Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
DECEMBER 2014
WINTER ISSUE
In This Issue
Success 1, 2
SUCCESS
Everyone associated with Admiral Merchants is concerned about success.
Because of the nature of the people attracted to the transportation industry,
we tend to be pretty competitive. We want to be the best in everything we
do, whether that is in our personal life or our business life. We may measure
success a little differently, depending on where we are, but measure it we do.
It is pretty easy to measure success in our business life usually it is some
financial indicator revenue or profit. For Admiral contractors, I hope
recognition as a member of the Terry Bramer Circle of Excellence is a mark
of success. I hope all Admiral agents believe success includes recognition as a
Tom Seitz Million Dollar Agent.
Business success should not be the most important part of any of our lives. How you do in your
personal life should be more important. In those aspects of your life, success is still very important, but
it is often much more difficult to measure. Nonetheless, it is important to set goals there and measure
progress against your goals.
Whether you are successful in those aspects of your life is one of the many things which is none of my
business. However, as president of Admiral Merchants, it is my responsibility to see to it that Admiral
Merchants is successful. Given our business model, it is not possible for Admiral to be successful
unless our business partners, our agents and contractors, are also successful.
Recently, in my comments published on our web site (www.ammf.com), I urged all contractors to
keep moving at market rates. I continue to be more than a little concerned that as the rate environment
softens, were beginning to see more of our contractors slow down, to get a little more picky as
to the loads they will move. Every year about this time, the balance between freight which has to be
moved and the trucks available to move it changes. There is less demand for transportation services
and, consequently, freight rates decline a little. There is a temptation to sit and wait for rates to
improve. Everyone seems to forget, for at least a little while, that there is a seasonality to this business
which has always been true. Rates always decline in October and generally pick up in the spring. So
in my web page article, I tried to remind everyone that if you want to be successful, you have to keep
moving at market rates.
Most Admiral contractors dont need to be reminded of this. Many of them are enjoying a hugely
successful year in 2014. The Terry Bramer Circle of Excellence is the recognition given by Admiral
to our top contractors. Named after a long-time driver for Admiral, it is given to contractors who
earn the most money while operating safely, in compliance with all safety regulations. To be eligible
for the recognition, a contractor must earn over $175,000.00 in line haul revenue and be free from
claims. Last year, 71 contractors qualified for the award. This year, at least 85 contractors have already
qualified, and we anticipate that that number may increase to 150 by year end. That would be over
a 100% increase! The award ceremony this year will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and
Convention Center in Nashville, home to the Grand Old Opry. For those contractors who are on the
edge, I hope that you will really hit the road for the rest of this year. I would love to see even more
of our contractors in Nashville.
To be successful in this business, all of us must remember that its a pennies business. While all of
us can do something to increase the gross revenue, our greatest effect can be in the area of minimizing
expenses. Our successful contractors really understand their business. They know what it costs to
operate per mile and accept freight which allows them to operate profitably. In addition, they do
(Continued on next page)
Ontario to Seattle
So the moral to this story is, Admiral is part of your team for Sales and Support use this to grow your business to further the success of all of us
As the Holidays are upon us, I would like to wish each and every one of you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Prosperous
New Year! God bless.
Brent Layton
Vice President Business Development
Dont speed;
Wear your seatbelt;
Keep your logs current;
Do a pre-trip inspection and correct all defects.
The first three dont cost a thing. In fact, restricting your speed can actually save fuel expense. Often, deferred maintenance costs much more.
It is often said that if you fix the small items, you wont have many big ones to fix.
I continue to be thrilled because of the association I have with some of the greatest transportation professionals in the industry. You are
successful. You are successful because of your hard work and the level of understanding you bring to your business. Keep it up, and I will see
even more people in Nashville.
Thanks for all you do. Im glad to be associated with a bunch of successful transportation professionals.
Brian P. Short
President and CEO
Accounting Corner
2014 is rapidly coming to a close so now is the time to
get the financial house in order to make tax preparation
as easy and painless as possible. By January 31st we
will distribute the 1099s with your 2014 earnings.
Many of you enjoyed great success in 2014 due to the
great rates and availability of loads. To insure accurate
reporting please review your 1099 when you receive
them to make sure the taxpayer ID number on the form (either a
Social Security number or Federal ID number) matches the name
that you file your taxes under. We strive to be as accurate as possible
but numbers can be transposed and individuals should understand
that the SSN and TIN numbers are attached to a company legal
name, or the individual name, not a DBA name. Thanks for your
help in reviewing your 1099 when you receive it and let us know if
any errors occur so we may correct our records.
