Karly Balslew, Mary Ellen Chiles, Hope Davis, Juliana Goodwin, Sonia Guzman, Megan Price
LOGAN AGUIRRE Publisher
MEGAN JOHNSON VP of Custom Publishing
AMMIE SCOTT MOTES VP of Strategy and Senior Account Executive
GARY WHITAKER Founder
JOAN WHITAKER Founder
David Meinecke’s 10-year journey as an orientation trainer shows how unexpected paths can lead to a rewarding career empowering new drivers and trainers.
Prime ’ s hopper division strengthens supply chain connections, offering drivers regional routes while moving products from farm to retail.
Inside David Meinecke’s 10-Year Prime Career The First Prime Veterans Ball
Bruce Reeves helped co-organize Prime’s first Veterans Ball to honor veterans and create a mentoring program for those transitioning to civilian life.
Prime promotes wellness by focusing on hydration and offering tools—like hydrogen water bottles—to keep associates and partners energized and healthy.
Purchasing Representative Paul Higgins clears up truck weight limits with his Right Weigh class held in Springfield, Missouri.
Prime driver Chet Gordon spent decades as a photojournalist before hitting the road, where he now captures stunning images along his routes.
Prime’s Pittston terminal is expanding with more parking, a larger training pad, new amenities and a dedicated Pedigree office.
Photos courtesy Prime Inc., Chet Gordon, by Katy St. Clair
THE LOW DOWN
The incredible dedication and longevity of our associates is always worth recognizing. Trucking is no easy business—it demands grit, resilience, and a commitment to excellence every single day. Prime’s average associate tenure is impressive in any industry, but in trucking, it’s almost unheard of. That experience sets us apart, keeping Prime a step above our competitors. It’s because of special associates like David Meinecke that we’ve built a reputation for reliability and expertise in this industry, and I’m deeply grateful for his contributions.
In this issue, you’ll read about our latest stride forward: the launch of our new Hopper Division. This addition isn’t just about expanding our fleet— it’s about strengthening our service offerings to meet the evolving needs
of our customers. As you flip through the magazine, I hope you feel the pride I do in what we’ve built together. Your years of service—some of you clocking in decades with us—form the backbone of this company. The stories, the photos and the updates in these pages reflect your efforts and our shared journey. Let’s keep honoring that legacy by driving forward with the same determination that got us here. Thank you for being the heart of Prime, and here’s to many more miles ahead.
Robert Low Prime Inc., CEO & Founder
Follow along with Prime events, driver photos and much more with Prime ’ s social media.
A FRESH TAKE ON THE WORKPLACE
Shaun Ryker, Prime’s new director of human resources, shares hi s journey from entry-level employee to leadership.
BY MEGAN PRICE
Phoro courtesy Prime Inc.
Like most people, after graduating from college, I was looking for a job with a strong company,” recalls Shaun Ryker, Prime Inc.’s new director of human resources. He had friends working at the onsite accounting service for Prime’s drivers, Perryman and Associates, who often spoke highly of the company, so Ryker decided to apply for a job at Prime. He started in the permits department here he spent the rst years of his career. From there, he moved to the safety department before entering driver payroll. His journey has led him to human resources, where he continues to focus on supporting Prime’s associates. Managing driver payroll came with its challenges, primarily in understanding the complexities of the payroll operation. “My biggest challenge was understanding how everything works together,” Ryker explains. With the support of Prime’s IT department, he improved efficiency and accuracy. e can now use that knowledge to identify methods to minimize payroll errors and increase productivity,” he says.
Like many leaders at Prime, Ryker loves being a part of the success of his fellow associates. “I am most proud to see their growth,” he says. “It’s rewarding to help them learn new skills and take on new challenges.”
He’s also incredibly proud of the advances that have allowed his department to evolve beyond processing payroll. A major initiative involved improving communication with new student drivers who were unsure about how their pay would work. “We now send them an email that covers everything they need to know for a smooth start,” he explains. A follow-up phone call ensures that each driver understands their pay schedule and has the opportunity to ask questions. These efforts have made a signi cant impact in easing the transition for new drivers.
MOVING TO HR
Ryker’s shift into human resources began with discussions about in-house payroll, but it quickly became clear that there was considerable overlap between
“The future isn’t only about maintaining our culture. We also must evolve to ensure it continues to be great.”
payroll and HR. “I’m excited about this position because I have a chance to be more involved with our in-house associates,” he says. “I also get to be involved with our HR team, and I have a lot of respect for the work they do.”
His experience managing driver payroll has been invaluable in preparing him for HR leadership. “The departments are similar in that we work with people and ensure we comply with laws and regulations,” he explains. “They change often, and we must evolve to stay compliant and competitive.” Having worked in compliance-heavy roles throughout his career, Ryker is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of HR policies and procedures.
The transition has come with its challenges, though, particularly in learning new rules and guidelines. “It shouldn’t surprise me, but I am still surprised by the amount of regulation and processes involved in staying compliant,” he admits. However, he remains optimistic about the road ahead and eager to contribute to Prime’s success.
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, Ryker’s vision for HR is to enhance efficiency and support associates in maximizing their productivity. “Our associates know what they need
to be successful, and my goal is to help accomplish that,” he says. He is committed to identifying ways HR can add value for both associates and drivers, ensuring that Prime will always be an excellent place to work.
