ATA and other groups including some members in Congress are calling for a return to 55m  We suffered through this for approx. 20 years until we were able to taste freedom again under Pres. Clinton.  Yes, the slowdown may save some fuel but there are more costs to consider.  Groups wish to force vehicle manufactures to place governors (speed limiters) on vehicles that do not allow them to exceed a set speed.  The speed declared is somewhere between the posted limit at time of manufacture and 68 mph.

If we allow the government to take away our freedom of movement, we are transposing into the enemy.  The government regulates the airlines through the TSA that flying is a horrible process.  Most of us do whatever we can to avoid the air these days due to the humiliation process that occurs each time you enter an airport.  Gasoline prices are forcing people to downsize and/or highly limit their travel.  Add the 55 restriction and we move backwards not forwards as a progressive nation is suppose to move.

Yes we need to learn clean and green technology and adaptability through education not government regulation.  Big brother's forced intervention into our daily lives is not the answer.  Education of our youth, affordable options to clean transportation and technologies is our key to the future.

"No other law, other than Prohibition, has not been adhered to as much as that 55 mph limit," said Bonnie Sesolak of the National Motorists Association in Wisconsin. "It just wasn't the answer then, and it's not the answer now." The flip side would argue, "Every 5 mph slower you drive on the highway can lead to 7 percent or 8 percent in fuel savings", David L. Greene, a transportation official at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, told a congressional panel last month.  This may be true but it is up to the people, not the government to decide.  Let the people vote on this issue.  Do not allow the government to again set such limiting legislation upon us.

Where were you today 7 years ago?

EOBR and HOS

The US Government is seeking to require that ALL commercial vehicles have EOBRs installed irregardless of the company's safety rating.  These Electronic Onboard Recorders are claimed to warn a driver of danger, communicate as a collective in regards to traffic issues (to local DOTs not the driver) and are claimed as a "great safety device".  The dark side is that these EOBRs will be a driver's worse tattletale.  One iota out of regulation and it will be recorded to be used against them in a court of law.  Yes, American Trucker, Big Brother will forever be watching and riding in that cab with you if this comes to pass.

In all fairness, before EOBRs can be forcibly installed on trucks; the government needs to create HOSs that actually work.  The problem we face today is that we have one complicated set of Hours of Service to fit all.  This is like a one size fits all garment that just does not fit properly.

Local drivers' work schedule does not offer the same fit as that of an OTR driver.  Regional drivers do not fit into the normal OTR mode.  Over the Road drivers do not fit into regional or local work condition modes.  Each driver set as well as commodity needs to have their own set of rules that work for that type of driver / commodity.  

Temperature control drivers are generally forced to unload / reload in the very early am (11pm-4am).   General commodity drivers have dock times of 8am - 4pm.  Petroleum haulers run around the clock as does the demand for the product.  Drivers who load out of assembly plants have an entire other schedule and method of operation. "Bedbuggers", hence household movers, work long hours loading and unloading in residential conditions as well as driving hours.  Local drivers generally work one of two shifts and the list continues.

Local drivers run 10-12 hour shifts.  Regional drivers make many stops in a short route requiring quick nap breaks and rarely time for a "full nights" sleep break.  Long haul drivers load today, drive for 2-3 days and unload.  No one set of rules will fit all these different scenarios.  Before we begin setting punishments and fines the government needs to provide a set of rules that actually work.  If you do not allow the driver to do his / her job in a legal fashion; how can you expect that driver to comply?  Maybe monitoring without repercussion is a good way for the government to learn what it takes to truly be a trucker and get the job done.

Our government sets rules for our "life blood" providers through a series of people who have NEVER held a CDL or driven a truck.  These same folk, with few exceptions, have never even been remotely involved in the transportation industry.  The few drivers that senators invite to share their thoughts, opinions and experience are those who are union or ready for retirement.   Talk to the average, every day driver or O/O working 100 actual hours a week to just scrape by and they ask them how to make rules that work.  

Before the driver can bear the entire blunt; we need to put responsibility back on the shipper and receiver to set realistic delivery times as well as pick up schedules.  Mega centers like Wal-Mart with their 15 minute windows or wait a week for re-delivery are not realistic.  Anything might happen in transit from a mechanical breakdown, driver illness to traffic jams that will keep the driver from making this window.  Should a driver follow the HOS to the letter; nothing would ever be on the shelves.  

