Page 1
August
A UTi Worldwide Company
August
Jim Bendickson
In June Sammons’ CEO for over 7 years, Tim
Burke, left Sammons to pursue a new opportunity.
Under Tim’s capable leadership, we experienced some
of the very best and survived some of the very worst of what this industry
has to offer. Tim was a solid leader for us, and we will miss his big smile,
positive attitude and confident leadership. He will certainly be missed.
The search for a new President is underway. During the last week
of June, UTi leaders traveled to Missoula to meet with Sammons’
leadership team to work on our Strategy for Success for the next ten years.
One of the outcomes of these meetings was a list of qualifications we hope
to find in the person being recruited to lead us into the future. During the
search process, UTi has asked me to fill in as the interim leader of the
Sammons’ team. (Retirement was great while it lasted). Your ‘welcome
back’ has been heartwarming, and I will do my best to live up to your
expectations during this transition. Please feel free to stop in or call
anytime.
2013
Inside this issue
Business Assistance
2014 Calendar pictures
Safety Scores
Safe Operator of the
Month
Permits
Montana Truck Driving Championship
Anniversaries
Birthdays
Freight Hot Spots
New Employees
Heavy Haul Trailers
Photo Contest
It’s no secret that freight in general continues to be slower and
cheaper than we’d like. We did, however, receive excellent news from Caterpillar in June that
included a $3.5m award in new freight for the coming year. We are confident we’ll have access to
significant additional loads as well. Definitely a big WIN for Sammons! Meanwhile, many
segments in our general economy continue to be stalled. At some point, we believe the lid will be
off, and freight quality and pricing will finally get back to normal. For our contractors, please know
Sammons remains committed to finding the best freight available. During these times, it’s important
to make smart business decisions that keep your equipment moving and the wolf away from the
door.
During the rest of the summer and into the fall, our contractors should expect a renewed
effort to improve our safety standing. Whether it’s hours of service, logbook errors or equipment
maintenance, Sammons must rise to the top of the pack if we’re going to continue to be attractive
to our clients. Thanks all for your continued efforts. Remember to always make safety your first
priority.
Sammons Scramble
Business Assistance
Erik West
Hello again to our Contractors.
Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by the day-to-day or monthly
paperwork associated with being an Independent Contractor? All in the name of getting your
taxes done correctly and hopefully legitimately limiting the amount of tax you owe on your
income. This is a common issue that faces drivers, especially those who are new to the world of
being an Independent Contractor. Despite the fact that we here at Sammons try to help as much
as possible, we know that we can’t run your business for you. Did you know there are 3rd party
firms out there that can help you manage your finances for you? That’s right, two such firms are
Trucker Tax Service and ATBS. You may have heard stories about each company, as both have
helped Independent Contractors here at Sammons in the past.
These companies understand the value of information and have worked with thousands of
drivers over the years. They have learned the importance of the driver understanding their own
business requirements. When they provide crucial financial information and key metrics needed
to be successful in a timely fashion, the driver has a clear understanding of the numbers and
profitability needed, which translates to increased bottom line revenue. And ultimately, that is
why we are all here, to be successful and make a living.
Specifically, these companies can help drivers with receipt management, settlement
statement analysis, preparation of profit & loss statements, estimated quarterly taxes and related
filings, complete business consulting, access to health insurance, equipment financing, legal
consultations, business incorporations, and retirement planning services. In addition to all of
these things, they will also assist you in preparing your tax returns, which is a free service if you
have paid their monthly fees for the entire year, which costs approximately $50 per month.
Trucker Tax Service can be reached at 1 (888) 799-1099 and ATBS at 1 (866) 431-0370
should you have any further more specific questions.
Joe Vandenburgh
The new hours of service is just the most recent on the list of things the Feds
keep throwing at all of us. I just got off the phone with a contractor asking me
questions on the 34 hour restart. I thought I knew the answers but by the end of the
call I wasn’t sure. The answer is, you have to declare your restart and flag when it
starts, if you were off duty before the 168 hours when you get to 168 hours, or it can
be considered as starting ahead of time.
