Gentle to retire from Owens Corning

Gentle to retire from Owens Corning    John Gentle said he is taking early retirement at the end of this month from building materials manufacturer Owens Corning, where he works as a specialist on government affairs and regulatory policy on global transportation issues.
   Gentle, a former chairman and current member of the National Industrial Transportation League’s Highway Committee, said he plans to do consulting work for carriers, shippers and brokers, and participate on the Transportation Research Board’s Size and Weight Committee that is looking at how to allow larger trucks on the road.
   Gentle previously was North American surface transportation leader for the insulation systems business, and held a series of other logistics management positions during his 35-year career at Owens Corning.
   He was instrumental in helping set up a carrier Web portal through which Owens Corning tenders freight and gives highway carriers access to account information, load and trailer pool status, and other tools.
   Carrier relations were also strengthened by establishing a face-to-face review process through which both sides try and solve any problems in the business relationship and carrier advisory councils. The panels allow Owens Corning and the carriers to present areas they need help on, such as dispatching or fuel reduction, to develop solutions for the entire group.
   Gentle will continue to be based in Toledo, Ohio.