Mar/Apr 2019
BIG G’S 10-YEAR ESOP ANNIVERSARY
story of a beneficiary who received her spouse’s ESOP distribution in a lump sum at the end of 2018.
Big G Express is celebrating its tenth year of being 100 percent employee owned in 2019 and will be celebrating 25 years in business in 2020. These milestones are a testament to the stability and success of our growing company! We will celebrate our 10-Year Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Anniversary and announce the 2018 stock price at our Annual ESOP Meeting this summer in combination with our family event at the Nashville Zoo on July 13. Our stock price started at $5.88 a share in 2009 and was up to $44.76 at the end of 2017. We are excited to see the 2018 results and, more importantly, the employee shareholder ESOP balances!
We lost Steve Booker, a dear friend and dedicated driver for Big G, in November of 2017. Mr. Booker’s wife and beneficiary, Paula, received his ESOP distribution at the end of 2018 (in a lump sum). She called in with tears of joy and relief when she received the distribution form and realized she would be getting over $68,000. After years of treatments, lost time at work, and medical bills piling high, Paula struggled to stay ahead with one income this past year. The ESOP distribution allowed her to pay the four mortgage payments she was behind on and replace her damaged roof with a metal one. We introduced her to our financial advisor, Melissa Chipman, who helped Paula set up an IRA account for her future retirement. Ms. Paula now has money in savings for emergencies and is taking a cruise this spring with her daughter and a friend. Paula and Steve would have celebrated their 30-year wedding anniversary last year and had planned to take a cruise together. He made her promise she would do something for herself with the ESOP money after she took care of necessities and put money aside for her retirement. Paula says the ESOP was a true blessing and believes that God used the ESOP to bless her and her family. She is thankful for the lessons she has learned in this process and happy to share their experience with others to help them prepare for their future and retirement. The ESOP provides an opportunity for Big G Employees to save for their retirement without any money out of their pocket (or paycheck). Employees earn shares each year based on their compensation and years of service. We look forward to the future of our ESOP and seeing the difference it makes in the lives of our dedicated employees and their families!
Distributions paid to employees who have retired or separated from Big G through December 31, 2017 are over $3.5 Million combined!
ESOP distributions have grown over the years as employees have stayed with the plan longer and our stock prices have increased. We’ve had some significant ESOP balances being distributed at retirements – some over $100,000. We have shared a few stories of retired drivers who received their ESOP distributions, and we would like to share a
STEVE AND PAULA BOOKER
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BIGGEST LOSER CONTEST RESULTS
RUSSELLVILLE UPGRADES CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR NEW AMENITIES
1ST WEIGH-IN WINNERS
FEMALES: 1ST: CHRISTINE WETHERINGTON 2ND: JAMIE PIERCE MALES: 1ST: CHESTER “BUDDY” VANMETER 2ND: ANTHONY TESTER
OUR 2ND WEIGH-IN WINNERS ARE:
MALES: 1ST: CARLTON MERCER - 6.32% 2ND: ANTHONY TESTER - 4.90%
WHAT A MESS! If you have been through our East Tennessee location in the past few weeks, you may have seen the mess we have with construction. We have been listening to your complaints and are investing in upgrades for the driver amenities at Russellville. When completed, you will have a new driver’s room with comfortable seating, a large screen TV, driver work stations, and a new, larger shower along with an extra restroom. We are also installing WASHERS and DRYERS! Yes, you read that correctly! We will have two washer and dryer stacks installed for drivers to use when taking a break. We hope to be finished with construction by April 1, so keep an eye out. We will send a message when it is done. This is just another investment in Big G Express and IKE drivers!
FEMALES: 1ST: ERIN BRITSON - 4.41% 2ND: ANITA REED - 4.36%
OVERALL WINNERS FOR THE 8-WEEK CONTEST:
MALES: 1ST: CARLTON MERCER - 11.89% 2ND: ANTHONY TESTER - 10.85%
FEMALES: 1ST: CHRISTINE WETHERINGTON - 9.82% 2ND: ERIN BRITSON - 9.51%
SHOP TIPPS
time and increases drive time. Soon, iService will support scheduling and managing of PMs and scheduled maintenance, along with many other features.