Dispatchers and load planners need to build realistic loads instead of "do me a favor" loads.  The driver then needs to be paid adequately so he / she can make a living instead of coming in under minimum wage for all his / her effort and sacrifice.   The only way a driver earns "good money" is by paying Union dues or doing something illegal.  These actions may range from working 100 hours a week and doing whatever it takes to get the load there by the "dispatcher's schedule" or truly illegal hauling.   Pay per mile may have raised but the net effect is a pay decrease since the last rounds of HOS changes.  OTR drivers dropped in pay from over $1200 a week gross to the average driver now taking home less than $500 a week (road meals not considered).  

The entire system is broke.  Before we impugn drivers and cost them more money; we need to fix the controlling system. Over the last 10 years, the US has imported truck drivers like any other commodity.  We have gone abroad and enticed drivers from Russia, India, Australia and all over the world to come drive for the USA.  Why? Simply put; because we pay so poorly in this profession when all is considered.  Yet, we, as Americans, have a desperate desire for these commodities due to the "Capitalistic American way of life". 

Trucking companies are feeling the pressure as well.  Constantly rising fuel prices are forcing some fleets to govern their trucks at 60mph in hopes of increasing fuel mileage while strictly enforcing fuel stop management programs. The new HOS have created a paradox resulting in lost productivity thereby further reducing safety. The new rules require them to hire more drivers and purchase additional equipment in order to accommodate the same volume of work.  Companies respond by training drivers in a rush through session so that seats can be filled.   This is not safety!  This is simply filling supply and demand.  Moreover, DOT officers do not truly comprehend the regulations and cite drivers incorrectly.  Look over the court cases; they speak for themselves.

Experts claim drivers should be subject to sleep and psychological studies.  Then they premise this by stating these studies are needed only if the driver is obese.  All or none folks; no cherry picking to obtain what you hope are your desired results. Drivers and trucking companies do not need psychological studies or big brother monitoring; they need reasonable schedules, decent working conditions, common sense, regular hours and access to proper training.  The US Government is using the EOBR as a means to sneak a black box onboard a big rig under the façade of safety.

Law makers, it is time to stop penalizing truckers.  Without them none of us would have any of our daily items.  Wake up U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and US National Transportation Safety Board personnel and face reality.   The time has come to stop covering the illness and treating only the symptoms.  It is time to treat the cause.  The system is broken.   The entire SOP needs to be revamped.  Only then can the government, with industry experts, trucking company representative and DRIVERS input; begin at square one and write an adequate set of Hours of Service with sections to truly fit all drivers, commodities and segments of transportation.

Sources:

US Regulators to Study Universal EOBR Rule; http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=19439 (April 21, 2008)

DOT Solicits Ideas on Vehicle-Highway Communication; http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=19455 (April 21, 2008)

FMCSA-2007-27748; http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/news/news-releases/2007/122607.htm

(April 21, 2008)

FMCSA Eyes Behind the Wheel Training; http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=66473 (April 21, 2008)

When is Dispatch Unreasonable? http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=66540 (April 21, 2008)

What are we doing to our truckers?  

First we move from the commercial chauffeurs or Class A license to a CDL with a zillion tests and loose 40% of our truckers due to non-compliance to the new rules.  The drivers we lost were real highway heroes and experienced drivers who cared about the public and their careers.  Why did we loose them?  Some could not read and others the idea of test just terrified them.  Who replaced them?  Driver school rookies.   These cookie cutter driving schools that crank out grads whom they have lied to and deceived just to get their government dollars and then turn loose on an unsuspecting public.

The DOT cries safety.  Why they should have thought of that before you ran the good, true blue driver off the highway.  These new asphalt cowboys and gals can not go the distance that the trucker of yesterday could obtain.  A trucker would help you.  He would put your safety before his own.  You have heard the legends and know the stories.  Well some really are real!  We had highway heroes!

The results of a child inheriting their parents business are often tragic.  Wal-Mart, O'Boyle Tank Lines, Swift and many others have seen first hand what happens when the founder steps aside for the next generation.  Things are no longer as they once were.  The silver spoon children did not learn the ropes as "daddy" once did.  They did not earn their battle scars but feel they are "owed a living" because of the old man's name.  Wrong; but yet it happens over and over. 

