Toyota Kaizen Champions 2013

 The Operations Excellence Department concluded its evaluations of the 18 Logistics Business Partners Kaizen Challenge submissions for 2013. 

One winner was selected in each of the three categories in this years’ theme; Damage, Density and Dwell. Winners were selected based on two criteria:   Kaizen Process reflected in A3 and Customer Impact. 

 

Our Kaizen was noted for demonstrating excellence for its focus on the chosen theme of 3-D: Damage, Density or Dwell.  Our team was awarded in Torrence, CA on June 26, 2013.

 

 

Key members of our team included Anthony Warchol, John Johnson and Naomi Eaton.  Alister Uy was our Toyota mentor for our project this year.

 

This is the 3rd time our Toyota team has been recognized for Kaizen excellence.  Congratulations to all!

 

 

 

Central Region Promotion Announcement

Please join us in congratulating Matt Dusenberry on his promotion to Account Manager for the CHEP Columbus and Solon locations.

Matt graduated from The Ohio State University in June of 2012. Shortly after graduating he joined J.B. Hunt as a DMIT and relocated to Indianapolis where he was quickly promoted to Operations Supervisor at the Final Mile LDC in August. During his time with Final Mile, Matt was instrumental in rolling out the Manhattan Scale WMS at all of the LDC sites in the Central Region. He was also part of the crew that aided in relocating the Indianapolis cross dock from the south side of Indianapolis to it's current location in Noblesville, IN. Matt will be moving back to Columbus to work out of the CHEP mill, managing the fleets in Solon and Columbus.

Congratulations Matt !

Central Region Driver of the Month-May 2013

Please join us in congratulating Larry Aldridge, our Central Region Driver of the Month.   Larry has been with J.B. Hunt for 9 years.

Larry is a honest and respectful driver, the kind that is rare to find and even harder to keep. Everyone who meets Larry is overwhelmed by his professional and caring attitude. A gentle giant is the way I would describe Larry, standing around 6 foot 6 inches tall, Larry is head and shoulders above the fleet both as a driver and a company man.

 

Larry recently was asked to assist JB Hunt and PPG in a trial period of Specialized Glass Runs. Larry was excited to help and was proud to be hand selected as the face of JB Hunt in this initial trial period. Larry was asked to haul an extremely specialized flat bed trailer with A-frame racks attached to the trailer. The racks would be loaded with sheets of glass and would need to be secured, protected, and tarped. This is no easy job, for even a seasoned driver the process can take anywhere from 4-6 hours to complete.

 

Larry stepped up to the plate and hit a home run on every run he has completed for the customer. Plant personnel and the PPG staff could not be happier with the driver JB Hunt chose to represent themselves. Larry has said "whatever it takes, whatever you need, I am willing to help", this attitude is rare and exactly what we need to satisfy our customers needs. 

 

 

Upcoming Federal hours-of-service rules questioned by Williams, ATA

In testimony today before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s panel on highways and transit, Steve Williams, chairman and CEO of Maverick USA, said upcoming changes to federal hours-of-service rules are costly and unsupported by data or research.

“FMCSA’s motivation to change these rules was not based on evidence demonstrating a problem,” said Williams, a past chairman of ATA and the current chairman of the American Transportation Research Institute.“FMCSA’s three paragraph statement in the rulemaking called ‘The Purpose and Need for Regulatory Action’ did not cite any research or data analysis showing a problem. That speaks volumes.”

Williams cited an ATRI report that found “statistically significant” declines in the number of crashes under the basic framework of the current rules. Specifically he pointed to a 31% drop in preventable collisions between 2004-2009.

“The industry will lose operating flexibility and productivity, and the rules will increase driver stress and frustration,” he said, noting an estimated 1.5% to 4% reduction in productivity will translate to “between $500 million and $1.4 billion in lost productivity.”

Williams also said that it is “difficult, bordering on impossible, to accept FMCSA’s suggestion that corresponding benefits will result from these changes and that they will somehow offset all the costs.”

Pointing to an ATRI study released yesterday, Williams said“FMCSA’s claim that 15% of drivers work more than 70 hours per week to be grossly overstated” and that after correcting that false assumption “the pending restart changes would have a net annual cost (not a benefit) to industry and society.”

