Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SPRING ISSUE
MAY2015
In This Issue
Admiral Merchants:
Driving for Excellence 1, 2
Driver Testimonial 2
Customer Service 3
In Memoriam 3
Online Settlements News Update 4
Everyone associated with Admiral Merchants knows we consider our independent contractors
and our independent agents as our business partners. That point is made
in our Strategic Profile, one of Admirals most important documents.
That message is conveyed continuously in our conversations, in our
publications and throughout our web site. We all recognize that, but
for the efforts of our business partners, the success Admiral Merchants
has enjoyed over the past years would not have been possible.
G.R.E.A.T. 6
Driver Testimonial
Here at Admiral we are always looking for
better ways to serve our business partners, and
part of that is seeking out advice wherever we
can. With that in mind, Admiral has started
interviewing drivers to find out what works
for them and why they are leased on with us.
By taking these tips out of the truck stops
and exchanging the information on a larger
platform, we will all benefit from the collective
knowledge of the entire Admiral team.
He talks to you, looks you in the eye, and he really listens to what you have
to say. You feel like youre wanted here. And you dont get that feeling just
anywhere.
Also, have the load board ready on your phone. You have chains, you have
binders, and you need to have the load board on a smart phone. That is
one of your tools.
Willie Davies
Unit 5426
When youre looking for freight, dont just look for whats near you. Im in
Cincinnati, and when Im at home, Im looking for anything within 500
miles. If I see some good freight coming back from South Carolina, for
example, then I see whats going to get me there to pick it up. That way,
right when a trip to South Carolina pops up, youre ready to return with
good freight. Its all about total miles. Dont just jump on freight because
its paying $2.80 a mile going somewhere, but you are left stranded or
have to take garbage back. Set up a return trip or a triangle that gets you
$2.00 on every load. I dont know if thats the right way to do it, but its
been working for me.
What is your experience of the perception of Admiral out on the
road?
More and more people are talking about Admiral and its getting more
positive over the last couple of years. The drivers need to remember that
one experience with a broker will set the reputation for all of Admiral. If
I do something stupid, we all look bad to that broker. If you get with a
bad broker, finish the job and dont work with them again. Just leave it at
that. All of the drivers represent all of us, and the reputation is growing.
If you would like to take part in this testimonial series, please contact
Mike Griffin at 612-843-8153 or mgriffin@ammf.com.
Brian P. Short
President and CEO
Customer Service
David and Dawn Disselhorst our Agent
2419 in Granite City, IL were recently
recognized for their excellent service by
Barnhart Crane. Lynn Wehrmann of
Barnhart Crane said David is one of
the best agents they have ever had or are
currently working with; he always goes the
extra mile to make sure our needs are met.
Do David and Dawn go above and beyond to make sure
Barnhart Crane is a satisfied customer? Yes they do. Were
they able to do it alone? No. David and Dawn choose the
support of our Contractors and the Admiral Merchants staff to
partner with them in providing level of customer service that is
required by Barnhart Crane.
Is Barnhart Crane the only Customer that feels this way about
other Agents, Contractors and Admiral as a whole? No. Are
there other customers and agents that could be served better
to create satisfaction to the level that Barnhart Crane has
recognized with David and Dawn? Absolutely!!!
My point is we all must continue to strive for excellent customer
service every day. If we, do we will have more extremely satisfied
agents with extremely satisfied customers like Barnhart Crane.
As I researched (googled) Customer Service for this article I
got pages and pages of information. A few of the quotes that
stood out were:
Ask your customers what they need from you and your
business, and then deliver it
No matter what, always be polite, courteous and friendly to
your customers
Listen to your customers, they want to be understood.
Their problem is your problem to help solve. Dont make
your problems their problem.
The list goes on and on. I recommend you take a minute and
research (google) it yourself.
Always remember who your customers are, and focus on
giving excellent customer service to everyone we work with
every day. Its not that difficult and if done correctly its a
win-win.
Ill end with my favorite statement found when researching
(googling) Customer Service.
Dont strive to create great customers, strive to create raving
fans of you, your company and the services you provide.
We at Admiral believe that our Agents and Contractors are
our customers. Thanks for choosing Admiral.
Brent Layton
Vice President Business Development
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.
