In the moving business there are times that on moves going over 800 miles that the origin agent is asked to pick the move up and bring it back to their facility until dispatch can plan a driver to take it to it's destination.
Agents do not like to APU- (agent pick up)- their profit lessons when they do and in the summer season they have limited labor and floor space.
Drivers do not like APU's- their profit lessons because in order to pay the agent something to pick up a move we have to deduct it from the line haul that the driver would normally be participating in.
SO WHY ARE THEIR APU's ?
Many factors.
In the slower season operations is trying to build loads and it is difficult to start a long haul driver on a load unless you have at least a half or a third of a trailer load. You can try to fill in the holes with late bookings and other sources but you at least need a foundation.
In the 3-4 months of our busy season several factors come into play.
First and foremost it is the goal of operations to assign every move to a direct driver that will load and deliver it rather than have an agent pick it up. The move gets handled less which means, more than likely, less claims. We have a much better chance at meeting our registered delivery dates if we load direct. And overall we feel the customer has a much better experience if the driver that delivers their goods is the driver who takes things a part and loads them.
Ok, so back to why we APU in the summer
Many offers now come over from our accounts and the military last minute, or within 7-10 days of the load, which lessons the choices of operations.
Even if operations assigns a move to a driver or an agent to haul many other factors come into play by the time the load date comes around-
Estimates- if a move is registered and planned for 7000 lbs for example and it is then revised to 14,000 lbs before load date we need to make shifts to avoid overflows and to service the move correctly. Estimates going larger or smaller can have a domino effect on two to three drivers and in the busy season, again, the choices may be limited.
Cancellations- A move cancelling can cause the same domino effect as a blown estimate so what is planned in the morning may not be planned in the afternoon.
Medical- Because we work in a people business there is always a chance that a driver or a close family member of the driver has medical issues so again shuffling may need to occur on a move previously assigned.
Mechanical breakdowns- As good as we all are on keeping our tractors, trucks and trailers inspected and mechanically sound there are problem that can occur when you driving thousands of mile.
Weather- We certainly know what mother nature can do and there is no pre-planing that can prevent that.
Driver shortage- As the moving industry shakes get familiar and helps shapes our military moves in particular and we all get our hands wrapped around all the new regulations that D.O.T. has, and is, implementing our drivers are having a difficult time and therefore we have a driver shortage in our industry for the first time since I have been associated with it in the mid eighties.
I do believe it will get better and the industry will once again recognize the "driver" for his hard work....I know that Arpin still does !
I am sure that I am missing some but you get the drift....we all want to take care of our customers and loading direct is our priority and always will be.
As always it takes TEAM work.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
TRUST
There use to be an exercise to do with a group of people where someone would stand in front of a person and stare straight ahead and then fall backwards trusting that the person behind them would catch them.
That is what it feels like in the work place and it certainly the relationship that is needed between drivers and dispatch.
For the driver to do his job he needs to know that the person who is dispatching them had their back and he must trust that the dispatcher is working FOR them. The same of coarse works in reverse, the dispatcher needs to know that the driver has their back and trust them and will do keep their word on what is promised.
No matter what business you are in we all must trust our counterparts and the people that we work aside every day.
When you do not trust each other there is no way anyone can truly work to the best of their ability. You end up always looking over your shoulder and it effects your disposition and how you approach the day. It spreads negativity which is always counterproductive.
You gain trust by being honest and not having personnel agenda's.
You can trust by reaching out and helping.
You gain trust by looking past someones false because let's face it we all of our own false.
Be positive and be first to extend the olive branch and you will be surprised.
To many people hold grudges and want revenge and for what ?? Where does it get you.
It will wear you down.
If you want to make your day easier then pull in as many people as you can, don't push them away and DO NOT JUDGE.
Unless you have walked a mile in someone Else's shoes DO NOT JUDGE THEM.
WE WILL ALL BE JUDGED AT A MUCH LATER DATE....
That is what it feels like in the work place and it certainly the relationship that is needed between drivers and dispatch.
