Transportation News
Driver Focus: Happy
20th Anniversary, Harry Showalter!
Happy 20th Anniversary, Harry! We're pleased to honor Harry in this edition of The Interchange. Evans Papantouros and Al Escudero, our celebrity editors, gave us the "inside scoop" on Harry and his long-time career with CPG. Read on to learn more!
Harry Showalter was born in his uncle’s home in Kennonsburg, Ohio. He lived in Kennonsburg during his early childhood and eventually moved to Batesville, Ohio, where he graduated in 1961 along with thirteen other boys and girls.
Harry Showalter
Harry was always fascinated with big trucks as a boy, which led him to purchase his very first truck when he was 19 years old. He has been driving one ever since - you could say that Harry has lived out his childhood dream.
His pursuit of a steady job led him to ContainerPort Group in October 1982 - we were Midwest Container then. He signed on his first truck with us on October 6, 1982 and will be celebrating his 20th year with the company on October 6, 2002. (He admits that, initially, he did have some reservations about us “Easterners” however!) Harry is truly a pro.
During the past 20 years, Harry has seen many people come and go and has worked through various changes in dispatch operations, pay structure, customers, and fellow owner-operators. According to Harry, the one thing that has remained constant through these years is that he has always been treated with the utmost respect. We asked Harry, “What is the thing you like most about ContainerPort Group? What has made you stay for so long?”
Harry told us, “Without a doubt, it’s the people, from top to bottom. Everyone always takes the time to stop me to say hello, ask how I’m feeling, or how things are going, or if there’s anything I need. You’re not a number here, you’re like family.”
One of the most important highlights of Harry’s long career as an owner operator, is that he has driven over THREE MILLION MILES since 1974 - without having a single accident – a truly awesome accomplishment!
Harry currently resides in the small town of Washington Court House, Ohio (pop. 13,000), with his wife Carole. Harry has a son, Harry Jr., currently in training to follow in his father’s footsteps; a stepson, David; a daughter, Sue, who also works in transportation (Customer Service Rep.); and another daughter, Melinda, who works in the health care industry.
Harry enjoys
boating, fishing, and NASCAR racing; and is a member of the Elks and Masonic
lodges in his hometown. In his life, Harry has always tried to live by his
father’s creed:
“Set your goals high, work hard to reach them, and good things
will happen to you.”
It’s pretty clear to us that Harry has much to be proud of in his life and is
proof positive that being a truck driver is indeed a respected profession. Our
heartiest congratulations to Harry on his upcoming 20-year anniversary with
ContainerPort Group. Hats off to you!
Thanks for everything!
Detroit would like to welcome Marius Barbat to their team. He came from the Detroit (Dix) office and is being trained in all of the daily tasks that take place in the office. Louisville would like to welcome Joi Scott. Joi is a Transportation Biller from the Corporate office and has recently moved to the Louisville area.
We're very pleased to report the following key management announcements: Karen Wanosky has been promoted to Transportation Manager of our Cleveland terminal. Karen's career in transportation started in 1993 when she joined Reserve International Services as an equipment control representative. Karen joined CPG's equipment control department in 1996. Since then, she has worn many hats and has acquired invaluable experience in many aspects of our terminal and, more recently, our transportation business units. Matt Meadows has been promoted to Transportation Manager of our St. Louis terminal. Matt's 15-year career in transportation began with the international brokerage firm, William Meadows Incorporated. Matt's areas of expertise include international freight forwarding and brokerage; he also is a licensed Customs House broker. Matt joined the St. Louis team in May as a customer service supervisor. In just several short months, he has proven himself as a leader and has worked diligently and made great strides in improving our St. Louis operation. Congratulations, Karen and Matt. We wish you both the very best future success with your new assignments!
Cleveland has acquired the following new accounts: Ace Hardware, Kichler Lighting, Jasar Recycling, Malco/Enviro Systems, and Maytag/Hoover.
Cincinnati’s newest accounts are: Liz Claiborne, Sun Chemical, Rock Tenn, FMS, and Hanjin Business for Hillman Fasteners.
Columbus is excited to announce that Spring Window Fashions has signed on to do business with CPG.
Louisville’s has signed on several new shippers: Johnson Controls, Toys ‘R’ Us, and Family Dollar.
Chicago is happy to announce the addition of OOCL to their customer base.
Detroit recently acquired more business from Hanjin Shipping Company. GOOD JOB, CPG! Detroit has also taken on the chassis stack dray business for most of the Detroit area.
Owner Operators Wanted!