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Kool Pak acquires Polar Express Transportation

Expanding our worry-free, temperature-controlled LTL shipping coverage across the northern border, we're proud to announce we've acquired British Columbia-based carrier Polar Express Transportation, LTD.

This move extends regularly scheduled delivery services, and strengthens both KOOL PAK and Polar Express Transportation's ability to transport, store and deliver temperature-controlled LTL shipments throughout Canada and the United States on a worry-free basis for all customers.

We would like the opportunity to provide quotes for any shipments that are within this newly expanded coverage area and will be contacting customers to discuss the many advantages in the near future. Please feel free to contact us for rates and the pick-up/delivery schedules prior to that time.

Official Press Release: January 15, 2012, Portland, OR – KOOL PAK, LLC announced today that it has acquired British Columbia-based carrier Polar Express Transportation, LTD., to expand regularly scheduled delivery services into and throughout Canada. The move strengthens both KOOL PAK and Polar Express Transportation's ability to transport, store and deliver temperature-controlled LTL shipments throughout Canada and the United States on a worry-free basis for all customers.

"Regardless of which side of the northern border we're on, any product entrusted to us will be well cared for and in our control" said KOOL PAK CEO Steve Ness. "KOOL PAK has a great reputation and will provide the necessary resources to help us continue to grow and serve our customers" said Polar Express owner and General Manager Jamie Plowman.

Among the assets acquired is a warehouse and cross-dock facility located in Langley, BC, which offers temperature-controlled protection for products while in transit. The sale also includes new-model tractors and dual-temp, refrigerated trailers.

Impressed by Polar Express Transportation's management team, cross-border expertise and commitment to customer service, safety and the welfare of its employees, the acquisition was a logical addition to the KOOL PAK family. Polar Express Transportation will continue to operate under its current name and management. KOOL PAK's US headquarters will provide state-of-the-art transportation management systems and other resources in support of its Canadian operations.

Established in 1968, KOOL PAK, LLC is the leading provider of worry-free, temperature-controlled LTL shipping. In addition to world-class transportation services, the company operates strategically placed terminals with refrigerated warehouse space in Oregon and Washington. KOOL PAK delivers a higher level of service by being a proven, proactive, flexible extension of its customers' business.

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Get a freight quote today by contacting any member of the sales team below:

Pamela Dinsdale
Vice President of Sales
Phone: 503-978-2101
Email: pdinsdale@kool-pak.com

Jamie Plowman
President/General Manager
Langley B.C.
Phone: 604-888-3729
Email: jamie@polarexpresstrans.com

Katie Royce
Terminal Manager & Sales Representative
Seattle Terminal
Phone: 253-981-6894
Email: kroyce@kool-pak.com

Russell Olmstead
Sales Representative
Phone: 503-978-2107
Email: rolmstead@kool-pak.com

Paul Harris
Independent Sales Agent
Phone: 503-978-2124
Email: pharris@kool-pak.com

Kool Pak earns SmartWay Transport Partnership's highest marks for cleaner freight transports

SmartWay Transport PartnerMarch 1, 2011, Portland, OR - Kool Pak, LLC, an asset-based refrigerated carrier based in Lake Oswego OR, just earned SmartWay Transport Partner certification, achieving the highest score granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To achieve this EPA certification, Kool Pak fulfilled two years’ of work toward improving such critical factors as fuel efficiency, reducing idling time, and incorporating energy efficiency measures including aerodynamic bumper and mirrors and low-rolling resistance tires.

Kool Pak has invested in new generation technologies and equipment to ensure integrity of customers’ refrigerated shipments while operating in a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Their efforts led to a 31.9% decrease in CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) and 73% decrease in NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide) emissions – both critical factors in measuring air pollution levels.

The US Government’s EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership is a program that unifies government, business and consumers to reduce fuel consumption and improve air quality. Kool Pak has engaged with EPA since early 2009 to earn this certification.

Oregon Trucking Association News

On Dec. 8, 2010 at the Oregon Trucking Assoc., Safety Management Council's (SMC) annual planning meeting, Director of Safety Nicole Hollamon was elected Secretary of the Board.

On Dec. 9, 2010 at the Oregon Trucking Assoc., Technology & Maintenance Council's (TMC) annual planning meeting, Nicole Hollamon was also re-elected president.

