FirstFleet, Inc.

Staying Heart Healthy

Debra Darnall — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Check out the helpful hints on maintaining a healthy heart, keeping tabs on your credit , protecting against identity theft, and creative yet inexpensive ways to reconnect with your mate in the February issue of "Everyday" provided by FirstFleet's EAP (employee assistance program) provider Health Management Systems of America.

To view this issue of Everyday click this link.

QuitNet

Debra Darnall — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT

January is behind us and February is upon us….keep pushing forward with your New Year’s resolutions to pursue a healthier lifestyle including kicking the habit for good! Check out the Quitnet smoking cessation program FirstFleet provides to all employees and their covered dependents who are enrolled in the company sponsored medical plans through BlueCross/BlueShield.

Here’s to a healthier you!!

For more information click this link for details of how to get started.

CSA & DOT Update

Jim Skaare — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:17:00 GMT

As professionals in the transportation industry it is important that we stay informed of the changes and discussions that our facing our industry today. I would like to share with you a few updates with regards to current topics of discussion from the perspective of the DOT and FMCSA.

In 2011 the DOT issued over 1400 citations to commercial drivers for texting.
CDL suspensions for things other than traffic violations, such as failure to pay child support, will not count against a CSA record.
Off-site reviews by the DOT will begin in 2012 - This means a company or driver will be required to send in information for review, rather than the dot coming to a carrier's business location.
Five violations made up 51% of all driver violations from DOT inspections. Those five were as follows:
- Logs with improper form and manner of completion
- Log book not current
- Expired or no medical card
- non-English speaking driver
- Over 14 hours of service

Remember to stay informed of changing legislation and if you have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to reach out to your local Fleet Manager or to our Safety Team at any time.

Two Million Miles - Laverne Strange

Jim Skaare — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:46:00 GMT

Mr. Laverne Strange of Ft. Wayne, IN was recently recognized by his employer FirstFleet, Inc, for Two Million Safe Miles driven. Mr. Strange drives for FirstFleet out of our Bluffton, IN facility.

Mr. Strange has been with FirstFleet since 1989 and says that keeping a safe distance around him, watching out for the other drivers and expecting the unexpected are keys to his safe driving success.

Perry Glancy, Laverne’s Fleet Manager at FirstFleet says that Laverne is always at work, has good relationships with fellow drivers and management and is obviously a safe driver.

FirstFleet is proud of Laverne Strange - the company’s 37th Two Million Mile Safe driver.

Central Ohio Truck Driving Jobs!

Mike Francis — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:45:00 GMT

Delaware, OH - Open House 1/29/2012 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
The Delaware, OH facility of FirstFleet, Inc. has the need to add a few more drivers to better meet the needs of our dedicated partner. Delaware is located about 20 minutes north of Columbus in central Ohio. If you or any professional driver you know lives in or around this area please help us spread the word of this opportunity to join a growing company servicing a dedicated partner.

All qualifying candidates who submit an application at our open house event will be presented with a $25 Kroger gift card as a token of our appreciation for your time. All drivers hired now through February 15th, 2012 will be entered into a drawing for a 42" television.

Any new full time driver hired by 2/15/2012 will be eligible for a $1000 sign on bonus! Current drivers who make referrals that are hired as full time drivers will also be awarded a $1000 referral bonus for drivers hired by 2/15/2012.

Help us spread the word about this event, and be sure to "Like" this post on Facebook!

Location Compensation Highlights

Up to $55,000 in your first year
$1000 sign on bonus (full time hired by 2/15/12)
Potential to make over $.40/mile to start
Home daily
Dedicated customer
Full benefits package available
Paid vacation after 1 year service
Furnished uniforms
All late model Volvo equipment

Qualifications:

Clean driving record
Two years tractor/trailer experience
No Felonies / DUI in the previous ten years

Event Details:
Hampton Inn
7329 SR 36 & 37
Exit 131 off of I-71
Sunbury, OH

Sunday 1/29/2012 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
ph: 800-628-8127
CLICK TO MAP IT

W-2 Taxable Information

Dan Lamont — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT

With the closing of one year and the beginning of another it is time once again for W-2 documents to be mailed to our employees and for the tax season to begin. On Janurary 14, 2012 W-2 documents were mailed to FirstFleet, Inc. employees using the address that we had on file as of December, 30, 2011.

