Prime Ways | Volume 10 | Issue 2

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2

Prime Times Ahead

Mark your calendar for upcoming Prime events

PRIME RIME available anywhere you get your podcasts

2740 N. MAYFAIR AVE. SPRINGFIELD, MO 65803 417-866-0001 PRIMEINC.COM MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Clayton Brown RECRUITMENT MARKETING MANAGER Mitchell Coiner MEDIA & ONBOARDING MANAGER Jamie Miller

PRIME COMPANY STORE SHOP IN-STORE

KATIE POLLOCK ESTES Editorial Director JORDAN BLOMQUIST Editor ELISABETH ANDERSON Art Director JAMIE THOMAS Digital Editor SARAH PATTON Creative Director BRANDON ALMS Senior Photographer & Designer KATY ST. CLAIR Photographer & Designer

CONTRIBUTORS Mary Ellen Chiles, Juliana Goodwin, Sonia Guzman, Jennifer Johnmeyer, Brianne Madura, Megan Price

LOGAN AGUIRRE Publisher MEGAN JOHNSON VP of Custom Publishing

Springfield, MO Salt Lake City, UT Pittston, PA

SHOP ONLINE

www.primeincstore.com

GIVE US A CALL 417-521-3814 (MO) 570-602-4793 (PA) 801-977-5903 (UT)

Use your Prime Reward Points here!

GARY WHITAKER Founder JOAN WHITAKER Founder

JULY 2025 | PRIME WAYS | 3

on the cover

Prime hosts family-friendly events.

4 | PRIME WAYS | JULY 2025

11 FEATURES Prime Times Ahead From milestone dinners to coast-to-coast celebrations, Prime Inc. honors the people who keep the company moving.

Leading Logan, Utah

When a surprise acquisition shifted Craig Patterson’s world, he chose to lead with patience, honesty and heart—building a culture of trust.

A Wall, A Journey, A Tribute An unexpected haul turned into an unforgettable moment of honor for Thomas Turner and Brice Stevenson.

Steering Prime Toward Safety John Hardin is helping Prime drivers stay safe, compliant and confident behind the wheel.

The Road to Wellness

One Prime driver’s transformation proves small changes can lead to major wins, both on and off the road.

Speed and Service at Salt Lake City Prime’s Salt Lake terminal may have mountain views, but drivers don’t stay long. With quick inspections and repairs, they’re in, out, and on the move.

Growing Up on the Open Road

Every summer, Prime driver John Skipper and his son Ninja hit the road, turning trucking into an unforgettable father-son adventure.

22 26 18 22 08 11 12 16 26

Photos by Katy St. Clair and courtesy Prime Inc, John Skipper

CONTENTS

18

FOUNDER’S NOTE

THE LOW DOWN

Photos courtesy Prime Inc.

O

ur driving and non-driving associates are the backbone of Prime, and our company events are one of the ways we show appreciation for their dedication. By celebrating together, we foster a sense of family, recognizing the hard work and commitment that keep us moving forward every day—365 days a year. Prime’s driving associates deserve our deepest respect for the demanding work they do on the road, often away from home for weeks at a time.

Trucking is not just a job; it’s a lifestyle that requires resilience and sacrifice. Prime events are designed to honor these efforts, offering a space where driving and non-driving associates and their significant others can relax and enjoy a fun, inviting at-

LET’S GET mosphere. These events also provide a meaningful opportunity to honor milestones and achievements, from years of service to safety records and professional accomplishments. By coming together in a joyful setting, we not only recharge but also build lasting memories that remind us all why Prime Inc. is more than a company— it’s a family that thrives on mutual respect, shared success and a little fun along the way.

SOCIAL Follow along with Prime events, driver photos and much more with Prime’s social media. @PRIMETRUCKING @PRIMEINC @PRIMEINCTRUCKING

Robert Low Prime Inc., CEO & Founder

JULY 2025 | PRIME WAYS | 5

LIFE | S P OT L IG H T

NAVIGATING CHANGE Justin Walker, safety supervisor and HR liaison at the Salt Lake City terminal, says he loves how no two days are exactly the same.