Ed Fox (Agent 2999) of Mentor, OH, has worked as an Admiral Agent since July, 2004. He passed away suddenly from a heart
attack on December 4, 2014. Ed will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Eds wife, Tracy, will continue operating their
Agency, representing Admiral.
Ron Golightly (Contractor 5809) of Fenelon Falls, Ontario has worked as an Admiral Contractor since March 2012. He passed
away suddenly from a heart attack on December 20, 2014. Ron will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Teddy Kennedy (Driver-Unit 5592) of Laneburg, AR has worked as an Admiral Driver since January, 2011. He passed away on
January 20, 2015. Teddy will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Former Admiral Agent and multi-truck Contractor, Roger Schnabel of Aberdeen, SD had worked with Admiral from July,
2000 to April, 2013. He passed away on January 22, 2015. Roger will be missed by all who knew and loved him, including his
Son-in-Law and Admiral Agent, Bob Weigel.
G.R.E.A.T.
Get Respect Each And every Time
It may be self-serving. It may be
presumptuous. It may even be egotistical
to say what a G.R.E.A.T. place Admiral
is to work. Regardless, I am going to say
it anyway. Admiral is great, and I hope you
agree.
I have been with Admiral since February,
2014. Even though thats fourteen months ago, its ONLY
fourteen months ago. Some might say thats long enough to
know just enough to be dangerous (in a good way, I hope!).
I would probably agree, but I would also say its long enough
to have been able to learn about Admiral and be familiar with
its inner-workings and the workings of my department. I
have learned that its not SO long as to stop looking at things
objectively and with fresh eyes.
As long as Ive been in this business, I had not experienced a
company quite like this one. This company really does what it
says it will do period! Admiral respects those with whom it
comes in contact and those with whom it conducts business. At
Admiral, people are given the respect they deserve, which has
all but faded away in our business. Now, Im not just talking
about the office staff receiving respect, but our Contractor,
Driver and Agent partners too.
What is respect anyway? Respect means to hold in high regard
someone or something that is good, valuable or important.
Do you feel respected? Do you feel valuable and important to
Admiral? I certainly do. I hope you do too.
I think respect is and always should be part of a GREAT
companys culture, part of the inter-woven fabric which makes
Karen Hedtke
Legalization Specialist
Status:
Current Balance:
Limit:
Amount Available:
Open Credit
10,000.00
50,000.00
40,000.00
If the account is Over Limit and the Amount Available appears in red and is a negative (-) number you will not be able to enter
your load. In this case you need to ask for a credit limit increase by submitting a Credit Request Form (CRF). Please do not
assume that by submitting the CRF we will automatically give approval to move your loads, the account will have to be reviewed
and approvals acquired. If you have questions in regard to a credit limit increase, please call the credit extension 8722 or email
credit@ammf.com. Note: The Credit Request Form (CRF) can be found on the Admiral website under the Credit tab then
Forms.
EXAMPLE:
Status:
Current Balance:
Limit:
Amount Available:
Over Limit
55,000.00
50,000.00
- 5,000.00
If you pull up a customer and the account says Over Limit but it the screen comes up with a Current Balance of zero or you
are questioning the Amount Available, please contact the credit department at extension 8722 and we will work with you.
EXAMPLE:
Status:
Over Limit
Current Balance:
.00
Limit:
10,000.00
Amount Available: 10,000.00
Credit Hold means you cannot load this customer; the account has been placed on Credit Hold. If you have questions, please
do not hesitate to contact the credit department at extension 8722 or email credit@ammf.com.
EXAMPLE: Status:
Customer on Credit Hold
Admiral requires a credit approval for every new customer and for increases to an established line of credit for existing customers.
No Admiral personnel should commit to giving credit until credit approval has been given by the credit department. The
extension of credit and credit terms will be granted in compliance with Admiral Merchants Policy Terms and Conditions in
conjunction with Admirals Credit Application.
Pat Gegner
Credit Manager
Less time spent on the phone or on hold with the permit department.
Permits processed faster, which saves time and money.
Provides a more effective way to submit permit requests.
Provides confirmation email once application has been submitted.
Online permit request application provides 24/7 submission.
You can access PRAS via our Admiral Merchants Portal Website under the Permits tab and by clicking on the Permit Request
System (PRAS) link.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email permits@ammf.com or call 612-843-8270.
Megan Erickson
Permit Manager
Perfect Score
Congratulations to Harold Sparkman (agent 3399).