Once upon a time a boy grew up and followed in the shoes of his father.  The boy was clueless and the company was sold so he went to Washington, DC where he gained a position of influence to the transportation world.  Lucky us; this boy helped author the CDL manual and the tests that govern your license.  Even wonder why you can not make the turn that the manual says you need to in order to obtain you CDL?  It is because this boy was never in the seat of one of his daddy's trucks.  He is a car driver, at best, dictating how truckers should drive and inspect their rig, perform their duties and worse yet when to sleep, rest and work.  How can you know if you have never done it?  How do I know this sad fairy tale happened?  The boy was the owner's son of where my father was a VP.  Oh so very sad but true story.

Now the DOT, as you all know, has spent the last 5-8 years making our lives miserable by changing, threatening to change and then again changing the HOS.  I say until you are in that seat; stop trying to govern what happens in that seat.  The DOT HOS will never work as long as the people in power keep the same mind set.  Each group of driver needs their own set of rules.  What works for the local does not work for the OTR driver.  What works for a long haul does not necessarily work for the regional driver.  Even what you haul can effect how the HOS works for or against you based on your customer base.  The rules are too restrictive and unadaptive to the real world environment.  Now they want to make them even more restrictive.

I remember when you could make a grand a week.  Now you are lucky to clear minimum wage by the end of the week.  The new rules are running a driver broke!  The fuel costs; despite the .54 cents a mile FSC; is running the O/O broke.   Let's be real; how many of your companies actually pass that FULL FSC along to you on EVERY load?  Very, very few of you.  Generally you are given some excuse why that particular customer did not pay the full FSC or even worse, no FSC.  But did they?  Will you ever know?

Now the FMCSA wants to tighten CDL documentation rules.  Is it not enough we have to haz-mat test ever few years?  We had to fingerprint and let the FBI dig through our lives and then the TSA.  Have we not been violated enough?   And speaking of the TSA; flown lately?  Every time I see one of those TSA papers in my luggage, something is missing.  I have spoken with friends and they have noticed the same pattern.  So we had to bear our soles to this group who pilfer our luggage on every flight.  GO figure!

The driver shortage is so real in the US that we imported drivers from Russia, Australia, Hungary, Romania, India and the list goes on and on.   Larger carriers took on driver training to entice career changes into the driving field.  If all this had to occur to fill seats BEFORE the new HOS; which created a need for more drivers due to the short work week, then why is the government making it harder and harder to become a driver?  Seem counter productive to me.  Maybe no one should be a driver.  Then the government can figure out how to stock the grocery store, fill the filling stations and deliver the automobiles.

Once you past that obstacle, you have the lovely police issue.  Dispatcher says stand on it.  The truck is governed at 62-67 mph and has no power.  You finally crawl up that hill and see there is no one on the other side so you head down with a little gusto to try to make up time.  Wow you made it to 72, now 75 coming down that straight long hill in West TX but wait it is night time and here come Johnny Fuzz.   Not a soul on the road but you and he but you just won a driving award.  Pick up another in CA coming down I15 and you are out of business.  Makes you really want to choose this career!

It is time the trucker driver is properly trained and viewed once again as a professional.  It is time that the lot lizard lounging is over, trucker parking areas enlarged and lit and the restaurants serve something other than 3000 calorie meals.  Life is hard enough on the road and away from everyone you love.  The public wants what you haul but does not want you in its town.  You are viewed as a black sheep and a rebel even though all you do is your job at the cost of your family life.  Well isn't that a fine howdy do?

Truckers need good roads to run on without the tolls.  Highway usage taxes are high enough without the double taxation of toll roads like Ohio, PA and basically anywhere in the east.  Now OK, FL and TX are joining suit.  NJ segregates lanes for cars.  When will roads be segregated for trucks only.  Trucks should be in the left lanes so they can pass through a town and not have to deal with merging cars every mile.  We need adequate parking without pay and clean, hot showers.  Give us a TV, wi-fi connection and a good meal and most truckers are happy and satisfied.  Why does the rest of the world find that so hard to comprehend and provide?  Fair wages, full FSC and decent equipment would really make the day.  Isn't it time to treat the trucker like a human being instead of machine?  Show some respect for the folks who provide you with EVERYTHING you have. 

Wake up America and Thank a trucker today!!!!

Third Mexican carrier gets clearance

Transportes Padilla, based in Tijuana, is the third Mexican trucking company to receive authority to make long-haul deliveries in the United States as part of the Bush administration's cross-border trucking program. The company intends to operate three vehicles.