BY JULIANA GOODWIN

6 | PRIME WAYS | JULY 2025

LIFE | S P OT L IG H T

Phoro courtesy Justin Walker

I

n 2008, Justin Walker was married with a young son and working in finance. recession gripped the co ntr , and it as not a good time to e in that ind str . t the enco ragement o his rother in a , ho or ed or Prime nc., a er decided to s itch ca reers. e said Prime as a great com pan and a great a to provide or o r ami , a er reca s.

Walker earned his CDL, and after three ears, moved in ho se to ecome a eet manager. oda , ears a ter oining the compan , a er has a ne ro e as sa et s pervisor and iaison.

Prime recent insta ed ne cameras in the tr c s. ch n o his o entai s chec ing ootage rom the cameras. e ens res drivers are doing the right thing and can vie the ootage and te them a s the can improve and e sa er. e a so revie s ootage rom possi e inci dents and accidents. n the h man reso rces side, he fie ds re ated estions rom driv ers and directs them to the appropriate channe s a ter assessing their needs. e a so cond cts intervie s, attends o airs, eads to rs and active promotes Prime, a compan he oves. a er no serves as a coach or drivers a ro e that i ds on his e peri ence as a eet manager. n that position, he as in constant contact ith drivers, orming strong re ationships and hon ing his peop e s i s. t a so gave him visi i it and made him a ami iar ace. ove the c t re here, a er sa s. t is a gro th or ard compan . e are a a s oo ing at improving o rse ves in service and sa et . e months into his o , one o his avorite aspects is that no t o da s are e act the same. i e it, and m earn ing, he sa s. ver da , earn some thing ne rom someone on the team. t s giving me the opport nit to con tin e to refine m s i s and ed cation. ver ne position has cha enges t comes ith ne opport nities. a er admits he s iased he s spent his entire career at the a t a e it termina t he gen ine oves it. he

“It is a growthforward company.

We are always looking at improving ourselves in service and safety.” a t a e it termina offers the same amenities as pringfie d and Pittston a g m, sa on, spa and ood service. onvenient ocated at the intersec tion o t o ma or interstates, it s a e stop or man drivers passing thro gh. t s a so high centra i ed, ith man agement, Fleet Managers, and Pedigree a ocated in c ose pro imit . hat set p has he ped oster a strong sense o connection. e i e to e come ever one, a er sa s. e have good times.

Prime is a ig ami . here are a ot o ami ies here that have sta ed ith the compan , and it s great to see them gro p ithin Prime.

JULY 2025 | PRIME WAYS | 7

LIFE | V ET E R A N S P OT L IG H T

Brice Stevenson (left) and Thomas Turner (right)

REMEMBERING THE FALLEN Thomas Turner and Brice Stevenson honor veterans by delivering a mobile Vietnam memorial to Mississippi.

T

homas Turner had made a drop in Laredo, Texas, when he got a special request from Prime, Inc. A fellow driver had broken down and needed someone to deliver freight to D'Iberville, Mississippi, right away.

It wasn’t just another delivery.

Turner and his trainee, Brice Stevenson, picked up The Wall That Heals trailer, which holds a threefourths-sized replica of the powerful Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The monument lists the names of service members who were killed, imprisoned or missing in action during that war.

But Turner and Stevenson picked up the trailer at night and couldn’t quite tell what it was. “I heard about getting a police escort and thought, ‘What the heck

8 | PRIME WAYS | JULY 2025

am I hauling?’” Turner recalls. As the s n came p, the sa ags and names on the sides of the trailer. Then they arrived in D'Iberville. “As I’m driving, people are pulling over, vets are saluting, kids are coming out of schools,” Turner sa s. here ere fire tr c s and ags, like a parade for just this trailer.”

He pulled into an elementary school, as directed. “Once I got there, I’m seeing motorcycles and news reporters,” he sa s. t the schoo a fie d, staffers from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund led volunteers in assembling the wall, along with a mobile education section that showcased locals who served during that war.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund held a ceremony that acknowledged and thanked veterans. A relative of a soldier who is still MIA all these

years later spoke, too. “It got heartfelt,” Turner says.

Turner says that once people heard he had served in the Air Force, they introduced themselves and traded stories about their own time in the military.

Turner served for six years, including two unique deployments abroad. He traveled to Guyana on a humanitarian mission. He lived on base in the jungle.

He also spent six months in Israel after the October 2023 attacks. Shortly after he left, a bomb fell near his base.

