Starting last year we began a new process of meetings between you and our driver managers. These meetings are called Business Partnership (BP) meetings. The purpose of the meetings is to exchange goals, needs and expectations. In addition, it is an opportunity for both you & the driver manager to speak about concerns.

During the BP meetings over the last year, we have heard a number of complaints from the driving force. We have heard concern about the number of trailers we currently own (not enough empty trailers). This drove our decision to purchase 300 new trailers for 2006. We have heard concern about our uniforms; so we eliminated them and will be giving away free company uniform shirts to all drivers. We were asked to start including miles and stop information with our preplans; so we made a change and started sending this information.

One of the top complaints we have heard has been about our DTR process. You have told us we need more drop boxes and we should pay for transportation of the DTRs.

I am pleased to announce another accomplishment created in partnership between you and your driver manager. On July 1st, Smith Transport drivers will begin using the TripPak Express envelopes and boxes to turn in all paperwork normally included in the DTR.

This new program will allow the company to pay you faster. In addition, we will be able to bill our customers more quickly and accurately. Starting July 1st, you will not need to worry about traveling to a terminal to drop off paperwork.

TripPak drop boxes are located in more than 1,250 truck stops nationwide and other high traffic areas. This increases availability of the boxes for you -- the driver. A complete directory of drop box locations can be picked up at the Smith Transport terminals or you can order it on line at http://www.trippak.com/.

There will also be TripPak boxes at the following terminals – Atlanta GA, Remington IN, Vail PA and Bedford PA. We will also have drop boxes at our corporate office in Roaring Spring. Our drop boxes in Leominster MA, Camp Hill PA, Milesburg PA and York PA will be removed by July 1.

To ensure this program works effectively, just remember the following: ONE TRIP, ONE ENVELOPE, EVERY TIME. You must make sure each TripPak DTR includes all paperwork for only the load number marked on the front in the envelope. Just make sure to follow these simple steps and drop off your TripPak DTR at a drop box every day.

The success of this program is dependent on you dropping your paperwork as soon as possible after each delivery. You should no longer hold DTRs until you get to a terminal or Smith Transport drop box area. Make sure you turn in your TripPak DTR every day and each envelop includes all the paperwork for that ONE TRIP.

A major advantage of using TripPak is having access to all signed bills of lading and proofs of delivery in a more timely fashion. The corporate office is guaranteed delivery by noon each business day of DTRs deposited the 2 business days before the posted cutoff time. For example, a DTR dropped off Wednesday by the cutoff will arrive Friday at noon.

Keep in mind, cutoff time hasn’t changed for payroll purposes. To be paid for a load, the paperwork must arrive in the corporate office no later than Monday at noon before the pay date.

I encourage all of you to continue working closely with your driver managers. Through your communication and ideas, we have been able to make positive changes to our system. We welcome your ideas and look forward to continually improving our company. As always, we remain “Dedicated to Excellence, Devoted to Drivers”.

The TripPak envelopes will be available at all terminals the week of June 26. If you have any questions concerning this new program, feel free to contact your driver manager.

As always, continue to maximize your miles, plan your work and work plan.