Please utilize the on-line settlement information to retrieve the
income and expense deductions made to you during 2014. It could
possibly save you money and certainly time when preparing your
2014 tax return. With regards to settlements we recently started
emailing settlement information to all of those with email addresses.
This will be a big time saver in the coming year as this is an automatic
process whenever you get a settlement and there will be no reason
to call to see if your settlement is done. We hope to have email
addresses for all contractors and agents in the 1st quarter 2015. It will
be a great time saver for everyone.
We in the settlements and processing departments work hard to
make sure all of the paperwork turned in by the drivers and agents is
correctly invoiced and paid in a timely fashion. In order to get this
done in the most efficient manner, we need help from you.
For the drivers: Please make sure to turn in an Admiral Bill of Lading
and Delivery Receipt with EVERY load you haul. These can be
obtained from our Contractor Services department. Remember - a
Bill of Lading is required for each trip.
Also, please make sure the paperwork is legible and has the trip
number on EVERY piece of paper that you turn in. This will ensure
that all of your paperwork is invoiced correctly, and will not slow
your pay.
For the agents: Please enter your billing information online or send
in your dispatch sheet when you dispatch your drivers. This will
ensure there are no hold-ups in getting the drivers paid once they
turn in their paperwork. Also, please be sure to fully fill out all
required fields. We would rather have too much information than
not enough.
Those with common problems are set aside for further review and are
processed after all the trips without questions have been entered. In
order to make sure you are getting paid in the fastest time possible,
please follow the steps above. By creating guidelines to adhere to, we
can all accomplish our jobs with much less hassle in a much quicker
time.
If you have any questions, please check the back of your trip report
for a list of all required documentation!
Complete information allows us to also comply with IFTA
requirements of reporting all the miles driven by our contractors
which we are required to do. This also insures we provide you
accurate information for IRP miles, and reporting related to miles.
Thank you for your continued assistance.
We wish all of you a happy and joyful Christmas and New Years and
look forward to meeting the challenges of success in 2015 with each
of you.
Jeff Johnson, Controller
along with the The Accounting, Processing & Settlement Teams
Fuelbook
How would you like to save upwards of $100 per fill-up? If you save that each week, that is a
$5,200 savings in just one year!! Fuelbook is an app that allows you immediate access to Admirals
real-time fuel discounts, location services and other information necessary at each fuel stop in the
country. Fuel book is offered to you at $5 a month or at a discounted annual cost of $49.99.
If you have not used it or dont know anything about it, talk to one of the drivers who has it.
Just as an example, Admiral Merchants gets the greatest savings at the TA/Petro stops, but not all
locations have the same discounted rate. Using the app, you could see that at the next stop or the
next state, you could save an additional $.10 or more per gallon by driving a little further. For the
annual cost of the app, you could save that on your very first fueling.
Get yourself signed up for it. Talk to your fellow contractors. See how they are saving more money.
Those savings go right to your bottom line. Below is a link that will allow you to get signed up for
it electronically. Link is a safe and secure site. Within mere minutes of signing up, you will get your
code emailed to you. Put the code into the app and you are good to go.
https://forms.logiforms.com/formdata/user_forms/68173_5063833/325372/page1.html?cachebust=4315
Tim Neid
Director of Information Systems
Canadian Load Board: to help those who like to run to and from
Canada.
b. Approved Carrier List: updates the same way the Inbound and
Load boards update.
c. Mass updates of posted loads: a few years ago we gave you the
ability to delete a bunch of your loads at one time. You wanted
to be able to do the same to change the dates. We launched the
new Update Loads page. You can update one or up to all of your
posted loads at one time.
d. Coming soon: Transfer a posted load into Truck Dispatch, some
Mobile Apps for the Load Board.
2) Fuelbook App is BACK!!!! Thanks to all who use this app, you
were vital in helping us work with the team at Fuelbook to offer
you this valuable tool at a cost that makes sense. You have 2
options, $49.99 a year or $5 a month. For this fee, you will have
access to put this app on 2 mobile devices. You have a phone
and tablet, you pay one fee. If you have a 3rd, that would be an
additional fee. All fees are paid when you sign up for the app
and you will be billed annually when due. From the Drivers
page, click on Fuel Discount Info and you will see the option for
Fuelbook. Fuelbook works on the iPhone, iPad and any Android
device (phone or tablet).
