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Meet the Team: Liquid Chemical Safety at All Chemical

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Meet the Team: Liquid Chemical Safety at All Chemical

Here at All Chemical, we’re always saying that our team is our strength. Chemical logistics isn’t a solo enterprise. In our over 45 years of stellar service in this industry, we’ve built a team of dedicated professionals whose passion and expertise have directly contributed to the success we’ve enjoyed as a company.

That’s why we like to celebrate our people by turning the spotlight on a few individuals. This time, we’re excited to introduce you to a few members of our safety team: Matt Quadrel, Gerard M. Madonna, and Don Wrege.

Meet Matt: Safety Manager

Matt was raised around trucks, coming to work with his father (our founder, Steve Quadrel). He learned about truck driver safety firsthand, working in the shop on the equipment, getting familiar with the industry’s mechanical side. After earning his bachelor’s, he entered the transportation industry, taking on a safety and compliance role.

“I knew I wanted to follow my family’s roots,” says Matt. “Working in this industry from a young age has given me lots of passion for the company, and that’s made my tenure a great experience.”

He especially loves seeing the complete lifespan of new drivers, from their first onboarding all the way through their All Chem driving career, as they bring their unique backgrounds to the team. “There’s nothing more rewarding,” Matt says.

As Safety Manager, Matt oversees all compliance related to NJ Department of Transportation (DOT) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. “Our focus is to lead employees to hold our workplace truck driver safety to a high standard,” Matt explains, “and to maintain a positive safety rating, which is provided by the FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS).”

His typical workday has him wearing many hats:

  • Overseeing vehicle maintenance
  • Addressing unsafe driving
  • Monitoring Hours of Service (HOS) regulations
  • Conducting crash investigations
  • Assessing driver fitness

Since his start in 2009, Matt has seen the advent of countless new technologies. “Technology has its own unique challenges, but there have been plenty of upsides,” he says. In pursuit of liquid chemical safety, All Chemical has taken advantage of many of these technological advances:

  • Dashcams
  • Asset tracking
  • Vehicle telematics
  • Driver coaching

Matt says that the chemical logistics industry is a side of the world a typical person wouldn’t even think about—yet the supply chain is a vital part of our economy and everyday lives. Household products like hairspray, toothpaste, cleaning wipes, and countless other must-haves are only accessible to consumers because of safe liquid chemical transport, delivering raw materials to manufacturing facilities to produce those necessary finished products.

What advice would he give someone pursuing a career in this field? “The industry will have its ups and downs, since it runs parallel with the economy,” Matt says. “Just know that liquid chemical safety plays a huge role in economic well-being. Our nation couldn’t exist without it!”

Meet Gerard: Driver Trainer

all-chem-team-member

Gerard Madonna (Gerry) was raised on truck driver safety. He learned to drive stick shift, forklifts, and load trucks at the tender age of twelve, and he’s never looked back. It’s in the family: His father still owns and operates his own trucking company, and his older brother launched one, too. As Gerry developed his career, he worked for both his father and his brother before looking for opportunities of his own, which led him to chemical logistics dispatching, running warehouses, and managing storage facilities.

The road to All Chemical was winding. “At 37, I enlisted in the US Army Reserves and spent 14 years as a part-time soldier,” says Matt. “That amazing experience opened my eyes to a new level of safety, leadership, and a greater ability to adapt to new things and better learn from those around me. It provided me the skills to conquer any adversity; it taught me to do anything with nothing.”

Eventually, eager to find work closer to home after a 75-mile commute each way, Matt’s resume landed on Don Wrege’s desk—and the rest is history.

“I’ve never been surrounded by such a high level of performers, outside of a military environment,” Matt says wonderingly. “Our entire team teaches me as much as I could ever teach them.”

His typical day involves plenty of responsibilities:

  • Ensuring the ability, knowledge, and proficiency of new drivers
  • Maintaining continuing driver familiarity with procedures and protocols
  • Troubleshooting deliveries, trailers, and liquid chemical safety issues
  • Cross-training shuttle drivers to ensure a versatile force on the roads
  • Using the Motive application to coach established drivers: tracking driving habits and mentoring for higher public safety and driver safety
  • Conducting the Smith System Advanced Driver Safety Training on a rotating basis
  • Performing alcohol and drug screening for the company through his Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) certification
  • Performing the safety inspections of emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, eye washes, safety lighting, etc.)
  • Keeping the team current with forklift certifications

“My job never really ends!” Matt laughs. “I speak to all of our drivers every day and night, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Every day truly is a blessing.”

