coordinator Brandy Noss bnoss@meltontruck.com.
• Green means it is a great choice and you should eat that meal often.
• Yellow is a good choice and can be eaten semi-regularly.
• Meals that have the Red association are unhealthy meals and should
only be eaten on occasions.
We know sometimes technology can be daunting but don’t be afraid to ask for help if you would like to learn how to
use one of these sites, be added to a Fleet Facebook page or get your Spouse added to the TBA Facebook group. Our
Social Media Coordinator Brandy Noss is available for any of your social media related questions!
Check us out on Social Media:
Facebook: facebook.com/MeltonTruckLines
Instagram: instagram.com/drive4melton
Twitter: twitter.com/DriveMelton
YouTube: youtube.com/drive4Melton
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/meltontrucklines
Help Us Sell Trucks!
As we grow and update our fleet, we are left with many older
trucks. We are constantly advertising in various markets but
one of the best ways to spread the word about our great
trucks is through you, our drivers.
While you are out on the road, and see a driver with an
older truck, or having truck problems, drop Melton Truck and
Trailer Sales’ name. We are offering cash incentives to
our drivers that refer potential truck buyers.
The majority of our used trucks are Kenworth T-660’s and
are all APU equipped and ready to run. We have great prices
on our perfectly maintained equipment.
Please send referrals to our website: meltontrucksales.com
or our Facebook: Facebook.com/MeltonTruckSales. Or tell
them to call Chris or Eddie at 888-982-2562.
10 | Vol: 16 | Issue: 4 | Driver Reminders
The Color Matters program is meant to help you better understand what you are eating and give you an easy way to
balance your healthy and unhealthy meals. The choice is clear -- Go Green, Stop Red.
5 Best Vending Machine Options
Whether hunger hits unexpectedly at the office or on the road, vending machines
can be perplexing to those of us trying to eat well. In a healthier world, we’d
have fruit stands in our office parks, or fresh veggies and hummus in refrigerated
machines at shopping malls, but there are times when vending machines packed
with soda, candy, and chips are the only option. If you’re like me, you probably
stare through the glass for several minutes, weighing the pros and cons of each
snack hoping to identify the healthiest option. To make that process easier for you,
here are the 5 not-so-bad-for-you options that will curb your hunger pangs without
derailing your healthy eating efforts.
THE 5 BEST OPTIONS
1. Nuts: Frequent nut consumption has been shown to have health-boosting benefits, including weight control and
decreased risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes. A portioned-size packet of almonds or
peanuts will provide some healthy fats, protein, and fiber to keep you satiated. Opt for lightly-salted or unsalted varieties
when available.
2. Trail mix: For those of us who love a sweet and salty combination, a bag of trail mix is a much better option than
chocolate covered pretzels. Look for varieties with unsalted nuts and dried fruit, which offer a boost of protein, fiber, and
some vitamins and minerals, rather than mixes solely made up of cereal and sugary candy.
3. Granola bars: Portion-sized and usually under 200 calories, most granola bars contain some form of whole grain, like
oats or flax, and nuts, which you’re your snack a healthy hit of fiber and protein.
4. Popcorn: Popcorn is a whole grain that packs fiber and antioxidants, and it can be a great low-calorie snack. Just
steer clear of kettle corn, which is sweetened with sugar, and stick to air-popped and low-salt popcorn instead.
5. Water: Disregard the sweet, sugary sodas at eye-level and make water your go-to way to hydrate when thirst strikes.
Save soda for occasions when it can be savored, like dinners out or weekend barbecues.
07 | Vol: 16 | Issue: 4 | Food For Thought
U-Turns
The U-Turn maneuver is one of the most dangerous things you
can do behind the wheel of your vehicle.
During a U-Turn, several hazards develop for you and other
motorists.
1. Your vehicle will occupy at least 4 lanes of traffic during the
maneuver and involve both directions.
2. Other motorists can and will be uncertain of your intentions
until it is too late.
3. If you are forced to stop in the middle of a U-Turn, you greatly
increasing your chances of a collision.
