SPRING 2021
Driver Supervisor. Since day one, Chris has dedicated himself to our company, the professional drivers, and operations team all while working his way through the ranks to become an emerging leader at Big G Express. LOOKING AHEAD With all of the change we have endured comes growth, and growth brings opportunities. As I mentioned before, I am excited to see all of the great things 2021 will bring. We are excited to announce the recent implementation of a minimum pay plan for our drivers. We pay our drivers a minimum of $1,000 per week when they meet all of the requirements of the plan. While other companies are cutting costs and are recovering from last year’s crisis, we are working to find ways to give you more of what you deserve. The plans for the 6th Annual Motorcycle Ride benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are currently rolling out. For the first time, we have partnered with the Tennessee Trucking Foundation (TTF) to sponsor and help plan this event. The founder of the annual ride is our very own professional driver and ATA Road Team Captain Tim Chelette. He is working hard to make this another successful event to help the children of St. Jude. I encourage you to consider supporting this worthy cause. GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING! As we continue to move forward, please continue to make safety a priority. Although I spoke a lot about change, safety is always a constant in our world. We are all employee owners, and the decisions we make day in and day out are a reflection of Big G Express and our family of companies.
As we roll into spring, I look ahead and I am excited to see all of the great things in store for our company. At the same time, I can’t help but reflect upon the past and many of the reasons we are where we are today. One thing has remained constant in my 20-plus years at Big G, and that is CHANGE. We all know that in our industry, change is inevitable. And from the very beginning, we have always adjusted, which has allowed us to grow and thrive above the rest. Last year when the world was shutting down all around us, you adjusted. As drivers, you do not always get the credit you deserve. Your ability to adapt in the midst of a pandemic made you a hero in the eyes of the world, and that is nothing new to the people like me who see what you do and the sacrifices you make on a daily basis. The same goes for our maintenance and office staff who keep our drivers rolling every day. It takes a lot of teamwork, and I am blessed to be a part of this team. Another change that 2020 brought us is the retirement of Randy Vernon. At the end of the year, Randy decided to quietly step away after 25 years. He will continue to serve on the Board of Directors of our family of companies. Randy’s continuous service to the company is just that — service. Randy’s leadership has been a driving force in our company, and he will continue to provide guidance for many years to come. As I think about leadership, that brings me to the recent promotion of our new Vice President of Operations, Chris Kelley. Chris began his journey at Big G Express five years ago as an Extended Coverage CHANGE IS CONSTANT WILLINGNESS TO ADAPT AND GROW BRINGS OPPORTUNITY
I appreciate each and every one of you and thank you for everything you do!
–Greg Thompson President and Chief Operating Officer
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• Operating a CMV while using a handheld electronic device
BE ALERT, SLOW DOWN, STAY SAFE
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Speeding 11–14 mph over the posted speed limit
Who controls all of these violations? The driver does! So pay attention and don’t put yourself at risk trying to gain or make up a couple of minutes by being unsafe. It is my belief that spring 2021 is going to look different than spring 2020. I believe there will be more traffic on the roads, with people working away from home and traveling for vacations, Spring Break, and weekend travel. Because of these reasons and others, you have to “be on your game”! This is not a time for you to become complacent and just go through the motions of driving, being lazy with a “don’t care attitude.” Your job is critical and demands that you are paying attention and making good decisions. Don’t allow yourself to get distracted while driving. Never use a handheld electronic device while driving, period! You need all your attention focused on the job of operating your CMV. It is just that simple. A lot of the people you share the road with do not understand what it takes for you to operate your truck and trailer. It is important for you to anticipate and plan ahead. You cannot do that when you are distracted. Take your time and slow down! Getting in a hurry and making poor decisions will cost you in the long run.
Spring 2021 is here, and I hope you and your family are doing well. We have made it through 2020, but 2021 is making its impact on us, as well. We ended 2020 in pretty good shape from a safety standpoint, and we need to keep up the good work and momentum throughout 2021!
In an effort to help you be safe and successful, here is a list of the top five states where Big G receives the most DOT unsafe violations:
1. Indiana
4. Tennessee
2. Georgia
5. North Carolina
3. Pennsylvania
The Unsafe Driving BASIC addresses the requirements within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), specifically 49 CFR Parts 392 and 397, and refers to the operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) by drivers in a dangerous or careless manner. You can think of it like this: What can you do while driving a CMV that an officer can stop you for? The most common violations nationwide are:
Folks, your safety and your success is important to everyone at Big G! We want you to be able to enjoy your home time and vacation time, but you have to operate your CMV safely, alertly, and with care. We care about you and want you to be safe!