A key aspect of upholding Prime’s strong workplace culture is ensuring that ne hires are the right t. is the rst chec point to ensure e bring in the best new associates,” Ryker explains. Sustaining a great culture is more than keeping traditions—it requires change to meet new challenges and opportunities. “The future isn’t only about maintaining our culture. We also must evolve to ensure it continues to be great.”
When asked what advice he would give to aspiring leaders, Ryker keeps it simple. “The best answer for this is in Prime’s policy: Do your best, do what’s right and treat others the way you want to be treated.” He emphasizes that leadership is about more than titles. Instead, he focuses on acquiring the right skills and what truly matters. “We have several examples of associates growing into prominent positions, even if they don’t have a title,” he says. His own career path reflects that philosophy—steadily building experience, adapting to new challenges and embracing opportunities along the way.
FIRST PRIME VETERANS BALL DRAWS 300
Co-organizer Bruce Reeves hopes the event helps create a network for service members.
BY MARY ELLEN CHILES
Hopper Driver Bruce Reeves knew Prime attracted a lot of veterans, but he didn’t know exactly how many until he started helping plan a gala in their honor. “About one-third of our drivers are veterans,” Reeves says. “We take into account our in-house associates, then it’s well over one-third.”
Reeves served as a meteorologist in the Air Force for 18 years. About four years ago, a few veterans on the driver advisory board suggested creating an annual event, like a military ball, to recognize service members. But it’s about more than one night. “The idea is that it will build into a mentoring organization for new veterans coming in,” Reeves says.
Clayton Brown, Charles Smith, Sean Fitzgerald and J.C. Rose also helped plan the rst rime nc. eterans all. It took place on November 13 at the asis onvention enter in pring eld Missouri, and between 300 and 350 people attended. In the future, Reeves says the committee hopes to recognize individual drivers, but this year they just wanted to get started. “We were fortunate enough to have a team led by Colonel Kyle Reeves from Missouri State, and the ROTC detachment came in and did a presentation of the colors for us,” he says. They also recognized POW MIA with a special table, which is a tradition at military balls. “We talk-
ed about the signi cance of it and the importance of it at the beginning of the dinner,” Reeves says. Prime also hosted Patrick Simmons, an Army vet and vice president of transportation at Tyson Foods, to talk about what veterans bring to the industry.
Attendees took home an embroidered patch for the rst annual rime Veterans Banquet. “The military is really big into patches,” Reeves says. He had some ideas about why service members thrive at Prime. “Veterans are very [common] in the trucking industry, and my belief is that it’s because we’re used to a lifestyle where we are away from our families for extended periods,” Reeves says.
The next Prime Inc. Veterans Ball is in October, but Reeves says the goal is to create a social organization within the community. He hopes a mentoring program will help drivers adjust to a post-military life. “Even veterans who have good jobs at Prime tend to deal with a lot of PTSD and depression, so we wanted to be able to reach out to these veterans,” Reeves says. In addition, they want to remind veterans of A bene ts hich can ma e a significant difference in physical and mental health. “It’s amazing how many of these young soldiers aren’t aware of what’s available to them as a veteran,” Reeves says. “We want to be able to say, ‘Hey, let’s get you that help that you need.’”
p The inaugural Prime Inc. Veterans Ball brought hundreds together in Springfield, Missouri.
CARVING THE ROAD AHEAD
Trainer Laura Murdock helps pave the way for the next generation of drivers.
BY KARLY BALSLEW
In the beginning, Laura Murdock wasn’t sure the truck driving industry was for her. At the time, she worked in the shipping and receiving department at Amazon, where she met a driver who encouraged her to look into the industry. This led her to Prime Inc. Now, she has been with the company for three years. “I really enjoy it here,” she says.
eing at rime offers urdoc nancial freedom and stability. As a trainer with Prime for nearly a year, she enjoys helping others obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL), paving the ay for re arding careers and nancial independence. “I’ve enjoyed the friendships I’ve made and how excited students are when they pass,” Murdock says. “Truck driving was a life-changing experience for me, and I think it is for a lot of people.”
Murdock guides students through the rst portion of training—the PSD—to receive a CDL. Even after
students move on to the next section of training, Murdock stays connected ith them to offer advice and ans er any questions. “I pay attention to each student’s personality because everyone is different she says. ou do have to personalize training, and I think that is what makes a good trainer is being able to read people and make adjustments.” While training must cover the basics to receive a CDL, Murdock observes each student and tailors the training to build con dence and foster success. She curates a supportive environment and wants all students to have a positive experience. She also always emphasizes safety. “Some students are more con dent than others ith driving she says. “Some students I let drive in adverse weather because they can manage it, but others can’t yet and that’s ne. hey’re doing this for the rst time in a truc and they’ll eventually build up to being comfortable in rain and snow, but it can be a little scary at rst.
EXPERIENCE TRU RELAXATION
Visit Tru Salon and Spa, the full-service salon and spa that specializes in truck driver needs.
BY KARLY BALSLEW
Tru Salon and Spa is your onestop destination for rejuvenation. Services include haircuts, color services, shaves, waxes, facials, spray tans, manicures, pedicures and massages.
