KAG Newsletter Spring 164999.indd

Where Pride and Teamwork Fuel Growth and Success
Spring/Summer 2010
Direct from Dennis
KAG TEAM MAKES
THE DIFFERENCE IN
DIFFICULT TIMES
As we begin to see some improvement in
the economy across the country, I want
to thank you for helping us successfully
manage our business during one of
the most difficult times since the Great
Depression. We couldn’t have done it
without the dedication and support of
each KAG team member. You’ve proven
time and time again that KAG has the
best employees in the industry.
From our professional drivers to our
talented dispatchers, managers,
mechanics, technical personnel and
administrative staff, we outshine our
competitors. We know the key ingredient
to survive tough economic conditions
and thrive during upturns: passion.
We are passionate about the
transportation business and take pride
in being the best. Without your
commitment to our organization and
passion for our business, we would not
be able to talk about our bright future.
Many of our competitors and our
customers are no longer in business
b
or are struggling to survive by
dramatically reducing their
VISION STATEMENT:
workforce. Thanks to your hard work,
along with following our strategic vision,
we’ve been able to avoid such drastic
measures.
We try our best to communicate our
strategy – even during uncertain times.
One of the most common questions I
receive is, “Why do we continue to buy
companies and assets when we’re
told we need to tighten our belts and
watch expenses?”
I can see how these two actions
appear to be at odds. Let me try to
clear up the confusion. Many factors
influence our decision process when
purchasing assets. First and foremost,
any decision we make has to benefit our
employees, customers and investors.
Sometimes these benefits aren’t realized
immediately, but take place in the future.
It’s all about our vision and our strategy.
We believe that by taking the necessary
steps today, not only do we secure our
jobs in the future – but most importantly
– we improve the standard of living for all
of our employees. Part of that strategy
Continued on page 2
We know the key ingredient to survive
tough economic conditions and thrive
during upturns: passion.
KAG will revolutionize transportation and
logistics within the liquid bulk industry
through its national scale, advanced
technology and an uncompromising
commitment to be the employer of choice.
MISSION STATEMENT:
Our mission is to take every load, deliver
it on time, without incident.
STATEMENT OF VALUES:
Safety and Security – Our uncompromising
commitment for the safety and security of
our employees, customers and general
public will always come first.
Customers – Our customers are the
primary focus of everything we do as a
company. We will master execution of
ALL internal processes so we deliver
total service excellence.
Employees – Equally important as all
customers are our valued employees
who continually work to make KAG
the most efficient company in the
industry. We are committed to providing
exceptional training, development and
inspiration to all employees.
Competitiveness – We will operate
efficiently by aggressively managing
costs in all areas of our organization in
order to be the market leader.
Integrity – At all times, we will conduct
ourselves in a responsible manner to
maintain the highest standard of ethics.
Highway Connections • Spring/Summer 2010
1
Continued from cover
is to improve our market share, even
during a down economy. By improving
our market presence and investing
in the future, we can capitalize on
this growth once the economy turns
around.
Some other points to consider include
focusing on our customers’ needs for
ongoing success. Some of our largest
customers have asked us to expand
into regions where we currently do not
have a base of operations. It is more
economical for us to purchase “best
in class” carriers or assets in these
locations than to begin from scratch.
These are excellent opportunities for
us to continue growing with current
customers and establish a new
customer base in a new region. For
example, we have always felt that
Canada is a land of opportunity for our
company. Our acquisition of Reinhard
Transportation has extended our
presence into the Pacific Northwest
and Canada.
Part of our strategic vision also has
been to build a company that has
enough service lines and diversity
(chemicals, ethanol, asphalt, food oils,
etc.) so we do not experience the ups
and downs that affect many other
carriers. Our diversity tends to flatten
out our peaks and valleys. Our model
has become very, very predictable,
which makes the business much more
manageable.
It all comes down to making the right
choices at the right time to improve
the future for all of us. We want to
be prepared for when the market
rebounds, which we believe is starting
to take place. As I mentioned in
previous newsletters, transportation
serves as a barometer of the U.S.
economy. Along with all other modes of
transportation, we are beginning to see
improvements in volume over the last
couple of months.
We survived an extremely difficult
economic period, and we positioned
ourselves for continued success.
Thank you again for your many
contributions and for being a part of the
Kenan Advantage Group.
Dennis Nash
President and CEO
ABOVE AND BEYOND:
DAVE FRENCH SHOWS YOU
‘HOW TO GET THERE’
Take a desire to do the job right, add
some empathy for rookie drivers and
mix in some computer skills – what do
you get? A handy, employee-created
reference guide that is appreciated by
everyone at Dave French’s terminal.
Dave’s brainchild is a neat compilation
of complete driving directions to
nearly every Chevron®, Circle K® and
7-Eleven® location in Arizona.
Dave mapped out clear directions in
Microsoft® Access™. He originally
made a binder to keep in his truck,
which he pulled out to assist other
drivers when they needed directions.
“A couple people asked for copies, and
they made their way around the office,”
2 Spring/Summer 2010
says Dave. Eventually he e-mailed the
files to a dispatcher, who made copies
for everyone.
His project includes phone numbers
and tank charts. A separate file houses
“odd ball” jobs, as Boyd calls them.