A NEW TOOL FOR FASTER SERVICE
If you are interested in participating in application testing, text 1, 2, or 3 to 872-219-0120.
Help Us Help You With Breakdown and Maintenance
1. if you use an Android
3. if you use a flip phone or other device
WOW! The Cummins/Big G software testing partnership is off to a great start! To date, we have 140 drivers who have registered and downloaded the application for use. At this time, the application is available for Android phones only, but the iPhone version should be available in early March. Cummins will send iPhone users a text with registration information once it is available.
2. if you use an iPhone
Cummins representatives will be available weekly at 8:40 a.m. through April. There is no set day, but you can stop in to sign up, ask questions, or share feedback. Your Maintenance and Safety Departments or Driver Managers know how to connect with the Cummins team if you have questions.
HEAR WHAT OUR DRIVERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT CMISERVICE: “I’ve been a driver for 14 years and don’t like change. But this was good and easy. This is a change I can get used to.” “This is something I would use again. It seemed much quicker to get ahold of Eugene and get the ball rolling.”
Drivers who have used the application report that it is simple to use and faster to communicate with the breakdown department. Drivers are strongly encouraged to use the application to report ALL breakdown and maintenance issues. iService is designed to improve the stressful and time-consuming breakdown experience for drivers, breakdown departments, and service locations. Using iService allows drivers to quickly and accurately report a breakdown to Eugene. iService allows the user to report any issue that downs your truck — everything from the most catastrophic engine failures to flat tires. Using iService decreases wait
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UPCOMING EVENTS
TENNESSEE TRUCKING ASSOCIATION TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS Date: Saturday, April 27, 7:30 a.m. Location: Fed-ex Freight 3960 Logistics Way, Antioch, TN 37013 Come support Big G and IKE drivers as they compete in the Truck Driving Championships. Big G will have a tent and serve lunch. TTA will feature activities for the whole family as well! ANNUAL ESOP MEETING AND FAMILY EVENT Date: Saturday, July 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gates open at 9 a.m. Location: The Nashville Zoo Join us in celebrating Big G’s tenth year as an employee owned company. You and your family are invited to attend the Annual ESOP Meeting and Lunch. The Zoo will be open for attendees all day. The lunch and meeting will go from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ST JUDE BENEFIT MOTORCYCLE RIDE Date: Saturday, May 11
PERFECT INSPECTIONS FOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY
PAUL SCHWARTZ BRIAN CHILDERS ROBERT WILSON ALFRED WALKER THOMAS WELKER BOBBY BOURNE STEVEN HARTKE FITCHGERALD WYNN JAMES SWEAT MICHAEL COOPER BRIAN RINGLE
DENNIS ROGERS DAVID KINSLER WILLIAM NOBLE JEREMY SOUZA GREGORY OBRIEN DIXIE NEWBREY ANTHONY ADKINS JAMES FOSTER JR ROY LONDON CHARLES MORGAN RANDALL CLOVER
ROBERT YOUNG DAVID THOMPSON DONALD HAYES BOBBY WILSON WILLIAM HOUSE MAMADOU DIOP ROBERT NEWKIRK RUSTY WHITE DAVID KINSLER JAMES SCHOENFELD
EAST TN FAMILY EVENT AT THE SMOKIES BASEBALL GAME Date: Saturday, Aug. 17 MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER WALK Date: Saturday, Nov. 2
NEW REFERRAL BONUS ANNOUNCED FOR FEBURARY, MARCH, AND APRIL! For every driver you refer and we HIRE, you will receive a total of $2,500 (as long as they are actively working). $500 after 30 days, $500 after 60 days, $500 after 90 days, and another $750 after six months! You are the best advertising source, and we want to reward you! Call recruiting for your FREE driver referral cards at 931-680-3210. $250 the week your referral is dispatched
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Tennessee Trucking Association Road Team Captain - Eddie Lindsey
America’s Road Team Captain - Tim Chelette
2 Million Safe Miles Award - Stephen Richardson
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Help fight childhood cancer!!!!!