“Truck driving can be very daunting on the body,” says Tru Salon and Spa Manager Hannah Dukewits. “Drivers sit for long periods, which can lead to back, neck and shoulder strain, and limited movement in a truck can lead to muscle stiffness and pain.” Massage therapy can help relieve pain, increase circulation, reduce stress and improve sleep. Tru Salon and Spa massage therapists specialize in aches and pains seen in the truck driving industry. With all full-body massages, Prime members also receive free use of the steam shower, which can be rented out for 30 minute sessions. “We have an amazing steam shower,” Dukewits says. “It’s like a sauna but instead of dry heat, it’s wet. Steam showers can help muscle soreness and joint stiffness, relieve congestion and lower blood pressure.”
Laura Murdock
Trainer Laura Murdock has been with Prime Inc. for three years.
A WREATH FOR EVERY GRAVE
Drivers Emily and Gary Plummer spent a week with Wreaths Across America, ending at Arlington National Cemetery
BY MARY ELLEN CHILES
Emily Plummer has worked as an over-the-road driver for Prime for 25 years, but a week this winter gave her a lifetime of memories. Emily and her husband, Gary, traveled with a convoy from Columbia Falls, Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington, D.C., delivering wreaths. “We had 1,009 miles to travel,” Emily says,
“and I was already crying 10 miles into the convoy.”
Wreaths Across America’s goal is to place Christmas wreaths on each of the 4.1 million tombstones at military cemeteries on one day in December. Prime has been involved with Wreaths Across America for 17 years. Last year, the Plummers picked up wreaths in Maine and delivered them to a cemetery in
South Dakota. They earned the honor after Emily was chosen as TCA Professional Driver of the Year. This time, they stopped by Maine and picked up 3,192 wreaths. Each wreath consists of bunches of balsam r clamped onto a ring. Each section represents love, humility and pride. Every wreath also has a red bow, which symbolizes great sacri ce. eople or ing out of olumbia Falls, Maine, warehouses make the wreaths and help load them into trucks.
The Plummers joined a convoy of 13 trucks, 40 wrapped SUVs and a bus carrying blue and gold star families, and spent a week traveling to Arlington, stopping at 21 ceremonies along the way. “We were stopping at high schools and VFWs and educating people and children on Wreaths Across America,” Emily says. “I was very emotional seeing kids outside of schools watching the convoy go by.” She remembers a cold and rainy December night in Massachusetts. “We took a right turn, and I said, ‘We’ve got to be careful because someone is standing outside his vehicle,’” she says. “It was an old man standing there saluting each convoy.”
The vehicles joined 100 more trucks at Arlington that Friday. On December 15, thousands of volunteers gathered. Volunteers unloaded boxes, and then handed a wreath to each person as they came forward to mark one of the 400,000 graves at Arlington. They don’t place wreaths at Jewish graves; those graves receive a Star of David.
The Plummers spent a week of vacation time to volunteer, but it was worth it. “It was so humbling,” Emily says. “Once you do the convoy, you fully understand what you’re doing. You’re hearing the stories.” She says she has a hard time telling those stories without crying. “A lot of people think it’s just a load of wreaths,” Emily says. “But it’s not. I had 3,192 wreaths in my trailer, and each represented one veteran’s life.”
Emily now knows how much an expression of gratitude can mean to a veteran. “We don’t know what they’re going through and how much a simple thank you matters,” she says.
Photos
RAISING MONEY FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Prime has long been a presenting sponsor of the Cattle Baron’s Ball of Southwest Missouri, which set a fundraising record last year.
BY JULIANA GOODWIN
The Cattle Baron’s Ball is one of the largest single-night fundraisers for the American Cancer Society. This Western-themed evening is hosted nation ide including in pring eld issouri, where Prime has been the presenting sponsor for years.
Last year was a banner fundraising year for the Cattle Baron’s Ball of Southwest Missouri, bringing in more than $815,000. “It was a half-million-dollar swing,” says Mary Schrag, who cochaired the event with her husband, eff. livia uthrie executive assistant to Prime CEO Robert Low, says one reason Low wanted to become the premier
sponsor is because his mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. “Cancer is a horrible disease that affects a lot of people,” Guthrie says. “The American Cancer Society is a great organization that helps fund research for a cure to cancer, and also helps people and families ghting the disease in many ways.”
he pring eld fundraiser hich started in 2009, has raised more than . million for the ght against cancer. Last year’s focus was on childhood cancer. The money goes into one big pot, with 80% of the funds raised nationally allocated to cancer research. At the local event, a percentage of the money is directed to Hope Lodge in St. Louis, where
cancer patients can stay for free while seeking treatment, saving them thousands of dollars. “We have more people from southwest Missouri stay there than anywhere else in the state,” says Sherri Tjaden, associate director of the American Cancer Society for Southwest Missouri. “We have over 250 annually who take advantage of the lodge in St. Louis, so that is ho it bene ts local people.
The event took place at the new Wilson Logistics Arena at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and showcased some of the region’s top chefs. VIP seating featured a steak dinner catered by Fire & Ice Restaurant & Bar. About a dozen food stations were set up in the wrangler section, allowing attendees to sample a variety of dishes. The lively event also included live music, axe throwing, a mechanical bull and lots of camaraderie.