“This is something he did on his own
personal time – a perfect example of
going ‘above and beyond,’” says
Phoenix Operations Manager Boyd
Brown.
“I update as needed,” says Dave. “The
goal is to get drivers where they need
to go … quickly.”
Dave’s directions are simple, using
the freeway closest to the terminal. He
covered both the Tucson and Phoenix
terminals, and added shortcuts or
cross-street information as necessary.
Dave says he remembers the struggles
of being a rookie driver, so he is happy
to help others who are new.
• Kenan Advantage Group
KAG VALUES:
CUSTOMER SERVICE
AND SAFETY IN ACTION
DELIVERING TOTAL SERVICE EXCELLENCE IS MORE THAN A
STATEMENT OF OUR VALUES AT KAG. IT’S A WAY OF LIFE HERE.
WHEN A CUSTOMER RECOGNIZES OUR COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
EXCELLENCE, WE’RE REMINDED OF WHY WE PURSUE THE HIGHEST
SAFETY STANDARDS, THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE AND UTMOST
INTEGRITY. IT ALSO IS A REMINDER OF HOW VALUABLE OUR
EMPLOYEES ARE TO OUR OPERATIONS.
BP DRIVING SAFETY
STANDARDS COMPLIANCE
AKZO NOBEL RECOGNIZES
OUTSTANDING TSC SAFETY
RECORD
Dave Scherer, Road Safety
Compliance Manager for BP
Lubricants USA Inc., sent a note to
KAG West:
TSC customer Ed Stec, General
Manager of Akzo Nobel Chemicals,
sent a congratulatory letter to
TSC drivers for their safe-driving
performance, which had been
highlighted in a recent issue of
TSC’s “Tank Line” newsletter.
“Thank you for your cooperation and
ongoing efforts to meet BP’s Driving
Safety Standards. These ‘above and
beyond’ standards were developed
because BP recognizes that driving
is one of the biggest risks we face
in our daily lives. Your commitment
to meeting these standards and to
driving safely are accomplishments
worthy of recognition.”
PINCH-HITTING FOR COAST OIL
Mark Mitchell, President of Coast
Oil Company, sent a letter to
Dennis Nash, thanking him for
KAG’s employees going “above
and beyond” in providing customer
service. His letter states:
“Coast Oil ... had some challenges
this week within our dispatch
department. We have been short
staffed, and as a result, I have been
filling in as a dispatcher. Steve Yeager,
Doug Allen and Bill Nelson recognized
the constraints on my time caused
by this, and Bill Nelson stepped in
to relieve the burden and dispatch
for us. This type of customer service
demonstrates that KAG stands by its
Statement of Values.”
HAULING THE LOAD FOR COSTCO
Donovan Hamilton, Assistant Buyer
– Gasoline for Costco, offered the
following compliments via e-mail
to Mark Lloyd, Customer Logistics
Manager for KAG Logistics:
“I wanted to give some feedback on
your group who handles our account.
All of the dispatchers here at Costco
are very pleased with the level of
service we receive every day. The
early notifications of storms and being
able to take on additional loads has
made our jobs easier. I don’t think
we have ever been turned down on
an add-on delivery. Being able to
add loads on and know they will be
delivered gives us time to work on
areas where we don’t have this level
of comfort. Great job!”
“I am extremely impressed with
the Wall of Fame listings … almost
130 million miles driven without an
incident for the listed drivers. This
is an unfathomable number and
shouldn’t go unnoticed. With an
average of 1.5 million miles per driver,
it demonstrates the dedication the
TSC drivers have to safe operations.
There is a very strong safety culture
within TSC, and these drivers show
how it makes a difference. This really
sets the Responsible Care® partners
apart from others. Good work by all.
Responsible Care is a voluntary
set of initiatives within the global
chemical industry that companies
adhere to for the safe handling of
chemical products. TSC has been a
Responsible Care Partner since 1997.
According to the American Chemistry
Council, over the next couple of years
some chemical manufacturers plan to
only use Responsible Care partners to
transport their products.
Highway Connections • Spring/Summer 2010
3
REINHARD ‘JET-FUELS’
WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES
By delivering just shy of 1 million gallons
of jet fuel to Vancouver International
Airport, Reinhard helped the 2010
Olympic Winter Games go off without
a hitch.
Tony Reinhard, President of Reinhard,
reported that everything went as
planned with the fuel delivery. Even
with the increased air travel, the airport
ran smoothly.
There was a lot of planning necessary
ure the deliveries. Each day, for
to ensure
ys, Reinhard delivered four loads
16 days,
0,500 gallons of fuel per load.
with 10,500
The No. 1 goal was to keep the
airport’s fuel supply high. This meant
contingency plans if trucks had
trouble crossing the border. It meant
determining the course of action if the
Department of Homeland Security’s
terror alert level was raised or if there
was a bomb threat. Luckily, none of
those situations happened.
Surprisingly, the trucks were able to
enter Canada with a full tank easier
than they were able to return to the
States empty.
“Truck traffic going across border into
Canada diminished because truck
access to the city of Vancouver was
limited during the Games,” says Tony.
This meant less waiting than expected
at border crossings – a plus for the
tanker drivers.
While Reinhard was pleased to play a
role in supporting the Olympics, they
have to share “Olympic glory” with
another resident of their hometown,,
Federal Way, WA: speed skater Apolo
Anton Ohno, who made history at the
Winter Games.