Oregon Weight-mile Tax Increases 25% on October 1, 2010

Effective October 1st, taxes and fees paid by truckers in Oregon increased.

  • Average 24.5% increase in weight-mile tax for heavy commercial vehicles
  • Approximately 8500 Oregon-based and 13,000 out of state motor carriers are affected
  • Truck with declared combined weight of 80,000 pounds pay 16.38 cents per mile under the new system and heavier trucks pay more

Click here to view the new mileage tax rates.

Kool Pak Terminal Ready for the Long Haul

At Kool Pak, we’re proud of our ongoing commitment to protect our customers’ refrigerated products, and ultimately, the consumers who purchase those products. In August, we entered into a long-term lease agreement for our main Portland terminal located in Clackamas Oregon. The 45,000 square foot facility consists of freezer, cooler, dry storage and office space, along with refrigerated loading dock.

Serving as Kool Pak’s main terminal in the Pacific Northwest, this customized refrigerated environment helps protect our customers’ products throughout the entire cold chain from storage to distribution. An unbroken, temperature-controlled supply chain is critical for ensuring food safety from the point of production to the eventual consumption by the end user. We will continue to invest in refrigerated facilities, specialized transport equipment, and highly trained personnel.

Kool Pak Strategy Brings Home the Bacon

In the current business environment, shippers and manufacturers have put higher demands on their carrier's quality of service to move their refrigerated freight. These businesses consider several factors when choosing a carrier for their goods; the most important being the maintenance of their products' integrity throughout the distribution cycle.

To help ensure product integrity from pickup to delivery for refrigerated products, Kool Pak has continued to invest in leading edge technology and state of the art equipment and facilities in these tough economic times. Kool Pak's ongoing commitment protects their customers' refrigerated products, and ultimately, protects the consumers who purchase those products.

Strategy Pays Off
With ongoing scrutiny on food safety, this customer-focused strategy has provided significant strategic advantages over competitors in the LTL refrigerated services industry. In August, Kool Pak signed a long-term lease agreement for their main Portland terminal in Clackamas Oregon. Serving as Kool Pak's main terminal in the Pacific Northwest, this customized refrigerated environment helps protect customers' products throughout the entire cold chain from storage to distribution. 

An unbroken, temperature-controlled supply chain is critical for ensuring food safety from the point of production to the eventual consumption by the end user. Kool Pak's 45,000 square foot facility includes freezer, cooler, and dry storage space, along with a refrigerated loading dock, to provide continuous temperature control. 

Kool Pak has also recently secured several new accounts, all looking for that strategic advantage in their own businesses. These new accounts will increase Kool Pak's business by 25% over the next twelve months. Accounts new to Kool Pak are from the meat, poultry, seafood, bakery, packaged foods and tea industries.

According to Steve Ness, president of Kool Pak, "We will continue our commitment to investing in refrigerated facilities, specialized transport equipment, and highly trained personnel, to support our customers' needs.

Tracy's King Crab Shack Wins Cook-Off Thanks to Kool-Pak

King Crab Shack Tracy's King Crab Shack

One of our customers, Tracy's King Crab Shack entered this year’s 29th annual Knorr Great Chowder Cook-Off in Newport, R.I. and took 3rd place in the "Best Seafood" category and also won the Clambassador Award! With our on-time delivery, reliability, and dedication to our customers, Tracy knew she could rely on Kool-Pak to transport her famous King Crab Bisque across the United States in time for the big competition. We congratulate Tracy’s King Crab Shack on their achievement.

Outstanding Highway Safety Award Earned

At the Oregon Trucking Associations' Safety Management Council Spring Safety Conference in April, Kool Pak received the third place Great West Casualty Safety Award for outstanding achievement in highway safety, Common Carrier Less than Truckload. We are very honored to receive this prestigious award.

During the Safety banquet, the award was presented to Nicole Hollamon, who is the Director of Safety for Kool Pak LLC as well as the President of the OTA Technology and Maintenance Council and a Board Member of the OTA Safety Council.

Kool Pak Grants Driver of the Year Awards

Shannon Clausnitzer
2009 OTR Driver of the Year
Shannon Clausnitzer
Shannon Clausnitzer
2009 Local Driver of the Year
Mike Galluzo
Shannon Clausnitzer
2009 Owner Operator of the Year
Jim and Cindy Haberstich

The fourth annual 2009 Driver Award of the Year Ceremony and Buffet Dinner was held in March to honor Kool Pak's top drivers in several categories. Each year, a cross section of Kool Pak managers cast secret ballots for three coveted Drivers of the Year awards. Event organizer Mari-Anna Redburn said this year's voting was extremely close with all winners selected by a narrow margin.