For the driver to do his job he needs to know that the person who is dispatching them had their back and he must trust that the dispatcher is working FOR them. The same of coarse works in reverse, the dispatcher needs to know that the driver has their back and trust them and will do keep their word on what is promised.
No matter what business you are in we all must trust our counterparts and the people that we work aside every day.
When you do not trust each other there is no way anyone can truly work to the best of their ability. You end up always looking over your shoulder and it effects your disposition and how you approach the day. It spreads negativity which is always counterproductive.
You gain trust by being honest and not having personnel agenda's.
You can trust by reaching out and helping.
You gain trust by looking past someones false because let's face it we all of our own false.
Be positive and be first to extend the olive branch and you will be surprised.
To many people hold grudges and want revenge and for what ?? Where does it get you.
It will wear you down.
If you want to make your day easier then pull in as many people as you can, don't push them away and DO NOT JUDGE.
Unless you have walked a mile in someone Else's shoes DO NOT JUDGE THEM.
WE WILL ALL BE JUDGED AT A MUCH LATER DATE....
Saturday, April 28, 2012
A sense of URGENCY
Most people that I see and work with seem to always have a sense of urgency to them.
They do not put things off or push them aside or pass them to someone else.
They attack the day and each situation with a sense of urgency.
I see it everyday, rather then doing it now they put it off...and some times for days.
Paul Arpin trained me well because when he asked for something he expected you to get right on it.
He wanted answers, and wanted them sooner rather than later.
He looked at procrastination as someone who did not care about their job and therefore he moved on. Because by delaying their job and duties they were delaying what he could then do.
I expect the same with the people around me and they can certainly expect the same from me.
If I say I am working on it you can take it to the bank. People need that type of trust to truly build a relationship of trust. And in business, as in life, it is all about trust.
By putting something off that is asked of you it is showing disrespect. What you are saying to the person is they are not important and you will get to it when dam well fell like it.
Talk is cheap....show them that you care. Do it and do it sooner rather then later and by all means FOLLOW UP.
They do not put things off or push them aside or pass them to someone else.
They attack the day and each situation with a sense of urgency.
I see it everyday, rather then doing it now they put it off...and some times for days.
Paul Arpin trained me well because when he asked for something he expected you to get right on it.
He wanted answers, and wanted them sooner rather than later.
He looked at procrastination as someone who did not care about their job and therefore he moved on. Because by delaying their job and duties they were delaying what he could then do.
I expect the same with the people around me and they can certainly expect the same from me.
If I say I am working on it you can take it to the bank. People need that type of trust to truly build a relationship of trust. And in business, as in life, it is all about trust.
By putting something off that is asked of you it is showing disrespect. What you are saying to the person is they are not important and you will get to it when dam well fell like it.
Talk is cheap....show them that you care. Do it and do it sooner rather then later and by all means FOLLOW UP.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
20-60-20
The 20-60-20 Rule
In any profession the 20-60-20 rule applies.
On any given day at any given place of employment, 20 percent of the people that work there are incredibly responsible and will always strive to do their best and get the job done. they may want to be that responsible but they have this inner voice that tells them, "if not you, who? If you don't do it, it's not going to get done and bad things are going to happen". So, often at great cost to themselves, they still get the job done.
Next comes the 60 percent in the middle. They don't want to do anything bad, but they also don't necessarily want to do anything good. They just want to get by, put in their eight hours a day, and be unnoticed. They straddle the fence of indifference and really like it up there.
Then you have the final 20 percent. They are the worse. All they want to do is advance themselves while doing as little as possible. They lie, steal, and cheat for the greater good of ... themselves. They continually corrupt and manipulate the system to the detriment of the other 80 percent. And guess what? They couldn't care less. I'm willing to bet you know a few people from each category.
So in life, the trick as an employer is to find those those first 20 percent, hire them, and keep them happy.
What we all need to do is to get in, and then remain in, that first 20 percent.
Hard work, decency, street smarts, and persistence will conquer a lot of ills.