CIRCLE K BID PAVES THE WAY
KAG MAKING INROADS
IN STRATEGIC LOCATION
Kenan Advantage Group is open for
business in Louisiana.
After successfully participating in a
nationwide bidding process, KAG is
handling all Circle K business in Baton
Rouge and New Orleans. A newly
opened terminal in Baton Rouge is up
and running.
The next step, according to Stan
Tedder, Vice President of Sales and
Marketing for KAG, will be to market
our services to all other customers in
Louisiana. The Circle K business paves
the way by establishing a fixed-based
operation in this strategic market.
“KAG hopes to grow new business in
Louisiana, and this makes it possible,”
says Stan. “We are fully committed to
our presence in this marketplace.”
4 Spring/Summer 2010
• Kenan Advantage Group
Wayne Jackson, who worked for KAG
in Chattanooga, TN, is the Terminal
Manager for the new Baton Rouge
facility. In addition to shepherding the
operations, he will help promote KAG’s
presence in this area.
“Wayne has many years of experience
in transportation management and
safety. He is a veteran of the industry,”
says Stan.
Circle K wanted KAG to start
operations as quickly as possible.
Even with short notice, KAG was able
to move in drivers and equipment
and start to work. Jeff King, Regional
Manager, is in charge of startup
operations, which Stan reports have
gone smoothly.
“It really is a success story,” says Stan.
“Circle K has been very pleased with
our performance.”
KLEMM DRIVER
JIM MAGNIN
RECEIVES ‘DRIVER OF THE YEAR’ HONORS
They say if you find a job you enjoy,
you’ll never work a day in your life. Jim
Magnin has found that job.
Having grown up on a farm, Jim
understood the challenges of working
for yourself.
After truck driving for 61 years and
covering about 6 million miles, he still
loves his work.
“There is a real incentive in that type
of work,” says Jim. “My family was my
motivation.”
“Every day is a challenge, and I like a
challenge,” says Jim, a Klemm driver
based out of Green Bay who was
recently named Wisconsin Motor
Carriers Association (WMCA) Driver of
the Year.
He and his wife Delores have been
married 55 years. They have eight
children, 16 grandchildren and one
great-grandchild. Through his work
in the trucking industry, and his wife’s
work both at home and as a physical
therapist, the family was able to have a
nice home and a good family life.
Jim began his career at age 14, when
he obtained a temporary permit to
drive truckloads of cucumbers from
his family farm to a local pickle factory.
After he married, he began driving a
milk truck. He joined Klemm Tank Lines
in 1975, and was an owner/operator for
the company for 24 years.
KLEMM DRIVERS
GARNER
ADDITIONAL
RECOGNITION
FROM WMCA
Klemm’s Green Bay-area driver Erich
Bork is a new member of the Wisconsin
Road Team. The Road Team travels
throughout the state, teaching safety to
driver’s education classes. Ron Maki,
who works for Klemm in Field Operations
and Sales in the Milwaukee area, has
just completed his year as a member
of the Road Team. Both were honored
at the annual Wisconsin Motor Carriers
Association (WMCA) Awards Banquet.
“My wife was always there for me,” said
Jim, who recalls busy days when the
children were younger. The Magnins
were very involved in the kids’ activities,
something they look back on fondly.
After a day’s work, he would head to
the school to watch his children compete
in sporting events.
Over the years, the trucking industry has
changed. He remembers driving trucks
that only averaged two miles per gallon.
Early in his trucking career, his routes
took him through little towns on mostly
two-lane roads.
“When I went to California, the Hollywood
freeway was the only road with three
lanes of traffic,” he says.
Jim spent the past two years recovering
from a back injury. When he recovered,
Klemm asked if he would return on a
part-time basis. Jim, who will be 75 in
June, was happy to.
When he is not driving, Jim enjoys
spending time with his family and hunting.
SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER ON THE ROAD
Klemm Tank Line trucks are a familiar sight around the Green Bay, Wis.,
area. To thank the local communities for sharing the road, Klemm Tank
Lines participated in the annual Howard-Suamico Christmas parade.
The parade has been a tradition in the Green Bay area for 41 years.
Highway Connections • Spring/Summer 2010
5
KENAN ADVANTAGE GROUP
DRAWING CONTEST WINNERS
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ARTISTS WHO PARTICIPATED IN OUR DRAWING CONTEST. WE
ASKED CHILDREN TO DRAW A PICTURE OF THEIR PARENT OR GRANDPARENT AT WORK
AT KAG. THIS WAS NO EASY ASSIGNMENT, AND WE HAD SOME VERY IMPRESSIVE ENTRIES.
The entries were judged in the following age groups: 3 to 5, 6 to 9 and 10 to 12. The winners received a gift certificate from
Toys “R” Us®.
1st
1s
st Place,
Plac
Pl
ace
ac
e, 3 to
e,
to 5 Year
Year Age
Age Group
Gro
roup
up
1stt Place,
1
Pl
6 to
t 9 Year
Y
Age
A Group
G
1stt Place,
1
Pl
10 to
t 12 Year
Y
Age
A Group
G
Isabellia Moyers-Chavez
Teagan McNemar
Gabriela Kalita
Parent: Lupe Moyers-Chavez
Work Location: North Canton, Ohio.