  • Shannon Clausnitzer won 2009 OTR Driver of the Year
  • Mike Galluzzo won 2009 Local Driver of the Year
  • Jim and Cindy Haberstich won 2009 Owner Operator of the Year (they drive separately)

Shannon had the special honor of being selected a second time, named Over The Road Driver of The Year for 2009 as well as 2007. These award winners receive a Lettermen's Jacket plus a $500 gift Certificate. The past two years, as we add new tractors to our fleet, the first new tractor is awarded to the new OTR driver of the year.

We again awarded a large number of Driver of Excellence winners for 2009, each chosen based on consistently high performance standards in all aspects of the job. Driver of Excellence standards are set very high, and the award is considered Kool Pak's highest honor.

Oregon Trucking Associations Elects Hollamon

Hollamon OTAJanuary 6, 2010, Portland, OR – At the annual meeting of the Oregon Trucking Associations (OTA) on December 2nd, 2009, Nicole Hollamon, Certified Director of Safety, was elected President of the OTA Technology and Maintenance Council. Since November 2008, Hollamon has been the Director of Safety with Kool Pak LLC, a Lake Oswego-based provider of refrigerated transportation, distribution and warehousing services across the U.S. and Canada.

Hollamon served for three years with the Technology and Maintenance Council as their Secretary, prior to being named president.  She worked as the Director of Safety and Training for the OTA for two years prior to joining Kool Pak and is currently on the Oregon Trucking Associations Safety Management Council board. Hollamon has also been very active in the OTA's Truck Driving Championships and Super Tech competitions, and has worked in the trucking industry for 16 years.

Transportation Industry Veterans to Work With Kool Pak

January 7, 2010, Portland, OR – Kool Pak LLC, a leading provider of refrigerated transportation, distribution and warehousing services across the US, just announced the addition of two transportation industry veterans as sales agents to expand their team and extend their reach in the transportation services industry.

Paul Harris, with 50 years' experience in the transportation industry, was the original founder of Kool Pak and brings a tremendous background in LTL refrigerated transportation services and the perishable food industries. Sue Marceaux is a twenty-year veteran in the transportation industry. Both will work closely with Pam Dinsdale, Kool Pak VP of Sales and Jim Colgan, VP of Transportation Operations and Business Development.

In addition, Molly Bogle has recently joined the firm as sales assistant and will work closely with Dinsdale and sales support lead Chelsea Boyte. 

Keeping It Kool™ with Style

Keep it KoolIn April 2008, Kool Pak initiated a unique, company-wide claims awareness program that has proven to be highly successful in reducing claims, increasing customer loyalty and improving customer relations. Aptly named the Keep It Kool Program™, it's created positive results for everyone involved:

  • full employee participation toward a common goal of reducing claims
  • an increase in the general understanding of the causes and negative effects of claims
  • a reduction in claims paid as a percentage of revenue from .7% to .1% in the first 17 months of the program (the industry averages about 1.25%)

What's unique about the Keep It Kool program is that it was designed as a lighthearted contest to engage every Kool Pak employee. Employees are organized randomly into teams and develop humorous names, such as TEMP-tations, Serial Chillers, and Kool Aid, often including references to temperature, since temperature claims have the greatest impact.

Monthly SnarksIn designing the program, we recognized that the fragmented nature of LTL does not include regular feedback to those who handle the freight. While we train all drivers extensively in claims prevention, this program provides a feedback loop via incident reports, called Snarks.  In many instances, we found that potential claims were avoided by drivers or warehousemen who remembered the correct procedure because of a previous Snark. 

The Keep it Kool Program has initiated competitive banter throughout the Kool Pak organization, and it has greatly increased awareness of the causes and negative effects of claims on the business.  Team loyalty is often intense and builds relationships throughout the company that would have been improbable without the company-wide component of the contest.  And it's worked.  Snark counts have dropped from 63 on our first month to eight in August of 2009, and we've also experienced a remarkable drop in both claims filed and the dollar amounts of claims. 

