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CONTACT INFO
1820 Hand Avenue
Whistler, AL 36612
PHONE: 251-476-8184
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
THE THREE MILLION MILER – RODNEY THAMES
Mr. Rodney Thames, a 30-year veteran, has driven more than 3 Million Miles without an at fault accident. To put that impressive figure into perspective, that’s the same as driving back AND forth across the United States from Boston, Massachusetts on the East Coast to Newport, Oregon on the West, 445 times. What helped him achieve this significant milestone?
Mr. Thames says it is not because of his driving ability but his Faith. Early one morning in 1992, he suffered an injury from an accident with an overturned truck after leaving the scales at International Paper. He recovered from his injury and never missed a day of work. At that point, “as a young Christian,” he knew he could trust in the Lord. Today, he says, “I wake up every morning knowing the Lord is going to protect me. I know he’s going to take care of me.”
Rodney also challenges himself to see how long he can make things last or how long he can go without tearing something up. In 2005, Mr. Thames was given Unit 107 and it is about to reach 1 Million Miles. He puts a gallon of oil in it about every 12,000 miles, like clockwork. He is also using the same tarp he received in 2008. (On a personal note, he even put 140,000 miles on one set of tires on his S10 pick-up truck!) He relates this to the Bible as well. “We are told that for forty years in the wilderness the shoes and clothes of the Israelite’s miraculously never wore out,” he says.
“ Rodney is an incredible driver and person who goes beyond the call of regularly,” said Mr. John Zukley. “With the help of the Lord he has managed to balance his work and personal life in a way that we can all look at as an example to follow.”
Mr. Thames was born and raised in Wayne County, Mississippi and has resided in Buckatunna, MS for 20 years. He has been married to Mrs. Janice Thames for 20 years. They are proud parents of three children, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.
COMPANY NEWS
MAINTENANCE EFFICIENCY
We have expanded the maintenance shop by adding another bay. This additional space will allow us to increase our efficiency, with the ultimate goal of decreasing the dow
ntime of a unit for maintenance and repairs.
FAB SHOP HARD WORK PAYING OFF
David Burke, Cavin Pruette and Logan McCammon’s hard work in the Fabrication Shop (Trailer) shop is paying off. All trailers are current on DOT inspections. A Mississippi DOT officer commended our focus on trailer maintenance when he stopped a driver for an inspection. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to safety!
HEALTH AND DENTAL PLAN UPDATE
Mobile Forest Product & Biomass negotiates the best rates for Health and Dental coverage every year because of the rising costs.
Our goal is to provide the best option for our employees and company. While there are no changes in our Dental Plan coverage with United Concordia, there are a few in our Health Plan Coverage with Blue Cross Blue Shield. The most notable changes include:
- The cost of the plan for individuals and families has gone down. For an Individual the savings is $5.77 per week and for a family, $11.54 per week.
- The deductible and maximum out of pocket expenses for plan participants has increased.
For the latest plan summary and changes, please click here.
SAFETY FIRST
HOUR OF SERVICE
Below is summary of the Hours of Service regulations that we discussed at our last safety meeting: 
- 11-Hour Driving Limit. May drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-Hour Limit. May not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following10 consecutive hours off duty. Off-duty time does not extend the 14-hour period.
- Rest Breaks. May drive only if 8 hours or less have passed since end of driver’s last off-duty or sleeper berth period of at least 30 minutes. Does not apply to drivers using either of the short-haul exceptions in 395.1(e). [49 CFR 397.5 mandatory “in attendance” time may be included in break if no other duties performed]
- 60/70-Hour Limit. May not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. A driver may restart a 7/8 consecutive day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty. Must include two periods from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. home terminal time, and may only be used once per week, or 168 hours, measured from the beginning of the previous restart.
Click here for the FMCSA site.
HEALTH MATTERS
DEPRESSION
Did you know 9.5 percent of the population suffers from a depressive illness each year?
However, identifying major depression is difficult. Many people do not want to admit to the disease because of concerns about confidentiality or the impact it may have on their job. Some individuals also refuse to get evaluated or treated, due to the societal stigma often associated with mental illness.
Signs of Depression
Depression is more than just a “bad day.” The following are some signs of depression (taken from the National Institute of Health):
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Overeating, or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.
The signs and symptoms of depression vary by individual. It is important to seek help right away if you are suffering from any of these. The first step in getting help is to get screened by a medical professional. If you do not know where to find one, please contact your supervisor or Citina Byrd, (251) 650-1105 for help. All information will be kept confidential. In the meantime, engage in some physical activity which can help decrease depressive symptoms and sometimes even prevent mild depressive episodes.