Parent: Jennifer McNemar
Work Location: North Canton, Ohio.
Parent: Ireneusz Kalita
Work Location: Chicago, Ill.
6 Spring/Summer 2010
• Kenan Advantage Group
WE WANT YOUR FUNNIEST
FAMILY VACATION PHOTOS
Do you have a funny vacation photo that is good for a laugh at family gatherings? Let’s see ‘em!
Maybe it is Grandpa wearing those horribly patterned swim trunks, or that picture you took just as the wave knocked everyone
over. We will share the best entries for all to enjoy. The winning entry will receive a Diamond DTE award. Choose from a variety
of great KAG-branded items, including some vacation-themed items like a portable grill or Coleman® travel bag.
Send digital photos via e-mail to hr@thekag.com. Please do not send photos that are larger than 5 MBs.
To send a hard copy of your photo, mail your entry to KAG headquarters at the following address:
Kenan Advantage Group
Attn: Human Resources
4366 Mt. Pleasant Street, NW
North Canton, OH 44720
Please do not send the original photograph, as photos will not be returned.
Highway Connections • Spring/Summer 2010
7
COUPLE OFFERS
TEMPORARY HOME;
LASTING LOVE
ADVANTAGE DRIVER AND WIFE
MAKE FOSTERING COUNT
FOSTER PARENTING MAY SEEM LIKE A TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENT
AND A TEMPORARY BOND. AFTER FOSTERING MORE THAN 20
CHILDREN, BOB AND LISA LYNN CONDON KNOW THE CONNECTION
THEY FORM IS LASTING – AND THE INFLUENCE IS PERMANENT.
The Condons didn’t get involved in
foster parenting to adopt. Although
they have taken permanent custody of
two children, they embrace their role
as foster parents. Many foster children
are in the process of reuniting with their
biological parents or awaiting adoption
by others. The living arrangement may
be transitory; the love is not.
“It’s a good feeling
knowing you helped
someone turn their
life around …”
“It tears our heart out when they leave,”
admits Lisa Lynn.
Finding adults to trust can curb negative
behavior.
They have no doubts about their choice
to foster, though. Lisa Lynn spent the
majority of her childhood in the foster
system. Often placed in very rough
homes, it wasn’t until she was adopted
at age 17 that she realized “there are
good people in the world.” She doesn’t
want other children to have to wait that
long to know.
“As you build a relationship, they see
you are not giving up on them,” explains
Bob. “We tell them we may not be
your real mom and dad, but when
you are here, this is your home.” Lisa
Lynn’s personal experience also builds
understanding with the kids.
Bob, a driver for Advantage Tank Lines
in Erie, Penn., admits foster parenting
can be tough, especially at the
beginning. But he and his wife are no
longer fazed by the challenges.
“Sometimes you have children who
steal or who are destructive,” says Bob.
“But we focus on helping them and
letting them know they can depend
upon someone.”
8 Spring/Summer 2010
The couple has inspired others to
become foster parents. Bob’s dad
revealed he spent time in foster care as
a child, something Bob did not know.
Bob says that a big part of the job of
a foster parent is to show kids they do
have control over their future. Children
often believe they are destined to repeat
the poor choices or destructive patterns
of their parents. Bob and Lisa Lynn
show them they can choose something
different.
• Kenan Advantage Group
BOB AND LISA LYNN CONDON WITH
THEIR SONS ANTONIO AND AUSTIN.
“We want them to consider their next
step,” says Bob, who adds that foster
children often have good options
available to them, including help with
college tuition. Military service is
another option they endorse. Bob, a
veteran of both Gulf Wars, met Lisa
Lynn while both were serving in the
Navy.
The couple loves hearing from former
foster children. Bob fondly recalls
hearing from a family that adopted one
of their foster children.
“They told us the work we had done
with him was still evident. We feel good
to know the child is happy and has a
loving family,” says Bob.
Lisa Lynn is working on a degree
in psychology, hoping to work with
foster children in a different capacity.
The Condons are now involved with
therapeutic foster care, helping kids
with more severe problems and those
who have been in juvenile detention
facilities.
“It’s a good feeling knowing you helped
someone turn their life around and
grow up to be a decent, productive
person,” says Bob.
RYDER CITES PROFESSIONALISM, THOROUGHNESS IN
DRIVER OF THE MONTH
Scott Heifetz keeps an eye on the
details and puts a premium on
efficiency. For these reasons, Scott,
of Petro Chemical Transport (PCT)
Bensenville, was awarded “Driver of
the Month” by Ryder Truck Rental and
Leasing. Ryder handles service and
maintenance of PCT’s fleet.
Dave Bruckman, Service Manager
with Bensenville Ryder said, “We
see a lot of drivers, and Scott is
courteous, friendly and thorough
– everything you want to see in a
professional driver.”
As a lead driver, Scott has taken
the extra step to ensure that PCT’s
PMs (preventative maintenance) are
taken care of in a timely and efficient
manner. Scott is quick to let Ryder
know if a truck is sitting overnight, so
PMs, whenever possible, can be done
without affecting uptime.
As a professional driver for 18
years, Scott has the experience and
KAG
ON THE WEB...