Every year there are questions, comments and concerns about the values represented on the documents. The taxable amounts shown on the W-2 often does not match up with any amount shown on the final paystub for the calendar year. To help explain the formula that is used to calculate these values we have prepared the document below.

If you have questions, comments or concerns please feel free to reach out to us using this quick and easy online form.

View PDF W-2 Explanation Document

Medical Card Information

Jim Skaare — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Beginning January 30, 2012 all commercial drivers, will be required to provide copies of their current medical certificate (if issued after January 30, 2012) to their respective state drivers licensing agency when renewing their license.

Individual states will then have two years to incorporate medical certificate information into their state commercial driver's license system. You will get more information on this requirement from your home state very soon, if you haven't already. This policy change is an enactment of the federal program to combine CDL and medical information into the commercial driver's license information system, referred to as (CDLIS).

Stay tuned for more information from your local authorities, and let us know if you have any questions or have any concerns.

Bluffton Open House

Mike Francis — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Bluffton, IN - Open House 1/22/2012 2:00 - 6:00 pm
We are looking to hire drivers for our Bluffton, IN facility (30 mins south of Fort Wayne, IN), and to support that goal we are conducting an open house at the dispatch terminal. Our hope is that this open house will give you an opportunity to get acquainted with what we do, and hopefully bring in some new hires!

All qualifying applicants and current employees who bring a qualified applicant to the open house will be presented with a $25 gift card as a token of our appreciation. As a grand prize we will be giving away a 42" television to one lucky attendee.

Help us spread the word about this event, and be sure to "Like" this post on Facebook!

Location Compensation Highlights

Up to $65,000+/Year
Home every 10-30 hours
Dedicated customer
Full benefits package available
Paid vacation after 1 year service
Furnished uniforms
All late model Volvo equipment

Event Details:
FirstFleet, Inc - Terminal Dispatch Office Open House
594 S. Decker Dr.
Bluffton, IN 46714
Saturday 1/22/2012 2:00 - 6:00 pm
ph: 800-637-5674
CLICK TO MAP IT

Frozen Brakes

Allen Caldwell — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT

What Freezes? The brake lining freezes to the brake drum.

Why? If you set your brakes when they're wet, and it is cold (enough) outside, they may freeze.

How do you "unfreeze" them? If you do have frozen brakes, you will have to break them loose. Most often it is the trailer brakes that freeze not the tractor. First try backing up - quite often they'll break free on their own.

If the brakes on the tractor are frozen, lock in the power divider and release the brakes. GENTLY try to back up, usually they will pop loose and release. DO NOT FORCEFULLY TRY TO MOVE THE UNIT OR DRAG THE TIRES, use a gentle rocking motion as you would if you were stuck. If the rocking motion does not work for you on the tractor then it is advised that you call for service and get help to assist you. On the tractor there would really be no safe way for you as a driver to release the brakes without assistance. Again in the case any of the above ideas fail call our 24x7 Portland, TN facility or your terminal to have assistance dispatched to you.

If the frozen brake is on the trailer, again GENTLY try to back up, usually they will pop loose and release. DO NOT FORCEFULLY TRY TO MOVE THE UNIT OR DRAG THE TIRES, use a gentle rocking motion as you would if you were stuck. If the trailer brakes do not release, set the tractor and trailer brakes, chock the wheels and release the TRAILER brakes only. Assuming you have identified the wheel that was frozen, gently hit the brake lining using a sideways motion - it should break free. You may also need to tap the slack adjuster and the drum if necessary. Although it would be best to have help in this situation, sometimes you may find yourself in a spot where there Is no other alternative. Again in the case any of the above ideas fail call our 24x7 Portland, TN facility or your terminal to have assistance dispatched to you.