WOMEN’S HEALTH: MAMMOGRAM
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. An important part of detecting breast cancer early is a mammogram. It can detect cancer in its earliest stage, which is approximately 1 to 3 years before a woman can feel a lump. That is why it is important to get screened regularly.
Get the Facts
Mammography uses a low-dose x-ray system for examination of the breasts. It allows a radiologist to identify differences between a normal breast and one that may show signs of cancer.
When to Get One
When to get a mammogram varies by individual. It is important to discuss with your doctor when is the appropriate time. Here are some very general guidelines:
- Women age 20 to 39: Breast examination every three years as part of a periodic health exam by a medical professional
- Women age 40 – 49: Breast Examination every year by health professional.
- Women age 50 and older: In November 2009, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force introduced recommendations stating that most women should not start mammograms before age 50, and that it’s best for the tests to come every two years instead of annually. The risk of getting breast cancer does increase with age, so as long as a woman is in good health, she should continue getting routine mammograms.
- Early screenings: Women at high risk for breast cancer should discuss with their doctors if earlier screenings are necessary.
In addition to mammograms and clinical exams, it is important to do your self checks every month!
EMPLOYEE NEWS
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
Happy Anniversary to the following employees. Thank you for your dedication and hard work!
Happy Birthday to all those who have birthdays coming up!
PRAYERS & CONDOLENCES
Please keep Mrs. Rose Sampson, wife of Mr. James Sampson, in your prayers.
Please join us in extending our sympathy to Chester Williams who lost his father recently. Please keep Chester and his family in your prayers at this time.
COMMUNITY INVOLVMENT
HIAWAYI ROBINSON CASE
Mobile Forest Products & Biomass contributed $1,000 towards the Reward being offered in the Hiawayi Robinson case.
STOCKTON SAWMILL DAYS
Mobile Forest Products & Biomass is also of sponsor of Stockton Sawmill Days that will be held on Saturday, November 1 from 9am – 4pm at Bicentennial Park in Stockton. The event celebrates the early logging and sawmill days of the South on the site of the first sawmill in the state of Alabama. There will be the All American Lumberjack and Kid Sports Camp, character demonstrations, live music from Rollin’ in the Hay and Delta Reign, folk artists, vendors, exhibitors and much more! Click here buy tickets.
REMINDERS
Time Cards and Tickets:
- The cut off for time cards and tickets is 8:00 a.m. Monday morning. Any information received after the cut off will not be processed until the next payroll period. NO EXCEPTIONS!
- For Drivers & Contract Drivers, tickets are due by 8:00 a.m. on Monday.
- Hackbarth Delivery Service collects tickets in Waynesboro, MS at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday.
- Hackbarth Delivery Service collects tickets in Wiggins, MS at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
IMPORTANT DATES
NOVEMBER 8 – Mobile Forest Products & Biomass’s 30th Anniversary!!!!
DECEMBER 12– Christmas Party
Mr. James Sampson hauling a load of shortwood or “paperwood” back in the day.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
MR. JAMES SAMPSON
When Mobile Forest Products & Biomass opened in 1984, Mr. James Sampson began hauling wood for a logging contractor working for them. The logging company went out of business in 1988 and Mr. John Zukley hired Mr. Sampson.
“One of our original drivers hauling shortwood from the woods in the day, James has set the standard for all those drivers we have hired after him,” said Mr. Zukley. “His work ethic, loyalty, and safety awareness are second to none. He actually retired several years ago but we have not been able to tell the difference. ”
Today, with a total of 55 years in the profession, Mr. Sampson said the biggest change he has seen are the increased regulations and presence of the DOT. When he began his career there was no such thing. In fact, he used to sleep in the woods to get the earliest possible start the next morning.
But when it comes to working for Mobile Forest Products & Biomass for 26 years and weathering these changes, he says, “I love the company. They have always treated me right.”
A loyal man, Mr. Sampson has also been married to his wife, Rose, for 47 years. Our special prayers go out to them as she recovers from a serious illness.
COMPANY NEWS
NEW MAINTENANCE SYSTEM ROLLED OUT
On April 4th, Mobile Forest Products & Biomass rolled out a new maintenance system. This new system is designed to more accurately keep track of each truck and trailer’s maintenance schedule. Mileage and hours for each unit are updated in real time which will help scheduling engine services and check up. The ultimate goal is to reduce down time of each unit and get a better grasp of the cost of each unit. This new system also enhances our commitment to the safety of all our employees.