BEATING THE DRUM
In a previous Highway Connections
interview, CEO and President Dennis
Nash emphasized how important it
is for us to focus on the exceptional
value-added services we provide our
customers. He referred to this practice
as constantly “beating the drum.” To
help carry that beat to customers,
we’ve developed two new videos for
our Web site.
You can find these videos by selecting
the “About Us” tab and then by
scrolling down to the “Value-Added
Features” page. The first video, titled
knowledge to serve as the contact
person for Ryder. Dave Russo,
Area Operations Manager for PCT
in Chicago, was more than happy to
fill out the paperwork so Ryder could
bestow the “Driver of the Month” award.
“Scott not only has an excellent
driving record, he has really stepped
up and taken care of things in relation
to our work with Ryder,” said Dave
Russo.
Scott said he was “very honored”
Ryder selected him for this award. He
received a plaque, a couple small gifts
from Ryder and enjoyed a dinner
out with the Ryder representatives.
Scott says he enjoys trucking and also
working with Ryder.
“Ryder does a great job. It is like having
a personal mechanic,” says Scott. “I
am happy to do anything I can to help
maintain the safety of the truck that
brings me home every night.”
“View the Kenan Advantage,” promotes
our overall business package and
reinforces why KAG is North America’s
largest transportation and logistics
provider to the petroleum and specialty
products industries. To view this video
on our site, click on the driver graphic
on the left.
The second video showcases our suite
on.
of technology services called Horizon.
he
Click on the animated graphic of the
United States to view the video.
at www.inboundlogistics.com on the
2010 Planner tab.
Daily, you continue to “beat the drum”
about KAG’s exceptional customer
service by building strong relationships
with our customers. Promoting our
services is a team effort that travels
through every link of the organization,
which now includes our online
connections.
d in
KAG Logistics services are covered
tics
the online version of Inbound Logistics
magazine’s 2010 Logistics Planner.
led
The Planner gives customers detailed
information on market leaders in
uest
logistics and allows readers to request
online quotes and information from the
rofile
service providers. View the KAG profi
Highway Connections • Spring/Summer 2010
9
ROB WENGERTER
PROVIDES UPDATE
FROM AFGHANISTAN
DEPLOYMENT
KAG transportation services are a
vital component to America’s energy
infrastructure. Our employees also
“Keep America Going” by serving in our
country’s military.
deployment, providing us with a look
into a world that is hard for many of us
stateside to comprehend.
In the 2009 Winter Issue of Highway
Connections, we featured an article
about Rob Wengerter, Air Force
officer and KAG employee. Rob
commissioned Samantha Simpson,
daughter of KAG employee Blake
Simpson, into the military. Shortly
before that interview, Rob was notified
of his deployment to Afghanistan as
part of his commitment to the reserves.
“I flew in on a C-17 (cargo plane) with
six military pallets of cargo and 95
Marines. I was one of only two Air
Force personnel on the plane. We
were required to wear our full “battle
rattle” as we call it...flak vest with
individual body armor and Kevlar ®
helmet, about 70 pounds total. It was
quite sobering to see Marines with
an intense, determined look on their
faces. It made the war even more real
seeing all these guys with their M-16s
wearing their “battle rattle” as well.
Rob is known by many of our drivers
and schedulers based on his work
as Horizon Project Process and
Compliance Coordinator. Rob has
agreed to send periodic updates on his
Here’s his latest update:
designed for about 8,000 people,
but there are about 25,000 here. It
is a NATO base so there are lots of
troops from other countries: Germany,
France, Bulgaria, Australia, Austria,
Great Britain, Canada, and Dutch
and Slovakian troops. I’m sure there
are more.
I have 58 Airmen working for me,
including a large group from Dover
Air Force Base in Delaware. Kandahar
is one of the busiest airports in
the theater right now with all the
equipment transitioning through to
the FOB’s (forward operating bases).
I’m working 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. right now,
but we don’t look at a clock here; we
stay until the work is done.”
It has been an interesting transition.
The base is really crowded. It was
HIGHWAY CONNECTIONS GOES PAPERLESS
We Keep America Going by delivering petroleum products crucial to our country’s energy infrastructure. You can now help us
Keep America Green.
By choosing to receive an e-mail version of Highway Connections, you’ll reduce the number of copies we print.
To sign up, go to www.thekag.com and follow the sign-up instructions under the “About Us/Newsletters” tab. Make sure you
select the “Employee Newsletter Sign Up.”
10 Spring/Summer 2010
• Kenan Advantage Group
TARGET MATURITY FUNDS
HELP MAKE RETIREMENT
INVESTMENT EASIER
More
Growth-Oriented
More
Conservative
Now
John is 30+ years from retirement.
He invests in the Target Maturity
2040 Fund, currently a more
growth-oriented investment.
Over time
The Target Maturity 2040
Fund automatically shifts from
Stocks
a more growth-oriented
Bonds
allocation to a more conservative
Cash Equivalent
allocation as John’s retirement
Year 2040 and beyond
year approaches.
John reaches his retirement years.
The Target Maturity 2040 Fund will
eventually evolve into the more
conservative allocation of the
Target Maturity Income Fund.
The example above should not be considered as financial advice. Please consult a financial advisor for advice on your specific facts and circumstances. The asset
allocation pie charts are for illustration purposes only.