What I’m trying to say is I have the greatest respect for what you do, everything that you
put up with and the new stuff that keeps being thrown at you.
All of us are in this together and if there is anything we can do here in the office to help
you on the road, please ask. Without the contractors Sammons ceases to exist.
Thank you for all you do and please be safe out there so you can get home to your loved
Supply Chain Solutions that Deliver
ones.
B u s i ne s s Na m e
Page 2
August
Happy August everyone!
The following are our picks for 2014:
Joshua Isaacs #1353
employee & contractor newsletter,
Teresa Minick
As I mentioned in the last Scramble, this article would announce the winners for
the 2014 Sammons’ calendar. This year was probably one of the toughest to judge
as we received some really awesome pictures and the clarity and backgrounds were
amazing.
Jan/Feb
The Sammons Scramble is
Sammons Trucking’s
July/Aug
Mike Guidi #1701
published from Sammons’ headquarters
A UTi Worldwide Company
3665 West Broadway
Missoula, MT
59808
(406) 728-2600
Best darn trucking company
out there.
in Missoula, MT
If you have photos that you would like to
submit for consideration for the Scramble,
please send them to
[email protected]
For information on your CSA score log on to
We’re on the web
www.sammonstrucking.com
Mar/Apr
Mike Bonde #1607
Sept/Oct
www.roadsideresume.com and create a
free account online.
Rick Schumann #1609
STILL AVAILABLE
2013 National Truck Stop Directory
May/June
Jim White #1011
Nov/Dec
Bruce & Jodee Slaven #1029
The 2013 National Truck Stop Directory books are in. The cost for them
will be $10.00 each. If you are interested in one please contact Dawn or
Ada in the Permit Department (800) 233-0625.
Congrats to those who made the calendar and thanks to all who faithfully send pictures in.
Have a safe rest of the summer,
Teresa
Supply Chain Solutions that Deliver
August
Page 3
Page 11
Best Photo Contest
Safety Scores
We can and must do better. Each time a truck is written up it affects us all.
Bill Weatherford
(with Mike Terry)
Effective now, anyone getting an inspection with more than 10 points (30 with the multiplier) is
subject to confirmation that the violations have been fixed, as well as another DOT inspection being
required within the next 30 days at an approved shop.
2ND
Duane Koehler
Violation Description
1
2
Inoperative turn signal
Violation
Code
393.9TS
Tire — other tread depth less than
2/32 of inch
Inoperative head lamps
393.75(c)
I
DS
MS
Y
Y
393.9H
Y
Failing to secure brake hose/tubing
against mechanical damage
393.45(b)(
2)
Y
Inoperative required lamps
Clamp/Roto-Chamber type brake(s)
out of adjustment
393.9
Y
7
Stop lamp violations
393.25(f)
8
Flat tire or fabric exposed
393.75(a)
9
Automatic brake adjuster CMV manufactured on or after 10/20/1994 393.53(b)
air brake
10
Brakes (general)
3
4
5
6
Mike Palmer
Phil Hinshaw
This represents the top 10 violations for Sammons Trucking over the past 24
months. Most of these are things that can be eliminated with a good walk around inspection each
time a vehicle is stopped. All are credited to our Maintenance basic.
1ST
3RD
Sammons Scramble
393.47(e)
396.3A1B
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Violations
NonOOS
OOS
26
16
10
346
███████████
20
17
3
326
██████████
22
22
0
306
██████████
32
27
5
272
█████████
61
56
5
252
████████
29
29
0
220
███████
16
13
3
190
██████
9
1
8
178
██████
23
23
0
168
██████
19
14
4
146
█████
We all know that we are a safe company.
We need to make sure our scores show it as well.
CSA Total Points
August
Page 4
Safe Operator of the Month
Scott Cullen
Sammons Scramble
Page 9
Heavy Haul
April 2013
Dave Major
Contractors:
Scott has been leased to Sammons since April 2008, He drives unit 1771, a 2000 Freightliner
and pulls a flatbed. Scott has been driving for about 29 years for a total of approximately 2.5 million
miles!