On April 20th, he bowled a perfect score at Colonial Lanes in Huntington, WV.
Debbie Taylor
Brokerage
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Congratulations Kim!
Patty Zilka
Settlements Supervisor
Agent-Contractor Council
Thank you to the Agent-Contractor Council members who play a pivotal role in Admirals success. We cant express enough how
much we appreciate your time and effort. (A * denotes that their term on the council is up.)
Mark Beare, Ringgold, GA
David Disselhorst*, Granite City, IL
Gary Fellure, Grove City, OH
Rick Guile, Eureka, IL
Tammy & Fred Hasse, Lawrenceville, GA
Holly Caskey
Director of Safety
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The following are the 2014 Terry Bramer Circle of Excellence honorees.
Congratulations to all!
Silver Level
Gold Level
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Ronald Baird
Steven Baird
Mark Beare
Steven Bennett
Jose Botello
Frank Bowers
Richard Brent
Chris Campbell
Brian Cisler
Glen Claiborne
Lisa & Brian Clevenger
James Crowl
Everett Davis
Barend DeWit
Gary Fellure
Don Fields
Misael Fontanez
Thomas Andy Griffin
Ricky Guile
Tracy & Dan Hawkins
Paul Hershberger
Blake Holmes
ITC 24 (4)
Pam & Ralph Johns
Chad Keng
Barry Stephen Kennedy
Teresa & David Kern
Marci & Jerry Ketterer
Mark Knepp
David Korhonen
R. Blayne Lough
Andy Mainard
Danny Adams
Yvan Arsenault
Richard Beck Jr
Cory Botts
Marshall Bruner
Roger Cooper
Gary Daniels
Willie Davies
Jason Derrenbacher
Steven Dickert
Scott Fetterolf
Carson Finsterbush
Dwight Franke
Hugh Gross
ITC 24
Brian Johnson
Tadeusz Karas
Steven Kirk
John Knapp
Charles Krohne
Justin Mallow
James Marr
Shawn McLean
Kent Miller
Glenn Monteith
Roy Dean Murphy
Michael Neuteboom
Carolyn Pannebaker
Susan & Donald Patterson
James Pharis
Sean Poland
Thomas Quinton
Robert Renner
Mark Rix
Matt Rocha
Martin Roe
Michael Ruschmeyer
Marvin Schwark
Don Skelton
Brent Smith
Jamie Sturgess
Robert Sulzbach
Keith Tolles
Mike Wimberg
Daniel Yoder
Boguslaw Zablocki
Tony Zhai
2015 Criteria
Gold Level
Silver Level
Terry Bramer Circle of Excellence-Gold Level will recognize those drivers attaining $200,000 in line haul revenue or more
within a 12-month period (calendar year) while operating according to Admirals safety standards and in compliance with
federal and state laws and regulations and company policies. This includes:
No serious company policy violations.
The cost of all preventable accidents combined must be below $1,000 total.
The cost of all cargo claims combined must be below $1,000 total.
No pending claims.
No more than one out of service, no more than one moving violation, and be in good standing in all areas of safety
and compliance.
Satisfactory CSA scores.
Not placed on a final warning for any reason during the calendar year.
Terry Bramer Circle of Excellence-Silver Level will recognize those drivers attaining $175,000 in line haul revenue or more
within a 12-month period (calendar year) while operating according to Admirals safety standards and in compliance with
federal and state laws and regulations and company policies. This includes:
No serious company policy violations.
The cost of all preventable accidents combined must be below $1,000 total.
The cost of all cargo claims combined must be below $1,000 total.
No pending claims.
No more than one out of service, no more than one moving violation, and be in good standing in all areas of safety
and compliance.
Satisfactory CSA scores.
Not placed on a final warning for any reason during the calendar year.
