Features
- Showusyourtruck.com October Winners
Mercer: Darrian Stephens' "Keystone Jr.
"Best of the Rest": Chad vetting's "28V" read more
- New Year's Resolutions for Drivers
by Len Dunman
read more
- Road to Better Health - Enjoy a happier, healthier 2009!
read more
- Maintain a successful and profitable business - CBSI shares tips for the new year. Read their State of Business Review.
Event Schedule
No Events this month.
In The Headlights: Jason Schaftlein
Jason Schaftlein is one of Mercer's Contractor Relations Advocates. Along with Heidi Van Tyle, Jason spends his days talking with drivers and helping when and where he can. When asked, Jason was eager to answer a few questions about himself.
Q: Jason, what do you like about Mercer?
A: The family atmosphere, of course. I have met a lot of good friends here. And for some reason, I like working with drivers!
Q: As Mercer rings in the New Year, is there any advice or tips you have for drivers that may be useful to them as they prepare for the year ahead of them?
A: Cut your expenses, think outside the box, and haul freight that you would usually pass up.
Q: Outside of work, what are your hobbies/interests? What do you do for fun?
A: I play a lot of softball in the spring and summer. Right now I am teaching my 4-year-old boy how to play t-ball.
Q: Whom do you admire the most and why?
A: My father. He passed away 6 years ago after a long battle with cancer. He was a very tough guy and he is whom I admire the most.
Q: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
A: Louisville, KY
Q: When did you come to Mercer and where have you worked?
A: I started working at Mercer in May 2002 as a step deck coordinator. I did that until I moved to Relations Advocate last year.
Q: How do you help resolve issues when there is a problem?
A: There are so many different situations. We always try to get every side of the story and think objectively.
Q: What is one of your greatest accomplishments?
A: My son, Mikey. He is named after my father. Also, my wife is expecting again!
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
A: It would probably be Germany. My great grandparents and other older generations of my family are from Germany. It would be cool to see their culture and my heritage.
Q: Do you have New Year's Resolutions that you would like to share with us?
A: I really need to cut back on the Mountain Dew.
Read More.
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Happy New Year from Mercertown!
Well here we are at the beginning of another year and I'm very excited. 2008 was a very tough year in trucking and my hope, like many of you, is that the New Year will bring better days in our industry. If you happened to turn on the television, radio, or read any newspapers in recent months, surely you've heard all of the doom and gloom surrounding the economy. The economic strife has definitely had a tremendous impact on trucking, but here's the good news: Sooner or later the economy will rebound and there will be more freight to be moved by truck and I can promise you this - Mercer will be there.
I feel very fortunate to work for a private company that owns all of its assets. We have no loans to pay off, no share holders asking whose job we're going downsize, or what corners we're going to cut so they get their big dividend checks. We have seen hard times in the economy and trucking before and Mercer has made it through and we will again.
I had the pleasure of attending this year's agent meeting and I was very impressed with how positive everybody was even with the uncertain months ahead. One message rang clear from Mercers General Management Group - now is the time that we all go out there and work harder to make sure that we stay strong in the industry and are positioned to take full advantage of our role as the nations premier owner operator company when things turn around.
I know that 2008 was a tough year for owner operators both at Mercer and elsewhere; I commend all of the hard work, dedication, and grit you have displayed over the past year. Thank you all, and hang in there, we will all make it through this together. Be careful out there and best wishes for the New Year.
Brian
Brian Helton
Director of Recruiting
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Flying J Discounts
Flying J is offering a discount on any PM's done at their J-Care Service locations. The normal cost is $199.00, but Mercer contractors and drivers will get a $15.00 discount just by showing their Mercer ID.
Attn. Mercer UPS Carriers:
Important Cargo Security Information
UPS has warned all Core Carriers of recent cargo theft in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX area. Please read the memo regarding cargo security and safety precautions.
Mercer Enacts New Loan Policy
Mercer has undergone a policy evaluation and changes have been made to how we assist contractors with loans for repairs. Please see the loan policy bulletin more more details.
Mercer's exclusive Flying J & TA fuel prices are now online!
Go here to access Mercer's fuel prices. The information is updated daily, Monday through Friday (TA in the morning, Flying J by 11:30 AM.)
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Give us your Feedback
Do you have something to say? We are currently seeking contributors for the newsletter. Send your thoughts, ideas and general ramblings to:
Johanna Inman - Recruiting Department - 800-433-0904 - jinman@mercer-trans.com
Please take a few moments to tell us about your experience with Mercer so that we can better serve you in the future.
Click here to take our online survey.
If you have questions or comments regarding the newsletter, please contact Johanna at jinman@mercer-trans.com.
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