OPEN ENROLLMENT JULY 1
Open enrollment for medical and dental benefits began on July 1. Any additions or deletions need to be made before July 18. As a reminder, any qualifying event (birth, marriage, death, divorce, etc.) allows a change throughout the year. Click here for the forms to make any changes to your medical or dental plans.
HEALTH & SAFETY
BUCKLE UP!
Here are two reasons why all employees should buckle up:
#1 It’s the law!
As a Mobile Forest Products & Biomass employee, you are required to follow all laws and regulations. Title 49, Section 392.16 of the Code of Federal Regulations states:
“A commercial motor vehicle that has a seat belt assembly installed at the driver’s seat shall not be driven unless the driver has properly restrained himself/herself with the seat belt assembly.”
The safety belt should be inspected periodically (just as you do brakes, tires, etc.) to make sure it still functions correctly. Any worn or broken components should be replaced or repaired immediately and prior to returning to the road.
#2 Your Family Depends on You
When it comes to buckling up, take a minute to ask yourself these three questions.
- “Will my employer’s health and worker’s compensation insurance cover me if I’m in violation of my company’s safety belt policy?”
- “In addition to any injuries that I might experience, what kind of disciplinary action will be taken against me?”
- “What would my family do without me?”
Refusing to use your safety belt is like refusing a free insurance policy. Buckling a safety belt only takes a few seconds and it could save your life or prevent serious injury. If you feel restricted by a safety belt, imagine how you might feel if you were restricted to a hospital bed or wheelchair because you chose not to wear a safety belt. You should also consider how your family might be impacted if you were unbuckled and involved in a crash.
Drivers of heavy trucks who develop good safety practices are likely to carry these habits over to their off-duty driving situations and to other members of their families.
Making Sure Your Seat Belt Fits Properly
If you wear your safety belt improperly, both the effectiveness and comfort will decrease. Here are some tips on how to wear your safety belts comfortably and safely.
- Do not wear the shoulder strap under your arm or behind your back.
- Do not wear the shoulder belt too snug or let it rub against your neck.
- Do not allow the belts to become too loose as you travel. If the lap and/or shoulder belts are too loose, they may not be able to hold you in place during a crash. Check your owner’s manual for detailed instructions on the amount of slack considered safe for that model.
- Do wear the lap belt low on the hips, two to four inches below the waist, and against the thighs. The strong bones of the hips can absorb the forces experienced in a crash.
- Do wear the shoulder strap across the center of the chest and the center of the shoulder.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Did you know nearly one and three Americans today have high blood pressure and many do not even know it? High blood pressure is when resting heart blood pressure is consistently higher than normal (140/90). This condition, if left untreated, can put a lot of wear and tear on your heart causing an aneurysm, stroke, heart attack, and/or kidney problems.
That’s why it is very important to have your blood pressure check regularly.
What causes High Blood Pressure?
Obesity Research has shown that the following factors put you at a higher risk for high blood pressure:
- Being of African descent
- If male, being over age 45; if female, being over age 55
- A family history
- Having prehypertension (blood pressure in the 120-139/80-89 range)
- Excessive salt and/or alcohol consumption
- Not enough potassium in the diet
- Being physically inactive
- Having ongoing stress
- Smoking
- If female, taking certain oral contraceptives
- Other medical conditions and medication
How do you treat and prevent high blood pressure?
Treatment for high blood pressure start with a change in lifestyle, including making changes to diet and beginning or modifying an exercise program. If that doesn’t work, then most doctor will prescribe medication.
Here are some tips to avoid high blood pressure include:
- Limiting salt, fats and alcohol
- Eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Being physically active
- Quitting smoking
EMPLOYEE NEWS
Happy Anniversary to the following employees. Thank you for your dedication and hard work!
Happy Birthday to all those who have birthdays coming up!
Congratulations graduates!
Kevin Brown’s son, Lane Brown, graduated from Fruitdale High School on May 19th.
Waylon “Scott” Herring’s sons, Nick and Jack, also graduated from Fruitdale High School on May 19th.
Best Wishes to the following couples!
Kimberly (Dunnagan) and George Guy who were married on June 14, 2014
Libba Zukley and Stephen Stone on their engagement.
Kimberly Holloway and Robert Zukley on their engagement.
Memorandum
To: Mobile Forest Products & Biomass, Inc. Employees & Contractors
From: Payroll Department
Date: 4/1/2014
Re: Change in Payroll Periods
The payroll period has changed from Friday through Thursday to Monday through Sunday, effective immediately.
