OPERATIONS: GARY RICHIED – Page 6
The third quarter of this year has proved to be disappointing when compared to last year. We have been unable to maintain the momentum we had at the end of the second quarter, when we were at our high of an 8.5 % increase over last year, and it has shrunk to an increase of 4.4%.
With the end of October, and this being the first of November there is still opportunity for us to get over the 5% increase threshold in the fourth quarter and that would be a good goal to set for ourselves.
As I outlined in last month’s column our profitability has been hardest hit when compared to last year, and this has become even more evident when reviewing the third quarter of the year. While it is great to have increased revenue year after year the thing that really matters is how profitable you are. Unfortunately, our profitability is eroding at quicker pace than our increase in revenue and that is not good. It will take concerted effort from all of us to cut expenses and adjust our rates if we are to stem this tide.
Now on a much brighter note, I am proud to report that the quality of the service we provide, and the safe manner in which we provide it, are at an all-time high. We were recognized for both of these in many ways at the Sirva Convention that was held last month.
The pinnacle of the recognition we received was for Frank Russell being the Driver of the Year. It was almost embarrassing the accolades he received form everyone in attendance when his job performance statistics were read. Over 100 relocations performed, with zero claims and a perfect 5.0 customer rating. Over 75,000 miles driven to accomplish these without an accident, or a traffic citation, and perfect DOT – CSA score of zero points. This is the second time he has received this award and he is as close to being the perfect mover as you can get.
Of course there was all the perennial awards that we receive year after year for Multi-Million Dollar Booker, and Multi-Million Dollar Hauler. There was the usual recognition of our sales team for the volume of Private Transferee business and Express moves. There was also the usual recognition of our operations team for being rated excellent in the handling of Military moves and maintaining an excellent rating for safe operation based on our CSA score.
This year, however, turned out to be better than most when we received the “Good Dawg” award as the agent who the entire network of Allied drivers rated as the best agent to work with in the performance of their job. Now, naturally, you think of how this pertains to the people in the Operations Dept. with getting the drivers good help, having shipments ready for them when they get here, keeping the warehouse open when necessary for them, and treating them as the professionals that they are. But it really is a statement about the company as a whole. When you consider the way the coordinators in the Sales Dept. go above and beyond to make sure the drivers have everything they need, that the salespeople are dedicated to supplying them with timely and accurate information, and the responsiveness of the Accounting Dept. addressing any issues to insure that they are compensated properly.
I have to say it was little bit of a wakeup call receiving this award. It made me take a moment to realize what a really good company Reebie is. I mean, I am well aware of the high level of service we provide our customers, and the Better Together attitude we have as a team working hard to maintain that level. I guess I just needed the Allied drivers to confirm what I already knew.
The quote of the month is along these same lines and comes from Ralph Waldo Emerson who said “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself”.
This Thanksgiving Day why not go to Church and tell God in person how thankful you are for all the Blessings He has bestowed on you. Ask Him to spread His Blessings on those less fortunate, and let Him know how grateful you are for our Armed Forces and First Responders.
Peace and Prayers,
Gary