How do you prevent it from happening? When pulling into the truck stop after you've been driving on snowy and/or slushy roads, drive around just a bit with your foot over the brake slightly. This can help dry them out.

In the winter especially, get into the habit that every time you leave a place, you look to see that all wheels are rolling. You could have one locked up and if you don't look, you may not know.

Stopping Distance

Jim Skaare — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT

STOPPING DISTANCE – Are you feeling some anxiety about getting that load delivered or getting back home for some rest? Don’t let that feeling keep you from maintaining a 6-7 second following distance from the vehicle in front of you. At 30 mph, a commercial vehicle needs 148 feet to stop safely. Avoid that rear-end accident by not following too close!

A printer friendly version of this information can be found here.

New Location - Elkton, VA

JOHN HELLIGE — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:00:00 GMT

FirstFleet, Inc. is opening a new terminal in Elkton, VA. Our excellent service record and relationship with a beverage producer has now led us to a new terminal with 25 dedicated trucks.

We are pleased to announce that Jeff Nester will be the Fleet Manager for Elkton, VA. Jeff returns to FirstFleet after having previously worked with us in Morristown, TN. Also, we are pleased to announce that Carol Steele is our new Transportation Supervisor for Elkton, VA. Carol comes to work at FirstFleet, Inc. after having previously worked in Transportation at the Target Distribution Center in Stuarts Draft, VA and in Transportation at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Mount Crawford, VA.

Jeff and Carol began operations January 2, 2012 and began coordiating our new routes January 9, 2012. Please welcome Jeff and Carol to the FirstFleet, Inc. team!

Drivers Needed - Saint Louis

Mike Francis — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Attention FirstFleet drivers! We are increasing our Referral Bonus for new drivers hired at our St. Louis, MO terminal - through Janurary 31, 2012. We will pay existing FirstFleet drivers $1000 for every qualifying full time driver that is referred and hired at this facility. The referring driver bonus will be paid after the newly hired full time driver has been employed for 90 days.

You know... truck drivers don’t usually have a problem talking, so get out there and talk it up about the new St. Louis Referral Bonus!

For more details feel free to reach out to us at any time.
Thanks for your help!!

Share the Apply Now link with everyone you can.

Preventing Cargo Theft

John Cole — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Cargo theft is a serious problem for our industry. In this time of new technology, people can interact online with hundreds or even thousands of people with nothing more than a smart phone and internet access. With that being said, we must watch what we say or post while surfing various social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, and other blogs.

You can protect your freight, yourself, and other FirstFleet drivers through proper planning and by following some simple guidelines.

Always lock tractor doors.
Keep tractor windows rolled up until you are on the open road.
Don’t talk about your load on the CB - cargo thieves listen.
Don’t post pictures or descriptions about the load you are hauling on the internet.
Don’t post any information about your company, your regular routes, or pictures of your truck.
When stopped to load, don’t post any information of what you are picking up, your location, or where your load is to be delivered.
When possible, go directly to your delivery point without stopping.
Park in crowds and only at reputable truck stops.
Don’t stop on dark freeways or in deserted areas.
Avoid taking your load home.
Be especially alert after picking up a load. Most hijacking occurs within a few miles of the pickup point. On and off-ramps are particularly dangerous

For your convenience a printable version of these points can be found here.

Shop Safety - Bay Doors

Allen Caldwell — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

It's winter time again and shop doors everywhere are closed to keep the heat in. With this in mind please be mindful to ensure the bay doors are raised completely anytime you exit or enter a repair bay. Each year we have at least one incident where a vehicle makes contact with a shop door, and this leads to very costly and easily preventable damage.