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Lane restriction violations
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Speeding 6–10 mph over the posted speed limit
Until next time, –Tim Clark VP of Safety
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Failure to obey a traffic control device
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Improperly wearing a seat belt
SHOP TIPPS
Hello drivers! First, let me say thanks for all you do. I hope you have been noticing the new equipment we have been rolling out into the fleet. We purchased 250 new Wabash trailers back in October, and we have about 40 left to put into service. These new units are additions to the fleet and are certainly a welcome sight for the sales department. We currently have 167 new trucks coming this year as we retire units 1851 through 2021. These return units will be pulled out of service throughout the year in small groups. We are also installing NEW Thermo King TriPac in all the new trucks this year. We have the new Kenworth T680 coming in June. This new tractor will feature some new design lines and aerodynamic curves not seen on the T680 before. We should receive our first units in late May for early June in-service.
Please stay prepared and make sure you have warm clothes, blankets, water, and snacks in your truck until this cold weather ends. The last thing you want is to be stuck out in this weather with no supplies. I am proud to let you know that we are listening, and we did install new lights on the Deason parking lot. I believe you will be surprised by how much better the lighting is at night. We also graded and added a lot of fresh stone to the parking lot in Jeffersonville. Thanks again for all you do, and please let us know how we can better serve you. –Tim Tipps VP of Maintenance
We are all looking forward to springtime rolling in, but that dadgum groundhog saw his shadow and pushed another six weeks of winter on us.
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DRIVERS MONTH of the DEC
REBECCA EATON Rebecca joined Big G in October 2019. She started trucking in July 2013 with CFI. Before joining the world of trucking, she was a self-employed landscaper. When thinking back on the years she has been behind the wheel, the memories that stick out the most are all of the beautiful sunrises and sunsets she has seen.
Her advice for new drivers: Play by the rules.
She lives in Limestone, Tennessee, and when not in a truck, she likes to spend the time with Griffin, her Jack Russel terrier. She also enjoys riding her side by side in the mountains and the quietness of the woods.
BOBBY MALLORY Bobby started driving for Big G in November 2012. He started his trucking career 36 years ago hauling mattresses for Spring Air out of Birmingham, Alabama. He loves trucking and cooking, and a lot of folks just call him BobbyQ. One of his favorite things about trucking is running across the desert at night and seeing the beautiful country.
His advice for new drivers: Just hang in there and give Big G a chance, and the company will take care of you. He lives in Birmingham, and when the weather allows, he really enjoys grilling out and spending time with his family.
JAN
JAMES BROWN James joined Big G in February 2020. His first driving job was with Steven Transport in 2017. He worked there until he joined Big G and feels that is the best move he has ever made. He loves the freedom of being on the road and admiring God’s creations. His advice for new hires: Safety first and everything else will follow: the miles, the money, the satisfaction of a job well done. But safety must come first.
He lives in Tampa, Florida, and on the days he is not trucking, he likes to relax and sell real estate. He really enjoys helping other individuals get settled into new homes.
BARRY GUY Barry started driving for Big G in May 2020. His first driving job was with Trans Am in 2006. Prior to his trucking career, he worked in a textile plant. When thinking back on his trucking career, he really enjoys the times his wife gets to ride with him.
His advice to new hires: He wishes he had joined Big G sooner. He lives in Lillington, North Carolina, and on his days off, he loves to go camping.