Scott hauls open deck freight for the variety and challenge. He will load anything and go
anywhere.
Last year Scott won the Montana Truck Driving Championship for the sleeper berth category,
which advanced him to the National competition in Minneapolis. He competed this year and came in
third.
Scott is married to our very own Karla Cullen in the billing department; they celebrated their
one year anniversary in June. Scott is a native of Oregon but currently resides in Missoula. Scott
has 1 daughter, 2 sons and 5 grandchildren.
Scott’s advice to a new driver, pay attention and utilize advice from seasoned drivers. He also says stay on top of your maintenance on your equipment. Routine maintenance will minimize
breakdowns!
We have several RGN trailers available for someone wanting to get on the
heavy haul fleet. Two and three axle trailers are available.
Bobby McClain
Other customers such as Terex, Link-belt, the DOD and others offer RGN and oversize
freight.
May 2013
Bobby has been leased to Sammons since January 2007 as on owner operator. He has
driven for Sammons since 1998 first as a driver for a contractor and then a company driver for Sammons. Bobby has been driving for 20+ years.
Bobby got his start in trucking from his stepdad. He drove and Bobby said “I want to learn to
drive truck”.
Bobby is a native of Tulsa, OK where he continues to reside with his wife, Sharon. Bobby is
always on the road so when he does go home, he just enjoys relaxing! He is a member of OOIDA.
One time Bobby, was at a truck stop. It was super icy outside and the guy in the truck in front
of him just jumped out normally, not thinking about the ice. He didn’t land so well, but it saved Bobby
from doing the same thing!
Bobby likes to haul any load and prefers to run the Southeast. Bobby hauls open deck
freight and enjoys being an owner operator for the challenge of each load and the options!
Bobby’s top three tips for a new driver are: 1. act like it’s your first day, 2. keep your
equipment in good working order, 3. if you take care of your truck, it will take care of YOU!
Duane Koehler
June 2013
Duane has been leased to Sammons since June 2012. He drives unit 1691 a 2007 Peterbilt,
and pulls a step deck trailer. Duane has been driving for 14 years and has driven about 1.5 million
miles. Duane got his start driving truck when he was going to diesel mechanic school. He hauls
open deck freight for the freedom, the exercise and the challenge. He will haul anything and go
anywhere except the Northeast.
Duane is married to Anna and together they have two daughters, Emma 13 and Sophie 10.
They currently reside in Spokane, WA but Duane grew up in Dillon, MT.
Duane enjoys hunting & fishing and spending time with his family when he isn’t driving.
Duane’s advice for a new driver would be to always double check everything, over secure
and check equipment often.
Requirements:
We are looking for contractors with RGN and oversize experience. Also, we require a
minimum of a class 2 status through the safety department.
Customers:
We have a month under our belt now with the new Caterpillar business out of Aurora, Decatur
and East Peoria Illinois as well as the motor grader facility in North Little Rock Arkansas. The
business is starting to get busy and all machines go to the port facilities. This is good news for us because it will not be seasonal like a lot of the other construction equipment we move.
We are also still on track to do almost $2 million in revenue this year with John Deere. The
Waterloo IA. facility seems to be the busiest moving Ag tractors.
Please contact the Davenport office if interested.
Karl Smith completed the lease purchase program
We are proud to have Karl Smith as part of the Sammons family. Karl joined Sammons in
February of 2011. On June 20, 2013, Karl completed the lease-purchase program, a quick 16
months after starting, and is now an owner operator. Karl shared some words of wisdom for new
drivers entering the lease purchase program and what his plans are now. When asked what the best
part of working with Sammons was, Karl replied “Being given the opportunity to buy a truck, working
with the good people at Sammons and letting me run my truck as best I can.” Karl said some
struggles he’s had were missing his family as he tried to keep home time to a minimum and the fuel
economy. However, he has still managed to enjoy his time on the road. His wife joins him and he
always keeps a fishing pole in the truck in case he finds a nice place where the fish are biting.