IMPORTANT: The cut off for time cards and tickets is 8:00 a.m. Monday morning. Any information received after the cut off will not be processed until the next payroll period.
NO EXCEPTIONS!
Drivers & Contract Drivers
Tickets are now due by 8:00 a.m. Monday morning verses the 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. cut off on Fridays.
The first payroll that falls under this change will include pay for Friday, 04/11/14 through Sunday, 04/20/14.
Hackbarth Delivery Service will collect tickets in Waynesboro, MS at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday mornings.
Hackbarth Delivery Service will collect tickets in Wiggins, MS at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings.
Bi-Weekly Payroll Employees
This change applies to you as well.
The first payroll that falls under this change will include pay for Friday, 04/04/14 through Sunday, 04/20/14.
Please contact us or your supervisor should you have any questions and thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Letter from John
We would like to welcome you to the new Mobile Forest Products & Biomass website. It is our hope that you will find it helpful and informative. Please visit this site often for updates and the latest information on job postings, benefit programs, safety information and contacts.
As part of the new site, we will publish and quarterly newsletter. Please contact Citina at [email protected] or (251) 650-1105, with any news, information, or pictures you would like to share, such as:
- significant family events (i.e. births, marriages, anniversaries and graduations);
- interesting places you have recently visited; or
- hunting or fishing trophies
The office move to Prichard is now complete and fully functional. It is nice to be able see you more. You may not be thinking the same, but it is a pleasure to me. The new tire shop is up and running if you have not been by lately. It is a very welcomed addition. Eric Cooper is now pushing to expand his working area for maintenance and plans are in the works.
We hope and pray that although this is not our best year ever, we can continue to grow.
Thank you so much for all your hard work, dedication and safe operation.
John Zukley
President
Employee Spotlight
John Zukley, Jr. ~ Financial Assistant
MFP&B welcomes John Zukley, Jr. A recent graduate of Birmingham Southern College, John played tennis in the number one position and ultimately earned All Conference honors during his tenure there. He also recently became a private pilot, earning a VFR certificate.
John helps the company working for Donna in the areas of payroll, spreadsheets, and fuel management. Donna relied heavily on John while Verna was out tending to her son. He is also currently enrolled in the University of South Alabama to continue his education in accounting and will soon qualify to sit for the CPA exam.
Robert Zukley ~ Chief Operating Officer
Please welcome Robert Zukley to MFP&B. Robert earned his business degree from University of Mississippi and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in forestry from Auburn University in May. He earned numerous honors while at Auburn including the Weyerhaeuser Economic Award.
Over the past two years at Auburn, Robert has learned the technical side of our business. His combination of business, forestry, and practical training makes him uniquely qualified to help manage our company. Robert is eager to serve our customers and employees. His straightforward fresh approach is pleasing to all he comes in contact with.
Safety First!
Wide Right Turns
Please use extreme caution when making a wide right turns. Some of the contributing factors to incidents and accidents that happen while attempting to make a wide right turn in a tractor trailer include failure to:
- use proper signal;
- reduce speed; and
- check all mirrors, especially the hood mirror.
Take home tips:
- Please make sure your tractor trailer is equipped with a wide right turn placard.
- If you are taking a route where a wide right turn is problematic and/or aware of an alternative route that could avoid a potentially unsafe wide right turn, please inform your supervisor immediately or contact Citina at (251) 650-1105.
- Click here for FMCSA’s Tips for Turning
Thank you for your safety commitment and always remember: “Your family depends on the decisions you make today.” Please continue to be safe and professional in all you do!
Other News
MFP&B mourns the loss of one of its most valuable employees, Jeff Dodd.
Jeff started with the company in 2007 and worked in the capacity of operator, mechanic, and welder. There was very little that Jeff could not do and he completed whatever was asked of him.
Jeff fought a gallant battle with cancer. First diagnosed back in Sept of 2007, he beat the disease only to have it come back in 2012 . He passed on Monday September 23rd 2013 with his devoted wife Betsy at his side.
In remembering Jeff, John Zukley stated:
“Jeff suffered greatly but never once did I hear him complain. His faith remained strong and his trust in Jesus until the last days sustained him. Jeff became a friend and a person I truly admired. I will miss him tremendously. Please join me in praying for the comfort of his family and the repose of his soul.”
Odd ‘N Ends
We would like to wish the following people a Happy Birthday!
Congratulations to Mary Ann Serda who welcomed her third grandchild, William Conner “Wilco” Serda, on October 6, 2013.
Congratulations to Verna Boothe whose stepdaughter married Ira Turner on September 21, 2013.
