pACE Setter

A ce Re l o ca t io n

Sy s te m s, I n c .

March 2017

In this issue:

pACE Setter

(Cont. on page 2)

Main Street - VP of Operations, Dan Lammers

Rate

PVO

Use

Atlas

Again

? Orlando 4.57 78.69

Maryland 4.68 86.62

Long

Beach 4.7 88.89

Seattle 4.3 75 San

Diego 4.65 86.75

Chicago 4.66 88.75 San

Marcos 4.45 91.67

San Jose 4.74 90.48

Phoenix 4.63 76.92

Hauling Excellence

Through February -

2017 Convention Year

Behind the Wheel - Charmaine Ramlal, 25

It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it. For folks moving, it’s a high stress

event. It’s not just seeing your possessions being packed, loaded, shipped and

delivered by strangers; it’s changing addresses, schools, bank accounts, changing

utilities, and jobs. It’s up to us to make their transition to their new address as

seamless as possible. It’s what we are paid to do.

Born in Trinidad, Charmaine moved to New York,

NY when she was 19. Her mother gave her a

choice between college or moving into her

grandmother’s house. Since she didn’t enjoy

school, she was New York bound.

After working for six years at a parking garage, she

ventured into the banking industry. Looking for

more fun and income, she also bartended at night.

In 2001 she was hired by Greyhound and became a

trained bus driver. She then worked for North

American as an owner/operator for six years before

coming to Ace in 2016. She now lives in Orlando,

Florida with her husband who is also in the moving industry.

When she is on the road and not doing a job, she likes to rent a car and explore.

Although she visits many cities, her favorite is still New York City for its cultural

diversity.

When she is home, she loves to cook and bake. She often takes food to the Orlando

office to brighten their day. She also loves driving. As a kid, she used to take out

her dad’s car when he wasn’t home and drive around their lot of land.

The best thing about her job is driving a truck and the interacting with customers.

She likes to make customers feel comfortable by thoroughly educating them about

the move process. She shares, “Working for Ace has given me an opportunity to be

financially stable.”

Behind The Wheel 1

Main Street 1

Top Ten Complaints 2

Indiana Cab Cards 2

Uncle Chuck’s Corner 3

Pre-Trip Month 4

Atlas Safety Meetings 4

Frontage Road 5

Qualified Labor 6

Background Checks 6

LaborNet Benefits 6

What a Party! 7-8

pACE Setter Page 2

(Main Street cont. from page 1)

Our job is to take their stress and put it on our shoulders. And there is a lot on our shoulders. In the last several

years, we’ve been asked/mandated to adopt new ways, including technology like electronic inventories and

electronic logging devices. We have social media that can be intrusive and fun at the same time. We are being

watched and reviewed like no other time in our existence. The pressure on the relocation industry is

building.

We are seeing the industry getting more and more consolidated, too. Relocation management companies have

a greater share of the account market. Our competitors continue to drop out of the market. A long time mover/

competitor in San Diego, just sold to a larger west coast Mayflower agent, and Graebel Van Lines no longer

exists. I guess the pressure was more than they could bear.

We’ve got to be mindful that the pressure building, doesn’t get the best of us. When dealing with each other,

be kind, be patient and be helpful. Everyone has enough responsibilities to manage these days. You can

make your co-workers/colleagues/fellow movers life/day easier by being positive and constructive. Watch

your message, be clear on what you need, save the sarcasm for those who may know you better.

Together we are better.

Have some fun, enjoy your job, your day. Do the best you can everyday. Take care of yourself,

your family and our customers.

Cheers, Dan

1. Missing Items

2. Poor Packing

3. Mislabeling Boxes

4. Not Enough Floor Protection

5. Using Customer Tools To Perform Move (I.E.

Dolly, Screwdriver)

6. Disregarding Special Instruction from Customer

for Handling

7. Misdeliver/Over Deliver

8. Over Inventory Damage

9. Not Assembling Properly

10. Rushing Through Signatures on Move

Documents

Top Ten Claim Complaints

The new Indiana Cab Cards for the registration year April 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018 were mailed out

March 15, 2017. The IRP plates have no expiration date. You will only receive a new original cab card

registration. The cab card registration cannot be photo copied or faxed. Each vehicle must display the original

cab card registration issued by Atlas to avoid citations or purchasing trip permits.

The new registration is not valid until 4/1/17, so please make sure to keep the current card available

through 3/31/17 and then it should be thrown away.

New Indiana Cab Cards

Volume 104 Page 3

Diamond Awards

Dan Havey (Ace 62) 1,250,000 miles and a diamond added to his ring!