3) Trip Docs still some minor issues getting trip docs in the
correct format. If you are scanning and emailing us your
documents, we need them to be black and white and either a
.tif or .pdf file. We are still getting color photos (.bmp, .jpg)
and documents in the wrong format. If we are not able to find
your paper work, it could mean a short delay in getting you
paid. The last thing we want to do is delay your pay. You want
a virtually fool-proof way to get us your paper work? Several
options are available to you. TripPak or Transflo Mobile: these
allow you to submit from a photo taken by your Android or
Apple device. Both are available from Google Play or the Apple
App Store. In Cab scanning: TripPak In Cab and Transflo Now.
With a computer and scanner, you scan from the cab of the
truck or home office. There are links to this software and other
valuable info on the Processing page. Look for Scan from Truck
and Truckstop Scanning. There is also a link to find where to
scan your paperwork at a fuel stop.
One of the most valuable tools you have access to is a Smartphone.
Remember the days of pay phones? In the same way that mobile
phones made the pay phone obsolete. Smartphones have changed
the spectrum of communication. If you dont have a smartphone,
you are missing probably the most valuable tool you can have in your
truck. Having all the information at your fingertips is becoming a
necessary business tool. If you are ready for a phone upgrade, get a
Smartphone. Try one, you will like it!
Thank you for a great 2014 and looking forward to continuing into
2015. Wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year. Be safe, obey the speed limit, wear your seat belt, do your pretrip inspection and keep your logs current. Dishon and I appreciate
all that you do for Admiral.
Tim Neid Dishon Smoot
Director of Information Systems IT Specialist
In Memoriam
We have recently lost members of the Admiral family. While some may have been known by many and others by few, we wanted to
take a moment to reflect on those we have lost.
Bernard Jack Ponts (1746A) from Aloha, OR, signed on with Admiral February, 1994. He passed away on September 23,
2014. Jack was a former member of Admirals Agent-Contractor Council and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mickey Sales (Agent 2249) from Ormond Beach, FL has worked as an Admiral Agent since January, 2011. He passed away
on September 30, 2014. Mickey will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Mickeys wife, Teresa, will continue operating
their Agency, representing Admiral.
Jackie Werner (Agent 2237) from Wesley Chapel, FL has worked as an Admiral Agent since March, 2011. She passed away on
November 6, 2014 after fighting a long battle with cancer. Jackie will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Her husband,
John, will continue operating their Agency, representing Admiral.
Credit Topics
The Admiral Credit Team wanted to
communicate a few topics that seem to circle
around and are important to keep in the
forefront. Are Credit Topics boring? Some
may say the answer is YES, but they are a
necessity.
Credit Applications - All potential customers
must complete an Admiral Merchants Credit
Application. No new accounts shall be established nor shall
accounts receive an increase in their line of credit without
documentation of policy-abiding approval by the Credit
Department. Please Note: The Credit Application can be
found on the Admiral website under the Credit tab and in
Forms.
Service Failures Working on a Service Failures is the most
difficult part of the Collection Specialists job. The Collection
Specialists wants Drivers to know that by obtaining a copy of
the Rate Confirmation and understanding the load will assist
in avoiding a Service Failure.
The number one Service Failure that occurs at Admiral is a late
delivery.
The way we usually find out about a Service Failure is we
are informed by the customer that there is a problem with a
trip; and for whatever reason, the end result of the delivery
did not meet their specifications. Often times the result is
a short payment or a non-payment of an invoice. A service
failure typically triggers an emotional response from all parties
If you called the Minneapolis office on October 31, there is no doubt you heard about the costumes worn. Here is picture proof. Congrats
to Kim Nelson and Mike Griffin for winning the top prize as the famous SNL duo Wayne and Garth from Waynes World.
Karen Hedtke
Legalization Specialist
CSW Week
Admirals
Commitment
To Providing
Great Customer Service.
delays, keeps your money in your pocket, and keeps you from having
to talk to the claims department. Brian Short will detail the program
in the coming weeks in a separate mailing, so I encourage you to keep
an eye out for that official announcement.
We are also announcing an incentive plan designed to reduce
merging and lane changing accidents. The National Transportation
Safety Board found in its 2014 study that mirror-relevant maneuvers
(merging and lane changing) comprised 20% of all commercial truck
accidents. In our study, these accidents accounted for over $300,000
in damagesmore than any other category. In order to address this
risk, Admiral will begin to reward drivers who take steps to cut down
on their blind spots. If you show us that you have taken steps to cut
down on your blind spot through the use of fender mirrors, cameras,
or other mitigating steps, Admiral will reduce your deductible if you
are involved in a lane changing and merging accidents anywhere
from $250 to $500. The deductible reduction is limited only to
merging and lane changing accidents. The details of this program and
instructions on how to enroll will be announced soon.