Turner joined Prime last fall, and he was happy to help honor veterans with this trip. Next time he’s in D.C., he wants to see the original monument, which has nearly 60,000 names engraved into black granite. “I’d never been a part of anything like that,” he says. “I’m glad I got to support it.”

Photos courtesy Prime Inc.

BY MARY ELLEN CHILES

LIFE | H IG H WAY DI A MON D

Prime celebrated the Highway Diamonds at the Gala in April.

DIAMONDS IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT Four women were presented with awards at this year’s Highway Diamonds Gala.

JORDAN BLOMQUIST

Photos courtesy Prime Inc.

I

n April, Prime Inc. hosted its annual Highway Diamonds Gala, an event honoring Prime’s female drivers. The evening brought together the Prime community for a night of recognition and celebration.

Alexandra Rosen, vice president o government affairs at merican Trucking Associations, and Meghan Charboneau, director of transportation at Mars, spoke at the event, where four awards were presented.

Eboni Clay received the Radiant Award at this year’s gala. “It meant everything, but it wasn’t just a win for me; it was a win for all of us,” she says. “We all work hard; we all strive to represent Prime in the best way we know how.” When it comes to advice Clay would give to

other women hoping to make an impact, “We’re the best at what we do, and all we have to do is continue to do the best,” she says. The night was memorable for Clay.

“The ceremony was beautiful,” she says.

“I love how Prime celebrates its women drivers. I feel honored to be a part of the Prime family.”

Myrna Muhasky was the recipient of the Emerald Award. “I feel really honored, simply because we all go to work every day, and it’s nice to see the hard work that we do be recognized.” nn Per ins as a arded the first ever Vera Low Legacy Award. “It was a great honor,” she says. “I am truly blessed to have received this award.” Vera Low hired Perkins herself in November 1977 when Perkins was still in high school.

That chance turned into a long career built on hard work and commitment.

“She gave me the opportunity to work for Prime, and I saw how hard she, Robert and Lawana Low worked to make Prime the company it is today,” Perkins says. “I worked hard to not let any of them down and show them I was willing to put the work in, just as they had.”

Tammy Pickett was named the Highway Diamond of the Year. “I’m speechless,” she says. “It’s an honor to be a Prime Highway Diamond of the Year 2025. Am I still ugly crying? Yes!” Pickett was shocked by the honor—in the best way—and had no idea she was being considered. “Just be your natural self, just be you. You never know who’s watching, because I didn’t.”

JULY 2025 | PRIME WAYS | 9

LIFE | COM PA N Y S T OR E

PRIME’S GEM Stop by Prime’s company store at any of the terminals.

BY SONIA GUZMAN

N

eed a last-minute gift, a comfy hoodie or a headset upgrade? The Prime Company Store has you covered. Packed with everything from Prime-branded polos and seasonal s ag to st ffed anima s and sma appliances, it’s a treasure trove for drivers and associates alike.

The store’s goal? To make life on the road and off the road a itt e easier.

You can stock up on practical essentials like GPS units, locks, tools or even a mini ridge. tfit o r tr c ith comort in mind or gra gear that sho s off your Prime pride.

You can shop in person or online at primeincstore.com, and thanks to the points system, you might not even need to reach for your wallet. Seasonal drops—like the just-launched Highway Diamond collection celebrating women in trucking—are fan favorites. Think Stanley tumblers, zip-ups, cinch bags and more. hat s rprises most first time visitors st ho m ch the store offers and ho afforda e it a is. e re here to ta e stress off o r p ate, sa s mmer Long, a longtime store associate. don t have an ans er, find one. hat s m promise.

Whether you’re rolling through the terminal or browsing online, don’t miss o t o r ne t avorite find might st have a Prime logo on it.

10 | PRIME WAYS | JULY 2025

LIFE | W E E K I N T H E L I F E

to the mi . primar oc s is or ing on a s to etter ana e data to e the most effective ith o r coaching and training processes, ardin e p ains.