Because of FMCSA’s flawed analysis and process, Williams called on Congress to postpone the July 1 effective date of these rules until the agency completes mandated research on the rule. He also asked Congress to request independent analysis of the regulation and to require FMCSA to report to Congress on any future changes to the hours-of-service rules.

Renaissance Nutrition - In The News - Farm and Dairy Magazine

In almost 29 years, Renaissance Nutrition has become the largest nutrition and premix manufacturing business in the Northeast and continues expansion from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
The company is also growing in Canada, with additional possibilities for growth internationally.
As a company, Renaissance is committed to providing dairy and livestock producers with quality services, products, resources and information.

Consultants are key

Its highly qualified nutritional consultants are located throughout the contiguous states, working hand-in-hand with producers on farms of all sizes and with all species.
These consultants provide up-to-date nutritional input, balanced rationing, livestock health care information, farm management insights and agronomic products and services that can make a positive difference.

History

Founded in 1985 by Craig Brown, its president, and headquartered in Roaring Spring, Pa., the company was established on the principles of offering producers the best in products and services at reasonable prices, while using homegrown forages and feeds wherever possible.
Renaissance” means “new birth”, representing the company’s determination to return to customer-oriented service in the nutrition, premix and feed business. Renaissance will not simply “sell to sell.” Consultants work with producers to determine what products and ingredients are necessary to ensure a balanced ration that can provide the desired results.

Recent growth

During the past few years, the company has seen tremendous growth and development, adding to its staff of nutritional experts, expanding its agronomy applications and product offerings, increasing its sales and consulting staff, adding to office, manufacturing, warehousing and trucking capabilities, and moving into new geographic areas.

Staff research

Renaissance also provides regular technical features and articles for local and national publications through the research work of its own technical staff. Technical articles and numerous related articles are available on the company’s updated website: www.rennut.com.
The company manufactures and distributes a complete line of nutritional supplements for dairy, beef, swine, sheep, goats, horses and poultry.

Forage focus

Renaissance has developed expertise in forage production through its agronomy services, working extensively with several seed companies to provide research-tested hybrids and varieties that can offer improved digestibility for producers to grow.
This involves working closely with producers, its nutritional consultants and independent labs to ascertain the nutritional value of forages. Evaluation is done through extensive in vitro and in situ analysis.
A line of research-tested preservatives and inoculants is also available to help producers maintain the nutritional content of ensiled and baled forages by aiding fermentation, and reducing spoilage and mold.
Additionally, the company has recently introduced a new proprietary biological growth stimulant for forages.
Nutritional consulting is the backbone of Renaissance. Their consultants maintain personal contact with customers and prospects, visiting thousands of farms in their market area annually and bringing the most up-to-date and advanced information possible to producers.
The company offers customized programs, including farm management information and recommendations, professional nutritional consultation and ration balancing, herd profiles, body condition scoring, forage management and sampling, biosecurity insights and assistance, top quality products and a team that stands solidly behind its customer-producers.

Face to face

Renaissance does not offer online ordering, since it considers the consultant-producer relationship to be an essential part of the services they seek to provide. They feel it is important to work with producers and their livestock — seeing how (and what) they are being fed, getting a first-hand look at body conditioning and fecal matter, production information, health and reproduction statistics, forage and feed analysis for maximum digestibility and much more.

Need Drivers?

We asked the Louisville terminal to help us advertise for drivers in the front of the facility.  How is this for a professional sign with a customized hanging aparatus?  This is next level from our friends in maintenance.

Toyota-Louisville, KY

Check out this work----every driver displayed on a board with the driver's name on the picture.  That is Driver Dedicated.

Toyota-Hebron, KY

Lack of walls hasn't prevented Jecorey from exhibiting his documents.  His Driver of the Month poster, Safety Policy Statement, and Differentiation poster are all framed and were up to date.  Thanks Jecorey....looks great!

Last 2 Weeks

I have done a bit of traveling in the past two weeks throughout parts of our region and I want to share some best practices I witnessed.  The accounts that were visited include:

• Aurora Parts
• Champion Windows-Cincinnati, OH
• Final Mile-Indianapolis, IN
• C & S Yorktown, IN
• Toyota-Louisville, KY
• Toyota-Hebron, KY
• OVACO-Shelbyville, KY
• Family Dollar-Morehead, KY
• Southern States-Winchester, KY
• Tyson's-Robard, KY
• Final Mile-Louisville, KY
• Pet Supplies Plus-Seymour, IN

Overall, our clients were positive and the CVD events that were held at particular accounts were well done.  The best practices will be in individual posts.