One key factor in the increase in fundraising in 2024 was the recruitment of Oil Baron Ambassadors, who donated a minimum of $25,000 in advance of the event. The Schrags played a pivotal role in recruiting this group. “That gives you a nice solid foundation before you start the project,” Mary says.
The auction committee worked tirelessly for a year to come up with unique, one-of-a-kind auction items. Low donated two four-course gourmet dinners in his wine cellar. Governor-elect Mike Kehoe donated a weekend at his ranch. Peter and Jan Herschend, owners of Silver ollar ity offered their house for three couples for a weekend, which included tickets to Silver Dollar City, Showboat Branson Belle, Pink Jeep Tours, meals and more. Maxon Fine Jewelry also donated exquisite pieces to the live auction. he pandemic negatively affected the success of the Cattle Baron’s Ball for a couple of years. “It has taken us four years to get back on track, but I credit Prime, Robert Low and our many devoted corporate sponsors for sticking with us,” Tjaden says. “We have an army of volunteers to put this on. They work year-round to produce a stellar event for our community. It is rewarding to see it nally get bac to the level of success we were seeing back in the beginning. This year, we hope to make it to the million-dollar mark.”
Prime is the presenting sponsor of the annual Cattle Baron’s Ball.
STAYING HYDRATED, STAYING HEALTHY
Prime prioritizes wellness by emphasizing hydration and providing innovative tools like hydrogen water bottles to keep associates and partners energized and healthy.
BY SONIA GUZMAN
At Prime Inc., wellness begins with the basics—like hydration. Drinking enough water might seem simple, but it’s one of the most vital steps to staying healthy, energized and focused. That’s why Prime is putting hydration at the forefront of its wellness initiatives and sharing innovative tools, like hydrogen water bottles, to help associates and partners stay healthy and refreshed.
“Hydration is one of the major cornerstones of health,” shares Rachel Dreher, driver health and tness dietitan. et it’s also one of the most overlooked aspects of self-care. Many people start their day dehydrated and reach for caffeine exacerbating dehydration. Prime is committed to helping its associates make better choices, from encouraging water consumption in the morning to promoting electrolyte rich fluids that combat fatigue and brain fog. Programs like Fit in 15 and personalized nutrition consultations teach associates how proper hydration can improve physical and mental well-being. he bene ts of hydration go far beyond quenching thirst. Staying hydrated supports energy levels, cognitive function and even exercise recovery. For those working in physically demanding environments—like drivers and associates in fleet maintenance or the training pad—staying hydrated is essential to performing their best.
TOOLS TO MAKE HYDRATION EASIER
Prime’s focus on hydration isn’t just about education but also accessibility. The Prime company store offers motivating ater bottles that encourage regular drinking, and the Prime cafes provide a variety of hydrating beverages. As part of this commitment, Prime is gifting hydrogen water bottles to attendees
“Hydration is one of the major cornerstones of health.”
of the Customer Advisory Board at their April meeting. These bottles, which use advanced technology to infuse water with molecular hydrogen, are a practical way to encourage better hydration. Studies suggest that hydrogen-enriched water may enhance hydration and provide additional health bene ts such as reducing oxidative stress and supporting exercise recovery. You could say that it’s the gold standard in hydration.
A CULTURE OF WELLNESS
Hydration is just one piece of Prime’s broader wellness strategy, but it’s a foundational one. Whether through educational programs, innovative products or convenient access to fluids rime ensures its associates and partners have the resources they need to prioritize their health. With initiatives like these, Prime is more than a workplace—it’s a community that helps its people thrive. Because when you’re hydrated, you’re ready to take on whatever the day brings.
p A DREAM DESIGN
“I am really proud that it was my design and that I conveyed the inspiration that I wanted,” Deoleo says. For him, this design was a dream come true.
t MORE TO THE STORY
“I feel like I’m driving a Lambo,” Deoleo says. “Everybody loves it.” People often take pictures of his truck, give compliments and ask him about the story behind the design.
t IN THE MAKING
Deoleo ordered his truck in a color similar to Shiryu’s character and paired the dragon with a matching color schematic. He found dragon artwork and collaborated with a graphic designer to form the design layout that went on the truck.
A HERO’S JOURNEY
Refrigerated driver Ernesto Deoleo and Shiryu conquer the roads together.
BY KARLY BALSLEW
It is impossible to miss the passing waves of electric blue as Ernesto Deoleo drives down the road. The vibrant colors and intricate dragon design pay tribute to the anime character Shiryu, who represents a dragon in the show Saint Seiya.
Deoleo created the design about a year ago, and tripes tuff nished the art or on the truck in the spring of 2024. He has been driving with Prime for about three years now. “I have been dreaming about a truck that looks like this for a few years,” he says. “It came out better than I imagined, and I’m really happy about it.”
As Deoleo was growing up, Shiryu was an extremely important character in his childhood and helped form his moral compass. Deoleo explains ho hiryu is al ays illing to sacri ce himself for the betterment of others—not only his friends but the community as a whole. He demonstrates throughout the show that self-worth and love are important, but they shouldn’t be at the expense of other people. Other anime shows like Naruto and Dragon Ball Z share similar hero characters and role models. Anime highlights helping others and promotes a strong sense of community. “As I grow older, I’ve come to realize that not a lot of people think that way,” Deoleo says. “I wish that they did, and we thought about each other that way even while driving.”