A few easy tips to avoid a costly and dangerous incident:

Always alert someone that you are about to enter the building.
Make visual and verbal contact with a shop employee to make sure the door is completely raised.
Verify yourself that the door is open fully and has stopped moving.
Do not proceed through a partially opened door, and do not assume someone is watching you. Get out and look if you are unsure.
Make sure your equipment is free and clear of the door before it is closed.
Be alert and watchful as you enter and exit the building.
Sound your horn as you enter and exit the building to alert others that you are in motion.

Safety is a team effort that requires the cooperation and contributions of everyone involved. Please help us avoid these incidents by following the above tips, and if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us at any time.

Avoiding Backing Accidents

Jim Skaare — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:07:00 GMT

Did you know 3 out of every 5 accidents in the trucking industry are backing related? It's true, seeing what's behind you with a 53 ' trailer is very difficult, but these accidents are almost always judged as preventable - why is this? - because they can be avoided if we practice the following safe methods when backing.

When approaching an area where a backing maneuver is required, survey the area you are about to back into. Look for obstructions in your way, such as wheel chocks, loading stands, dock plate handles left sticking out, dumpsters, cars, etc. that may be in your path.

Try to back to the driver's side, the side you have the best vision on, use both mirrors when backing, don't stay camped in the left mirror, move your eyes, the situation may change in seconds behind you.

Above all get out and look, before backing - and if necessary during the back - to ensure a safe backing maneuver. Remember that an accident when backing can happen in a split second, so take your time, get out and look, and make your backing maneuver safe.

Annual Violation and Review

Jim Skaare — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:34:00 GMT

The federal motor carrier regulation, section 391.27, requires all commercial drivers to complete an annual violation and review record. The driver is to disclose all moving violations for the past 12 months or note none if there were none, sign, date and return to their employer when requested. All moving violation are to be disclosed whether in commercial vehicle or personal vehicle.

Attached below you will find the FirstFleet Violation and Review form. Every FirstFleet employee that is a CDL holder is required to complete this form and return it to their local Fleet Manager for review and filing. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to your Fleet Manager for clarification.

Thank you for your time and assistance with this form.
View Attached Document

QuitNet Program

Debra Darnall — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:00:00 GMT

There are plenty of reasons to quit tobacco. Maybe you want to reduce your risk of illness down the road, save money, feel better, or lessen the impact of second-hand smoke on loved ones. When you quit tobacco, you actively take back your life. You no longer have to plan your day, and life, around nicotine.

Anyone who has ever tried to kick the tobacco habit knows it's not easy. Quitting is a unique process for each person. There is no "best" way to quit. There is only what is best for YOU. That's why FirstFleet QuitNet Comprehensive meets you where you are in the quit process. Whether you are just thinking about quitting or have tried to quit in the past, this program can guide you where you want to go.

For more information on this program available to FirstFleet employees who participate in our health insurance program follow this link.

Cell Phone Legislation

Jim Skaare — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:20:00 GMT

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently passed a law that bans the use of cell phones by commercial drivers without a hands free phone device. This law goes into effect December 30, 2011. The penalty for violating this federal law is $2750 per occurrence.

In addition to the hefty fines that are associated with this infraction it has been proven to be a very unsafe practice. In effort to sponsor safety it is the company policy of FirstFleet to require the use of a hands free device while operating a company owned vehicle. Please help us make the roads a safer place to be while avoiding costly penalties by honoring this company and federal policy. If you do not have the capacity to use a headset device and have need to use the phone while in transit we request that you pull off at an exit and find a safe location to use your phone while not in motion.

For more information on this FMCSA ruling please see this press release.

Holiday Greetings

DANIEL PIPER — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 02:00:00 GMT

FirstFleet would like to take this time to wish everyone and their family a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season. We at FirstFleet express our thanks and gratitude for everyone’s hard work this past year. May everyone have a healthy and Happy New Year.

Authorized Truck Stop Information

AUSTIN HENDERSON — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:00:00 GMT

I recently had the opportunity to interact with a few drivers regarding the services we have accessible at www.firstfleetinc.com. One topic of discussion that came up a few times detailed how we might make our authorized fuel stop information more accessible and usable to our driver community.