Gift Awards

Shannon Mitchell (Ace 15) 300,000 miles and Watch

Steven Scadlock (Ace 08) 150,000 miles and an Engraved Pen Set

Gilberto Tapia (Ace 75) 150,000 miles and Engraved Pen Set

Dan Tilton (Ace 66) 150,000 miles and Engraved Pen Set

Denard Hanna (Ace 08) 150,000 miles and Engraved Pen Set

Adam Meredith (Ace 75) 150,000 miles and Engraved Pen Set

Miguel Moreno (Ace 66) 150,000 miles and Engraved Pen Set

Jonathan Aiken (Ace 08) 100,000 miles and Engraved Pen Set

Howard Richmond (Ace 64) 75,000 miles and Engraved Pen Set

Safe Driving Awards

Doug Anderson (Ace 62) 2,700,000 miles

Fred Schmidt (Ace 08) 2,300,000 miles

Josh Morton (Ace 64) 550,000 miles

Said Azzaloualidine (Ace 62) 400,000 miles

Reza Hajaghaie (Ace 15) 350,000 miles

Joshua Keihl (Ace 15) 350,000 miles

Clifton Jennings (Ace 66) 250,000 miles

Chris Gleaves (Ace 75) 100,000 miles

FROM UNCLE CHUCK’S CORNER

A spirited week of learning and fun!

May 1 - May 5, 2017 Videos!

Frontage Road - David Wood and Staff at Ace 15 Page 4 pACE Setter

The 2017 Professional Van Operator/Operations

Management meeting schedule has been determined. Topics

this year will be new/pending safety rules, DOT audit

processes, ELD mandate, claims, and other van lines issues of

interest.

The meetings will begin at 8 am and conclude around 1 pm, with

a light breakfast served before the meetings and a lunch provided

during the meeting.

Baltimore, MD - Saturday, March 25, 2017

Alexander’s Mobility Services (214)

1200 Bengies Road

Baltimore, MD 21220

Phone: 410-406-9200

Chicago, IL - Saturday, April 22, 2017

Ace Relocation Systems (64)

1543 Hecht Drive

Bartlett, IL 60103

Phone: 847-836-5200

These meetings are voluntary, except for Professional Van

Operators and Atlas Agents who will be required to attend a

meeting due to their CSA scores.

Presenting at all or some of the meetings will be Rick Kirby,

Director of Safety, Jeff Schimmel, Vice President Transportation

Services, and Mark Spiehler, Senior Vice President Account/

Agent/Claims Services.

2017 Atlas Van Lines Safety Meetings

APR

IL IS P

RE-T

RIP

MO

NTH

!

G

ET R

EA

DY

! *** CLASS A VEHICLES ***

Pre-Trip Inspection Memory Aid

You can use this list of vehicle components to help remember components you must inspect during a pre-trip inspection. You need only inspect those components with which your vehicle is equipped. You should inspect the components on your vehicle in the order they are listed below. This will help you conduct a methodical inspection without missing required components.

Engine Compartment Coupling Systems (Cont) Trailer Suspension

Fluid Levels Release Arm Springs and/or Air Bags

Belts Kingpin Spring/Air Mounts and U-bolts

Air Compressor Apron Torque Arm/Radius Rod

Alternator Sliding 5th Wheel Locking Pins Rear of Trailer

Fluid Leaks and Hoses Pintle Hook/Ball Hitch Types Doors or Ties

Front of Tractor/Truck Mounting Bolts/Welds Mud Flaps

Steering Box and Hoses Pintle Hook/Ball Lights and Reflectors

Steering Linkage Safety Latch/Locking Device Front Lights

Front Suspension Safety Chains/Cables Rear Lights

Springs &/or Air Bags Eye/Coupler Clearance and Reflectors

Spring/Air Mounts and U-Bolts Drawbar/Tongue Engine Start – In Cab

Shock Absorber Side of Trailer Safety Belt

Driver/Fuel Area Landing Gear Lighting Indicators

Driver Door and Mirror Doors or Ties Oil Pressure Indicator

Fuel Tank and Cap Frame & Crossmembers Air Pressure Gauge

Rear of Tractor/Truck Tandem Release Ammeter/Voltmeter

Drive Shaft Trailer Wheels Mirrors

Exhaust System Rims Windshield

Frame Tires Wipers and Washer Fluid

Air Connectors and Lines Lug Nuts Horn(s)

Electric Connectors and Lines Hub/Axle Seal Heater/Defroster

Catwalk/ Headerboard Spacer or Bud Spacing Safety/Emergency Equipment

Coupling Systems Brakes Hydraulic Brake Check

Fifth Wheel Type Slack Adjusters and Pushrods Breakaway Module

Mounting Bolts Chambers Air Brake Checks

Platform Hoses/Lines Parking Brake

5th Wheel Skid Plate Drums and Linings or Rotors and Pads Service Brakes

Frontage Road - Mike McHugh and the Staff at 43

Frontage Road - David Wood and Staff at Ace 15 Page 5 Volume 104

Left to right:

Jeff Martin, Cesar Mendoza,

Crystal McAllister, Mike

Lappen, Erica McAllister,

Nikki Cayenne,

Arianna Hernandez,

Debbie Coles, Mike McHugh

After enduring a winter of record setting rainfall, monumental mountain snowpack, continuous pass closures,

and even the branch closure for snow, Ace 43 came out unscathed and ready for more. As we move our clocks

forward and gain additional daylight, it begins our quest into planning, procuring and implementing all the

expectations of another successful summer.