Deoleo encourages drivers to spread kindness and respect for each other on the road—even allowing someone to safely switch lanes in front of you can go a long way. Setting this positive example does not go unnoticed. Whether he is parked or cruising down the highway, someone is taking a picture or video of Deoleo’s truck.
While chatting with onlookers, Deoleo will explain the backstory behind the artwork, and he even has a small gure of hiryu in his truc to show the inspiration behind the design. He debated on whether he would put Shiryu’s actual character on the truck but decided on artwork relating to the character itself, a dragon. “People really like it, and I’m really happy with the results,” he says. “It’s like I’m driving an exotic car. Every truck stop I go to, somebody will walk up and take a few minutes to look at it because it’s really special.”
WEIGHT LIMITS DON’T HAVE TO BE SCARY
Paul Higgins adds clarity to truck weight limits through the Right Weigh class.
BY HOPE DAVIS
Purchasing Representative Paul Higgins says truck drivers tend to be scared of exceeding the legal weight with their trucks. Higgins says they don’t have to be. Because of this fear drivers can overcorrect to fly under the legal weight and suboptimize their carrying capacity. In order to make Prime the “go-to’” carrier for customers and save drivers money at weigh stations, Higgins wants to standardize understanding of maximum weight across the company.
iggins offers a class every uesday at the rime la a in pring eld issouri called Right Weigh to explain how drivers can easily reach their total 80,000 pounds. “Before we started teaching this class, we never considered that everyone has a different idea about ho weight works,” Higgins says.
o the class is re uired for fleet managers PSD instructors and TNT trainers. He always asks drivers what they should do if they go to pick up freight and the loading dock tells them they have 45,000 pounds. The typical response: “Uh oh.” Higgins says the response should be “no problem.” He teaches drivers how to optimize weight between the tractor and trailer and shared some insight with PrimeWays Higgins says drivers will try to keep their steer axle under 12,000 pounds to avoid going overweight. This causes more problems because it limits the capacity for how much the truc can pull. hen drivers get their fth wheel in place to determine the proper weight on the steer axle, they can “set it and forget it.”
Many of Prime’s competitors can only load about 43,000 pounds and Prime is setting the bar higher. “We always spec our equipment so we can haul more weight than our competitors,” Higgins says. “At Prime, we didn’t pick you to be the junior varsity.”
Drivers can join Higgins’ Right Weigh class on uesdays at p.m. at the pring eld Missouri, Plaza. Each class is just one session. There are no prerequisites.
PRIME’S DIGITAL LEAP IN TRUCK LEASING
Prime has modernized its leasing process with electronic contracts, electronic inspections and online check-ins, creating a more efficient, driver-friendly system.
BY SONIA GUZMAN
Over the past ve years
Prime has been on a mission to modernize its leasing process, trading paper trails for streamlined technology. With the introduction of electronic contracts, electronic inspections and online check-ins, Prime has created a more efficient driver friendly system that reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and support.
The move to electronic contracts was one of the rst steps in this transformation. Previously, drivers had to navigate a cumbersome process of delivering physical paperwork to various departments. Now, contracts can be signed and stored digitally through the Prime app. Drivers can access their contracts anytime—whether to share with their accountant or meet Department
of Transportation requirements—keeping them compliant and ready to hit the road.
“We wanted to minimize downtime for our operators, which was our biggest challenge,”
Maddie Ely, the assistant manager of success leasing, shares. “With electronic contracts, drivers can sign on the go, stay in the system and get dispatched without delays.”
Another game-changing feature is the electronic inspection system. Drivers now complete inspections directly in the Prime app, replacing the bulky 30-page paper packets of the past. This tool allows drivers to upload photos, add notes and submit everything in real time. Unique to this system, if repairs are needed, the app even guides drivers to the exact service bay at any terminal, avoiding confusion and saving time. “When operators pick a truck,
they can complete inspections digitally and stay updated on any necessary repairs,” Ely says. t’s about guiding them efficiently and reducing hassle.”
Prime also introduced online checkins to improve the leasing process further. Drivers use a link to schedule their checkin receiving a speci c time slot to eliminate long waits and confusion.
Looking ahead, Prime plans to expand its tech offerings including educational tools like videos and documents to help new operators learn more about their trucks. This forward-thinking approach aligns with Prime’s dedication to providing a “white glove” experience. By embracing technology, Prime ensures its drivers spend less time on paperwork and more time doing what they do best—keeping America moving.
SUCCESS YEARS CELEBRATING DRIVING TOWARD OF
David Meinecke’s 10-year career as an orientation trainer showcases how unexpected paths can lead to a fulfilling role empowering new drivers and trainers.
BY MEGAN PRICE
Photo by Katy St. Clair
“You find it’s a lot easier to help somebody be successful when they feel treated with respect and cared about.”
David Meinecke’s career shows how unexpected paths can lead to
a
place where you truly belong. As an orientation trainer at Prime in pring eld issouri he’s spent the last decade teaching and mentoring new drivers and trainers. In 2024, Prime celebrated his 10-year milestone, recognizing his dedication and ability to help others thrive.