Going the Extra Mile

On Dec 11th 2009, one of our Kool Pak drivers was headed north through the Siskiyou Mountains in northern California when he saw an elderly couple stranded on the side of the road. The alert driver stopped to offer his help. He called the head office later that day to provide an update on his status, and said he'd been able to help the couple who had gotten their chains wrapped around the axles of their car. He fixed their chains and they went on their way, thankful for the assistance. The gentleman offered compensation for his services, however our driver refused and continued on his way. Just another way our drivers go the extra mile to provide exceptional service!

A Mighty Cold RoadKool Pak

Kool Pak was featured as the Corporate Profile in the September issue of ExecDigital.

Kool Pak Expands Transportation Services to Boise and Salt Lake

Kool Pak LLC, a leader in refrigerated transportation services, just announced additional service to Boise, Idaho and Salt Lake City, Nevada. Now biweekly, manufacturers can now rely on delivery of fresh refrigerated and frozen product to their retailers in the region, and customers can count on fresher product selections both early in the week and mid-week. Oregon-based Kool Pak expanded service in October to better meet the needs of their customers across the region. They offer refrigerated transportation, warehousing and distribution services throughout the Northwest and across the U.S. from their facilities in Oregon and Washington.

With WinCo Foods recently opening their new distribution facility in Boise, several manufacturers asked Kool Pak to increase transportation services to the area. Manufacturers rely on Smart-Way Transport-certified Kool Pak to provide complete cold chain management services throughout the distribution cycle, to ensure product safety, their number one concern. Smart-Way Transport is an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) program that recognizes companies who are reducing their environmental impact and creating awareness of air pollution control measures.

According to Pam Dinsdale, vice president of sales for Kool Pak, "Launching our second truck run every week to these key areas helps both the manufacturers and the customers who benefit from fresher products. Bi-weekly service will help ensure timely delivery throughout the region and for eastbound destinations. We are responding to the needs of our customers."

10M Pounds Moved in 15 Days

In early September, a Kool Pak customer's high vegetable crop yield required additional services from Kool Pak to manage and transport their fall crop of 10 million pounds of frozen corn and beans (~240 loads) from Pasco WA and Brooks OR. This large volume of product had to be handled between September 15th and 30th to meet deadlines. The Kool Pak team combined efforts across several departments to make it happen.
The deal was sealed by September 10th and preparation began, readying the freezer for product delivery on the 15th. Chris McHale, Clackamas Warehouse Manager, and his team went into high gear to position material handling equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks and chargers).

On the operations and logistics side, Jim Colgan and Kirk Soll quickly put together a plan to pick up 10 loads per day from both facilities.

With the Kool Pak team working together, we were able to successfully transport and receive 10 million pounds of product in 15 days and keep the rest of Kool Pak's business running smoothly.

Walking A Mile In Floyd's Shoes

Cab CloseupAfter a month of starting southbound trips with trailer repairs being required, Regional Driver Mike Mozley complained "Why do I have to spend my time fixing this when someone gets paid to maintain equipment at the warehouse?"CFO Wade Palmer responded by asking Mike if he would like to track and assist Floyd Proctor, Equipment Manager and Maintenance Coordinator for two weeks in August, and Mike took him up on the offer.

During that time, he saw Floyd carefully inspect every trailer on site daily. Mike reports, "Every morning when he does his walk-through Floyd looks at the things I would look at, then he does a more extensive check. He pops the doors open on the engine compartments, checks the belts, checks the sight glass, filters and dates, the throttle body to make sure they're not loose. And then he fires them up to make sure they pull down to temp."

Because equipment is being turned so fast, a trailer coming north from California can be immediately reloaded for local or regional use. If critical repair issues haven't been reported or the driver doesn't tag the trailer Out Of Service, that trailer could leave with the same problems. Then, the next driver has to spend time getting it repaired, possibly on the road and at much greater expense.

Mike said he believes most drivers—like himself before this experience—don't really understand how important it is for drivers to find and report equipment for maintenance. "They expect Floyd to be psychic. You can't fix it if you don't get your hands on it,"he added. Floyd needs more cooperation from the drivers and for them to do their job in order for him to do his. It all boils down to everyone working as a team,"Mike concluded.

Floyd does a lot more than drivers are aware of. His day includes more than managing equipment and coordinating maintenance. Says Mike, "His phone never stops. He's always talking to a driver and not just fielding repair calls. He's helping with other issues like giving directions, advice on routing, and time management."

