OPERATIONS: JEFF ABBS – Page 6
The summer is here and our operations are in full effect. The weather is hot and demand for our business is overwhelming. We are struggling with some real challenges this year, however I’m optimistic that we’ll persevere and remain prosperous. Our local capacity is down and every day we are trying to do more with less resources. I’m happy to welcome our three newest Interstate Contractors aboard: Ivan Carranza, Roy Carranza, and Jesse Washington. It was incredible that we were able to add three new drivers to our fleet this year, in spite of there being a nationwide driver shortage. It’s a testament to all of us at Reebie, that we’re doing things right, in order for us to be an attractive landing spot for any driver looking for a new home.
So far this year our business has been a mix of some segments being up and others being down. Our Interstate Hauling is doing great and we are up 13% for the year. Our National Account business is seeing a great comeback and we are up 136% for the year so far. I would like to give special recognition to two of our salespeople: Bob Lobianco and Brandon Capshaw. Through their efforts, our O&I business is up 96% for the year. This is a lucrative segment of business for us and is well liked by our local service providers.
With that being said, we are only halfway through the year and there are things to be concerned about. Fuel, labor, and material costs are still at unprecedented levels. Our fuel costs alone are up 40% for the year. It is, quite simply, becoming more and more expensive for us to operate. On top of that, our government has been increasing the Federal interest rate which is causing the housing market and the economy to slow down in general, this on top of record levels of inflation. This is all worrying, because it makes the future more difficult to predict. Some indicators are pointing to a soft third quarter. If that wasn’t enough, the Supreme Court decided that this would be a good time to settle on some important cases which I fear will only divide our country even more. The last thing we need right now is more political turmoil and division in our country.
I would like to end this article on a positive note, and would once again like to recognize our Safety Committee for being awarded 1st place in this year’s “AAA Vanliner Excellence in Loss Prevention Safety Award Contest”. Our Safety program has earned us this prestigious award time after time and is something that I’m very proud of each year.
I’ve been reading some works by the late renowned Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. He wrote, “Look at flowers, butterflies, trees, and children with the eyes of compassion. Compassion will change your life and make it wonderful. People deal too much with the negative, with what is wrong. Why not try and see positive things, to just touch those things and make them bloom?” I am taking a personal vow to work on myself to become a more positive, compassionate person. I hope that everyone can take some inspiration from Thich Nhat Hanh’s wisdom.
I am truly grateful for everyone here at Reebie.
Sincerely,
Jeff