Newsletter Archive

Efficient service priority for drivers by Lynn Sheets, Petroleum Department Manager

Heart to Heart, March 2010 Connections

I know it’s hard to believe right now, but spring will arrive and thaw our frozen tundra. Until then, the Petroleum Department will continue to provide the best customer service possible. With that in mind, we recently upgraded the hand-held devices found in all refined fuel trucks and propane trucks in the Northwest Region. These new devices are essentially a small, but powerful computer that allows our drive’s to have customer information available at their fingertips. So, you may be wondering, why this is important to you. This upgrade allows our drivers to plan their routes more efficiently. It ends the need for drivers to keep their own delivery records or make their own calculations. It also brings an end to hand-written tickets. Previously, drivers would spend an hour or more planning their delivery schedule for the next day. Now, all that information is stored in the delivery system and readily available on their hand-held computers. This means we can serve you in a timely, more efficient manner.

If you’ve been following the news lately, you no doubt have heard of the many dangers of using a cell phone while driving. In an effort to make the roads safer here in Iowa, the legislature is considering a bill that would ban texting while driving. Safety has always been a top priority at HOIC/SCE. Therefore, it has always been our policy that our employees carrying hazardous loads not answer phone calls while moving. If you try calling your refined fuel or propane driver on his cell phone, you may have noticed you have needed to leave a message. This is not because our drivers are ignoring your calls. They are simply following our safety policy, which was put in place to protect all motorists on the road. If you need to place an order or have a question about your account, you will receive a quicker response by calling one of our toll-free numbers to speak to a customer service professional. In the Northwest Region, dial 866-588-3811 to speak with Mark Britten or Cassie Templeton. In the Southeast Region, call Curt Dunsbergen, Betty Tice, Bill Zimmerle or Angel Dunsbergen at 800-469-1040, 4, 1. They will be able to access your information and answer any questions you may have. Of course, you are always welcome to inquire in person at any HOIC/SCE location.

One last reminder that we send out commercial contracting prices via email daily. If you are interested in receiving these updates, please let us know.

As always, we appreciate your continued business and support. If you have any questions or comments, please give us a call at 866-588-3811 or 800-469-1040.