The KMS Scoop - 4/5/16

4/4/2016

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Company News

Everyone is welcome to take another 2 cases of cookies this week.
The computer in the north bay is online finally. We will start populating the floor map that's on the computer and the floor map that's in the binder. The next time you do SIT talk to Justin to get trained on the new system.

Staff News

We have a new hire that will start in a couple of weeks. His name is Alex Hayes. He is a UNK student and will be full time in the summer and part time during the school year. He is an industrial distribution major. Please see picture below.

Policy & Procedures

Returning keys policy
We all need to work on this a little more. In the past 3 months we have lost 11 sets of keys. The cost of and hassle of replacement can be a problem so I want to refresh our memories on the policy.
Keys
1. Company may issue some employees a padlock and/or warehouse key.
2. Employees must return all keys at the end of employment or at the company’s request. 3. Do not duplicate company issued keys.
4. All company vehicle keys must be returned to the key rack at the end of use.
5. Employees may be fined $5 per set of keys if they are taken home.

Truck Paperwork
Another area that needs to be addressed is paperwork for the trucks and trailers? Here is an example of how this can be a problem. Bill was stopped in the '04 and had a level 3 inspection on Saturday evening... It took him a while to track down the documents because they had been moved to somewhere back in the sleeper. Bill thinks that he was given the level 3 inspection because it took him so long to find his documents. The trailer (6611) also had expired documents. I believe that we are legally required to have the current documents within reach of the driver from the driver's seat. I think it's a no no to have to jump in the back and dig for them.

To address this issue with more consistency we need to follow these guidelines:
1. Binders with appropriate paperwork were made for each truck. The binders need to be put into the side door compartment. If that isn't available place it in the center console or back pocket of the drivers seat.
2. Do not place binders in the sleeper.
3. Before each trip the driver is responsible to make sure this paperwork is located and easily accessible.
4. Also check the trailers paperwork and make sure that everything is current. If it is not then make sure to inform the office.

Employee Recognition

Bill Werner - Tip Award
Eric Jones - Tip Award
Sam Lanka - Tip Award
Josh Weinberg - Tip Award & Peoples Choice

Customer Comments

"The guys were very polite and very conscientious. Roger is very easy to work with. Happy to move my big cabinet 3 times because I couldn't decide." -
Kathy Nootz (nice job Roger, Sam, Rivas, Weinberg, Zach)

Safety - Driver Fatigue

Don't be like this

Even if you aren't one of our CDL drivers this information applies. Drowsy drivers are involved in many fatal traffic incidents, frequently taking occupants of other vehicles with them.
The statistics are staggering and the more time you spend on the road; the greater the odds are that you'll be involved in such an incident. On-the-job driving involves heavy responsibility, so make sure you get enough rest to drive alert.
Here are some tips for staying awake and aware when you drive for your job, to and from work or on your own time:

Get enough sleep before you drive. For most people, eight hours of sleep every 24 hours is about right, but everyone is different.
If you have a choice, don't drive during your normal sleeping hours. If you are accustomed to being asleep at 2 a.m. you could easily doze off behind the wheel at that hour.
If you start to get sleepy, pull off the road in a safe place and take a nap. Be sure to lock your vehicle doors and be prepared to drive away promptly if your security is threatened.
Plan your route with overnight accommodations or highway rest areas in mind. Make reservations at a motel, or have alternative accommodation lined up. Planning these stops in advance keeps you from driving around tired looking for a place to spend the night.
Eat lightly and often rather than larger meals. The meat and potato platter, dessert included, at the truck stop can make you sleepy.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and other drugs. Even ordinary medications such as cold and cough remedies can contain ingredients to make you drowsy.
Keep your vehicle interior fairly cool with plenty of fresh air.
Shift position frequently. instead of remaining static for long periods of time.
Take breaks at least every two hours. Walk around in the fresh air for awhile instead of just walking from your vehicle to a warm coffee shop. A fast paced walk around the rest area can do wonders to get your circulation going again to keep you alert.
If you are alone, use your radio, smart phone or CD player for company.
Keep your eyes moving. Look at the road and traffic far ahead, check your mirrors often and scan the sides of the road.
Check your instrument panel often, making sure your speed is within posted limits and not becoming erratic because of fatigue or inattention. Consider turning your instrument lights down low to keep your eyes adjusted to the darkness outside.

Remember the only substitute for sleep is sleep. Short-term measures may help you stay alert for awhile, but eventually you will need to sleep, even if you are behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Notes from the boss

Leadership - Focusing on Kindness

Now, I'll admit kindness isn't a word that's thrown around in many leadership circles. Kindness sounds weak. It brings to mind meetings filled with group hugs and seems to fit better with rainbows and unicorns than with vision statements and leadership. But in my experience authentic kindness has been a great way to lead. Showing kindness at key times in an individuals life can make or break their confidence and growth. This week let's look at a few key points on the subject of kindness and how it fits into our work and our lives.

The"who" is more important than the "what" - Kindness means that we're more concerned with who a person is becoming than what they're doing. Caring about people isn't good just for the people you lead; it's good for you, too. Results are vital to any organization but if the results are all that matter then we will create relational chaos. While we may achieve what we set out to do, we leave behind a wake of distrust because people feel used and abused rather than valued and appreciated.
Kindness and correction go hand in hand. - Kindness doesn't mean we avoid having difficult conversations with people. Kindness doesn't mean we refuse to address poor performance. Kindness demands that we tell the truth. As we lead others make sure that you correct with kindness. These are opportunities that may seem difficult at the time but actually can be one of the most beneficial things you can do for someone.
Kindness must be intentional - We have to make a conscious effort to be kind, Our position can deceive us into thinking we no longer need to be kind to people. One of the myths in the world is that the higher a person climbs, the less kind they have to be. One of the excuses we can make is that "we are too busy." But if we aren't careful we can become so busy with our leadership-type activities that we're no longer effective in our leading. Taking a few minutes here and there to train a new employee or listen to someones problems can model intentional leadership in an effective way.
We need to allow people to make mistakes. - Whenever you have the urge to be unkind to someone for something they've said or done, try to stop and remember how many times you've said or done something foolish. How many times have people shown you kindness rather than condemnation in those moments. As your boss I know that you are going to make mistakes and I know it's going to cost the company money. How do I know this? Because I have already made most of the same mistakes myself. But those mistakes have become critical opportunities to grow and learn. When we learn from those mistakes we can grow in our skills and our character.

Kindness isn't for soft leaders, and it's not a sign of weakness. It's a sign of strength, and it's an essential trait for anyone who wants to lead in an excellent way. Building a culture that people love to work in means that we all need to model kindness. I continue to be encourage with tone you all are setting at work so keep it up!