Kenan Advantage Group employees
now have the opportunity to select
Target Maturity Funds, one of the
easiest ways to invest for retirement.
Target Maturity Funds offer a practical,
straightforward approach to investing
retirement savings. Each Target
Maturity Fund is a diversified range of
stocks, bonds and cash equivalents
based on the fund’s target retirement
date and using the Plan’s core
investment options.
As your retirement date draws closer,
a Target Maturity Fund automatically
becomes more conservative. The
allocation of assets shifts. You don’t
need to switch from growth funds to
conservative funds as your retirement
date approaches. It’s all done for you.
If you are unsure about choosing
among the Plan’s core investment
options, Target Maturity Funds might
be right for you.
There are two ways to access and
make changes to your account.
You can access via the Internet
at wellsfargo.com/401k or call the
Retirement Resource Center at (800)
377-9188. The Retirement Resource
Center offers 24-hour automated
access through a touch-tone phone.
Representatives are available
Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.
to 11 p.m. E.S.T.
FUEL FACTS
DID YOU KNOW
KAG DELIVERS 793
3
GALLONS OF
FUEL EVERY SECOND?
ND??
Highway Connections • Spring/Summer 2010
11
THE WAIT IS OVER.
NEW PAYCHECK
OPTIONS INTRODUCED
NO MORE WAITING AT THE MAILBOX FOR YOUR PAYCHECK. MANY OF
YOU ASKED FOR ADDITIONAL PAYCHECK METHODS AND WE LISTENED.
THE NEW OPTIONS INCLUDE:
DIRECT DEPOSIT – When you
opt for Direct Deposit, your pay is
transferred to your bank on pay day.
Are you tired of waiting by the mailbox
or going to the terminal to pick up your
paycheck? If the answer is “YES,”
Direct Deposit may be right for you.
iPAY – This new service from ADP,
our payroll vendor, is available to all
employees who use Direct Deposit.
With iPay, you can view your pay
stub online the day before pay day.
It also conveniently provides you
with secure, historical pay records,
W-2s and W-4 information 24/7.
Eighty-five percent of identity theft
occurs through lost or stolen financial
information, including payroll checks.
Through iPay you can go “paperless,”
if you prefer. You can also use iPay
to test changes to your W-4 and view
the impact on your paycheck before
you make a final change.
TOTALPAY CARD – The ADP
TotalPay Card is a VISA® debit card
that is automatically loaded with your
money each payday. Your pay is ready
to use the moment you are paid, no
matter where you are, and you avoid
the risk of a lost or stolen paycheck
or cash. You will not need to cash or
deposit a check.
REGARDLESS OF THE PAY OPTION YOU CHOOSE, PLEASE MAKE SURE THE PAYROLL DEPARTMENT HAS
YOUR CORRECT MAILING ADDRESS.
TO RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION OR TO SIGN UP FOR ONE OF THESE CONVENIENT PROGRAMS, CONTACT
YOUR TERMINAL MANAGER.
KAG’S STORM STORIES
AT KAG, WE WORK HARD TO MAKE DELIVERIES ON TIME AND WITHOUT INCIDENT. BUT WE CAN’T CONTROL MOTHER NATURE.
THIS PAST WINTER, SOME OF OUR WARMER CLIMATES FOUND THEMSELVES AT THE MERCY OF UNCHARACTERISTICALLY BAD
WEATHER. WHAT FOLLOWS ARE TWO “STORM STORIES” FROM THE FRONT LINES.
WEST VIRGINIA
If Bruce Thomas of Advantage Tank
Lines had sent a postcard from his
“stay” in West Virginia, it might have
said “Wishing I Was Not Here.” It’s no
joke – he spent two nights sleeping in
a guard shack at a strip mine, after 30
inches of snow put the locale into a
state of emergency.
Butch Vaughn, the Terminal Manager
in Kentucky, sent help via a fourwheel drive vehicle, but to no avail.
The state had the highway shut
down. Only emergency vehicles were
allowed on the road.
12 Spring/Summer 2010
Bruce was actually lucky to have his
“guard shack” accommodations. The
National Guard had to be called in to
rescue motorists who were stranded
on the interstate.
down was there was no one to clear
the roads. Because of massive
amounts of snow in northern
Richmond and DC, all snow-removal
equipment in the area was sent north.
VIRGINIA
Brian Turner, Norfolk Terminal Manager
for Kenan Transport, is not familiar
with crippling winter storms –
hurricanes, yes, but snow storms,
no. This year, snow shut down his
operations for a day and a half.
“We were stuck,” says Brian. When a
disappointed customer called, Brian
e-mailed him images of the highway
exit ramps as proof of the reason for
the delayed shipment.
The snowfall came fast and furious,
but the real reason operations shut
• Kenan Advantage Group
DRIVER MAKES KLEMM
TANK LINES PROUD
When first on the scene of a horrible
traffic accident, Klemm Tank Lines
driver Paul Lechtenberg stopped his
truck and ran to assist.
A semi-truck was on the side of the
road, black smoke billowing out. Paul,
based in Dubuque, IA, was hauling
an empty gas tanker, so he knew he
posed no danger risk. He rushed
over to help the truck driver, who was
climbing out of the passenger side.
Flames were spreading quickly. The
driver attempted to put out the fire
with his extinguisher but it was not
enough.
about 10 degrees, and the driver had
no protection from the bitter cold.
