Hello all! Welcome to another edition of the Mercertown newsletter.

It seems like just yesterday, we were getting this newsletter started and already we've gotten a year of these under our belts. A new year is just on the horizon, and a look in the rearview will display what has been a challenging year for everyone associated with trucking. Before we start to look too far ahead, or spend too much time reminiscing the good ol' days, lets be sure to remember all of the good things that we have to be thankful for right now. After all, November is the time of giving thanks - I for one am thankful to have a group of such wonderful people in a stable company to work with when so many things seem to be in question in the trucking industry. To all of you who help me day to day with the marketing of Mercer Transportation to the masses - thank you so much.

I hope that everyone will take the time to do the same this month; just look around at all of the things that we're lucky to have and try to get the focus away from the negative things that we all face. Feeling down in the dumps? Like maybe there isn't anything to be thankful for? No problem, I've taken the liberty of compiling a short list of things we can all be thankful for.

10. Although that Survivor show still comes on, people have stopped saying, "You've been voted off the island."
9. Sooner or later, that guy at the table next to you will get his meal and stop his rant titled, "All we have to do to fix this industry is ..."
8. Your next load will likely not be an elephant going from Miami to Dallas, requiring you to once again use "The Bandit" to run interference.
7. No, that Swift truck is not going to squeeze into that space next to you.
6. Stable economic environment - sodas at Mercer still only cost $0.35.
5. It will be easier to drop that 10 pounds we've been shooting for after we put on 20 during the winter holidays.
4. There are rumors that Ohio will be taking it easy on us all this holiday season - there will now be only 3 troopers running radar at every overpass in the state.
3. While not big on attention to details, instructions or compliance issues, recruiters make wonderful companions, and I know where you can get a few real cheap if we keep it quiet.
2. One of those items on page 272 of Wal-Mart's Christmas sale ad is actually in stock and doesn't require a price check.

And the #1 thing to be grateful for: Bobby Murphy! (Be grateful that you know him or that you're not him - you decide.)

Thank you Mercer contractors and employees for making my life so rich.

Brian Helton
Director of Recruiting

Drivers have noticed some changes in how long it takes Mercer to get thier paperwork that is placed in Trip Pak. Well, a positive change is coming.

As of November 17th, 2008, TripPak will no longer be serviced by DHL; It will now be picked up by UPS. This means on time, everyday pick-ups.

Also, TripPak's facilities are moving to Louisville. This will make them more accessible to Mercer. Several months ago, we provided a list to the Logs Department of boxes being serviced by UPS, being a 2-day delivery point for Mercer. This change will allow all the boxes to be overnighted to Mercer, as of November 17th. This will take some time to make the transition, and no doubt there will be some bugs to be worked out. However, we believe this will be a very positive change and drivers will be very pleased with the outcome.

If you have any questions regarding your paperwork, please do not hesitate to call Michelle Maraman at ext. 3174.