Enjoy! 
 

Joseph Unanue - The Goya Legacy

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The 2010 census reports that about 50 million people in the country are of Hispanic origin, so it's hardly a surprise that the Hispanic food business is a big deal. Goya Foods has claimed the biggest share of that market since it began in Manhattan in 1936. After a brief relocation to Brooklyn, Goya came to New Jersey in 1974 when it moved to Secaucus. Goya's business grew through the years, largely mirroring the surge in Hispanic population. Annual revenues are now about $1 billion and the company has an estimated 3,500 workers. Its slogan, "If it's Goya, it has to be good," or, if you prefer, "Si es Goya, tiene que ser bueno," is commonly seen on company trucks and other promotional material.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The Unanue family has run the company since it was founded. Joseph A. Unanue, who took over the company reins in the early 1970s, died last week at 88. He has been remembered as both an innovative businessman and a community leader who was generous in his support for charitable organizations. Unanue's life was very much an American success story. He was born in Brooklyn, but grew up in Bogota. He served his country in World War II, earning a Bronze Star for his exploits in the famous Battle of the Bulge. Upon returning to the United States, Unanue earned a degree in mechanical engineering from The Catholic University.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Unanue's success in building the Goya brand to what it is today cannot be attributed only to good fortune. The nation's Hispanic population was expanding rapidly, but meeting their needs was not all that simple. As Richard Fritzky, the former head of the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, explained to The Record, Unanue understood that Brazilians have different tastes than natives of Honduras and Puerto Rico. So the company tailored its products to specific populations within the larger umbrella of the Hispanic market.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Goya's continued success is so important to New Jersey that when the company was looking recently to build a new headquarters, state officials worked hard to make sure it did so in the Garden State. It worked. Thanks to tax breaks through the state's economic development office, Goya broke ground last fall for a $127 million warehouse and headquarters in Jersey City. Unanue had a seat of honor at the ceremonies, as did the guest speaker, Governor Christie. The Unanue family and their company have come a long way from humble beginnings almost 80 years ago. That is Joseph Unanue's legacy.

Toys R Us Quarterly Results

Toys R Us said Friday its first-quarter loss widened, hurt by continued weakness in the video game sector and cool weather.
Toys R Us, the largest specialty toy retailer in the U.S., has struggled with softer sales due to tough competition from online retailers and discounters at a time when consumer spending remains tepid. The company's CEO Gerald Storch stepped down in February.

Interim CEO Antonio Urcelay said Toys R Us is committed to increasing its online offerings, expanding globally _ including in China and Southeast Asia _ and offering a wider variety of products.

Its loss for the three months ended May 4 grew to $111 million, compared with a loss of $60 million a year ago.

First-quarter revenue was hurt by weakness in seasonal products and electronics, video game hardware and software. It fell 8 percent to $2.41 billion from $2.61 billion a year earlier.

Revenue in stores open at least one year fell 8.4 percent in the U.S. and 5.8 percent internationally. The figure is an important gauge of a retailer's health, because it strips out stores that have opened or closed in the past year and measures growth at existing locations.

HOS Changes Coming!

The new HOS changes are right around the corner, and come July 1^st, OTR drivers will be following a new federally-mandated sleep schedule. The FMCSA seems to think that there will be a smooth transition, but some industry and safety advocacy groups are expecting a bit of a bumpy ride.

When speaking during the kickoff event for Roadcheck 2013, FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro said that “We think HOS reform is going to go smoothly; the vast majority of carriers and drivers are informed about the changes.” Despite Anne Ferro’s confidence, others seem to be less convinced.

　

In an interview with Fleet Owner, Steven Keppler, the executive director of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance said that even though his organization distributed over 75,000 information cards during the Roadcheck safety blitz alone, the CVSA has still be receiving calls from drivers and carriers looking for some clarification on the rule changes.

So if you don’t know the exact rules that go into effect July 1^st, here they are again:

The reforms limit a driver’s work week to 70 hours within a seven-day period, whereas under current rules, truck drivers can work on average up to 82 hours

Starting July 1, truck drivers cannot drive after working eight hours without first taking a break of at least 30 minutes. Drivers can take the 30-minute break whenever they need rest during the eight-hour window.