Penny Lynner
VP Operations
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Platinum Level
M & M Trucking (2103)
Gold Level
Gary Fellure (3017)
IB 1 & Associates, LLC (2182)
LDM Enterprises (2048)
Singleton Transportation (2476)
Sparkman Trucking (3399)
Terry Moody (3510)
Value Plus Transportation (2631)
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Silver Level
A Dispatch Service, LLC (2609)
Helen Blennerhassett (3458)
Bob Greenwell Trucking (2477)
C & H Logistics (2383)
Tom Campy Campos (2198)
Disravis Logistics (2419)
DLG Transportation Systems(3505)
GMA Transportation (2061)
Tammy and Fred Haase (2248)
Hillegas Trucking (2963)
ITC 24 Open Deck Freight Systems (3534)
Jamson Leasing, Inc. (3128)
Mags Logistics (2442)
New Ground Transport (2664)
Nipper Transportation (3229)
R/T Connection, Inc. (2284)
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16
17
18
19
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Office Visits
We realize that most loads do not bring you through
Minneapolis, Minnesota. But when they do, we would
love it if you would take time and come visit us. Just call
the office and I will direct you to the best place to park
and arrange a taxi for you.
We will take you out to lunch, make sure you have all
of the supplies you need and give you time to talk to the
members of the team.
Hope to see you soon.
Missy Swenson
Receptionist
Jen Hanley-Tuttle, Scott Fetterolf, Missy Swenson, Michael Tiff
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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.
On January 23, 2015, Admiral received a call from Liebovich Steel and Aluminum in Rockford, IL. They wanted to tell us
that John McCain unit 5965 was a true professional. They expressed that he was very patient with the crew, which wasunder staffed on that day and that he waited his turn without complaining even though the consignee was running way behind.
Thank you for the job well done!
On March 11, 2015, Wes Dyer received a call from new contractor Ronnie Brown unit 6316 at around 9 pm saying that
Sherry agent 3085, out of Steubenville, OH, had called him to ask if he would be able to move a load and if he had the hours
available. The load was going from the airport in Nashville to Columbus, OH, and had to be there March 12th. Ronnie called
Wes to verify that it was okay to take load. Ronnie gets to Nashville to pick up this load and they have no paperwork, so a
call was made to another Admiral contractor, who guided Ronnie on the proper way to fill out an Admiral BOL and delivery
receipt. Sherry and the consignee (first load for this customer) stayed in contact with Ronnie until 2:30 in the morning to make
sure everything was going well. Ronnie told Wes that he had never been treated so well. Thank you.
On April 6, 2015, Nancy Nieradka called Ron Toalson, agent 2684, to let him know how grateful she was that he had such a
super crew of drivers handle a load for her. Yvan Arsenault unit 6078A and Richard Brent unit 6225, were both wonderful to
deal with. Nancy said she got a call from Lex to make sure she received everything from them that she needed.Nancy told him
she was just waiting on the paperwork. Even though Yvan was dealing with the sudden death of his 34 year old daughter, he
proved that he is a true professional. Excellent job Yvan and Richard!
On January 8, 2015, Ronnie Pool, unit 5218, hauled this helicopter from Satellite Beach, FL to Jacksonville, FL.
**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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On February 6th, the office wore red supporting awareness of heart disease. I think Brian Shorts socks say it all!
23
Snapshots from the Office & Awards Video (continued from 23)
24
Another year has passed and another successful meeting to honor our partners in this transportation
venture. We have another good year behind us, and many mountains to climb in the year ahead.
Oprylandwas a beautiful place to have a meeting and I found it to be absolutely amazing. The facility itself
was a wonder, vast and beautiful. We were pleased to have had the experience of staying there.
The real experience of course, was having the opportunity to see and visit with so many good friends, old
and new. I always enjoy the comradery. The mood was upbeat and positive, as well it should have been.
We all had a good year. In 2014, records were met and surpassed by many. Thus, the awards were many.
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9 Years
William D. Bishop, Jr.
Randall E. Jones
Marci A. Ketterer
Douglas A. Christopher
Wayne T. Anthony
Donald R. Skelton
Gregory T. Morgan
H. Wayne Smith
8 Years
Wesley H. Wyatt
Tadeusz Karas
William H. Graham, Jr.
John Major
7 Years
Pieter Jan Zekveld
Darrell E. Myers
Jeffrey W. Wright
Jose J. Quiroz
John W. Ponder
6 Years
Michael P. Ryan
Deborah C. Johann
Robert W. Plunk
John H. Kelley
Harry M. Ulsh, Jr.
Gregory T. Simon
5 Years
Scott S. Ellis
David R. Korhonen
11 Years
Rebecca J. Marlin
James Michael Ratliff
Michael L. Deshong
10 Years
Bogdan Bob Biela
Douglas L. Bartman
Michael L. Lapsley
Timothy M. VonDuyke Patrick W. Lapsley
Ronald B. Wilkerson
Arlie Tim Zekveld
Ricky W. Lawing, Sr.
