BWT CONNECT NEWSLETTER
As we transition from the summer months, our focus turns to a strong finish for the third quarter and gearing up for the busy peak season ahead. This month is dedicated to reconnecting with our goals, reinforcing the foundations of our success, and celebrating the dedicated individuals who make BWT a leader in the logistics industry.
The logistics landscape is constantly evolving, with new challenges and opportunities emerging daily. As a team, our commitment to excellence and adaptability is what sets us apart. Let's make this a productive and collaborative September.
Quick Bites:
The logistics landscape is constantly evolving, with new challenges and opportunities emerging daily. As a team, our commitment to excellence and adaptability is what sets us apart. Let's make this a productive and collaborative September.
Fall Into Focus: As summer ends, it's time to sharpen our execution. Let's lock in on our Q4 goals and finish the year strong.
Seasons Change. Standards Don't: As the leaves turn, our commitment to safety, quality, and professionalism remains constant. Let's lead the way.
Own Your Quarter: Win as a Team: The final push starts now. Individual accountability is the fuel for our collective success.
In This Edition
2: In this Edition
9: Color Outside the lines Page 1: Quick Bites Page 3: Seasons Change. Standards Don't.
6: September Events Page 4: Employee of the Month & Birthdays Page 5: Safety First
7: Wellness and Self-Care
8: Workplace Wisdom
12: The Break Room Bite & Your Voice Matters Page 10-11: Driver Appreciation
SEASONS CHANGE. STANDARDS DON’T.
Fall is here! The air is cooler, the leaves are crunchier, and yes—pumpkin spice everything is back. But while nature is busy changing colors, one thing at BWT Logistics and Red Baron Transportation stays the same: our standards.
Whether you're clocking in at a warehouse, hitting the road in a rig, or supporting operations behind the scenes, our commitment to safety, quality, and professionalism doesn’t take a seasonal break. It’s what keeps us strong, sharp, and successful.
Safety: Your First Priority
Fall brings new challenges—slippery surfaces, shorter daylight hours, and unpredictable weather. That’s why we’re doubling down on safety protocols. PPE isn’t just gear—it’s your shield. And those pretrip inspections? They’re your first line of defense.
Quality: The Details Matter
Professionalism isn’t just about how we look—it’s how we treat each other, how we show up, and how we represent BWT. Every employee is expected to follow our Standards of Conduct, which help keep our workplace respectful, productive, and safe.
Here’s a quick refresher on what’s expected:
Be respectful to coworkers, customers, and visitors
Show up on time and ready to work
Keep workspaces substance-free—no alcohol or drugs on the job
For everyone’s safety, weapons of any kind are not permitted on company property.
Use phones, email, and bulletin boards appropriately
Avoid disruptive behavior or speech
Follow all safety rules and company policies
Deliver consistent, reliable performance
Let’s keep the energy high and the standards higher.
As we head into the final stretch of the year, let’s stay focused, stay safe, and stay professional. Because at BWT, seasons may change—but our standards don’t.
Josue Diaz
Location: Tampa Florida
Hire Date: December 30, 2024
Job Title: Forklift Operator
We are thrilled to recognize Josue Diaz as our September Employee of the Month! Since joining the Tampa team, Josue has become an invaluable member of the warehouse, taking complete ownership of the receiving process. His sense of urgency and streamlined workflow help get drivers back on the road faster.
Josue is also a true champion for safety. His keen eye for potential hazards has been a key factor in his team achieving four consecutive incident-free months. This commitment was clear during the recent warehouse move, where he showed incredible self-discipline by prioritizing safety protocols over speed, even under a tight deadline.
As his nominator noted, "His maturity in his performance is really the difference maker."
Please join us in congratulating Josue Diaz on this well-deserved honor!