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is one of the world’s premier pediatric cancer research centers. Its mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. The majority of St. Jude’s funding comes from individual contributions. No child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay and families never receive a bill from St. Jude.
BIG G EXPRESS CHARITY MOTORCYCLE RIDE BENEFITING ST. JUDE Saturday, May 11, 2019 R E G I S T R AT I O N 8 - 8 : 4 5 AM C S T ( d o u g h n u t s & c o f f e e ) K I C K S TA N D S U P 9 AM $20/BI KE If it rains, we will reschedule for a later date TBA. The ride will start and end at BIG G EXPRESS 840 YARD 193 Aldi Blvd., Mt. Juliet, TN – off Couchville Pike and 840. Riding to JIM OLIVER’S SMOKE HOUSE RESTAURANT 850 W. Main Street, Monteagle, TN for LUNCH (not provided) DOOR PRIZES • AUCTION
St. Jude patient Londyn Perry
BIG G EXPRESS IS A 100% EMPLOYEE-OWNED TRUCKING COMPANY. OUR EMPLOYEE OWNERS ARE GIVING BACK TO A GREAT CAUSE. SINCE 2015, PROCEEDS FROM THIS MOTORCYCLE RIDE HAVE RAISED $16,000 AND COUNTING FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL. HELP US PUSH THAT NUMBER EVEN HIGHER!
For more info, contact: Tim Chelette • 615.308.7502 • timchelette@yahoo.com Jodi Lamb • 800.684.9140, ext. 3243 • jodilamb@biggexpress.com
www.biggexpress.com
ONLINE ENROLLMENT FOR BIG G EXPRESS 401(K) PLAN We want to encourage you to sign up for the 401(k) plan if you haven’t already! You are eligible to enroll on the first of the month following your first 90 days of employment. It’s easy to enroll in the plan and manage your account online. ENROLL To access your account online for the first time: • Visit EmpowerMyRetirement.com and select the REGISTER button. • Select the “I have a Plan Enrollment Code” option and follow the prompts using the information provided below. • The website will guide you through the enrollment process. FUTURE LOGINS For future visits to the website, enter your username and password and select “SIGN IN.” For enhanced security, you
will be asked to confirm your identity using a verification code, which will be sent to you. You may skip the verification code process in the future by checking the “Remember this device,” box. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, CONTACT US AT 1-800-338-4015. PLEASE BE SURE TO MENTION YOU HAVE A PLAN ENROLLMENT CODE. Group ID/Plan Number: 915532-01 Plan Enrollment Code: WWADSQJ4 Plan Enrollment Code expires: JUNE 1, 2019 IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONTACT KRISTY BYFORD AT 931-680-3163.
MOBILE SCANNING AVAILABLE ON TRANSFLO MOBILE + APP!
With TRANSFLO Mobile+, drivers have the ability to capture and send paperwork to Big G faster and more efficiently than ever before! The TRANSFLO App is FREE and easy to use. Download it today. The app does not work on Blackberry or Windows phones. Once the app is downloaded to your device, you will need to register the Transflo MOBILE+ app. RECIPIENT ID (FLEET ID) IS BGXP DRIVER ID IS YOUR DRIVER CODE ***BEFORE YOU GET STARTED: UNINSTALL THE APP IF YOU ALREADY HAVE IT DOWNLOADED AND REREGISTER WITH BIG G COMPANY ID AND YOUR DRIVER ID*** The Transflo Mobile App is available for SCANNING ONLY at this time. You may still choose to use your In-cab Scanner!
