9 minute read
SPOTLIGHT FMIC
We are pleased to highlight the accomplishments of our policyholder SKJ Moore Logging LLC & C. Moore Trucking, out of Nakina, North Carolina. Owner, Mr. Shane Moore, has been a Forestry Mutual Insurance Company (FMIC) policyholder since November 2002.
His operation has not had a trucking injury since inception. Shane stated that he is very pleased with his operation and contributes a lot of his success to his drivers in his trucking operation. Finding a truck driver these days is like finding a needle in a haystack but finding a truck driver that is a perfect fit is even harder.
It’s compared to winning the lottery. Shane said that he is very fortunate to have such an experienced group of drivers working for him, and he trusts all of them to operate daily in a professional manner.
We would like to take the time to profile the truck drivers that work hard and elevate professionalism for SKJ Moore Logging LLC & C. Moore Trucking.
MR. RANDY HAYES:
Randy and his wife Barbara have two sons and four grandchildren. Randy has been a professional truck driver for 33 years, 26 years with SKJ.
Prior to being employed by SKJ, Randy drove OTR for C Lane & Colonial before finding a home at SKJ.
FMIC: What has been the most significant change or obstacle in truck driving compared to 20 years ago?
Randy: The increase in traffic that has lead to more congested roads.
FMIC: What do you like about driving?
Randy: I have just done it all my life, and I guess it’s in my blood.
FMIC: What safety tips would you give other truck drivers or us?
Randy: Stay focused, keep your mind on the road, don’t let it wander, and don’t bring your problems behind that steering wheel.
MR. MELTON MOORE:
Melton and his wife Irene have four sons and four great-grandchildren. Melton has been a professional truck driver for 53 years, 15 years with SKJ, and works alongside his son Andrew Moore who is also a truck driver for SKJ. Prior to being employed by SKJ, Melton drove Flatbeds & OTR for Malone Freight Lines out of Birmingham, Alabama. Melton has two sons that are professional truck drivers.
FMIC: Have you ever been involved in an accident while driving a truck?
Melton: I have never had an accident in the 53 years I have been driving and count that blessing each day. I was fortunate to receive my Million Mile Safe Driving Award in 1999.
FMIC: What has been the most significant change or obstacle in truck driving compared to 20 years ago?
Melton: The use of cell phones and texting has increased significantly.
FMIC: What do you like about driving?
Melton: Definitely the independence.
FMIC: What do you think has helped you be successful in driving?
Melton: Besides God watching over me, I have learned to expect to be cut-off by other cars. I have also learned not to get in a hurry and focus my eyesight well ahead. As I’m traveling down the road, I’m always thinking, “What if.”
FMIC: What safety tips would you give other truck drivers or us?
Melton: Treat others on the road the way you want to be treated. Stay positive behind the wheel. Trust and respect who you work for. Treat others with respect to get respect.
FMIC: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not driving? Melton: Spending time in the garden.
MR. ANDREW MOORE:
Andrew and his wife Melissa have four children. Andrew has been a professional truck driver for 28 years, 20 years with SKJ. Prior to being employed by SKJ, Andrew drove Tankers for Centinell Transport & Kenan Transport before finding a home at SKJ. Andrew is part of a family tradition of driving trucks; his father and brother are also professional truck drivers.
FMIC: Have you ever been involved in an accident while driving a truck?
Andrew: I have had a few close calls, but I have never been in an accident. Those close calls taught me a lot of lessons.
FMIC: What has been the most significant change or obstacle in truck driving compared to 20 years ago?
Andrew: More vehicles on the road. Vehicles of all types have given us more obstacles to manage while driving.
FMIC: What do you like about driving?
Andrew: Traveling and just being out on the road. I am not stuck inside all day.
FMIC: What safety tips would you give other truck drivers or us?
Andrew: Have a lot of patience, and slowing down will allow you to have a good day on the road. Be aware of your surroundings because you have no idea what other drivers might do.
FMIC: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not driving?
Andrew: Spending time with my family and ATV trail riding helps take away the stress.
MOE MCLAMB:
Moe and his wife, Patricia, have three children and eight grandchildren. Moe has been a professional truck driver for 50 years, 9 years with SKJ. Moe started driving when Chauffer’s license came out. He Initially drove a 10-wheeler and then moved up. He put the 10-wheeler in his name so he would qualify for Chauffer’s License (otherwise too young). Moe was also a logger for a few years.
FMIC: Have you ever been involved in an accident while driving a truck?