To make sure that we introduce plans in a way that our contractors
will embrace, I invite all of you to contact me directly and give me
your suggestions on how we can reduce accidents and keep you
moving. I understand that many accidents are unavoidable, so our
goal is reduction. Feel free to suggest incentive plans, safety measures,
or even criticize our approach. Participation in the planning process
or the overall programs is completely voluntary, but the only way an
initiative will succeed is if we all work together and engage in the
process. I look forward to hearing your ideas on how we can achieve
our goals.
As always, if you are involved in an accident, incident, or have a cargo
issue, the Claims Department is here to help you 24 hours a day,
seven days a week at the following numbers:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM (CST) -- 800-972-8864 ext. 8191
Outside of business hours 612-991-5923
Mark Dooley
Director of Claims Management
HOLIDAY HOURS
Admiral will be closed for business on the following days to celebrate the holiday season.
However, please note that our emergency after-hour numbers are available for you.
Wednesday, December 24
Thursday, December 25
Wednesday, December 31
Thursday, January 1
STOPS (and the state) as the destination. The same works for when
you have several shipping points in a state, but a single delivery point.
When you use that city/state combo, you want to put additional info
in the 2 Details boxes telling the driver where they are picking or
delivering or add We also have additional loads available - please call
A posting like this could pique the interest of our Drivers and you
might start getting calls you would not have otherwise. The best load
is one that is moving on an Admiral trailer, so if you need to save time
and still want to see plans come together, give this method a try.
Stay Safe and have a Great Holiday Season, See ya in 2015!!!
Mike Fielding
Vice President Sales
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Megan Erickson
Ashley Anderson
REFER AS MANY CONTRACTORS AS YOU CAN TO ADMIRAL AND GET PAID EVERY TIME!!! THIS PROGRAM GOES
INTO EFFECT FOR APPLICATIONS DATED ON OR AFTER NOV 1st, 2014.
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Pennys Lane
Admiral contractors and drivers strive to provide excellent customer service on a daily basis, but we seldom hear feedback. However, when customers
do express their thanks and appreciation for outstanding service, we want to recognize those individuals who go the extra mile and thank them for
being part of Admiral.
Please help us congratulate Joe Spears (6017) on the birth of his new grandson,
Jet David Hardin. Jet made his grand entrance on Sunday, November 9th, and
weighed in at 8 lbs. Joe cant get past the doting Grandmas, and has only been
able to hold him once but was thrilled to be there when Jet was born.
October 03, 2014 - On behalf of Admiral, we would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Charlie Roberts (6080) for recovering a
Trane load so that it could be delivered on time. Thanks Charlie.
On October 17th, Fred Haase (Agent 2248) called to let us know that Allen from Fenner Dunlop called to praise Mike Nagy (6191) &
Curt Sanlo (5696A). According to Allen,they were both very personable, professional, and a pleasure to work with. The fork lift driver
even had great things to say about them. Allen says thank you for your wonderful customer service and professional representation of
AMMF. On behalf of Admiral, kudos to Mike and Curt for their outstanding professionalism and service!
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**We would love to publish pictures of your equipment too! E-mail your pictures to khedtke@ammf.com so that we can post them in the next edition
of Pennys Lane! **
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Admiral Merchants Motor Freight, Inc.
Brian Short
President, CEO
Ralph Woody
Wood-Sr. VP
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Jim Bemis
EVP, CFO
Mike Fielding
VP Sales
Walt Site
Sr. VP Marketing
Brent Layton
Mary Alfano- Sales Director
VP Business Development
Penny Lynner
VP Operations
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Traffic Manager-Jim
Credit/Collections Team
FR: Tyra, Lori, Chris - BR: Julie, Pat, Lauri, Jan
Operations Team- FR: Carol, Mark, Kirby BR: Shawn, Rob, Matt, Dave
Legalization Coordinator
Karen
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Harold E. Justice
S. Dudley Barksdale V.
James G. Mitchell
9 YEARS
Teresa L. Kern
8 YEARS
Jeffrey J. Diachenkl
7 YEARS
Rodney D. Bowling
Mark A. Rix
Robert E. McKnight
6 YEARS
Mearl M. Schlegel
Charlie E. McKeown
Arlen Jody Miller
Mathew M. Rocha
William A. Mainard
5 YEARS
Cory D. Botts
Franklin W. Shaffer, Jr.