In any profession the 20-60-20 rule applies.
On any given day at any given place of employment, 20 percent of the people that work there are incredibly responsible and will always strive to do their best and get the job done. they may want to be that responsible but they have this inner voice that tells them, "if not you, who? If you don't do it, it's not going to get done and bad things are going to happen". So, often at great cost to themselves, they still get the job done.
Next comes the 60 percent in the middle. They don't want to do anything bad, but they also don't necessarily want to do anything good. They just want to get by, put in their eight hours a day, and be unnoticed. They straddle the fence of indifference and really like it up there.
Then you have the final 20 percent. They are the worse. All they want to do is advance themselves while doing as little as possible. They lie, steal, and cheat for the greater good of ... themselves. They continually corrupt and manipulate the system to the detriment of the other 80 percent. And guess what? They couldn't care less. I'm willing to bet you know a few people from each category.
So in life, the trick as an employer is to find those those first 20 percent, hire them, and keep them happy.
What we all need to do is to get in, and then remain in, that first 20 percent.
Hard work, decency, street smarts, and persistence will conquer a lot of ills.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
FROM ONE OF ARPIN'S DRIVERS..
We all know how hard it is
to lose a friend or family member,death,does not come easy,for ANYBODY,Well?I
lost a 25 year friend 6 weeks ago and I believe he went the way any furniture
mover would have wanted to go,at the end of a pack and load...There's a bunch
of background...
John Rush(RIP)had a medical
problem in Georgia 6 weeks ago. I talked to him twice that day and just thought
it was a cold....His help realized it was more and took him to a doctor,who
placed him in ICU,where he did not return...A pulmonary embolism,took his
life.....Imagine a driver dieing on the road and what a mess it was to clean
up..
Up Steps Arpin,gets the
truck secured,moved to a locked lot,and at that point they step in and work out
the details with Johns 5 years girlfriend for EVERYTHING. Talk about a FAMILY
of movers?
Every aspect was overseen by
them and to the last detail,they listened to the tears...
NOW,They are in the process
of getting her stuff moved back to Atlanta(she could not afford to live in
California by herself)and I don't think there's going to be anything published
as to just what they have done to help. I HAD to say something.....Special
thanks need to go out to David Arpin(for being there),Dave Vieira,and most of
all to Bruce Fox,he listened to the tears,and DID something about it.
AND folks wonder why I'm so
happy here at Arpin???They got our back........Thanks for letting me be here.
John's background and years
in the industry are covered in the obit:
John Dewey Rush, 65, of
Grover Beach, California unexpectedly went to be with the Lord on Friday, March
9, 2012. His mate of nearly 5 years, Juli DeCarlo, and long-time friend,
Michelle Hagarman, were by his side.
John was born to the late
Benard Clarence Rush and Jessie Anderson on May 26, 1946 in Warren, Ohio. After
graduating high school, he served our country in the Army. Once discharged,
John became a long-haul truck driver and spent most of his life on the road
serving the public. He had such a zeal for life and enjoyed being on the road
travelling the United States. With his contagious laugh, witty humor and caring
personality, he made long-lasting friendships everywhere he went.
During his 30+ years as a
driver and mover, he worked for North American Van Lines and, most recently,
Arpin Van Lines. While picking up a load in Valdosta, Georgia, John fell ill on
Tuesday, March 6 and was admitted to Tifton Regional Medical Center. Great
praise is deserved for the doctors and ICU nurses who fought tirelessly and
exhausted all resources to save John.
John is survived by his
mate, Juli DeCarlo. His remains were cremated, and no formal memorial service
was held. If a memorial gift would like to be given, it is requested to be sent
to Juli DeCarlo at 651 South 9th St, Grover Beach, CA 93433 to defer
costs of handling John’s estate.
John’s beaming smile,
cheerful laugh, and enduring friendship will be dearly missed by all who knew
him.