Mike now understands why Floyd is on the computer so often responding to emails and tracking and monitoring equipment via PeopleNet. He's filling out purchase orders for every repair bill so Accounting can accurately track expenses. Mike also wasn't aware how much information PeopleNet provides. "If there's a problem on the road he can see it. It throws an alarm that shows coolant is low or the engine is getting too warm. He calls the driver to see if he's having an issue or let Penske know when it comes in for service."

Mike also negotiates with vendors, saving the company money. He works constantly with equipment vendors plus private repair shops. Wade explains, "He reviews every invoice and makes sure we weren't overcharged, especially for repeat work. He tracks warranties and even extends warranties by documenting problems that require retrofitting."In addition, Floyd handles tracking, coordinating and scheduling equipment.

When asked what his big lessons were from the two weeks with Floyd, Mike had a few words of advice for drivers, and one confession: "I apologized to Floyd for not sending in my hub readings...I thought they didn't really need them every day but that's how they get billed. If you make an error and put in an extra 100 miles, you're paying for 100 extra miles.

Mike's advice to drivers:

  • Do your inspections. Turn problems in.
  • Take your hub and engine-hour readings.
  • Cut Floyd a break.

Warehouse Management System Initiated

Kool Pak Warehouse ManagementOur new Third Party Logistics (3PL) Warehouse Management System (WMS) is now fully operational at our Clackamas, Oregon warehouse. The new system allows us to store, track and bill all storage customers more efficiently while giving storage customers the option of online visibility for their accounts. The software was necessary due to this year's increase in storage accounts at Clackamas. We fluctuate between 600 and 800 pallets in storage for customers every month. The Kent, Washington facility is now also using the new system for sample and short hold accounts.

Promotions

On September 3rd, Jim Colgan assumed the position of Vice President of Transportation Operations and Business Development. His responsibilities are being expanded to fully utilize his industry knowledge and skills and help us accomplish our business objectives. Based in the corporate office in Lake Oswego, Oregon, Jim is responsible for all transportation operations activity and has business development responsibility for major initiatives assigned to him.

Debbie Coker has been named our new Southbound Dispatcher. With Jim vacating the Southbound Regional Dispatch position, Debbie is transitioning into that spot, working closely with Jim and the sales team to develop additional southbound freight business.

Katie Runs a Tight Ship at Kent Terminal Operations

Kool Pak's facility in Kent Washington is a few hours' drive north of Portland—just south of Seattle—and features a warehouse that serves as both a crossdock and a storage facility. Kent Terminal Operations also include their local fleet which compares in size to Portland's. It's run by Kent Terminal Manager, Katie Royce, who oversees dispatch, warehousing, and equipment for the facility, along with managing her committed team of drivers and warehouse staff.

Promoted to Terminal Manager in 2008, she not only runs a tight ship with the staff, she also helps with sales activity in the Seattle area. Every member on Katie's team wears multiple hats, helping to pick, sort, segregate, hostle, deliver and crossdock freight. The facility, which is open almost 24 hours, handles storage, shorthold and extensive sales sample accounts.

Since becoming facility manager, Katie has revamped and initiated new processes that have improved operations and increased levels of customer service. She says "I'm big on procedures and everyone meets the common standard."When asked about her team's interdependence and commitment she adds, "Kent has that luxury because we all see each other every day. You have that sense of familiarity which brings dedication to the team. Accordingly, warehouse and drivers are connected...they ask if they can help when they come back to the yard. They look out for each other."

All of that commitment leads to excellent customer service for Kool Pak's customers.

Annual Driver Awards Honor Top Performance

In recognition of our top driver's performance, Kool Pak held our 3rd Annual Driver Awards banquet earlier in 2009. The driver awards are granted based on a driver's consistent performance in all aspects of the job, including key attributes like teamwork, respect for coworkers and a positive attitude. The bar is set high for initial consideration and drivers are nominated by a broad cross section of Kool Pak managers. The process entails both objective and subjective criteria, and the nominating group must have a general consensus for an individual to receive Driver of Excellence recognition.

This hard-earned award is Kool Pak's highest honor. Along with Driver of Excellence awards for top performers, the Local and Over-the-Road Driver of the Year awardees are selected from the Driver of Excellence pool through a secret ballot process. Every award winner takes great pride in a job well done and we appreciate their commitment to customer service.