Joel P. Strand
Terry L. Hackenberg
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Larry E. Clark
L. Dean Deckard
Frederick G. Kay
Charles E. Gale
Ralph G. Kennedy
Steven M. McCarl
Hansford D. Picklesimer
Clyde W. Wood
Joseph M. Wright
Jerome K. Kahle
Freddie E. Martin
3 YEARS
Joseph H. Sauble
Richard M. Brent
Carson D. Finsterbush
Richard A. Harrison
Richard E. Schriver
C. Kevin Carter
Todd R. King
William J. Newman
Michael E. Nichols
James L. Pryor
2 YEARS
Walter D. McElveen
Carolyn J. Pannebaker
Larry D. Yorgason
Richard E. Schriver
Glenn F. Morehart
Alfredo Sainz
James L. Ward
Travis M. Durnin
R. Blayne Lough
Duane G. ODonnell
David A. Snyder
Kim J. Snyder
Timothy C. Cunningham
Lisa L. Clevenger
Barry D. Crooks
John E. Flanagan
Shirley M. Irwin
Rex H. Kelly
Anthony A. Maggard
Sean K. Poland
Kimberly A. Southers
Michael A. Southers
James W. Carter
Glenn A. Degraw
Troy D. French
Rodney C. Halliday
Charles E. Krohne
James B. Pharis
Warren F. Stamp
Walter C. Yasuk
Jun Jie Zhai
James V. Crowl
Mark L. Goodwin
Curtis L. Sanlo, Sr.
Thomas W. Schultz
Lloyd J. Shaw
Marina Sidko
Vadim Sidko
Devon A. Smith
Boguslaw Zablocki
Yvan D. Yorgason
Gerhard V. Daniels
Ida Mae Rose
John A. Earl
Thomas Andy Griffin
Norm E. Knight
Danny L. Locke
Claude E. Rice
Charles W. Roberts
Norman T. Rule
Glen E. Schoenherr
Donald D. Simmons
2048
2103
2476
3399
3017
2243
2631
3510
2963
3128
2609
2198
3458
2248
2442
2383
2664
2477
2419
2061
Larry Morris
Jim McGowan
Don Singleton
Harold Sparkman
Gary Fellure
Ivan Brannan
Larry Huisenga
Terry Moody
Matt Hillegas
John Mariano
Brad Tolles
Tom Campos
Helen Blannerhassett
Tammy Haase
John Frye
Chris Palmer
Shirley Bohman
Bob Greenwell
David Disselhorst
Gary Muth
Albuquerque, NM
Bakersfield, CA
Winchester, KY
Kenova, WV
Columbus, OH
Clarksville, TN
Springfield, MO
Calgary, AB
Everett, PA
Morrisville, PA
Northville, MI
Woodland, CA
Conroe, TX
Lawrenceville, GA
Remington, IN
Alpine, CA
Chesterfield, MO
Louisville, KY
Granite City, IL
Hot Springs Village, AR
SPECIALIZED
3274B Brian & Lisa Clevenger
5517 Donald and Carol Stevens
6119 Kimberly & Michael Southers
5565 Joe and Michelle Williamson
4195B Jerry & Marci Ketterer
5427 Portia & Anderson Mantooth
5592 Barry & Teddy Kennedy
6059 Patrick McCarthy
5735 Rick Stone
5660 David Snyder
5863 Rodney Schnelle
5829A Blake Holmes
6071 Timothy Shrout
2970A Barend Dewit
3567 Jim Murphy
5811 Steven Bennett
5066A Don Fields
5342 Nelson Quijano
3028A Clarence Winget
6037 Walter Yasuk
STEPDECKS
5680A Daniel Hawkins
3876 David Kern
5422A Lenny Duckett
6145 Ronald Baird
3543A Frank Bowers
6101 Richard Ramm
4241A Robert Norris
5947 Kimberly Paton
5728 Dennis Griffith
5685 Michael Van Krieken
5738 Devon Smith
2691 Danny Oliver
5544 Steven Baird
5662A John & Debbie Wilson
5414A Diana (Lynn) & Ricky Stovall
5850 Daniel Jones
3559A Ricky Guile
6038 Rodney Halliday
5588 Mark Suver
5727 Larry Hockenberry
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