Feb 18, 2022
This month's featured member:
Wade Hooper
Federal News
On September 10, 2020, FMCSA proposed a pilot program to allow persons ages 18, 19, and 20 to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. That pilot was never implemented. However, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which was signed into law on November 15, 2021 requires FMCSA to establish a pilot program that would allow employers to establish an apprenticeship program for certain 18-, 19-, and 20-year-old drivers to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
No more than 3,000 apprentices will participate in the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program at any one time with a maximum of 1,000 participating motor carriers.
VCT – Safety Trends
Days Since Last Unsafe Driving Violation: 54
Days Since Last Out of Service Order: 37
Days Since Last Injury: 28
Current Unsafe Driving CSA Percentile: 21%
(Best performance 0% - Most unsafe 100%)
Our goal is to have each driver, as well as the motorists we share the road with, return home every day the same way they left; safe and uninjured.
This requires a continuous effort and discipline on your part to choose to make good decisions on the road. A commitment to defensive driving includes eliminating distractions, adhering to speed limits, maintaining a safe following distance, as well as most importantly staying alert and prepared to react to potential hazards or the errors of other motorists.
For additional information on the importance of defensive driving and the proactive efforts of law enforcement to eliminate roadway fatalities visit the website below. The next Operation Safe Driver Week is scheduled for July 10-16, 2022.
cvsa.org/programs/operation-safe-driver/
VCT – Important Reminder
Your pre-trip inspection is the most important part of your day. FMCSR 392.7 states, in part: “No commercial motor vehicle shall be driven unless the driver is satisfied that the following parts and accessories are in good working order…”
When any driver puts their truck into gear and begins traveling on a public road, they are telling themselves, their company, and law enforcement that their equipment and load is safe and legal to operate. You as the driver are 100% responsible for your equipment and load as well as any incident that may occur during your shift while you are in control of that vehicle.
It is imperative that you are aware of any potential mechanical defects with your equipment. Any safety sensitive defects must be addressed immediately and before that truck or trailer is operated over the road.
You as the driver are the ultimate beneficiary to a thorough pre-trip inspection. Roadside inspection violations, citations, breakdowns, and accidents can all be prevented by understanding the condition of your equipment.
Resources are available upon request from Rob Senter to assist you in conducting a proper pre-trip inspection and understanding what to look for and why.
Veneer Chip strives to develop the most professional drivers in the industry and is willing to invest the time needed with you.
VCT – Helpful Tips
Paystubs and W2’s can be accessed online through the Paylocity website or Paylocity app.
If you are having difficulty logging in, it is most likely that your account has not been set up and you will need to register. Under “login,” select “register new user,” then select “I don’t have a registration passcode.” This will bring you to the verification page which requires your company ID, last name, SSN, and home zip code.
Our company ID is 38668 and your home zip code must match the address we have on file for you. If you have recently moved, and not informed Jennifer Parsons of the update, you will be unable to login.
Any time you change your phone number, home/mailing address, email, or other contact information you must inform Jennifer right away so we can keep your file current and legal.
Upcoming Saturday Dispatch:
2/19 – Wade 2/26 - Ron
3/5 - Rob 3/12 - Scott
From The Team – Wade Hooper
(Dispatch Manager Tacoma, WA)
Wade joined the team in February 2011, but his story begins long before then. The incredible work ethic we see today was instilled in him at a young age from his father. Growing up on a ranch in Yelm, Wade learned one of life’s most valuable lessons early on; “If you want something, you work for it. Dad always knew how to keep me out of trouble, by keeping me busy.” In addition to his responsibilities on the ranch he also assisted with the multitude of family businesses including septic trucks, construction, limo service, and when he was old enough signed on as a volunteer firefighter.
Eventually it was time to move on and start his own path. He ventured off and found a new passion as a full-time truck driver hauling wood residuals. “They could not slow me down I enjoyed it so much.” However, that simply wasn’t enough for Wade. After a year and a half as a driver he volunteered to start dispatching on the weekends. Not long after that his full-time dispatcher abruptly left, and thus began Wade dispatch career. It was an easy decision for his supervisors to promote him as he had proven himself to be dependable, had shown the interest he had in it, and made the effort to learn how to do it right.
Yet again he had his eye on a bigger prize. “VCT was always that other company, I always admired the way the equipment looked even when they were passing me on the freeway way back when.” Wade had developed a good working relationship with Jon Lucich as their respective companies worked closely together and at some of the same facilities. Wade is still a rancher at heart, and as such, he was easily lured into a meeting with Jon under the pretense of a possible transaction of heifers. One thing led to another, and VCT found themselves with a skilled and experienced dispatcher.
His professional career at VCT is nothing less than impressive. Starting with managing twelve trucks and twelve drivers, Wade is now responsible for almost seventy drivers, two assistant dispatchers, and coordinating various types of equipment and materials between many dozens of customers. Requests are frequently made with little or no notice. Long ago Wade was asked, how do you decide who loses? Who doesn’t get their loads? “You don’t. You need to find a way. It’s our job to find a way to get it done, no matter what.” Over the years he has proven to hold his promise to this statement and his customers.
“Watching the company grow and just to be able to say I am a part of that is enough accomplishment for me. This company was strong before I came here and has come a long way in the eleven years that I have been here, and it is all because of everyone I get to work with and how hard they work.”
Wade hopes we can keep the family atmosphere at VCT. “Help when there is a need. Think about the next person driving the truck; what can you do to help make their day better? Let’s keep the VCT team strong because our customers see our pride in our work.