Now that he is an owner we asked what his plans are and he said, “Working on buying a
sailboat and saving for retirement.” Karl also wanted to share a few pieces of advice with new
drivers in the lease-purchase program: First, minimize your personal bills before you begin, keep
your home time to a minimum, get internet in your truck, set a goal and stick to it and most
importantly, don’t sweat the small stuff and keep you head down and work hard.
Congratulations Karl from all of us at Sammons!
Page 8
August
Hot Spots for Freight
Mark Stefano
Truck capacity continues to tighten up in the South East, Mid West, Texas,
and all of California. Rates out of these areas seem to be climbing as shippers need
to keep their supply chain moving while the demand for their products is there. Since
the Caterpillar bid was awarded in June, the Davenport office has moved 34 loads and $137,000.00
in revenue out of four new locations. The new locations for CAT are Aurora, IL, Decatur, IL, N. Little
Rock, AR and Winston Salem, NC.
Caterpillar in Waco, TX doesn’t seem to be letting up, as well as Genie in Waco, TX and Rock
Hill, SC. The demand for trucks seems to be at a high level, and we expect that to continue.
California is feeling the pain with the new Clean Air engine laws. Trucks just are not going
there. With the produce season still in full swing the demand for trucks seems to be the highest seen
in a long time, which is driving the rates up to a more respectable range. We will continue to keep
everyone up to date as we get new accounts that are in the pipeline for Sammons. As always be
safe out there and enjoy the rest of the summer.
Page 5
Permit Corner
Sammons Scramble
Ada Kelley
THANK YOU!
I would like to thank you for being prepared when you call in to place your
permit orders, having the routes state by state, overall dimensions, and start dates
ready. All of us in the permit department appreciate it as it makes the ordering process much more
seamless.
Construction Season:
Well it is that time of year again that we all prepare for construction. Please keep in mind
that there will be many construction restrictions and re-routes.
City and County Permits:
Please remember that a lot of states are requiring city and county permits. If you are an
Agent, CSR, or Operator please be sure to check on these when quoting permits and ordering
permits. If you have any questions please call the permit department and we will assist you in
what you need.
Kingpin Rule:
We would like to introduce three new people
to the Sammons family.
Cindy Hext joins us as a Dispatcher, she has spent the last 10 years as a broker and
before that she worked in heavy haul. She has been married for 18 years, and has six kids (only 1
girl – whew!). Cindy spends her free time by hanging out with a combined weight of 300 lbs. of
dogs, in the form of two English Mastiffs with a little Shibu Inu mixed in. We asked Cindy. . . if you
could have a superpower what would it be? Sleep, while still being able to accomplishing things.
Lauri Pulley joins us in Brokerage. She was half (we’d like to think better-half) of the Tom
and Lauri Morning Show on Eagle 93. She has also been in the trucking business off and on for the
last 20 years. She is married to Steve with two children Logan and Sage. In her spare time, she’s a
roller derby queen as part of the Hellgate Rollergirls. We asked Lauri. . .what item HAS to be in your
refrigerator at all times? Pickles. If you eat the last pickle in our house, beware the wrath of Mom.
Katie Dunham joins us as a Recruiter. She is a transplant from Minneapolis and now lives
in Arlee. This is her first endeavor in the trucking business. In the past she was a recruiter for a temp
service, and then moved into advertising, working in account management. Outside of work, she is
on a horseshoe and softball team and loves to watch baseball and football -- Go Twins! Go Vikes!
We asked Katie. . .what guilty pleasure TV show is on your DVR? Scandal or anything Kardashian,
they are just good mindless entertainment.
As a reminder if you have 53’ trailer many states require you to obtain a permit even if you
are empty.
Nevada Amber Light Permit:
The new Nevada Amber light permits are in. Please call the permit department to have the
Amber light permit sent to you.
Wyoming:
Please remember to call the closest Port of Entry at least 1 hour prior to entering Wyoming
and get your clearance #. If you are loading in Wyoming call the closest Port to where you are
loading. Failure to call will result in a violation. We have had quite a few get warning violations
lately, so we all need to remember to make that phone call.