FROM HOSPITALITY TO HIGHWAYS
Before joining Prime’s trucking side, Meinecke worked at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center, transitioning from retail management. He started in banquet setup and quickly moved up to ban uet manager. is ve and a half years at the Oasis helped hone his customer service and hospitality skills, which would later prove invaluable in his training role.
When Meinecke and his wife started a family, he began looking for a profession to allow him more time with his kids. When he saw an opening for an orientation trainer in the trucking department, he decided to pursue it. “My favorite part of management has always been people development and being able
to train,” he says. “I’ve been teaching unday school since as so gured I’d be good at it.”
Meinecke’s move to Prime’s driver training department allowed him to stay within the company while shifting to a role better aligned with his strengths. His experience at the Oasis taught him the value of treating people with respect and care—a philosophy he carries into his current role. “Our customers are our trainees he explains. ou nd it’s a lot easier to help somebody be successful when they feel treated with respect and cared about.”
15 YEARS AND COUNTING
Receiving his 10-year award was a positive moment of reflection for Meinecke, who views his time at Prime so far as one of the most rewarding chapters of his career. “It’s actually my 15-year award because we’re counting my time at the Oasis,” he says with a laugh. “I absolutely wish I’d found Prime earlier. I’m privileged to have this opportunity and happy to have done it for so long.”
Over the years, Meinecke has helped thousands of students gain the skills needed to build a future in trucking. Watching trainees achieve life
milestones—such as buying a home or supporting their families—is a source of pride and motivation. “The skill of being able to drive a truck is one that can provide nancially for families hich a lot of careers don’t,” he says. “It’s a neat feeling to be a part of that journey.”
THE EVOLVING WORLD OF TRAINING
Meinecke’s role as an orientation trainer is as dynamic as it is impactful. “Any given day is different he says. ne day I might be working with brandnew drivers who’ve just gone through orientation, and the next, I could be coaching seasoned drivers who want to become trainers.”
For new hires, Meinecke begins his work on the training pad, where classes of up to 100 people learn the basics of safety, exam expectations and the fundamentals of their education. He also works closely with experienced operators, guiding them in mentoring new trainees. “I’m leading trainers on how to teach people and what techni ues are effective he says. t’s something I really enjoy because it’s never the same day twice.”
The challenges of his role are not lost on him. Inclement weather can complicate training sessions, and Meinecke has seen Prime evolve in response to external influences such as changes in federal regulations. These shifts have required the company to adapt its programs, and Meinecke has been at the helm of implementing these updates. Despite the challenges, he remains steadfast in preparing drivers for success.
Meinecke’s adaptability and focus on education have enabled him to overcome obstacles. He even took the time to get his CDL and drive for a couple of weeks to better understand what his students experience. “While I haven’t been driving for 20 years, I’ve been teaching, and that’s what we’re doing here,” he says. “I’m focused on what I’m good at.”
MAKING AN IMPACT
Looking back on his career at Prime, Meinecke takes pride in the connections he has built and the triumphs he’s witnessed. “Drivers have met each other in our training program, fallen in love, and gotten married,” he says.
Meinecke’s commitment to education has left lasting impacts not only on his trainees but also on the broader Prime community. “It’s easy to come to work knowing you’re going to meet somebody ne and help them nd success,” he says. “The ones that stick with it will see a big impact on their journey through life.”
With more than 15 years under his belt einec e’s influence at rime is undeniable. His passion for helping others continues to inspire everyone around him.
Photo by Katy St. Clair
Prime’s hopper division has continued a tradition of building on Prime’s existing work and providing connections along supply chains. With the addition of the hopper division rime’s fleets are moving product from farm to manufacturer to retail stores and creating opportunities for Prime drivers to haul the inputs that make up product pulled in the tanker and refrigerated divisions. “We’re basically touching product from start to nish rett on iller director of operations for the tanker and hopper divisions, says. Hopper Division Manager Kyle Walk says this move furthers Prime’s strategic goals of meeting customers’ needs at every step of the manufacturing process with a “one-stop shop” or “white glove service.”
The hopper division also opens up a new way of working for drivers. Hoppers mostly carry agricultural goods on regional routes, giving drivers
more flexible schedules and the chance to be part of America’s food systems.
MOVING AMERICA
VonWiller explains that customers used Prime tankers to move cooking oils like soybean, corn and canola oil and asked if Prime could transport the beans, corn and grains to their facilities. This is only natural for Prime, as VonWiller says the tanker division began in 2000 to deliver products like soybean, corn and canola oil that would become nished products that lled rime refrigerated trailers. Now, the hopper division integrates Prime further in the process by delivering the soybeans, corn and other grains for oil. VonWiller describes this progression as building off the synergy bet een the tan er and refrigerated divisions. “We’re taking it one step further, backing up in the process and taking it from the farms to the crush plant facilities to be crushed
into oil,” VonWiller says. “And then from the oil delivered to the customer to make the nal goods to go on our refrigerated trailers to go out to Walmart, Mars, General Mills and many others.”