Friday, April 20, 2012
1981
| THE YEAR WAS 1981 | |
| US PRESIDENT-VICE PRESIDENT: Ronald Reagan & George Bush HEADLINES: Iran releases 52 American Hostages minutes after Ronald Reagan is inaugurated, ending their 444 - day ordeal ~ Major League Baseball players begin 7 week strike over free agency issues ~ Sandra Day O'Connor of Arizona becomes the first woman on the US Supreme Court. TIME MAGAZINE PERSON OF THE YEAR: Lech Walesa POPULAR TV SHOWS: Too Close for Comfort ~ M*A*S*H ~ One Day at a Time ~ 60 Minutes ~ Dallas ~ The Love Boat ~ House Calls SONGS: Bette Davis Eyes ~ Celebration- Endless Love ~ Jessie's Girl ~ 9 to 5 ~ Physical ~ Private Eyes ~ Kiss On My List SPORTS: Champions include Los Angeles Dodgers (baseball), Oakland Raiders -football, Bobby Unser (Indianapolis 500), New York Islander (hockey), Indiana (NCAA basketball), Marcus Allen from Southern California (Heisman Trophy), and John McEnro and Chris Evert (Singles at Wimbledon Tennis) COST OF LIVING: New Car $7718 ~ Gasoline $1.25 per gallon ~ Eggs .50 a dozen ~ Bacon $1.45 a pound ~ Ground Hamburg .97 per pound ~ Fresh Bread .53 per loaf ~ Postage Stamp .19 ~ Average Rent $315 FADS: Rubik's Cube ~ Jellybeans POPULAR MOVIES: Every Which Way You Can ~ Nine to Five ~ Absence of Malice ~ Arthur ~ Chariots of Fire ~ Excalibur ~ Superman II ~ Raiders of the Lost Ark ~ For Your Eyes Only |
Thursday, April 19, 2012
As the great philosopher...
As the great philosopher.. Forest Gump once said....SHIT HAPPENS
In the moving business many hands and many people touch one move. From the first point of contact to arrange the move to the person that does a survey to the packers and loaders and the delivery crew and if a move goes to storage add in warehouse crews and the delivery out people.
Add in traveling hundreds and thousands of miles and many things can happen and could go ...let's say not as planned.
In this business as in many businesses you do your very best to prevent those moments of mishap and train and preplanned and educate and exchange as much information as possible and even then problems can arise.
What separates the good from the great is how you handle the problems because they will happen no matter how much effort is put in.
Everyone needs to work together and address the situation as soon as possible. Do not hesitate or put it off...run to it...hit it head on and push aside the drama and the he said she said game and work the problem. The secret is to let others around even know that there is a problem just quietly access it and come up with resolutions.
I have seen some very cool things happen in operations through the years. Agents and drivers that step up and a part of the solution and are part of the team.
That is when great things happen and yes I believe in what goes around comes around, call it Karma or fate or what ever you want to but I do believe in it.
Yes," shit happens" but it is what YOU do when it does happen that will show YOUR character.
In the moving business many hands and many people touch one move. From the first point of contact to arrange the move to the person that does a survey to the packers and loaders and the delivery crew and if a move goes to storage add in warehouse crews and the delivery out people.
Add in traveling hundreds and thousands of miles and many things can happen and could go ...let's say not as planned.
In this business as in many businesses you do your very best to prevent those moments of mishap and train and preplanned and educate and exchange as much information as possible and even then problems can arise.
What separates the good from the great is how you handle the problems because they will happen no matter how much effort is put in.
Everyone needs to work together and address the situation as soon as possible. Do not hesitate or put it off...run to it...hit it head on and push aside the drama and the he said she said game and work the problem. The secret is to let others around even know that there is a problem just quietly access it and come up with resolutions.
I have seen some very cool things happen in operations through the years. Agents and drivers that step up and a part of the solution and are part of the team.
That is when great things happen and yes I believe in what goes around comes around, call it Karma or fate or what ever you want to but I do believe in it.
Yes," shit happens" but it is what YOU do when it does happen that will show YOUR character.
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