Ace 43 had a good 2016 both in revenue and profit and are continuing that into 2017. Currently ahead of

budget we are looking for great things from the Pacific Northwest this year. With the addition of Arianna

Hernandez as Operations Manager, this task becomes almost absolute.

Please congratulate Debbie Coles on her recent promotion to Administrative Services Manager at Ace 43.

When I was asked what that entailed I grinned ever so slightly and responded “do you know what the alphabet

is?” exactly, everything from A to Z. :)

The existing staff comments daily, since summer ended, that it truly hasn’t ended,it has only slowed slightly.

We have added additional staff in the office, Nikki Cayenne as OA/DA & Commercial Coordinator, Erica

McAllister as Local Dispatcher, Warehouse Assistant Crystal McAllister and also welcome aboard Local

Contractors Jon Crawford and Jeff Martin to the Ace team. Jon and Jeff both bring many years of experience

in the industry from their previous days with Graebel.

Our commercial projects with MultiCare Health Systems remain strong and growing. We will be completing

projects for two of their hospitals in the upcoming year, each adding an entire wing to the existing campus.

Ace 43’s long haul fleet has remained busy throughout the supposed slow season. We are currently working

with two drivers who want to come on with Ace/Atlas.

Our sales staff continues to succeed; Tracie McGlothern beat goal for 2016 and I can see it happening again

for 2017. Lori Karnes has been working diligently on the National Account side networking and making

contacts that will lead to fruition.

From the team at Ace 43, everyone have a safe and prosperous spring and summer.

Page 6

Ace Employees and P VO Employees

All Ace and PVO Employees (regular employees that are hired by a PVO) must be qualified before they

begin to work. All PVO employees must meet the same standard as the Ace employee as stated in the Ace

Contract. T o get qualified they must complete the following process.

Fill out completely the application for the position they are applying for - driver, warehouse, helper or

packer, with a legible copy of their driver license or ID and SS card. This is then sent into Ace Safety where

we will complete the background checks and then notify you of what additional items are required, drug test,

HPE test, DOT physical or road test. Once all items have been completed and are all in the applicant’s file,

you will be notified if he is qualified. All Ace and PVO regular employees are qualified to work on Atlas

jobs and will be given a Basic or Prudential qualification. Any Ace employee or PVO caught using

unqualified labor may be suspended or terminated.

Casual Labor

Casual labor is for OTR Drivers only and non-Ace drivers that may come into your yard looking for help.

Before they can be used they must fill out the casual labor release form and send it to Ace Safety with a

legible copy of their driver license or ID and SS card. Once the background check is completed you will be

notified if they meet qualification. You will also be notified if they are qualified as Basic or Prudential.

Casual laborers do not meet Ace’s standards and are not to be used on local Ace or Atlas jobs. Any Ace

employee or PVO caught using casual labor on Ace work may be suspended or terminated.

Qualified Labor

Background Checks

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017

All 9 Ace Relocation Systems offices

Background Checks good for 1 year

Free to all casual labor candidates

Labor-Net Enrollment

Need Valid Identification

Social Security Number

No Surrogate Checks!

Background check that meets multiple major van line standards

Apply to posted jobs in your area

Drivers and movers can find and hire you easily

Fill your profile with experience and skills to help gain more work

With your smartphone, download the LABORNET app today!

BENEFITS OF LABORNET

Page 7 Volume

WHAT A PARTY!

Photos of Frank Meilander’s and Mike Lammers’ retirement party by Becky Wondrash and Phyllis Cain

The room was packed at Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant for Frank and

Mike’s retirement dinner, March 3rd. It wasn’t just people from the San

Diego area; some had come from hundreds of miles away. Mike and

Frank’s families were in attendance, as were spouses and families of

other current and past Ace employees and contractors. The crowd was

treated to some very heartfelt speeches by Larry, Dan, Mike and Frank.

The honorees left with gifts and cards from their friends and colleagues,

and posters signed by those who were there wishing them the best in

their retirements. As well as lots of tender sentiments and hugs from the

attendees. The room was thick with emotion. Atlas Van Lines sent a

beautiful custom card to Frank signed by everyone in Operations in

Evansville.

We’ll miss you guys!

Turn for more photos...

pACE Setter Page 8

https://twitter.com/acerelocation

https://twitter.com/AceReloPVO

https://www.facebook.com/acerelocation

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ace-relocation-systems

RIDDLES

If you have an interesting riddle, please send it in to

fashcroft@acerelocation.com..

Don’t peek on the internet!! Email your answers to

Francesca at fashcroft@acrelocation.com. First correct

1. The more you take, the more you leave behind.

What am I?

2. How many seconds are there in one year?