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DRIVERS MONTH of the JANUARY
MIKE MCCAULEY Mike has been part of the Big G family since May, 2016, and a professional driver for over 15 years. When asked what makes Big G stand out from other carriers, Mike says,
“Big G actually recognizes their drivers. A lot of carriers don’t know you by name or recognize you for good things.” Mike’s advice for new drivers is to “take your time, watch everything, pay attention, and don’t get distracted on cell phones.” Mike lives in Damascus, VA, and when he isn’t out on the road, he enjoys spending time with his wife, fishing, camping, and riding motorcycles. about you. They try real hard to do what you need done. They are better than most carriers — a lot don’t care if you get home.” Randy’s advice for new drivers is to “go with the flow. Seems to work out better that way. You can’t be moaning and groaning about everything.” Randy lives in Fredonia, KY, and when he isn’t out on the road, he enjoys motorcycle riding, four wheeling, relaxing, and enjoying life!
ELITE FLEET January/Febraury
RANDOLPH LOUK Randy has been
2,000,000 Accident-Free Miles Stephen Richardson
part of the Big G family since
250,000 Accident-Free Miles Michael McCauley
June, 2016, and a professional driver over 33 years. When asked what makes Big G stand out from other carriers, Randy says, “Big G cares
Phillip Vannoy Donald Aman David Kinsler
125,000 Accident-Free Miles Gerald Howland Daniel Martinez Thomas Sharpe
William Corbin Duane Quigley Michael Vasi Dustin Newman Robert Welsh James Scott Robert Kinnan Philip Whittington
FEBRUARY
ROBERT CROSS Robert has been a professional driver for over 20 years and part of the Big G family the past year.
I have come across that I can be home when I say I want to be home. Big G has a family atmosphere.” Robert’s advice for new drivers is to “stick with it. There are always bumps in the road. Go with the flow, work hard, and it will all work out.” Robert lives in St. Augustine, FL, and when he isn’t out on the road, he enjoys spending time with family and fishing.
Herbert Green John Reynolds Albert Brown
When asked what makes Big G stand out from other carriers, Robert says, “Big G does what they say they will do. This is the first company
ALAN AUBIN Alan has been a professional driver since 1978 and joined the Big G family in August, 2014. When asked what makes Big G stand out from other carriers, Alan says, “The home time is always good at Big G. The equipment is great, and I like my dispatcher.” Alan’s advice for new drivers is, “You need to work your way up. You aren’t going to start at the top. It gets better and better as you stay with it. Give your company time.”
Alan lives in Tompkinsville, KY, and when he isn’t out on the road, he enjoys spending time with his family and has recently started a small business venture with a convenient and candy store.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPEED AND SPACE MANAGEMENT
BE AWARE AND STAY SAFE
you need to turn or slow down, take care to signal early and reduce your speed gradually. Increasing the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you will also give you enough time and space to act accordingly. LEAVE SPACE TO THE SIDES Commercial vehicles take up most of the space on the road, and safe drivers will be aware of this. To help manage this space, keep your vehicle as centered as possible in the lanes and avoid driving alongside other drivers. Be aware that during high winds, it can be hard to stay centered in your lane, especially for smaller vehicles. In general, it’s crucial to avoid driving next to others, especially in unfavorable conditions. If you find yourself traveling next to or with other vehicles, keep as much space as you can between you and them and either slow down or speed up to make sure they can see you.
A safe driver is constantly aware of the space they’re driving in and how fast they are moving in that space. There needs to be enough room around a vehicle for a driver to maneuver safely if the situation calls for it, especially when they’re driving a larger vehicle. The space around a vehicle can be split into three parts: the front, behind, and sides of the vehicle. LEAVE ENOUGH SPACE AHEAD Although all the space around a vehicle is important, the area in front of the driver requires the most attention. If a truck driver had to stop suddenly, they would need enough space in front of them to completely decelerate. To ensure you have enough space, follow the rule of one second for every ten feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph. Following this rule is easy; when the vehicle in front of you passes a landmark, such as a shadow across the road, count the seconds until you pass the same spot. If you’re in a 40-foot-truck driving at 40 mph and you only manage to get up to “one thousand- and-two,” you’re too close. WATCH BEHIND YOUR VEHICLE When heavy vehicles are unable to keep up with regular traffic speed, they’re often tailgated. This might happen when driving up hills, during bad weather, or when other vehicles are trapped behind you. To reduce the chances of an accident, avoid any quick changes. If We are pleased to offer you and your enrolled spouse the opportunity to participate in the Big G Express Wellness Incentive Program, HealthCheck360°, again this year. You and your enrolled spouse are eligible to earn wellness incentives of up to $2,912 per year if enrolled in our Health Plan with a policy effective date of Sep. 1, 2019 or before. All wellness incentives earned during this new screening period will be effective Sep. 1, 2019. If you are unable to meet a health outcome for an incentive under the HealthCheck360° Program, you can work with HealthCheck360° or your primary care physician for an opportunity to earn the same incentive through a reasonable alternative process. To speak with a representative about what options are available to you, contact HealthCheck360° at 866-511-0360 by August, 31, 2019. HEALTH 360
Knowing these safety tips will help you drive safely and minimize risk to yourself and others.