4. In a collision involving a U-Turn a run under is likely and run
unders can be fatal.
5. IT’S ILLEGAL!
No load is so important that you
should feel the need to put yourself
and other people in this situation.
Avoid U-Turns by going to the next
exit, finding a parking lot, or another
safe place to turn around.
U-Turns are illegal and very
dangerous, especially given the size
of the vehicle you are driving. Melton
drivers should never attempt to make a U-Turn in any situation.
When you find yourself feeling you need to make one, pause for
a moment, consider what could happen and then look for the
best option to avoid a potentially hazardous U-Turn.
Be smart and be safe.
Storm Season
The severe weather season is upon us once again so we need
to start thinking about weather safety. There is a common
perception that tornadoes and hurricanes are the most
dangerous types of storms. While it is true that widespread
damage can occur with these types of storms, they are not the
deadliest. More people are killed every year by lightning than
any other weather phenomenon.
Your job duties usually require you to secure and tarp your
freight outside, therefore you are exposed to the elements. In
order to avoid being another statistic, you need to make sure
that if threatening weather is approaching or upon you that you
seek the proper shelter. If lighting is anywhere within eyesight
you are at risk. The first thing to remember is, lightning will
usually hit the tallest object in the area, so do not work on top
of your trailer. Your equipment
bar is basically a lightning rod, so
keep it out of your hands. Most
of the freight we haul will attract
lightning--so stay away from
your trailer. DO NOT, under any
circumstances, work outside in
this type of weather.
Be patient, wait until the
weather clears and stay alive.
08 | Vol: 16 | Issue: 4 | Safety Tips
S.A.F.E.
By Rick Vincent, Director of Safety and Driver Training
Safe.Accurate.focus.everyday
Our 2016 Safety Campaign is underway. Please like us
on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and YouTube so
you can keep up with what is going on each month in the
Safety Department.
We will continue to deliver the required training to you
in a number of ways, including hotline messages, daily terminal
safety meetings, terminal monitors, online training links, email blasts,
QUALCOMM tips, and driver manager reinforcement. Please make
sure we have an email address for you so you can receive our weekly
Safety email. Remember that participating in the training is required
and will earn you extra points on your scorecard.
This month we will focus on:
Backing:
Backing accidents have
tripled in the last two
years. Backing accidents
are almost always
preventable, and cost
Melton thousands of
dollars each year.
Before backing:
• Inspect your intended path. Get out and do a walk around.
• Use a guide if possible. Instruct the guide on proper signals.
• Back and turn toward the driver’s side. If necessary, go around the
block and change directions to avoid right side backing.
• Use your 4-way flashers and your air horn before backing.
Once you begin backing:
• Use pull-ups when necessary
• Do not open the door and hang out of the cab ~ Use your mirrors
• Constantly check your mirrors and keep visual contact with your guide
• Avoid riding the clutch
• Back slowly
Steel Coils:
Steel coils are most likely to be loaded suicide or shotgun. Melton
prefers to load them suicide if possible but the direction is usually
determined by the capabilities of the consignee to unload them. Call
your driver manager, if needed, for assistance in determining if the
coils must be loaded shotgun or if they can be turned suicide. Coils are
not allowed to ride on the deck of the trailer. They must be secured to
prevent rolling and that means of prevention must also support the coil
off the deck of the trailer. The dunnage used for this must be positioned
inside of coil racks/bunks. The use of nailed lumber to construct a
cradle is prohibited.
Tire Pressure:
Tires consume the largest amount of our equipment maintenance
dollars. With 18 wheels, tire problems are inevitable. The difference
between a $35 puncture and a $400 replacement is a matter of how
soon the problem is identified and corrected. Tire pressure is a key
component of Fuel Economy.
5 Tips that will make all your TRIPS fuel efficient!
• Tire Pressure
• RPM Control - keep it low and slow
• Idle time conservation
• Progressive shifting techniques
• Slower, steady speed maintenance
09 | Vol: 16 | Issue: 4 | S.A.F.E.