As far as training and experience go, Matt says there are no limits with All Chem. “Don and Anthony consistently give me the opportunity for training and updates through organizations like the New Jersey Motor Truck Association (NJMTA), the National Safety Council, and Transportation Research and Education for Driving Safety (TREDS).” Experience opportunities abound, since the industry virtually guarantees what Matt calls “spicy” challenges.

“I remember one job especially,” Matt reminisces. “I needed to empty product from a customer’s tank that had already been contaminated by another carrier. When I showed up, there were 12 members of management and engineers waiting, looking over my shoulder as I worked. Let me tell you, I was so thankful that day for how thoroughly All Chem trains us!” The customer came away impressed and satisfied, and Matt advanced his career experience even further.

“If I could give any advice to someone interested in chemical transportation, I would say do not hesitate!” Matt says emphatically. “Without question, it can be very dangerous; but the rewards are significant. What we do affects just about every part of our lives: products to treat everyone’s drinking water, swimming pools, additives for pharmaceuticals and foods, you name it. This work matters!

“And I have to say, our All Chem company—our family—is head and shoulders above the rest. How lucky am I that my introduction into the chemical logistics industry has been with the best?”

Meet Don: Director of Safety and Maintenance

don-wrege-director-of-safety-and-maintenance

“I’ve been in this business for over 50 years at this point,” Don Wrege grins. “Jim [Notarfrancesco] and I worked together at Linden Bulk back in the day, in fact! But I first started off as a driver at 19 years old—applied to drive a flatbed with a single-axle tractor, first time—and I said to myself, Boy, am I gonna be able to do this?

So, Don went that night to a truck driver friend of his, Tommy Bellas. “Tommy, I need to ask a favor.”

“What’s that?” Tommy said.

“I need to learn how to drive a tractor-trailer over the weekend.”

“You what?

Don laughs, remembering. “Well, turns out I had a natural gift for driving tankers! I liked it so much, I bought my own truck—I was an owner/operator for three years, in fact. Later, Tony Douglas at Quality Carriers was a mentor of mine as I got involved in the safety end of things, and I really credit him with the thoughtful management style I’ve tried to emulate. I honestly think being an ex-driver myself really helps, because I know firsthand the types of tanks, the protocols, and the issues that matter to drivers.”

Choosing All Chemical was a no-brainer for Don. “It’s the easiest place to work, with top-notch management, stellar safety records, and a team that really listens to each other,” he says. The company doesn’t even need to advertise for drivers; because they treat their drivers so well, the word spreads: All Chem is the place you want to work for.

“Our management philosophy is the reason for that,” Don explains. “We don’t nickel and dime our drivers, and we support them. Some places, they fire drivers at the first infraction, and they don’t pay them well, so drivers rush to make the money they need to make, and that leads to mistakes. We don’t do that at All Chem. Our founder, Steve Quadrel, always believed the employee is the company’s greatest asset—and he’s right!”

In Don’s view, people don’t realize the chemical logistics industry is by far one of the safest industries—because of oversight. As Director of Safety and Maintenance, he’s responsible for much of the oversight that happens at All Chem:

  • Managing compliance, recruiting, and truck driver safety training.
  • Working with the driver trainers to handle inspections.
  • Running safety drills with employees and the local community.
  • Coordinating with COO Anthony and Director of Operations Jim each week to keep the company running smoothly.
  • Keeping abreast of regulations through multiple outside sources, such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) or member organizations like the American Trucking Association (ATA) and National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC).

“I’d want people to know that this is a rewarding career,” says Don. “There’s real satisfaction in learning the complexities of the industry; you become in high demand as you increase your knowledge. It’s a good living, with good opportunity to climb the ladder long-term.”

When it comes to truck driver safety and chemical logistics, we’re a company led by our values—and our success comes from our team! Call us today to find out how we can service your transportation needs.

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Distribution of Chemicals: Making Supply Chains Possible

Distribution of Chemicals: Making Supply Chains PossibleRetail operations rely on an efficient supply chain to function smoothly to ensure everything runs as it should, which also includes distribution of chemicals. Chemical distribution plays a critical role in maintaining year-round operations, ensuring a reliable supply of essential chemicals. Customers like ours address logistics challenges, especially during peak seasons like the winter holidays, which requires meticulous preparation in advance.

From the consumer perspective, the retail calendar sometimes seems to move at a breakneck pace. But when you pull back the curtain, you start to see the logistics issues involved in keeping the whole thing going.

At All Chemical, we’re the ones managing the distribution of chemicals that’s needed to make everything else possible: keeping the lights on, the stores’ climate controlled and stocked, and the supply chain moving smoothly.

And the only way to do that is to always be thinking ahead.