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ELITE FLEET
NOV/DEC/JAN
2,000,000 Accident-Free Miles William Hickerson 1,000,000 Accident-Free Miles
Louis Marler Garvin Austin
Donald Burgin
PERFECT INSPECTIONS FOR NOV/DEC/JAN
500,000 Accident-Free Miles JoJimmy Lesperance Bryan Cain Lewis Jenkins Robert McGuire Michael McCauley Daniel Dawes Joseph Chase Richard Ramos Randolph Louk David Mann 250,000 Accident-Free Miles Philip Whittington
STEVEN GRIM MARC CROTEAU NATHANIEL SHANE BRADLEY JAMES MICHEAL KLEPPER DAVID MICHAEL TANGANELLI SETH LEE NICHOLAS EARL FREDRICK HENRICK JR ROBERT T WILLIAMS ZACHARY AARON ISRAEL ADAM STAUFFER BARRY JAMES HELVESTON MICHAEL ARCHAMBEAULT ROBERT EUGENE GUFFEY RAYFORD TISDALE ALAN LEE HUSMANN CHARLES ANTHONY ROBERTS SUKOJI ATARA BROWN JAMES E MORELOCK CHARLES W. CRAVENS, JR
CHARLES BRINK DAVID MICHAEL GLAZE MARVINMATTHEW THOMAS IV DANNY LEE DEPRIEST ROBIN LEA CARRILLO TIM DAVID TUCKER STATAVIOUS K CHEEK JASON DALE BECK BRYAN KEITH MELTON JAMES E FOSTER JR GARY GAINES DENNIS MICHAEL HULING STEPHEN MALCOLM SAMUEL JONATHAN MCDOW BRYAN RAY CAIN RANDOLPH J LOUK ERNEST LEE STAPLES CARL S WARNICK BARRY JAMES HELVESTON JAMES ARNOLD LUFFMAN
MARK W DEMANKOWSKI SCOTT BRADY RODENBAUGH DAVID ESTES (SHOP) RAYMOND BRAGG JEROME SCOTT WOODARD EUGENE “GENE” DINGES STEPHEN MALCOLM GARVIN AUSTIN CHRISTOPHER A BUSH GERALD GREENOUGH DENNIS MICHAEL HULING MIKAL M SHAFFER STEVEN K HARTKE NICHOLAS RAY HESTAND KEVIN WAYNE QUALLS TYLER C HICKS EVERETT KNILE LEE
Donald Sherfey Amadou Diop Charles Jones
David Paschal Sammie Amos Sean Hunt Robin Carrillo
Tyrecas Bradley Nathan Wilson 125,000 Accident-Free Miles
Nicolas Adair Gregory Yates David Moses Edward Fortunato Eddie Mosley Steven Kellems Clint Burhenn Kenneth Webb Shirley Begay Moses Lover Donna Hadden Darrell Satterfield
Maynard Irwin Trevor Crawford William Stuffle Willie Foster Christopher Yazell Kevin Qualls Terry Howe Christopher Strickland
James Madewell Danny Depriest Stephen Whitener Gary Clark
FEB
JORDAN EDWARDS Jordan joined Big G in May 2020. He started his driving career with TMC in 2016; he worked with them for four years before joining the Big G team. Before trucking, he worked as a correctional officer for Houston County, Georgia. He says one of the greatest things about trucking is being able to see all the sights and not being stuck in a cubicle all day. JAMES SWEAT James started with Big G in August 2015. He started trucking about 32 years ago, driving a dump truck in Greenwood, South Carolina. His first OTR job was in 2004 with Star Transport. One of his favorites things about trucking is all the sights, and he really enjoys the mountain views.
His advice for new hires: Stick with it; once you get past the first few months, it gets easier. The harder you work, the more money you will make. He lives in Warner Robins, Georgia. On weekends, he likes grilling out and relaxing around a campfire; he also enjoys deer hunting.
His advice to new hires: Respect everyone around you and try to help every person you can. He lives in Bean Station, Tennessee, and when not on the truck, he enjoys spending time with his wife and fishing.
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MONEY MATTERS: Our Health Care Plan By Stephen Voorhees - VP of Finance & Accounting
ELECT RX One of the newest additions to our overall health program is Elect RX. This program allows recurring medications to be ordered internationally at significant cost savings for the employee-owner and the company. There is a limited list of medications that are available through this program, but if you are on a maintenance medication and it is on the list, I would encourage you to take advantage of the cost savings. The company will also benefit from the lower cost. SMOKING CESSATION For those employee-owners who use tobacco, we have also partnered with EX Program, a smoking cessation program. The company has paid the fees for the program; it is available to all participants who want to quit tobacco, at no cost to the employee-owner. Those who complete the program are also eligible to receive the weekly premium credit on their paycheck. VIRTUAL VISITS Due to the mobile nature of our employee base, we understand that it is often difficult to get to the doctor, and it is very expensive to visit urgent care facilities or emergency rooms. We have partnered with Physician Now to offer virtual access to physicians for those who are unable, for whatever reason, to see a physician in person. These visits are provided at no cost to the employee-owner and result in significant savings to both the participant and the health care plan compared to an urgent care or emergency room visit. COST COMPARISON Every year, we benchmark our health care program against several hundred other companies that are similar sized, and year after year, our benefits program proves to be among the best. There are few, if any, other companies that have a $750 deductible, and our employee contribution is very competitive for the quality of the program we offer. Being employee-owned, it is crucial that all employees have access to owner-level insurance coverage. It is rare that all employees have the exact same level of coverage for the same employee contribution, but this has always been a focus for us. For the last five years, the cost per employee that the company pays for our health plan has remained constant at around $5,300. This is a cost of about 5.5 cents a mile based on total miles driven in any given year. CALL CENTER We have invested significant time and resources in the call center that is maintained by our health care insurance advisors, Cottingham and Butler. If there are questions that employees, spouses, or dependents have about our plan, they can reach out to the call center and get questions answered. It is important to us that all employee-owners understand the fantastic benefits package that the company offers. We want to make sure that all of our employees and families get any necessary medical treatment, but we also encourage you to shop where you can and utilize all of the available tools to minimize costs to you as well as the company, with the financial impact to the company and your associated ESOP account in mind. As costs continue to increase, it is important that we all are wise consumers of health care.