The reforms will require truck drivers who maximize their weekly work hours to take at least two “night-rest” periods from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. This “night-rest” requirement is part of the rule’s “34-hour restart” provision that allows drivers to restart the clock on their work week by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty.

Drivers can only use restart provision only once during a seven-day period.

Ferro also touched on the number of drivers that she believed would be affected by the changes, quoting a number that is perhaps a touch lower than what might be realistic. “We recognize that these [HOS] changes will significantly affect 7% to 10% of the driver population,” she said. “But we believe carriers are making adjustments to compensate for that.”

Limited brands Comps Up 3%

Favorable weather conditions and an improving economic backdrop instilled confidence among consumers that led to strong spending during the month of May. Amid such a positive scenario L Brands, Inc. Limited Brands  posted comparable-store sales growth of 3% for the four-week period ended Jun 1, 2013, reflecting a sequential improvement of 100 basis points.
This specialty retailer of women's intimate and other apparel, beauty and personal care products showcased an increase of 9.7% in net sales of $737 million from $671.9 million in the prior-year period. In the past few months unseasonable cold weather dampened the mood of consumers that muted retailers' performance. However, an improving job market, lower gas prices and rebound in the housing market boosted consumer sentiment

Buffet In A Box

Here is a new concept being tried at CiCi's:

Shift leader Lisa Festger fills a Buffet on the Go order at the CiCi's Pizza location on Coit Road in Plano.

Looking for a meal on the run, Plano resident Enneye Makonnen bypassed a fast-food burger joint and headed instead to a CiCi’s Pizza buffet restaurant on Coit Road.
“I was just asking for a salad and a couple pieces of pizza,” said Makonnen

Fettig Explains Vision at Whirlpool

Standing pat is not in the playbook for Whirlpool Chairman and CEO Jeff Fettig. He was the final speaker of the season for the Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan Tuesday night at Lake Michigan College, and says the company has to continue to be innovative with its product line if it wants to continue to be the world's largest appliance maker. Fettig added there is still room for growth, specifically in China and India and other areas of southeast Asia.

Locally, he says employment with Whirlpool is up 50% in the past decade, with a payroll in just Southwest Michigan of $425 million. Fettig says the company is trying to do its part to make the area attractive for new businesses to move in and further increase the quality of life for everyone and says in the last 10 years, they've pumped $350 million back into the Berrien County economy. He says that's been through the United Way, the development of Harbor Shores, and other projects like the Boys & Girls Club and Habitat for Humanity.

Pet Supplies Plus

The local pet supply store stands out as a beacon of hope as its managers say business is doing well despite the economy.

     

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Randy Koster likes to think of his store as an old-fashioned hardware store.

That is to say, a place customers can come in for a product and leave with a little know-how from expert employees on the same visit.

Except at , where Koster is manager, it isn't nuts and bolts — its biscuits and bedding.

Here are 4 responses:

I have to tell you, I live close to this store and go in it quite often, the staff is great! The store is always clean, they always greet you when you come in, the manager is usually always visible, we needed something for one of our dogs and he got it for us right away. I hope everyone will give this store a chance, I would love to keep it around for a long time!

 

Bolingbrook MOMSeptember 22, 2011 at 04:02 pm

We have been purchasing our dog's food, treats and toys here for about a year. We did some price comparison and they were deffinetly lower than, PetCo and PetSmart. We also have bought food for our reptiles. Once again, after price compairson they beat out the other stores around. The employees are very nice and very knowledgable. We have used the low cost clinic for shots for our dogs and have reffered several people there. Overall, we are so happy to have wandered in this store and even more happy that is is in Bolingbrook!

 

DonSeptember 22, 2011 at 11:36 pm

The people at this store are GREAT! The prices on cat food beat everyone including Walmart!

 

Terra SwiftApril 13, 2012 at 11:02 pm

I went in just today and got greated by one of the staff members. I go there to get my dog treats and other suplys. I really recomed giving it a try.

Marco's Provides Aid in Oklahoma

Marco's Pizza filled a 53-foot semitrailer Wednesday with supplies bound for Moore, Okla., to help tornado relief efforts there. A company spokesman said Toledo-based Marco's has a strong presence in Oklahoma, including a franchise owner in Moore. The company said supplies will be offered to affected Marco's employees and their families as well as the general community. The spokesman also said the parking lot for Marco's store in Moore will serve as a Red Cross Relief staging area.