Last week, IBC Inc., based in San Diego, and Transportes Rafa, based only two hours away in Mexicali, Baja California, became the second pair of companies approved for cross-border project, FMCSA announced.

A list of U.S. and Mexico trucking companies that have received authority to participate in the project is available at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/cross-border/cross-border-carriers.htm.

"We are enforcing tough safety standards at every stage of this demonstration as we tap into this unique opportunity to compete in new markets and increase border trade efficiency," said John Hill, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the agency overseeing the project launched Sept. 6. "There is tremendous potential to reduce costs for American consumers and businesses while maintaining safety on American roads."

While critics of the program, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, the Teamsters union and a number of members of Congress, have raised safety concerns about Mexican trucks, the FMCSA argues that thousands of Mexican trucks already operate every day in U.S. cities such as San Diego and El Paso, Texas. In 2006 alone, Mexican trucks crossed into the United States 4 million times, while no U.S. trucks were allowed to enter Mexico.

For years, however, those Mexican trucks have been limited to the 25-mile border commercial zone within the United States. The program launched Sept. 6 allows long-haul operations for up to 100 Mexican carriers throughout the United States and for up to 100 U.S. carriers throughout Mexico.

Source: Overdrive; etrucker.com

You have to love the article published today, 21 September 2007, in Overdrive Magazine titled, "Feds: Mexican carriers have better safety record than U.S. peers". Folks, this slapped the US hard in the face. 

We claim to be supporters of NAFTA yet we consistently try to create issues for our southern relatives.  Why do support free trade and then kick Mexico?  I just don't understand.  Who stood by us after 9/11 when everyone else went running scared?  Yet we still impose the dual standard that our Northern neighbor is worthy while our southern neighbor is dirt.  Hogwash!  Fair and equal treatment for all!!!!

Well following NAFTA and supporting free trade agreements in general, it was always old news to me when our government wished to single out the "Mexican" trucker for inspection.   I know plenty of American fleets that need attention and are in worse shape than the Mexican trucks I have seen.  During my petroleum hauling years I can recall a company that constantly repaired their units while they were loading the tankers....bad and unsafe practice.  This same company could not even keep something as simple as wipers working properly.  They had strings tied to them.  Brakes; optional!  Now come on.  If you are going to inspect trucks; inspect them all and inspect them equally.

So the go old DOT spent 3 years trying to pick apart the Mexican trucker and what did they do; got to love this, FIND THEM TO BE SAFER THEN THE AVERAGE AMERICAN FLEET / TRUCKER.  Love it!  So what are the Canadian stats?  Did we ever even look?  Doubt it!

Honestly, the driving fleet is changing greatly from what it was 20 years ago.  Drivers today are not people friendly.  They are not Highway Heroes that watch out for their fellow man.  They may no longer be the Cowboys of yesteryear but they do not have the drive or spark that the "old" driver had either.  Today's young bucks want to be home every weekend.  They do not want to work over 10 hrs. or touch freight.  They are a different breed!  Many Hispanic drivers, especially ones without family in the US; in fact, most "alien" drivers are hard working.  They are here to make money and maybe see the US but it is about dollars (Pecos, rubles, Euro, Yen, Pound).  Our "import" drivers are a better fit for an OTR company than today's average American driver.

The truckers from the south proved their worth through our U.S. DOT tests / inspections.  Now it is time we all open our eyes!

Please visit my authored works.  They are safety focused and relate to the transportation industry as well as the nuclear industry. 

Comments Welcome!

SAMPLE OF PAPERS I AUTHORED

Published Author with other papers chosen to be published or excerpts published in Transport Topics and other industry journals / newspapers as well as speaker for various conferences.

Sample of papers written available at: http://www.geocities.com/drandrealsitlerphd/papers.html

Safety Related Papers - TEA 21
(http://www.geocities.com/drandrealsitlerphd/tea21.html)
- Written for presentation to a group of non-transportation people at an environmental conference

- Plutonium: Energy Source or Death Source
(http://www.geocities.com/drandrealsitlerphd/pu.pdf)
- Written in my final classes at the University discussing the transportation, handling and risks of the main element in nuclear waste. This is the paper leading up to my dissertation.