Dazed and in disbelief about what
had just happened, the driver first
declined the offer of the coat. But
Paul insisted – he could tell the driver
was in a state of shock.
The cold weather did have a benefit:
the snow on the side of the highway
kept the semi from rolling over. With
the intensity of the fire, a rollover
would have likely pinned the driver in
the cab.
“I have never seen anything go up
that fast,” Paul recalls. “It was such a
helpless feeling.”
The accident was the result of a
pickup truck crossing the center line,
directly into the path of the semi. The
pickup-truck driver, who unfortunately
did not survive, had apparently fallen
asleep. The impact split the fuel tank
on the semi truck and spilled diesel
fuel all over the road.
The only assistance Paul could lend
was his heavy parka. It was only
After the ambulance arrived, the semitruck driver returned Paul’s coat. Paul
Paul and the other driver watched the
semi become engulfed in flames.
PAUL LECHTENBERG, DRIVER
AT KLEMM TANK LINES
gave him a Kenan Advantage Group/
Klemm Tank Lines jacket. Little did he
know he was also giving him a small
piece of information.
Weeks later, the semi driver contacted
Klemm Tank Lines to thank Paul for
his help. The driver, Dan Carl, wrote a
letter: “…I want to say ‘thank you’ to
one of your drivers… (who) stopped to
help and gave me a coat. Things were
happening so fast I did not get his
name and was wondering if you could
find out and let him know how much I
appreciated his act of kindness.”
“I didn’t do anything anyone else
would not have done,” says Paul. But
to this trucker, on that awful day, his
kindness meant the world.
KAG GOES HOLLYWOOD
It sounds like something out of
a science-fiction drama, and it
is: someone mistakenly believes
spaceships have landed in the desert.
What they are actually seeing is two
shiny tanker trucks.
This is the premise behind “The X in
the File,” an episode of the Fox TV
show “Bones.” The tanker trucks used
in this popular episode are from the
KAG West fleet.
Craig Moore, KAG West Southern
Division General Manager, arranged
for the trucks’ appearance after being
contacted by Dave West of 20th
Century Fox. West, who is in charge
of transportation for Fox, reviews
each episode and determines what
vehicles are needed for filming.
for still photos of the tankers to be
sent so Fox executives could see
what was available.
This particular episode required two
tanker trucks to be positioned in
such a way that they looked, from a
distance, like a spaceship pod.
Once the deal was arranged, KAG
drivers took the tankers to the
location, north of Los Angeles.
This is not the first time KAG has been
contacted to provide vehicles for such
use. Moore notes that a KAG truck
appeared in the 1987 movie “Throw
Momma from the Train.”
“There is a ranch in the foothills that
the studio owns, where they do a
lot of off-site filming,” says Moore.
“They made it look like desert, but it’s
actually located in a rather hilly area.”
The episode ran January 14, 2010.
“This request was a little unusual
because they wanted two units rather
than one,” says Moore, who arranged
Highway Connections • Spring/Summer 2010
13
WHEN DRIVERS
ASSIST, KAG SCORES
In basketball, assists are crucial to
the outcome of the game. At KAGW,
driver assistance makes all the
difference in whether we win with our
customers.
business. This is a perfect example of
a concerned driver helping improve the
security of his fellow drivers by looking
for additional business that in turn
means job security for all of us.”
Drivers may be aware of information
that could spur a sale. Dan Lambert,
a driver out of Fresno, Calif., acted
upon what he heard, passing along
some good sales leads for KAG West.
This “assist” was greatly appreciated
by Doug Allen, vice president and
general manager of KAG West.
Successful companies need everyone
to keep their eyes and ears open
for opportunities. “Leave no stone
unturned” was the request made to
KAG West drivers. Fresno Terminal
Manger Gary Alexander says, “We
want drivers to look for business.” Dan,
described as a “go-getter,” did as he
was asked.
“Dan let me know about business he
heard was possibly looking for a new
carrier and a great propane lead that
could turn into a huge opportunity,”
says Doug. “We are pursuing those
leads, which could turn into additional
“Dan is a team player. He saw the
opportunity, looked into it and passed
on the information,” says Gary. “Now
it’s our turn, the ball is in our court, and
we have to score.”
STEVE KENNEDY, DRIVER
AT KLEMM TANK LINES
EXPERT DRIVING
AVERTS A TRAGEDY
TRAGE
Steve Kennedy, an Illinois-based driver
for Klemm Tank Lines, received high
praise from the family of a girl who was
injured when her vehicle crossed into
the path of his truck. Steve’s expert
handling of his truck prevented a
tragedy. In a letter to Steve, the father
of the girl expressed his thankfulness.
Here is an excerpt.
“Your supervisor called my office
today asking about the condition of
14 Spring/Summer 2010
my daughter. He said you had asked
several times about her condition.
She is progressing well and we have
hopes of her being released home
this weekend. …we are so thankful
for your alertness and skillful driving
ability that averted a major disaster.
We have listened to many eyewitness
testimonies expressing amazement
of how you were able to keep your
rig under control. In this day and age
we have very few heroes, but you, sir,
• Kenan Advantage Group
are our hero. Your modest comments
in the paper, your witness to your
faith in God … and your concern and
compassion about (our daughter’s)
condition speak volumes about your
character.”