Moe: I have never had an accident. I was hit while parked when a truck and car collided. The truck then hit my truck as I was parked.
FMIC: What has been the most significant change or obstacle in truck driving compared to 20 years ago?
Moe: The volume of traffic has increased with aggressive drivers. It seems that most people on the road these days don’t care about the other vehicles on the road with them; they drive like madmen. Cell Phone usage has caused most of the distractions for almost all the drivers on the road. Manufacturers have produced a safer truck to drive.
FMIC: What do you like about driving?
Moe: I absolutely enjoy driving. It is all I have ever done.
FMIC: What do you think has helped you be successful in driving?
Moe: I learned real quick to pay attention more now than ever. I have always counted on the car to pull out in front of me, and it never fails; they always do. I made checking my mirrors constantly a habit, and this helps me be mindful of my surroundings.
FMIC: What safety tips would you give other truck drivers or us?
Moe: Take your time and try to get experience gradually. Start with smaller trucks and learn the vehicle first. Allow for a wider turning radius, tail swing, and give right of-way to the car as the car will be aggressive and impatient.
FMIC: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not driving?
Moe: I used to enjoy welding at my shop at home. Now that I’m a little bit older, I have slowed down a little. But, I still enjoy my job, so driving is like a hobby to me.
MR. MITCHELL JENRETTE:
Mitchell and his wife, Tammy, have one daughter. Mitchell has been a professional truck driver for 39 years, 6 years with SKJ. Prior to being employed by SKJ, Michell drove OTR & Regional Freight for J&C Wholesale.
FMIC: Have you ever been involved in an accident while driving a truck?
Mitchell: I was involved in one accident 20 years ago and fortunate to learn from that experience.
FMIC: What has been the most significant change or obstacle in truck driving compared to 20 years ago?
Michell: The increase in traffic with impatient drivers.
FMIC: What do you like about driving?
Mitchell: Everything. I always wanted to drive big trucks since I was a kid.
FMIC: What do you think has helped you be successful in driving?
Mitchell: Being able to concentrate on all aspects of the job. You cannot let your mind take you away from the road. I have always paid attention to my surroundings, and it has kept me out of trouble.
MR. RONNIE LOWERY:
Ronnie and his wife, Wanda, have three sons and eleven grandchildren. Ronnie has been a professional truck driver for 44 years, 5 years with SKJ. Prior to being employed by SKJ, Ronnie drove Chip- Vans, Flatbeds, and Containers for Robie McPherson and Smith Brothers.
FMIC: Have you ever been involved in an accident while driving a truck?
Ronnie: I was involved in one accident 30 years ago when another vehicle pulled out in front of me. The other driver was cited for the accident.
FMIC: What has been the most significant change or obstacle in truck driving compared to 20 years ago?
Ronnie: The increase in traffic with impatient drivers all using their cell phones.
FMIC: What do you like about driving?
Ronnie: The independence. This job allows me to work alone.
FMIC: What do you dislike about driving?
Ronnie: Waiting in lines at the mill. It is not productive for me as a driver, for my employer, and the mill. FMIC: What do you think has helped you be successful in driving: Ronnie: While I am driving, my mind gets into a mode of; drive for everyone else and just not for me. This thought process has kept me out of bad situations.
FMIC: What safety tips would you give other truck drivers or us?
Ronnie: Drive defensively 100% of the time.
Roger Rasberry, SKJ Moore Logging, LLC
MR. ROGER RASBERRY:
Roger and his wife, Melissa, have one daughter, Brooke. Roger has been a professional truck driver for 40 years, 1 year with SKJ. Roger’s father was also a truck driver. Prior to being employed by SKJ, Roger drove Flatbeds, Reefers, and Car Haulers.
FMIC: Have you ever been involved in an accident while driving a truck?
Roger: I was involved in one accident 23 years ago when I was struck by another vehicle. The other driver was cited for the accident.
FMIC: What has been the most significant change or obstacle in truck driving compared to 20 years ago?
Roger: The focus on recording keep such as Log Books and Time Sheets.
FMIC: What do you like about driving?
Roger: The independence, being on-the-go and being outside.
FMIC: What do you think has helped you be successful in driving?
Roger: What has helped me the most is always looking ahead and being aware of my eye-lead time. Making eye-lead time a habit has kept me away from bad situations.
FMIC: What safety tips would you give other truck drivers or us? Roger: Drive defensively 100% of the time. Always watch out for cars; they don’t look out for themselves or you.
FMIC: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not driving? Roger: When I can, I like to play Golf.