- DOT HOS Needs Revision
(http://www.geocities.com/drandrealsitlerphd/dothos_revision_needed.html)
- Written as a class assignment as well as an industrial paper // slated for publication in Transport Topics

- Other Works
(http://www.geocities.com/drandrealsitlerphd/papers.html)
- Various works to include papers on Yucca Mountain over the years, computer issues, nuclear and high level toxic waste transport and handling and more available at: http://www.geocities.com/drandrealsitlerphd/papers.html

JASPER Type 5 Work Personality -(http://www.geocities.com/dot_doctor/tests.html)

UNIVERSITY DIPLOMAS and TRANSCRIPTS FROM BERKSHIRE UNIVERSITY -(http://www.geocities.com/drandrealsitlerphd/univ_papers.html)

Here are some statements to questions posed in the past.

SAFETY EXPERIENCE

1. Set-up, implemented, ran and developed the safety department at BPAC.  Reviewed and revised it as the company expanded from local to global business.

2. Safety Field Experience :

            Regulatory compliance person for BPAC

            Maintaining compliance

            Established safety procedures, training and awards/discipline programs at BPAC (transportation, warehousing, distribution, office, etc...)

           
Developed and enforced minimum standards acceptable for contractors and O/O

           
Safety inspections / reviews (log books, warehouse hazards, etc...)

           
Establishment and enforcement of wearing of proper safety gear for the job

           
Held monthly safety meetings and training / reinforcement sessions

           
Haz-mat, MSDS, workplace chemicals and other related training

           
Implementation and enforcement of mandatory drug and alcohol testing

           
DOT compliance established for multiple smaller trucking companies (Consultant)

           
Reduction of work (work comp) related incidents / claims

           
Secure room was set-up and cargo loss claims were reduced

           
Training on cargo securement and handling further reduced cargo claims along with driver awareness training

           
OSHA compliance

           
Accident / spill response, recovery and clean up

           
Environmental compliance /EPA /EHS from company and its workers /representatives both on site and off

           
Master of Science Degree in Environmental Management

           
Accident / incident investigations

           
Claim handling / negotiations

           
Choosing the right insurance company and policies

           
Recruit and maintain a professional, competent and successful team

           
Author of various papers on safety

           
Keep current on regulations and practices

           
Safety Management – 18 years experience

3. I take a realistic approach to safety practices.  I find a way to make people want to be safe and to feel a part of the "safety decision" or process.  No one wants to be handed a ticket at work for a safety violation or have someone approach them in the same manner.  However, taking the time to show how and why is a much friendlier approach that general merits greater results.

BPAC MANAGEMENT

1. BPAC was a growing company with a small company mentality.  The results produced were more important than the title/position held.  Many times I did what was necessary to achieve the end results.  It was a "hands on" place and not a "not my job" place.  I loaded and unloaded trucks, delivered freight, entered customer's orders, cut payroll checks, swept the warehouses and answered to the board.  No job was too big or too small no matter your position.  We all worked together for the good of the business and the good of the team.

2. I have worked all the positions over the years.  I had to get my hands dirty before I was allowed in the office at BPAC.  I have picked and packed orders, drove 18 wheelers, worked as a clerk and wined/dined executives.  I grew up dining with VPs, CEOs and board members.  I played with their children and grandchildren as a child.  I am refined but still able to talk to the worker as I am one of them.

DRIVER RETENTION and BUSINESS SUCCESS

1. Through the development of the safety program at BPAC, as well as at various contractual positions, communication paths / plans were established, goals were established and shared with the rest of the company then maintained and raised, relationships built and developed, recruitment and assembly of a successful team, proper insurance coverages negotiated and sales both in and out of house better understood our goals.  Safety claims declined by 50%, OS&D claims were reduced by 90%, driver turnover reduced to <10% annually (industry average is >112%+), employee retention was up with our training programs and the business expanded.

PERSONAL DATA

1.  No issues if a security clearance is required.  Held former DOT clearance and was considered for a DOD clearance while at Northrop Grumman if I extended my contract.

2. Yes I am willing and able to relocate.

3.  Available for up to 100% travel.  Have passport – will travel!

WHY A NEW JOB?

1. A new company offers a lot of challenges/opportunities and potential.  This is where I flourish.  My business development skills are allowed to show and the sparks gives me creative energy to rise above expectations.  My goal is finding a position where I can advance, travel and make a difference in both the company the community (stewardship).  With the every evolving DOT regulations; it is time for companies to "reinvigorate the safety program".  This is something I feel I can do well; based on previous experience and would enjoy doing again.  That statement allows for much growth, creativity and showing of results.  This I like along with the ability to be a key part of a new and growing company. 