Montana Truck Driving Championships 2013
This year’s Truck Driving Championship in Helena MT. was a success. Sammons had three
drivers competing in two different classes. Representing Sammons was Robert Ellinger and Chris
Warner in the sleeper berth division and Scott Cullen in the 5 axle flat division. The results were a
Second place in Sleeper Berth by Robert Ellinger and a Third place in the five axle flat division by
Scott Cullen. There were also quite a group of volunteers from Sammons participating as judges
and support people at this year’s event. These included Mark Stefano, Don Green, Joe
Vandenburgh, Ada Kelly, Erik West, Suzye Poteet, and Phil Hinshaw from the Missoula office.
Others who assisted were Joe’s wife Karen, Ada’s husband Zeb, and Suzye’s daughter
Hanna. Robert Ellinger’s wife Joan also attended. It was a great event and thanks to all who
helped make it successful.
Page 7
August
Page 7
Sammons Scramble
Anniversaries
July
Birthdays
August
DIXON, KAREN
34
HECK, GENE
19
GRAVES, GREG
HAWE, CANDI
18
17
LANDSAW, DEWEY
LANDES, RICHARD
7
6
OLSON, RICHARD
6
VANDENBURGH, JOE
GARCIA, TERESA
6
6
BARNES, BRIAN
PALMER, MIKE
5
5
DEJESUS, DAVID
JAC-WAY TRANSPORT LLC
4
4
VERCRUYSSEN, JANET
4
ROBINETT, RICHARD
AD REM TRUCKING INC.
3
2
PAWLAK, JOHN
SCHROEDER MTN TSP
2
2
A & M TRANSPORT LLC
1
CARR, MATT
1
FOX VALLEY TRUCKING
1
GEORGE, DALE
September
STOCK, MARK
19
GREEN, DONALD
LARSEN, TOM
18
13
VOLTENBURG, RANDY
13
YOUNG,MARK A
DOBBINS, JACK
BARHITE, KAREN
10
8
7
HAYNIE, CHRISTIAN
7
SCOTT, SHELLY
7
DODDS, GARY
FAST TIMES TRUCKING LLC
7
7
PHILLIPS, JEFF
6
SS TRANSPORT LLC
5
BASSETTE, ROXY
3
SAPPHIRE TRUCKING CO INC
3
BURSON, DOUG
CALMAN, ROBIN
2
2
CLARK, DAVID E.
2
GRANT, RANDY
2
HENDERSON, JERRY
2
KAMOVSKI, FRANZ
2
MCCAULEY, TOM
2
1
MCNEIL, TOM
2
MILLER, DOUGLAS
R.A. BARTON TRANSPORT
LLC
WEST, ERIK
1
WRIGHT, TONY
2
1
LAWRENCE, KRISTEN
1
BANKS, WILLIE
1
SAKIEVICH, KIM
GABELMAN, CASSIE
1
1
GRINAGE, TIM
HERRING, CURTIS
1
1
MAYNARD, TARA
1
PHILLIPS, NATHAN
1
WINGER, LOUIS
1
1
TOUCHETTE, BETTY
ROTHE, JERRY
GRIGGS, CHRIS
SCHUMANN, RICK
SMITH, FLOYD
BALLARD, MARK
BARTHOLD, STEVE
MCCAIN, EVERETT
CHRISTIANSEN, MATT
CHROMEY, GERALD
ERAL, MARK
FINN SERVICES LLC
MUNSCH, TROY
GROSS, FRED
IBARRA, STEVEN
LUNDY, PATRICK
MCLAREN, STEVE
GOOD, REBECCA
BRADLEY, KEVIN
HORSESHOE BEND FARM
INC.