2 - Willie J Pelote
3 - Jawon Watson
4 - Alonzo Smith
5 - Joseph Fulton
9 - Timothy Phillips
10 -Tyrus Bennett
11 - Andre Adams
11 - Lawrence Richards
14 - Ian Mobley
20 - Alexander Valdez
21 - Mark A Fowlkes
21 - Brindha Srinivasan
23 - Annie Peterson
28 - Amanda Carden
29 - Steven James Ellis
30 - Johnathan Seymore
30 - Sukhchain Singh
30 - Ziymere Seth - Trotter
SAFETY FIRST
Fall Into Safe Habits at BWT
As the season changes and we welcome the crisp air and colorful leaves of fall, it’s the perfect time to refresh our commitment to safety. At BWT Logistics, accident prevention is a year-round priority—but fall brings unique challenges that require extra attention.
Whether you're working in the warehouse, on the road, or at a job site, here are some essential safety guidelines to help keep everyone safe:
Everyone Plays a Role
Safety is a team effort. If you see a spill, exposed wiring, or a blocked emergency exit, report it immediately. One of our team members in Calhoun recently prevented a slip-and-fall by flagging a wet loading dock—great job!
Use Equipment Safely
Never operate machinery without proper safety guards. For example, a driver in Plattsburgh refused to use a forklift with a damaged seatbelt —thank you for putting safety first!
Follow Your Training
Safety training isn’t just a formality—it’s your first line of defense. Always lock out/tag out equipment before maintenance, and review procedures regularly.
Know Your Materials
No Horseplay
Fall decorations and seasonal excitement are great—but keep it professional on the floor. Distractions can lead to injuries, especially around moving equipment.
Lift With Care
Cooler weather doesn’t mean heavier lifting is easier. Use proper technique: back straight, lift with your legs, and ask for help when needed. A team in Riceboro recently used a lift assist device for a heavy pallet—excellent teamwork!
Think Ahead
Before starting any task, take a moment to assess risks. Wet leaves near entrances, shorter daylight hours, and changing temperatures can all impact safety.
Wear Your PPE
From gloves and goggles to high-visibility vests and steel-toed boots, PPE is your protection. Don’t skip it—even for “quick” tasks.
Make Safety Your #1 Priority This Fall
Let’s “fall into” safe habits and keep our workplaces accident-free.
Safety Guidelines for accident Prevention
SAFETY VIDEO
Before handling chemicals or hazardous materials, read the hazard data sheets. A warehouse specialist in Savannah avoided a dangerous mix-up by double-checking labels— smart thinking! Click to play the video!
September National Events & Holidays
September 1 (Monday): Labor Day
A federal holiday honoring the contributions of workers. Great time to recognize your team’s hard work!
September 11 (Thursday): Patriot Day
A day of remembrance for those lost in the 9/11 attacks. Consider a moment of silence or flag-lowering ceremony.
September 17 (Wednesday): Constitution Day
Celebrate the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Share fun facts or host a trivia challenge!
September 21 (Sunday): International Day of Peace
Promote unity and kindness in the workplace. A great day for team-building activities.
September 22 (Monday): First Day of Fall (Autumn Equinox)
Welcome the season with fall-themed treats or décor.
September 22–24: Rosh Hashanah
Jewish New Year observance. Be mindful of time-off requests and cultural celebrations.
September 15–October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
Celebrate Latinx culture with music, food, and employee spotlights.
GA: Yellow Daisy Festival (Sept 4-7) - National arts & crafts festival.
GA: Chattahoochee Mountain Fair (Sept 513) - Celebrates Georgia's agricultural roots.
NC: National Folk Festival (Sept 12-14) - Free multicultural music festival in Greensboro.
SC: South Carolina Apple Festival (Sept 3-7)Celebrating local apple harvest in Westminster.
LA: Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival (Aug 28 - Sept 1) - Celebrating key industries of Louisiana.
FL: Key West BrewFest (Aug 28 - Sept 1)Major craft beer festival.
AR: Bikes, Blues & BBQ (Sept 17-20) - Charity motorcycle rally in Rogers.
NJ: Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival (through Sept 1) - Renowned bluegrass festival in Woodstown.