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4 Years
Donald Jack Stevens
Roy David Tidwell
Ronald E. Fraley
Elmer Luke Lindsay
Gary L. Fellure
Daniel G. McNulty
Robert G. Schiets
James W. Cockrum
Steve B. Sauble
Joe E. Williamson
Michelle C. Williamson
Larry A. Cole
B. Stephen Kennedy
David B. Riggle
Stephen J. Smith
Melissa K. Spicer
Charles J. Stanaitis
Mark J. Knepp
Ronnie G. Nelson
3 Years
James D. Brady
Hugh D. Gross
Daniel P. Hawkins
Tracy A. Hawkins
Percy W. Bellow
Julius T. Dupree
Daniel R. Yoder
Ronald Baird
Jason J. Gorsenger
Franklin Chad Keng
Jeffrey G. Smith
Ronald J. Balson
James E. Beach
Steven J. King
Joseph W. Mitchum
Mark W. Suver
William L. Wittkamp
3 Years, Cont.
Roger D. Young
Ian P. Wallis
Michael N. Neuteboom
2 Years
Carol A. Stevens
Brett W. Copeland
Brian K. Johnson
Michael J. VanKrieken
Thomas Glen Claiborne
James R. Eyster
Dwight W. Franke
Robert D. Pineda
Robert J. Renner
Wayne U. Schafer
Tony L. Truax
Brandon Shane Pryor
Michael G. Tiff
Blaine D. Carruthers
Patrick Jamie Sturgess
Peter Zaharopoulos
Marion O. Roland, Jr.
Thomas W. Smith
Gary L. Messersmith
1 Year
Raymond R. Bryant
Larry C. Cutter
John W. Keck
Keith W. Smotherman
Harold Casey Greenwald
Carl L. Hall
Mark E. Kurtz
Wallace H Stebelton
Cleave A. Tharp
William E. Anthony
Billy W. Cleek
David L. Conn, Jr.
Eric L. Crowe
1 Year, Cont.
Gary A. Hage
David M. Jehle
Brett H. May
Edward A. Perry
Michael L. Ruschmeyer
Brent R. Smith
Robert L. Walker
Shawna C. York
Larry D. Jackson
Dale K. Johnson
Russell E. Kassin
John P. Knaap
William R. Skinner
Ronald L. Watkins
Harlan R. Becraft
Harold J. Brewster
B. Phil Buschman
Jeffrey A. Casada
Marion F. Chism
Reginald M. Griffin
Thomas B. Littleton
Dennis E.J. Riley
Kevin B. Seems
Michael D. Williams
John Canellos
Bradford S. Collins
David L. Conn, Sr.
Stanley R. Cross, Jr.
Julio C. Madrid
Dennis E. May
Seth H. Skelton
Timothy A. Shrout
Steven K. Smith
2048
3017
2476
2103
3399
2609
2383
2248
2631
3458
2198
2664
3165
2963
3128
2061
2477
2419
2284
2235
2682
3505
3327
2029
3534
Larry Morris
Gary Fellure
Don Singleton
Jim McGowan
Harold Sparkman
Brad Tolles
Chris Palmer
Tammy Haase
Larry Huisenga
Helen Blennerhassett
Tom Campos
Shirley Bohman
Brian Clevenger
Matt Hillegas
John Mariano
Gary Muth
Bob Greenwell
David Disselhorst
Rick Toalson
Audrey Snelson
Brenda Stringer
Shawn McLean
Charlie Armstrong
Darrell Elliott
Jerry Sakowski
Albuquerque, NM
Columbus, OH
Winchester, KY
Bakersfield, CA
Kenova, WV
Northville, MI
Alpine, CA
Lawrenceville, GA
Springfield, MO
Conroe, TX
Woodland, CA
Chesterfield, MO
McConnellsburg, PA
Everett, PA
Morrisville, PA
Hot Springs Village, AR
Louisville, KY
Granite City, IL
Panama City, FL
Jacksonville, FL
Olive Branch, MS
Toronto, ON
Fort Worth, TX
Birmingham, AL
St. Catherines, ON
SPECIALIZED
STEPDECKS
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