At the farm level, Prime hoppers transport agricultural inputs and outputs. As of December 2024, Walk estimates that grains make up 50–60% of the product moved by Prime hopper trailers. This includes corn, soybeans, wheat and rice. Walk says minerals like
calcium and potash—“a fancy name for fertilizer”—make up 35–40% of the product. Then, a large piece of the product is bone meal and soybean meal used to feed livestock. Hoppers can also move potatoes, onions and apples.
“We’re moving America,” Walk says. “We’re meeting these farmers out in the elds. ometimes they’re loading our trailers right off of their tractors and augers. That’s rewarding.” Still, hopper trailers aren’t limited to agricultural goods. A small portion of the freight is made up of rocks, and in a January livestream, Walk and VonWiller speculated that hoppers could carry ground-up tires from Prime EcoShred.
GROWING A NEW DIVISION
VonWiller got the idea for the hopper division in the spring of 2023 when he went to a pet food conference in search of new business, according to a Transport Topics article. There, new and
prospective customers asked if Prime had hopper trailers. When he got home, oil customers from the tanker division asked about moving grain.
VonWiller took charge of sourcing equipment and understanding how the new sector functions. According to Transport Topics, “incubating the expansion took about six months as Prime started locking down customer commitments.” VonWiller tapped Walk to oversee the division and match drivers and customers to available trailers.
The hopper division started with 25 trucks in January 2024. As of the end of 2024, the division had 50 trailers in operation with 30 more on order. VonWiller and Walk hope to have 75 hopper trailers on the road by May and 100 by 2026. In a livestream video shared on Facebook and YouTube when the division launched, Walk shared that the very rst hopper routes started in the Indianapolis area. Since then, Prime’s hoppers have traveled the Midwest and Southeast and ventured into Pennsylvania and New York.
WHAT DRIVERS NEED TO KNOW
Because the hopper division moves mostly agricultural goods, it’s heavily regionalized, and drivers have more time at home. Grain elevators and silos tend to have set hours from morning to evening Monday through Friday. This means drivers might get out early in the morning and come home after the silos close around 5 or 6 p.m. “The drivers that don’t necessarily like to drive overnight—this is an option for them because we don’t do a lot of night driving,” Walk says. “Unless they want to.”
Bruce Reeves, a member of Prime’s driver advisory board, became one of the rst hopper drivers after follo ing Walk from the tanker division. “If they decided they weren’t going to do hopper anymore and I was forced to go back to tanker, I would,” Reeves says. “But I think that’s the only way I would leave this division.”
eeves echoes the bene ts of a more flexible schedule and says the opportunity to drive a hopper came at
a time when health problems emerged in his family and he needed to spend more time at home for his wife. Rather than having set times at loading docks, he gets wide windows for pickups and drop offs during business hours hich ta es some pressure off. eeves says drivers do need to live in areas with a lot of freight to take advantage of this.
Prime hoppers are equipped with technology to make loading and unloading easier. They come with automated tarps that open and close at the push of a button as well as vibration devices and air hoses to help push out product. However, drivers keep hammers or mallets on hand to loosen product that gathers in the hopper.
Beyond the schedule, Reeves says hauling agricultural goods and working with farms connects him to his roots in a Kansas farming community. He’s familiar with the lingo workers use when he picks up a load of soybeans. The work makes Reeves feel right at home. “We actually load quite a bit at farms where we’ll go to a farmer’s house and load out of the silo that’s in his backyard or we’ll take him fertili er to put in his eld Reeves says. “Working with farmland America— our elevators, feed mills and farmers—I just really love working with those guys and being involved with what they’re doing to keep America where we’re at.”
FROM PHOTOJOURNALIST TO PRIME DRIVER
Chet Gordon enjoyed a career with the New York Daily and other publications before switching careers.
BY JULIANA GOODWIN
Chet Gordon enjoyed a nearly 25-year career as a photojournalist ful lling his childhood dream. A New Jersey native and former United States Marine, he served in the mid-1980s, spending t o and a half years as a eld artilleryman in Japan. Throughout his photojournalist career, Gordon covered professional and major college sports, including a World Series, an NBA AllStar Game and the U.S. Open Tennis. He also photographed ve . . presidents and traveled to nearly 30 countries for humanitarian aid and personal projects.
n he as laid off from his ne spaper staff photographer position in the Hudson Valley region of New York. Despite his experience, it took time to land another job at a lifestyle magazine group, nearly 40 miles away. Ten months later,
ordon as a part of the layoffs again. He was in his early 50s, and the career that de ned him had come to a halt. e began working as a laborer with a local contractor, and eventually as a night receiving clerk at a grocery warehouse to make ends meet. He began talking to drivers when they’d deliver loads, asking about their job. “I spoke to one Prime driver, and he told me the magic words,” Gordon says. “He said, ‘Prime makes it easy to be successful.’ A lightbulb went off. as . called and spo e to a recruiter. The recruiter said, ‘I can send you a bus ticket next week.’ I replied, ‘Slow down. Let me make a decision.’”
A few weeks later, in the fall of 2016, he boarded a Greyhound from Manhattan to pring eld issouri and he recently marked eight years with Prime, including his rst illion afe iles.
STAYING CONNECTED WHILE ON THE ROAD
Now, as an over-the-road driver, Gordon says the advice he received back then was true. “This is a well-run machine and organi ation he says. he rst class facilities we have, the terminals, the training program, the attitude, all that trickles down from the top.”