NOW YOUR TURN

Have a question?  Ask a way!

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE FOR 100% TRAVEL / RELOCATION

 Prefer coastal location.

SEEKING POSITION IN THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY AS VP SAFETY, VP OPERATIONS, DISTRIBUTION / WAREHOUSE MANAGER, DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC / LOGISTICS, SAFETY ADVISOR, DISTRICT / REGIONAL MANGER, GM, TERMINAL MANAGER, CONSULTANT OR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL

Personal statement:

20+ years in the transportation industry with Multimodal experience in broad range of Industries: petroleum, chemical, oil field, cryogenic, hazmat, CCM / temperature control, liquid and dry bulk, JIT/expedited, air freight, TL/LTL, dry, FAK, food, general commodities, cement, intermodal, electronics, high value, over-size / heavy haul and flatbed. International / global logistics experience in Air, Ocean, FLC/LCL, Brokerage, Customs and import/export regulations.

DOT and regulatory compliance, hazardous cargo and handling, fleet operations and safety management expert. Unique ability to find the strengths in employees and guide them to function to their full potential through "hands on" management style. My hands on management style gained me the respect of upper management as well as my subordinates. 

Accomplished, logical and organized leader with outstanding history of identifying financial gain opportunities while providing Superior Customer Service. Proven ability to find and recover loses. Highly analytical and versatile leader with big-picture concept for success in everyday operations. Excellent trainer with vast computer skills; exceptionally skilled in EXCEL.  My skills have been honed as a top-notch manager with a strong attention to detail. My expertise has enabled me to save on unnecessary spending while fueling profits for the companies I have served.  Exceptionally skilled communicator and negotiator with interpersonal skills and extensive experience in the global market that have allowed me to spearheaded profitable corporate relationships while internally mentoring others for similar successes. I am an organized self-starter with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and ensure tasks are completed correctly the first time.

Strengths:

Operations Management * Fleet Operations * Financial * Negotiations* Safety * Sales / Marketing * Budget Forecasting * Regulatory Compliance * CDL-A(TX) * Logistics * Human Resources * Team Leadership and Motivation * Environmental * Hazmat * Business Growth and Development * DOT * OSHA * EPA * Global Business Management * Import / Export * 3PL * Multimodal Transportation Management * Multi-location Management * Warehousing & Distribution

Selected Achievements:

• Helped establish and served on safety review / accident investigation panel (P&R). Result 30% reduction in accidents and incidents.
• Established DOT compliance and training for several small trucking companies resulting in a reduction of accidents / incidents, raised safety ratings, reduced insurance premiums, reduced log book issues / fines and safer drivers.
• Cut Northrop Grumman's F-14 budget by 50% (.25 Billion saved) through discovery of deficiencies and excessive expenditures. Reduced government contractual suspense billing to its lowest ever.
• BTU – set up fleet maintenance program including computer tracking with db import for improved fleet management and tracking resulting in reduced downtime, optimized equipment usage and a 10% reduction in the maintenance budget.
• Relocation of over 85% of a global fleet from a stock pile, non-profit area to areas of high revenue, developed a trucking matrix resulting in >10% reduction of trucking costs. Improved equipment optimization: .87 to 1.32 trips per month. Realized savings >$1m.
• Establish procedures and document polices to qualify a trucking company for ISO certification thereby moving the company out of the red through a >30% increase in traffic lanes.
• Established the whiteboard for tracking DSL failures during the roll out of the Verizon Business DSL division. This allowed for the analyzing of failures reducing DSL failure by 50%.
• Installed a computer network and automated BPAC allowing for global growth through improved communications and tracking.  Interfaced with clients, negotiated contracts, created and implemented business development plans, resulting in growth of global business from $150k to an excess of $120MM.
• Reduced BPAC's freight claims (loss prevention) by 85% through reporting and better tracking methods.

Education:

Berkshire University

London, UK

DS Global Business Management, Summa Cum Laude

MS Environmental Management, Summa Cum Laude                                                  

BS Logistics Management / Environmental Management, Summa Cum Laude

Employment History:

B.E.S.T. Consulting, Washington, DC     (202) 640-1605             2002 – Present                

Salaried Consultant

Offering expertise in Business, technology, environmental, safety, logistics and transportation services. Specializing in haz-mat, petrochemical and nuclear waste.