Incidences like this remind us that safety
is paramount. Steve’s uncompromising
commitment to safety and his integrity
truly represent KAG’s values.
DOWNEY CHAIRS
HOMELAND SECURITY
POLICY COMMITTEE
FOR ATA
DOING OUR PART TO
ELIMINATE ROLLOVERS
Reducing crashes, specifically rollover
accidents, remains a focus for the
tank-truck industry and its regulatory
agencies. At KAG, one of our highest
priorities is protecting both our valued
drivers and the public.
Bill Downey, Executive Vice President
of Corporate Affairs for KAG, has been
named Chair of the Homeland Security
Policy Committee for the American
Trucking Associations (ATA). The
Committee, comprised of executives
of member companies, meets several
times a year to discuss policy and
legislative matters impacting the
transportation industry.
“Because of KAG’s size and breadth
of operations, federal and state
officials are interested in discussing
security issues with us,” says Bill. “The
Committee creates an excellent forum
for us to provide industry perspective
to the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) and other
federal agencies.”
As part of the appointment, Bill also
was placed on ATA’s Board of Directors.
Bill continues to represent KAG very
well both in our nation’s capital and in
influential industry associations.
Through KAG’s focus on continuous
safety improvement, we have realized
an 80% reduction of rollover accidents
since 2004. We firmly believe we can
eliminate rollover accidents.
Our participation in industry prevention
initiatives parallels this goal. A rolloverprevention video, featuring KAG drivers
and equipment, is soon to be released.
Developed by The Federal Motor
Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA)
and the Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration
(PHMSA), the video will be distributed
nationwide as a training tool for carriers
and drivers and streamed on the
FMCSA Web site.
KAG also participated in several
“Rollover Summits,” sponsored by
National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC)
and FMCSA. The summits shared
findings from the 2007 Cargo Tank
Roll Stability Study, developed by the
FMCSA and Battelle, which evaluated
such things as equipment specification,
roll-stability technology and roadway
design and hazards. As part of the
study, Battelle representatives attended
KAG driver-orientation and training
sessions.
The studies showed the ultimate key
to reducing crashes lies with the driver.
Professional drivers must compensate
daily for a variety of factors - driving a
vehicle with a higher center of gravity,
congested or narrow roadways, and
distracted and unsafe drivers. Sudden
maneuvers involving a tank truck
can be disastrous. Nationwide, more
than 12,000 rollovers occur each year
involving commercial vehicles.
Use your Smith-System keys to
create a cushion for safety. Eliminate
distractions, compensate for the errors
of others, and travel at the safe speed.
For ramps, curves or intersections in
particular, the posted speed may not
be the safe speed. Also take speed
adaptation into consideration; the
speedometer will reflect true speed
reduction.
We believe KAG has the best driver
team in the industry. FMCSA recently
recognized KAG as a partner focused
on highway safety. As we work to
eliminate rollover accidents and
promote safe-driving techniques,
we continuously strive toward our
safety goals. Together, we will lead
the industry.
TOM BAUGHMAN’S
TRAINS ARE A
WORK OF ART
The Repository (Canton, Ohio) ran a feature
article on Tom Baughman Sr. and his gift for
designing and engineering model railroads. Tom,
a Regional Maintenance Supervisor for North
Canton Transfer and Advantage Tank Lines,
has built two scale-model railroads in his home.
He finds model railroading to be a great stress
reliever. Using his imagination and artistic talents,
he customizes most of his railroad features so the
end result is a one-of-a-kind model.
To read the article, go to http://www.cantonrep.com/news/
x1409370166/Plain-Township-man-is-a-master-at-model-railroads.
Highway Connections • Spring/Summer 2010
15
Presorted
standard
U.s. Postage
PAID
Canton, oH
Permit no. 149
4366 Mt. Pleasant St., NW
•
North Canton, Ohio 44720
Advantage Tank Lines
BXI, Inc.
KAG Ethanol Logistics
KAG Logistics
KAG Tank Services
KAG West
Kenan Transport
Klemm Tank Lines
North Canton Transfer
Petro Chemical Transport
Transport Service Co.
DON’T LEAD THIEVES TO YOUR HOME
GPS DEVICES ARE INCREASINGLY POPULAR. WHILE THEY CAN BE A USEFUL TOOL, THERE ARE SAFETY
CONSIDERATIONS. PROGRAMMING YOUR HOME ADDRESS IN THE GPS MAKES YOU AN EASY TARGET FOR
WOULD-BE THIEVES. IF THEY BREAK INTO YOUR CAR, THEY HAVE YOUR HOME ADDRESS – AND EVEN
DIRECTIONS TO GET THERE.
An e-mail currently making its way around warns about this threat. The e-mail claims that thieves break into cars, take the GPS and
garage door openers and then ransack the house, knowing the owners are elsewhere. This type of crime has happened. Some
Web sites offering home-security tips caution that thieves target expensive vehicles in order to glean the GPS info, assuming it will
lead them to other expensive items at the home.
It is simply good common sense not to have your home address on your GPS. To be on the safe side, program a location near
your home as your home address – perhaps a store or gas station. Don’t make yourself an easy target for thieves.
16 Spring/Summer 2010
• Kenan Advantage Group