We encourage you and your enrolled spouse to take advantage of this wellness incentive program. We hope all plan participants will earn wellness incentives during this new screening period. A healthier Big G Family helps control our company costs, which keeps our employee owner’s weekly premiums affordable each year.
If you have any questions, please call Amanda Forst in our Human Resources Department at extension 3523.
Call now to Schedule HealthCheck 360 Screening at your house (FREE TO YOU) 855-867-8467! The scheduling service is available from 9 a.m. to 7p.m. CST. If all agents are on the other line, you should be given an option to leave a call back number. We encourage you to take advantage of this option to avoid long wait times — especially during the initial announcement. If you have questions, you can reach HR at 931-680-3193! –Randy Vernon, President
WELLNESS INCENTIVE SUMMARY
Maximum Weekly Incentives Available:
$14 per Week
$10 per Week
$4 per Week
Participate in Screening and complete HRA survey
For Non-Tobacco/Nicotine Users that participate in Screening & Complete Survey
For Score of 71 or improvement over prior year score by 5 points or more
Processed beginning with check date September 1, 2019
EMPLOYEE ENROLLED SPOUSE
$14.00
$10.00
$4.00
$28.00
$14.00
$10.00
$4.00
$28.00
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$56.00
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
190 Hawkins Dr. Shelbyville, TN 37160 855-698-7130 www.biggexpress.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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BIG G’S 10 YEAR ESOP ANNIVERSARY
CHECK OUT OUR NEW ISERVICE APP
YOUR SAFE SPACE
HEALTH 360
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
A redoubling of our already strong commitment to safety. I tell every new employee owner that the quickest path to the poor house in our industry is hurting people and tearing things up. It’s the simple truth. If anyone here is not committed to safety, we all need to encourage them to step up or move on. Service . It is the only product we have to sell. We don’t sell trucks. We don’t sell cars or electronics. We sell service. Our largest (and best paying) customers do business with Big G, Ike, Logistics and Warehouse for one reason, because we provide a great service. Let’s not forget that. Retention . And I am not just talking about retaining our Professional Drivers. It’s my wish that this is the last job any of us ever have, regardless of what department you are in! Every employee owner has a part to play in the success and growth of our ESOP, and I hope we all take the part we play to heart. The truth is, there’s nothing complicated to what we do. Coming to work every day, doing our job to the best of our ability, and looking out for each other’s investment by holding each other accountable will pay even bigger dividends in our future than they already have! Thanks for all you do and please let me know if I can ever help you in any way. –Randy Vernon, President
Greetings Fellow Employee Owners!
There was a lot to hang our hats on and be proud of at the Big G family of companies in 2018 — but without a doubt, there are a lot of things we can improve on to make 2019 a year like none before!
Last year was our best revenue year ever thanks largely to a booming economy and demand for our services, which drove some very nice rate improvements. While we did excel in revenue generation, large increases in overhead cost (wages, equipment, fuel, etc) hurt profit to some degree. Even so, we had our second best year since the start of our ESOP! Rates have stabilized somewhat in our industry. There likely won’t be large amounts of additional cash flowing into the coffers. However, I do believe we will have another strong year in 2019. In fact, I believe we can have the most profitable year in the history of the company. More importantly, I don’t think we have to do anything dramatic to achieve that level of profit.
Here are some of the main things I think it will take.
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