Why Chemical Distribution Matters

Bet you never considered chemical distribution as one of the logistics issues involved in preparing for holidays! But it’s true: the fluid logistics industry is a key player in making holidays possible. At All Chem, we count it as an honor to perform the crucial work of transport that is the foundation for all the merry-making enjoyed during these times—not to mention keeping the supply chain intact all year long!

For a store to function, you may need the following:

  • Chemicals for running, maintaining, and cleaning the store’s HVAC system.
  • Bulk cleaning supplies available for regular use and to uphold public health and safety.
  • Chemicals involved in any refrigeration systems (in supermarkets, for example).

You could think of the distribution of these chemicals as the cornerstone: that crucial piece without which a foundation cannot stand. And of course, without a solid foundation, the structure itself will fall. Reliable and safe chemical distribution is a must!

Though holidays year-round place demand on supply chains, the biggest by far are the winter holidays, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. As anyone who’s worked retail could tell you, shopping spikes to surprising levels during those months, and companies have to prepare for that expected surge far in advance. The same goes for trucking companies like ours. We plan the routes and loads our customers need at any time of year, and especially when there’s an uptick in need.

Planning Ahead for Logistics Issues

All Chem customers know we’re conscientious: we never cut corners, and we map out every eventuality, keeping track of each logistics issue involved in a single haul. Our Customer Service team holds to their three central values of accurate tracking, timely communication, and proactive problem-solving.

Our emergency preparedness is top-notch, and our drivers are among the safest, most highly trained and vetted professionals in the business. Thanks to our thorough planning, we’ve earned our reputation as a consistent, reliable carrier in the chemical distribution industry.

So, next time you’re browsing the aisles at your favorite store, just imagine us, working hard behind the scenes on the logistics issues involved, and know we’ve got your back. Because we’re on the job, you can rest easy knowing the supplies you need will be there—right on time!

Contact us today to find out how All Chemical can help with your ongoing chemical distribution needs and how we can prepare you now for your busy seasons.

Decked Out with Driver Certifications at All Chemical

Decked Out with Driver Certifications and Endorsements

All Chem Drivers Have the Knowledge for Safe Transport

By Don Wrege, Director of Safety & Maintenance

Let’s talk about safety.

 

In the fluid logistics business, there’s no topic more important. (But then, as Director of Safety and Maintenance here at All Chemical, maybe I’m biased!) Our team takes safety seriously, and nowhere is this more apparent than in our driver certifications.

Drivers at All Chem are a notch above the rest in many ways. They’re loyal—our turnover rate is one of the lowest in the business! Our drivers love their jobs, and it shows. They perform to a high standard of professionalism. They know the roads, the loads, the customer’s needs—you name it. They’re fluid logistics pros.

One of the marks of their professionalism? Their impressive array of driver certifications and credentials we require our drivers to obtain.

 

 

What’s In a Certification?

Anyone familiar with fluid logistics knows that safety is no laughing matter. When you’re talking about bulk liquid transport, you absolutely must have people on the job who are fully certified and knowledgeable in the handling of hazardous and non-hazardous products. In my four decades of experience working within safety, compliance, and maintenance for this industry, I’ve seen it time and time again: the better the safety training, the better the outcomes. For all of us.

That’s why certifications matter. Yes, we put our drivers through Smith System’s rigorous safety training every two years, uphold OSHA compliance, and keep our fleet and equipment maintained to our exacting standards. But we don’t stop there. We ensure our team of dedicated drivers come equipped with highest professional driver certifications:

  • Class A CDL certification. Commercial drivers licenses are issued at three class levels: A, B, and C. Our drivers all have Class-A certifications, to ensure they can haul the varied tankers and loads we manage at All Chem.
  • Tanker Endorsement. Only drivers like ours, with tanker endorsements through the Department of Motor Vehicles, are licensed to safely operate tankers.
  • Hazmat Endorsement. Drivers who achieve this additional endorsement have proven they have the training and knowledge necessary to safely transport hazardous materials.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC©) Card. Drivers with this card have special security clearance to secure areas of US maritime facilities and vessels.
  • SeaLink® Card. Some of our local drivers are registered with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. This card allows All Chem drivers to move quickly and safely through their marine terminal gates.

All Chemical’s Drivers: Ahead of the Pack

There’s a reason we’re as loyal to our drivers as they are to us. These folks prove every day that they are top of their profession! Plus, our drivers are tech-proficient, working with Motive fleet management tools to maintain EDL compliance and TenStreet for ongoing computer-based training.

And it’s not just our drivers who hold such outstanding credentials. As a company, we care about industry standards, protocols, and environmentally responsible practices. That’s why we’re certified through the Smith System and through the SmartWay® Transport Partnership, in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

We’re also a member in good standing with the following associations:

At the end of the day, it’s simple: We value our customers. And that’s why we are proud to go the extra mile so we can offer you service that is the best in the business. From our drivers’ skill set and industry knowledge to our company’s robust training programs, we cover all the bases—and then some. When we send our drivers out on a haul, we do so with confidence that the load will be picked up and delivered safely.