I thought I would take the opportunity in this issue to better explain some of the details around our health care plan. I am not sure how many of our employee-owners know that our medical plan is self-insured. This means that the company pays for each and every claim up to $100,000. We buy stop-loss insurance that covers any amount over $100,000. When you understand that the company pays each dollar of claims, it may help clarify why we do some of the things we do. When we make decisions about health insurance, it is important to understand that the health of our employees and the improvement in the quality of life are the primary driving factor in those decisions. Secondarily, we also look at the economics of these decisions on the company overall. As employee-owners, improving the overall financial health of the company positively impacts each and every one of us as the stock price increases and the value of each participant’s account increases. HEALTHCHECK 360 One of the key components of our health care plan is HealthCheck 360. Every year, we offer the opportunity for our employee-owners to receive a free health risk assessment screening that is very comprehensive. As a reward for participating in this program, we offer premium credits to your health care premiums for the upcoming year. Any participant who is enrolled in the critical illness insurance can receive a $50 annual health screening benefit reimbursement check through MetLife for completing the screening. For those participants who receive all credits, the annual savings is almost $2,300/year, and the minimum that you will receive just for participating is $1,144/year per participant. We have made sure that these credits keep health care premiums affordable. For single participants who receive all of the credits, the cost to the participant is $7.50 per week less than it was five years ago. We focus on this program because historically, participants who identify health issues early — and receive treatment — that typically would have gone undiagnosed lessen the chances of significant health challenges and costs to both the participant and the plan. It is important to mention that risk assessment results for specific individuals are contained at HealthCheck 360 and are not communicated to the company; we only receive information on the total credit to the premium each participant is eligible to receive. CONDITION MANAGEMENT We often get questions surrounding the Condition Management program from those involved. The reason we have implemented the Condition Management program is to improve the overall health of the employee-owners involved — those with conditions that, if not kept in check, can result in serious health issues with long-term effects. These conditions also have potentially long-term significant costs for the company-funded health plan. It is imperative that participants in the health plan effectively manage their conditions for both their long-term health and the financial impact on the company.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
190 Hawkins Dr. Shelbyville, TN 37160 931-684-9140 www.biggexpress.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 CHANGE BRINGS OPPORTUNITY AS WE CONTINUE TO ADAPT COMMON VIOLATIONS ARE IN YOUR CONTROL SHOP TIPPS
3 4 5
DRIVERS OF THE MONTH
PERFECT INSPECTIONS ELITE FLEET EXPLAINING OUR HEALTH CARE PLAN
‘WE WANT YOU ON THE LIST’
If you need cards or have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 931-680-3197 or the recruiting number at 931-680-1664.
The list that I am referring to is the Driver Referral Program list. If you are not on it, what is holding you back? If you have been, then we want to give you a Big THANK-YOU for helping promote Big G Express and IKE Transportation to other truck drivers out there on the roads. Many times, drivers tell me the reason they don’t try to recruit other drivers is that they don’t want to be held responsible if those recruits don’t work out for whatever reason. My answer to that is we do not hold anyone responsible for the drivers you refer. If that driver qualifies and we offer them a position, it is then up to that driver to perform his/ her job as required. So, I say that to at least take that concern off the table, especially if that is your reason for not getting on the DRP list and possibly earning all the extra cash we pay out every week to drivers that are taking advantage of the program. For 2020, we paid out a total of $151,700.00 to drivers that got “On The List” and referred drivers throughout the year. Our current program, if you are not aware, is $2,500 for each qualified referral hired. It is paid out as follows: $250 during the first week, then $500 each month until the final payment of $750. Not bad for just sharing some information or just handing out your personalized business cards.
Thank you all for the job you do every day.
Stay healthy and safe. –Terry Conquest and your Big G Express and IKE Transportation Recruiting Teams.
August 2020 Benefits Open Enrollment September 12-18, 2021 Driver Appreciation Week October 2021 Employee Ownership Month October 2021 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, Nissan Stadium
Now - June 30, 2021 HealthCheck 360 Wellness Screening June 5, 2021 6th Annual Big G Motorcycle Ride for St. Jude Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. at the 840 yard, 193 Aldi Blvd., Mt. Juliet, TN. Come out and support the riders for this worthy cause!
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