He leans into his photojournalism skills and posts stunning photos from the road. His social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook keep him connected to his wife back home, as well as friends and former colleagues in the news business. The moments frozen in time can be as simple as his meals on the road, a stunning sunset or a panoramic view of his Prime truck in front of Wilson Arch in Moab, Utah. These snippets are insights into his daily life. “I’m a truck driver now, and it’s brought a whole new perspective on life,” Gordon says. He has an adult daughter in southern Michigan, and when he travels through, he’s able to occasionally stop and have coffee or dinner ith her hich has helped them connect. His wife—who o ns a coffee shop—is up at a.m. to open the shop, so they talk every night before bed. In all these years, they’ve hardly missed any calls.
FAMILY SUPPORTS HIS NEW CAREER
Although he misses his family, Gordon appreciates the solidarity and quiet time during his weeks away. For most of his journalism career, he was single, so he’s found a sense of comfort on the road. His wife has been supportive of his new career, especially after the stressful, heartbrea ing and nancially challenging period follo ing his second layoff. Now, he has a new career and the support he needs. learned my rst year or two that things here are truthful, and are geared to help drivers be successful,” Gordon says. “The company has been around now for 50-plus years. Mostly, all that’s required is that you be responsible, safe, pick up and deliver your loads on time. Just do your job as a professional and you will be successful.”
TERMINAL IMPROVEMENTS
Updates to the Pittston terminal will add more parking, reduce congestion and showcase new showers and laundry facilities.
BY JULIANA GOODWIN
Prime Inc. drivers who pull into the Pittston, Pennsylvania, terminal are bound to be happy with the exciting changes and much-needed upgrades going on— including the new trailer parking lot and training pad expansion. The number one benefit is much-needed space, says Richard Yarborough, terminal manager at Pittston, who has been with Prime for 18 years. “Our drivers the past four or five years have been extremely frustrated at how packed the yard is,” he says. “We’ve had challenges with our available parking in PA.”
The company has been trying to expand at the Pittston terminal for several years and was finally able to purchase five and a half acres adjoining the training pad. This expansion will make it much easier for drivers to navigate the yard and store equipment. It will also add 141 trailer parking spaces.
They are constructing an access road to the new property, which will improve connectivity. Another exciting feature is the expansion of the training pad building. This addition will include two showers and a laundry-equipped washroom, providing drivers with the convenience of freshening up or doing laundry while they wait without a trip to the main terminal. Drivers who simply want a place to relax will also have that option. This upgrade will save time, eliminating the need to catch a shuttle to the terminal or navigate the challenges of finding parking.
Another significant step for Prime is the addition of a new office for Pedigree Truck and Trailer Sales, which is currently housed at the main terminal. Six years ago, they began with an onsite Pedigree salesman, and it has been very successful. The new office will provide a designated space for Pedigree equipment, which is currently occupying precious real
estate. This change will make it much faster for salespeople to show equipment, as everything will be consolidated in one yard instead of spread out. Customers visit daily to view Pedigree equipment. “It will be easier, more efficient and customer friendly,” Yarborough says.
The timeline for starting most of the construction is this spring, because it is rare to start a project in the Northeast during the cold winter months. Completion is expected sometime later in 2025.
On average, the terminal sees 1,100 pass-throughs per week. These improvements will also enhance safety. Tight spaces and crowded yards increase the chances of dings, scrapes or minor incidents. While they have never experienced an injury or serious accident at the yard, dings can cause delays and require additional truck repairs. “This will improve the safety aspect,” Yarborough says. “The response has been great.”
Photo courtesy Prime Inc.
Demolition is in progress in Pittston, Pennsylvania.
TEXAS SNOWFALL
Living in southeast Texas, Felix Narvaiz rarely sees snow. Whenever he does, he snaps a photo to make up for lost time—like this one, taken in Farwell, Texas, while unloading at the receiver.
by Felix
Photo
Narvaiz
Driver Referral Program
$100
Earn $100 when referred driver hauls first load.
$500
Earn $500 when referred driver stays 30 days.
$500
Earn $500 when referred driver stays 6 months.
$1,000
Earn $1000 when 3 referred drivers stay 6 months. 1/4cpm
Earn ¼ cpm on every mile referred driver runs after 6 months.
Earnings Example:
Refer 3 drivers who stay at least 6 months at Prime, and you would earn $4300, not including the additional mileage pay!
Program Rules:
The person that is referred must run under Prime’s operating authority (A, B, C, or D Seats) as a company driver or independent contractor.
Single or multiple fleet owners are not subject to referral awards on the same truck/fleet. If referred to the general asset fleet, all rewards are applicable.
All active Prime Driver Associates under Prime’s operating authority (A, B, and C Seats) are eligible to receive Prime Inc Driver Referral Program pay.
To earn bonus at 6 months longevity pay and mileage pay, referred driver must be an A Seat. No driver referral bonus will be earned for referring a rehire (previous Prime Driver).
To earn referral, referred driver must list Prime Driver’s name or driver code on online application or be provided to Recruiter prior to processing application for approval.
For more information, contact Prime’s Recruiting Department at 888-664-4473.
Program is effective as of June 10, 2024 until further notice or cancellation. (Prime reserves the right to modify the program at any time.)