For those of you that are familiar with the authorized fuel stop list - you most likely acquired the information from your local dispatch - and have probably noticed that it lacked exit / intersection information. I am happy to say that I believe we are one step closer to making this information easier to use and more accessible. A new Employee Resources tool has been provisioned titled Fuel Network Truck Stops.

This brief video details how you can quickly gain access to valuable information with regard to the location of our nationwide authorized fuel stops. For those of you that are reading this as an email click the title above or visit our blog to learn more and to watch the video.

Referral Bonus Increase - Elkton, VA

Mike Francis — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:00:00 GMT

We need your help!
We have good news and great news to share. The good news is we have been awarded new business with a Dedicated Customer in Elkton, VA. The great news is that FirstFleet will now be hiring 25 drivers in Elkton and the surrounding area to satisfy our need. Elkton is located in Northern, VA - about 20 miles east of Harrisonburg.

If you know of any qualified drivers, that you would recommend, please refer them to FirstFleet’s website (www.firstfleetinc.com), and ask them fill out our online application using your name as the referral source so that you can qualify for the $1000 Referral Bonus that we have increased for this recruiting effort in Elkton, VA only.

This increased Referral Bonus is effective immediately for new full-time hires between now and December 31, 2011 for the Elkton, VA facility. Help pay off those Holiday bills by getting your Referrals into FirstFleet ASAP!!

At this time the referral bonus offer is extended only to FirstFleet part and full-time employees in driver and mechanic positions. If you have specific questions about how our referral bonus program works please contact your local Fleet Manager.

Thank you!

FirstFocus - 2011 Third Edition

Debra Darnall — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

FirstFocus is the quarterly newletter publication of FirstFleet, Inc. We use this newsletter to keep our employees updated with happenings, celebrations and information from around the FirstFleet family of facilities.

This newsletter installment brings us the celebration of our first 3-Million Mile safe driver Dave Hall, 2-Million Mile driver Orville Wood, and a host of others that have joined the million and half million mile clubs!

Check out the newletter here and celebrate the accomplishments, weddings, new births and other events of note from your extended FirstFleet family around the country.

Download Newsletter

New Video - Load Securement

Jim Skaare — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMT

We have recently made some additions to our online video library by posting a few targeted safety training videos that are quick and to the point. If you haven't checked them out I would like to encourage you to have a look at the material and give us your feedback. The secured video library is located here for FirstFleet employees (login required), but this material has also been made available to the general public on our YouTube channel.

Video Topic - Load Securement
Load Securement is a very important aspect of safe driving. No one likes to get to their delivery point and open the door to find product has fallen. This causes delays in making the delivery and causes damage to the customer’s product.

If you go thru a DOT inspection and your load is checked and they find it in disarray, you will be written up for load securement issues. Most points in CSA for load securement issues carry a 10 point assessment. That’s 30 points for the first year!

This brief video gives pointers on how to properly secure your load in vans with straps. The video also gives tips on how to properly secure your load without being injured.

Stale Green Light

Jim Skaare — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Stale Green Light : A term referring to intersection safety.

A stale green light is a traffic light that is green when you first see it, thus you do not know how long it has been green - so we have to assume it will change at any moment .

When you encounter a stale green light be prepared to stop, the light may change and you will need to stop in a safe, controled manner. Running a red light is an extremely dangerous decision.

Safe, profession, drivers are always on the lookout of stale green lights and make the necessary adjustment to stop safely.

Verizon Discount Program

David Sivils — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce that we have negotiated a higher discount with our cellular vendor Verizon Wireless. The discount is now 19%. This discount applies to equipment purchases AND monthly plans.

All employees of FirstFleet, Inc. are elligible to enroll in the process. If you wish to begin the process of getting the discount applied please log into our website www.firstfleetinc.com. Once you are logged in navigate to myPortal -> Employee Resources and look for the Employee Discount Programs. Follow the instructions under the entry for Verizon Wireless to start saving on your personal mobile phone bill today.