NY: Feast of San Gennaro (Sept 11-21)Iconic festival in NYC's Little Italy.
PA: Mushroom Festival (Sept 6-7) - Unique festival in the mushroom capital.
DE: Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival (Sept 6) - Juried art show on the boardwalk.
MN: Minnesota State Fair (through Sept 1)Conclusion of the "Great Minnesota GetTogether."
MN: Defeat of Jesse James Days (Sept 3-7): A historical festival reenacting a famous bank raid.
IN: Nappanee Apple Festival (Sept 18-21)Famous for its giant apple pie.
IL: Chicago Jazz Festival (through Sept 1)Free world-famous jazz festival.
CA: California Admission Day (Sept 9): A state holiday marking California's admission to the Union.
CA: Monterey Jazz Festival (Sept 26-28)Historic jazz festival.
WELLNESS & SELF-CARE
Fueling for the Final Push
As the air gets cooler and we head into the final, often busiest, quarter of the year, maintaining our energy levels is crucial. While it’s tempting to rely on caffeine and sugar for a quick boost, a smarter approach is to fuel our bodies with foods that provide steady, reliable energy. This season, let's power up with fall's best offerings.
Your
Fall Fuel Checklist
Think of these in-season foods as your secret weapon for sustained energy and focus: Apples & Pears: Packed with fiber and natural sugars, they provide a quick energy boost without the crash. They're the perfect portable snack.
Sweet Potatoes & Squash: These are rich in complex carbohydrates, which your body breaks down slowly for long-lasting energy. They are also full of vitamins that support overall health. Oats: A warm bowl of oatmeal is a fantastic way to start the day. It provides soluble fiber that keeps you feeling full and energized all morning.
Leafy Greens (like Kale & Spinach): These greens are high in iron, a mineral that is essential for fighting fatigue and transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Simple
Swaps for a Big Impact
You don't need to overhaul your entire diet. Small changes can make a big difference: Instead of a candy bar for an afternoon snack, try an apple with a handful of nuts. Instead of grabbing a sugary pastry, try prepping overnight oats for a quick breakfast. Instead of fries as a side, try baked sweet potato wedges. By making mindful choices, we can ensure our bodies and minds are ready to perform at their best and finish the year strong.
Looking to make smarter food choices that boost energy and focus? We’ve gathered a few helpful resources to support your wellness journey this season.
1. Fall Family Foods – American Heart Association
a.Promotes family meals, mental health, and smart food swaps.
b.Great for sharing with employees or using in a fall-themed wellness campaign.
2. Real Food Challenge – TotalWellness
a.A turnkey wellness campaign that encourages employees to make simple, healthy food swaps.
b.Includes planning worksheets, weekly flyers, and incentive ideas.
4. Healthy Food & Beverage Toolkit – American Heart Association
a.Offers meal planning tips, policy templates, and sample pledges.
b.Helps organizations create a culture of health through food choices.
5. Healthy Fall Swaps – Minnesota State University
a.A quick-reference guide for seasonal food swaps.
b.Encourages replacing high-sugar, high-fat options with nutrient-rich fall favorites.
WORKPLACE WISDOM
Living Our Core Values
At BWT Logistics ,our core values are more than just words—they’re the foundation of how we work, lead, and grow together. This month, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what these values look like in action, across every role and location.
Integrity
We uphold the highest ethical standards, guided by honesty, fairness, and respect in every decision and interaction.
In Action: Speak truthfully, own your mistakes, and treat others with respect—even when no one’s watching.
Customer Focus
We listen, adapt, and deliver personalized solutions that meet the unique needs of each client.
In Action: Go the extra mile to understand customer needs. Be responsive, reliable, and solution-oriented.
Safety
We put safety first—for our employees, clients, and communities—through proactive practices and a culture of care.
In Action: Follow safety protocols, report hazards, and look out for each other. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Teamwork
We thrive on collaboration, mutual respect, and shared goals, knowing we’re stronger together.
In Action: Support your teammates, communicate clearly, and celebrate wins together. One band, one sound.