Look no further than All Chemical and our team of certified fluid logistics pros when it comes time to handle your bulk liquid transport needs. We’re always on the job! Give us a call and find out how we can serve you today.

Safety 101 with Don: An Introduction to All Chemical’s Safety Standards

Safety 101 with Don: An Introduction to All Chemical’s Safety Standards If you’ve been in the liquid bulk transport game for more than a minute, you’ll soon notice: everybody talks the “safety” talk, but few walk the “safety” walk.

At All Chemical, our safety record is exemplary—not because we do the easy thing and talk about it, but because we put in the grunt work. That means upholding our stringent safety standards consistently, even and especially when no-one’s looking.

Learn more from Don Wrege, our Director of Safety & Maintenance, on how we uphold All Chemical’s impressive record year after year.

Safety 101: How We Measure Up

Don oversees our driver safety programs, OSHA compliance, and equipment maintenance. He says the key to All Chemical’s stellar record is our refusal to take shortcuts.

“Some liquid bulk transport companies might steer by the motto, ‘Just do your best,’ and that sounds like great advice,” says Don. “But I’m here to tell you: When you don’t have the tools to do the job safely, don’t do it. Safety comes first. That’s the real way to do your best.”

We set the bar high, and we don’t cut corners. In fact, our standards far exceed federal standards for liquid bulk transport companies like ours. That’s how we’ve earned such an excellent CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established CSA scores to spot high-risk carriers and thereby increase public and driver safety. The FMCSA determines company scores by pulling data from roadside inspections, crash reports, registration information, and other sources to create a full picture of a company’s overall safety performance.

Let’s just say, ours is a very flattering picture. To point to one example, in the entirety of 2023, we incurred only one Department of Transportation (DOT) recordable accident. (That’s an accident all transport companies are required to report because of any injury, towing or a fatality.) Because of this, we earned the DOT frequency score of 0.156! In years past, a comparable number to our 6.3 million mileage bracket was 0.943!

Plus, we pursue innovation, technology, and other means of constant safety enhancement:

  • Our new Motive AI camera system, which helps monitor drivers’ road performance (tailgating, speeding, improper lane changes, etc.)
  • Our driver trainer (through Smith System), reviews daily performance and provides coaching for individual drivers
  • Don’s role on the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) Safety Council, where he receives regular updates about regulation changes
  • Our connection with a third-party compliance monitoring company to provide quarterly reviews

In short, we’re always on the job prioritizing safety protocols, ensuring and exceeding industry benchmarks.

Liquid Bulk Transport Emergency Preparedness at All Chemical

We know emergencies are a fact of life. That’s why we prepare for them before they happen—so we’re ready when they do.

We rigorously train our drivers in our specific safety protocols for emergencies. They know how, when, and what to communicate with the proper personnel to ensure a swift and effective response. Spills, accidents, injuries, you name it: our drivers know what to do. They know when to report, when to ask for help internally, and when to make contact with Chemtrec, the industry-celebrated 24-hour emergency call center for incidents involving hazardous materials.

We follow transparent procedures for investigation, reporting, and developing preventative measures to avoid future recurrence:

  • Driver incident reports
  • Prompt carrier notification
  • Picture documentation
  • Data gathering

Once we’ve taken all these steps, we review the details of the incident in question.

  • What was the root cause?
  • What additional training can we implement?
  • Do we need to update our systems, equipment, design, or methodology?

We contact media outlets where necessary, and we communicate with customers in all cases of an incident involving a customer’s product, regardless of fault. In other words, we’re committed to the safety of the public and of our drivers.

How We Maintain a Safety-First Culture

It takes our whole team to maintain our impressive safety standards. From leadership on down, we are committed to proactively cultivating a safety-conscious culture. To do this, we employ

  • Semi-annual drivers’ meetings to stay sharp on safety
  • Cash incentives to drivers for clean roadside inspections
  • Quarterly bonuses for accident-free driving
  • A new fuel bonus program
  • Smith5Keys training for all personnel, including mechanics, tank washers and all office personnel

At the end of the day, safety is our number-one priority, because safety benefits everyone. We pursue it together, and we benefit together.

“I’ve been in this business for 50 years,” says Don, “and I live by this philosophy: share all results—good, bad, and indifferent—with your employees for their input.” Don and his team are working behind the scenes to keep our people, our customers, and the public safe.

Read more about Don Wrege and his impressive legacy at All Chemical.

Contact us today to discuss your ongoing liquid bulk transport needs.