Clients included: Verizon, AETNA, Crown Press, White Dove Art, Tiffy's Tots, R&D Express, Pilot, Beltway Express, Cryogenics

Major Accomplishments:

• Helped establish and served on safety review / accident investigation panel (P&R). Result 30% reduction in accidents and incidents.

• Establish procedures and document polices to qualify a trucking company for ISO certification.

• Business Turnarounds – transform a non-profit generating company into a profitable company through my business visions.

BPAC Transportation, Baltimore, MD                                                   1987 – 2002

General Manager                                                    1991 – 2002     

• Interfaced with clients, negotiated contracts, created and implemented business development plans, resulting in growth of global business in excess of $120MM.

• Structure: 500 power units, 1800 trailers, 35 bay warehouse, 7 warehouse / distribution centers, 2 terminals providing full extra value services including cross dock and 3PL

• Performance management and coaching of employees, contractors and O/Os

• Development, monitoring and tracking of departmental budgets.

• Responsible party to all Regulatory Commissions

• DOT/OSHA/FMCSA/FDA/NRC/EPA/EHS compliance

• Established relationships with EPA and local hazmat response teams in MD, DC, VA region ensuring fair practice and quick response to spill and recovery procedures.

• Improved safety programs through further employee training, heightened safety awareness and awards programs. Results: 10% reduction in 1st year of safety related issues; netted >50% reduction in safety related issues overall (e.g. Worker's Comp. claims, warehouse incidents, road accidents)

Manager of Operations and Safety                                   1987 – 1991                

• Clearly defined safety goals to meet/exceed DOT and OSHA standards                

• Develop safety department

• Safety newsletter, meetings, lectures to raise safety awareness throughout company

• Safety training for driver, warehouse and office personnel

• Log book compliance training

• Accident investigation, maintenance standards, facility safety, equipment inspections, state and federal compliance, quarterly/annual filings
• Safety awards and discipline programs established
• Field / terminal compliance to safety and operational standards 
• Installation, set up, specification and training of computerized systems for the company
• Established a training program for office, warehouse and driving personnel thereby developing a reciprocal feeling of dedication and improving longevity from my staff.

• Drug awareness training and testing

• Recruit top candidates / background checks / driver file maintenance

• Reduced driver turn over to <10% annually

• Lead by example through my dedication to safety in the workplace, follow up and self responsibility.

• Superior customer service was our priority and we earned that reputation.

ADDITONAL INFORMATION:

Certifications:  Haz-Mat, Six Sigma Green Belt, Project Manager (in progress), IT certification through NCSA: HTML, XP Office Expert, Computer Technician, HTML 4.0 Expert

 Trainings: Smith System, MCSE+I, MSCE 2000, A+, Network+. DBA, Hazmat Training and Certification, OSHA training, EPA training, DOT training, Leadership Training, Communication / Speech Training and various other class / certification courses.

 Affiliations: Transportation Club of Dallas/Ft. Worth, BAIC, Toastmasters International, American Society of Women Accountants, Margarita Society of Ft. Worth, Environmental Defense Fund, Sierra Club, Hazmat 101 List, Dangerous Goods Group Discussions, DFW Chemists, Safety News Group and Leader of DOT Help Group. Former member of: ATA, MMTA IATA, GMTA Safety Council, Chamber of Commerce Transportation and Governmental Committees.  Serve on several advisory / consulting panels for the transportation, hazmat and logistics industries.

Awards: Customer Service Awards, Highest Mileage Teams(7x), Most Productive Drivers, Year of Accident Free - Drivers(12x), Employee of the Month(23x), Employee of the Year(7x), Employee of the Decade(90's), Distinguished Photographer Award, 2006 Editor's Choice and Editor's Choice Published Photographer Award, Oratorical Awards at various levels (5x) and various other awards.

 Languages: English (American), English (British), French (Canadian), French (France), Spanish (Mexican), Spanish (South American), Spanish (Castilian / Spain)

Well that was a quick contract.  Figured on a year not 3 months. 

Lesson learned:  contract in writing and signed BEFORE you accept the challenge.

Back to the boards to see what comes next.  Good news for the rest of you all - I am available for your challenge!

Today I begin a new journey for I have arrived in Rome.  Settling into a rent by the week motel until I secure local residence; Days Inn is now home.

Monday at 0730 I begin my new challenge.  Back in the saddle as Consultant to the Owners of a trucking company; I look forward to the changes and challenges of the year ahead.

Here we go again.  Time to make us all some real money!