(The J.B. Hunt Dedicated semi was filled at the Marco's Pizza Distribution Center in Maumee.)

Jason Braden of Marco’s Pizza loads supplies onto a semi in Maumee bound for Moore, Okla., to help with disaster relief for tornado victims. A spokesman for Toledo-based Marco’s said the company has a strong presence in Oklahoma, including a franchise owner in Moore.

Central Region Promotion Announcement

 

Effective June 10, Frank King will take over the reins as Account Manager of COE Distributing in Smock, PA. COE operates as an Office Furniture and Supply Wholesaler delivering to dealers throughout the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast. Frank brings us 6 years of retail management experience from Walgreen's and 5 years of dock experience in the LTL sector. 

Frank graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a Business Management degree. This opportunity keeps him and his wife (Christa) local to Frank's hometown of Uniontown, PA. As a native of Western PA, Frank is a diehard Steelers fan. He also enjoys riding motorcycle, but recently retired his bike for a stroller, as he and his wife are expecting their first child later this month.

Central Region Promotion Announcement

 

Effective June 10, Andy Rose will step into the new role of Account Manager for Soft-Lite L.L.C., Streetsboro, Ohio. This is an exciting new venture and startup for J.B. Hunt and the Central Region, as this further integrates us into the Window and Door Supply Chain. Soft-Lite DCS will operate two base fleets (3 trucks in Charlotte and 13 trucks in Streetsboro). We will be replacing a private fleet that delivers windows and doors to 'measure and install' dealers and job sites, utilizing both tractor trailers and straight trucks.

 

Andy's combined 2+ years of Account Management experience between Northwest Hardwoods, Aurora Parts, and COE have prepared him well for this opportunity. At the same time, he will be relocating from Uniontown, PA, residing closer to his roots of Willoughby, Ohio. Andy is a proud graduate of Kent State University, and an avid Hockey fan, golfer, and car enthusiast. Andy is on the RHS of photo. 

Central Region New Business

We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Tyson Foods.  Starting July 14, 2013, J.B. Hunt DCS will provide 4 tractors, 6 drivers, and 1 Account Manager in Robards, KY.  Our drivers will be delivering feed from mill operations to various farms across the Kentucky and Illinois market.

This contract is for a 3 year tenure. 

Tyson Foods, Inc. , founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork, the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and are the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets we serve. Tyson provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and more than 100 countries.

The company has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.

Gimme Lucky 7!

We just finalized a new 7 year agreement with our partners at Niagara Sheets.  Traci Kilger, J.B. Hunt Account Manager, and John Bolender, Niagara Sheets President, are pictured above with our signed and executed contract.

This new partnership and contract took a great deal of effort.  Thanks to the entire Niagara Sheets team of drivers, management, and leadership from John, Bill and Adam Kleeh!

Final Resting Place

I was driving back from lunch on Friday and happened to drive by the new cemetery that Mrs Hunt helped design in Rogers, AR.  I thought it would be nice to share.  It is a beautiful site that has a chapel and common areas that can be used for for all types of events.

Lucky 13

Congratulations to Andrew Deblock.....he achieved 13 years at J. B. Hunt on May 30. 

J.B. Hunt Brings Home Glory!

J.B. Hunt participated at the Arkansas Truck Driving Championship this past weekend.  We had a total of 12 participants from J.B. Hunt and 5 drivers specifically from the Central Region.  Since many of you could not attend, we thought we would bring the competition to you.  Enjoy!

 

 

　

At the awards banquet, JB Hunt was honored with Fan Favorite awards for "Loudest Group" and "Best Decorated Tent".

 

One of the clear highlights of the entire banquet occurred when Brandon Garey's 8 year old daughter, Caydence, enthusiastically ran up on stage to accept these spirit stick awards on behalf of JB Hunt. Everyone in the banquet hall thought this was top notch on the adorable scale.

   

　

The definitive highlight and proudest moment for team JB occurred when Mark Overholt of the DCS Central Region took top honors in the Straight Truck category.

 

Mark's final score totaling 313 points was the top number within the JB Hunt team, the 9th best overall, and came a few points shy of "Rookie of the Year" honors as well. I am told that this victory is the first time anyone from JB Hunt has placed 1st in a class since 2004. Mark will be representing JB Hunt at the National Truck Driving Championships in Salt Lake City, UT later this year.