Accountability
We own our actions, follow through on our commitments, and continuously strive to do better.
In Action: Meet deadlines, follow through on promises, and take responsibility for outcomes— good or bad.
Excellence
We aim high and never settle, always seeking to improve and deliver exceptional results.
In Action: Bring your best every day. Look for ways to improve processes, service, and performance.
Your Challenge for the Month:
Choose one core value each week and find a way to live it out intentionally.
Whether it’s helping a teammate, improving a process, or showing extra care for a customer— your actions shape our culture.
“Core values aren’t just beliefs—they’re the choices we make, the standards we uphold, and the culture we create together.”
"CORE VALUES ARE THE HABITS
WE
CHOOSE, THE STANDARDS WE UPHOLD, AND THE LEGACY WE BUILD— ONE DECISION, ONE INTERACTION, ONE DAY AT A TIME."
COLOR OUTSIDE THE (TRUCK) LINES
Your inner artist is calling. It's time to trade your scanner for a crayon and your keyboard for some color. Here's a chance to unwind, de-stress, and create a mini-masterpiece.
DRIVER
APPRECIATION WEEK
Driver Appreciation Week is Here!
We're excited to announce that Driver Appreciation Week is coming up, and it's time to recognize the incredible men and women who keep our company—and our economy—moving forward every single day.
When We Celebrate
Driver Appreciation Week runs from September 14 - 20th, giving us a full week to show our gratitude to the professional drivers who are the backbone of our operations.
Why Our Drivers Deserve Recognition
Our drivers are more than just employees—they're essential workers who ensure goods reach their destinations safely and on time. Rain or shine, through traffic jams and tight deadlines, they demonstrate professionalism, skill, and dedication that deserves our highest praise.
Every day, our drivers:
Navigate challenging road conditions with expertise and safety as their top priority
Represent our company with professionalism
Work long hours to meet customer expectations and deadlines
Serve as the face of our company to customers and communities nationwide
How We're Celebrating
Throughout the week, we'll be showing our appreciation with:
Lunch at all Georgia-Pacific sites
Gift cards for our Over-the-Road (OTR), Regional, and Local Drivers
Company-branded shirts and hats
Bonus giveaways and exclusive BWT merchandise
Join Us in Saying Thank You
We encourage all employees, customers, and community members to join us in thanking our drivers. Whether it's a simple "thank you," a wave, or sharing your positive experiences, every gesture of appreciation matters.
Our drivers work tirelessly to keep supply chains moving, families fed, and businesses running. During Driver Appreciation Week and every week, let's make sure they know how much their dedication means to all of us.
Thank you to all our professional drivers—you truly make the difference!
THE BREAKROOM BITE
Salted Caramel Pumpkin Blondies
September, we're embracing the flavors of fall with a treat that's rich, gooey, and perfectly spiced. These blondies layer a sweet pumpkin batter with a ribbon of salted caramel for an unforgettable bite.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt, divided
2 sticks (16 tbsp) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ¼ cups brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree
¾ cup caramel sauce (store-bought is fine)
Instructions:
Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9x9inch baking dish.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and ½ tsp salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla, then mix in the pumpkin puree.
Combine: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until just incorporated.
Layer & Bake: Pour half the batter into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining ½ tsp salt. Top with the remaining batter.
Finish: Bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely before cutting.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
BWT's "Safety in the Season" Photo Contest
BWT's "Safety in the Season" Photo Contest Fall brings new conditions, and safety is always our #1 priority. Let's showcase how we stay safe while embracing the season!
How to Enter:
Email a photo showing safety in action at BWT.
Include a short caption, your full name, and your site/department.
Recognition & Prizes:
The top photos will be featured in next month's BWT Connect newsletter! All participants will be entered into a raffle for BWT merch and gift cards.
Grand Prize: The winning photo will earn an extra PTO day!
�� Send your "Safety in the Season" photos to bwtconnects@bwtlogistics.com by September 25.