NICHLEN, FRED
RICE, CARL
STAHLEY, BRAD
WARFIELD EXPRESS
LOGISTICS
REPP, DAVE
30
23
15
12
8
7
5
5
4
4
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
HALLAS, BRIAN
LITTLE, GARY
WALTERS, KURT
COMBS, JESS
MITCHELL, KEITH
2-Jul
6-Jul
6-Jul
7-Jul
7-Jul
VANDENBURGH, JOE
GRIGGS, CHRIS
ANDERSON, ADAM TROY
WHITE, JIM
LECKRONE, LARRY
8-Jul
9-Jul
9-Jul
9-Jul
10-Jul
GREENWOOD, MELISSA
GREEN, DONALD
MATTHEWS, CHRIS
PALMER, JAMES MICHAEL
BURKS, JUDY
MATNEY, JEFF L.
LANDES, RICHARD
OBERWEGNER, DAVID
11-Jul
12-Jul
13-Jul
13-Jul
14-Jul
15-Jul
16-Jul
16-Jul
HAWE, CANDACE
WARD, WILLIAM
BUTLER, PAUL
17-Jul
17-Jul
18-Jul
HAYNIE, CHRISTIAN
HILL, JIMMY
19-Jul
19-Jul
ROSS, JORDAN
GINNINGS, JOHN
VOLTENBURG, RANDY
20-Jul
20-Jul
20-Jul
HINSHAW, PHIL
SMITH, KARL
WEATHERFORD, BILL
GANDY, ROBERT
BARTON, KEN
PARROTT, JAMES
ASH, LANCE
HUBER, DENNIS
NELSON, PATTY
21-Jul
22-Jul
22-Jul
23-Jul
25-Jul
25-Jul
26-Jul
26-Jul
27-Jul
CONRAD, GLENN MICHAEL
BAILEY, KEN
HARBY, SANDRA
27-Jul
28-Jul
29-Jul
WALKER, STACY
IRVING, JERRY
29-Jul
29-Jul
STOREY, MIKE
FLEMING, CARL
YORK, PAUL
MILES, LARRY
4-Aug
7-Aug
7-Aug
11-Aug
GOOD, REBECCA
RAYMER, KENNETH
FLOWERS, THOMAS
GRANT, RANDY
DEJESUS, DAVID
FLOYD, BRYAN
HEIR-LEIF, WILD BILL
VALENTINE, DUANE
GUIDI, MIKE
HUNT, ROBERT
FREELS, JERRY
ROTHE, JERRY
SMITH, JERRY
12-Aug
12-Aug
13-Aug
13-Aug
14-Aug
16-Aug
16-Aug
18-Aug
19-Aug
19-Aug
20-Aug
20-Aug
20-Aug
LANDSAW, DEWEY
MUNSCH, TROY
HITTLE, JEFF
21-Aug
21-Aug
22-Aug
DIXON, KAREN
LIBBY, MIKE
KIRBY, ALLAN
BENTLEY, REED
ELLINGER, BRIAN
GRAHAM, RANDY
HEARN, ADAM
NEWHOUSE, GREG
PHILLIPS, NATE
LEDIN, RICK
MILLER, DOUG
24-Aug
25-Aug
26-Aug
28-Aug
28-Aug
28-Aug
28-Aug
30-Aug
30-Aug
31-Aug
31-Aug
SMITH, FLOYD
SOLUM, DONNA
BIBLE, MIKE
KERSHNER, RANDALL
KOEHLER, DUANE
LINTHICUM, ROBERT
BROWN, JERRY
MERRIFIELD, CARLDEAN
AMOS, STEVEN
FREEMAN, DANNY
EVANS, WAYNE
MUNROE, ROCKY
BROWN, JASON
LEFLER, PATTI
GRAYLESS, BILLY
CROUSE, DEAN
BOGGS, RICHARD
BOOKER , WESLEY
CHRISTIANSEN, MATT
HICKS, CURTIS
ELLINGER, ROBERT
Troy Munsch
1-Sep
2-Sep
4-Sep
5-Sep
5-Sep
7-Sep
8-Sep
8-Sep
10-Sep
10-Sep
11-Sep
11-Sep
13-Sep
13-Sep
15-Sep
22-Sep
24-Sep
24-Sep
25-Sep
25-Sep
29-Sep