COACHING AND COLLABORATION ardin reg ar or s ith eet manager gro ps to he p drivers sta sa e. or noncritica iss es, e i tr to or aro nd a driver s avai a i it , home time and c stomer service, he sa s. ome circ mstances, ho ever, re ire immediate action, and sa et tr mps a other considerations. ith so man moving parts and interna in ences, coordination is e to getting things done. ne area here he s made a ma or impact is process improvement. ardin has he ped stream ine P P comp iance and event monitoring and even created the ee a et tap e or Prime. ver rida , driver sa et meetings are he d at pringfie d s head arters and ive streamed to the Pittston, a t a e it , and an a termina s and across socia media p at orms, sharing training and pdates on sa et , maintenance and driver e ness.

STEERING PRIME TOWARD SMARTER SAFETY Safety supervisor John Hardin helps Prime drivers stay compliant and confident on the road by analyzing trends, solving problems and turning data into smarter, safer decisions.

BY MEGAN PRICE

Photo by Katy St. Clair

W

hen John Hardin moved back to Springfie d a ter a stint in e as, he ne he as read or a change. ns rance asn t the ong term path he envisioned, so he eaned on a tr sted so rce an o d riend rom high schoo ho pointed him toard Prime nc. e to d me it as a great p ace to or , ardin sa s. e anded a ro e as a night eet manager in the re rigerated division and got his oot in the door. o , as a sa et s pervisor, ardin oc ses on he ping drivers sta sa e and

comp iant ith the re on the road.

reg ations

hi e

PAYING ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS ardin s ee covers a ot o gro nd. rom accident entr to ana ing sa et trends and monitoring comp iance, he hand es tas s that re ire e a parts attention to detai and adapta i it .

Prioriti ing responsi i ities can var depending on a ot o actors, he sa s. nc ement eather is a great e amp e. recent shi t to camera ased monitoring has added a resh a er o data

PROBLEM SOLVER IN MOTION o t o da s oo the same in the or d o tr c ing. ver sit ation presents a different cha enge, and no t o cha enges are identica , ardin c aims. ort nate , he rings ears o e perience on the operations side to the tae. hat has rea he ped me oo at pro ems rom m tip e ang es to come p ith so tions that or or ever one invo ved. hat s the most satis ing part o his o oaching drivers, seeing their ehaviors change, timate ma ing them sa er driving do n the road, he sa s. so, an time e can stream ine a process to ma e it easier on the eet manager gro ps. n a fie d that never s o s do n, ardin is he ping Prime move orard, smarter, sa er and more efficient than ever.

JULY 2025 | PRIME WAYS | 11

WELLNESS | F I T N E S S

FROM SIDELINED TO FULLTHROTTLE Chris Barns has made a major life change, and it’s thanks to his support team at Prime.

BY SONIA GUZMAN

12 | PRIME WAYS | JULY 2025

After

Photos courtesy Chris Barns

Before

WELLNESS | F I T N E S S

W

hen Chris Barns failed his physical in June 2024, it hit hard. A lease operator and solo driver with Prime Inc. since 2015, Chris suddenly found himself sidelined and unable to do the one thing he loved the most: drive. “I was in constant pain,” he says. “I chalked it up to getting older, but really, I was just unhealthy.” he first step as medica intervention. With guidance from Dr. Teresa Jolley at Command Health, Chris began a routine of prescription medications and nutritional supplements to stabilize his numbers. But he knew pills alone wouldn’t get him back in the driver’s seat. So, he turned to food. efined s gars t. Processed mea s t. hris and his i e, Leslie, visited Rachel Dreher with Prime’s Driver Health and Fitness, who helped them reimagine how— and what—they ate. They leaned into whole foods, swapped sugary drinks for water and learned how to plan meals that were both healthy and doable on the road. t first, hris e ieved he didn t have time to cook with fresh ingredients. But as he dug into the challenge, he discovered he did. “There’s always a shopping window during a load assignment,” he says. “You just have to look for it. And when I think about how I used to feel... I never want to go back.”

In just nine months, Chris dropped nearly 80 pounds—falling from 340 to 264 pounds—strictly through dietary changes. He hasn’t even started an exercise plan yet.

But the transformation runs deeper than numbers.

Chris no longer shops at specialty stores for oversized clothes. He and Leslie enjoy refreshing their wardro es and ee more confident and social than ever. Meals have become

not st e , t avor pac ed e periences. Even their spice cabinet got a second chance—thanks to improved digestion and cleaner eating.

“When I think about how I used to feel... I never want to go back.”

Most of all, the couple is living again. “We used to dread waking up,” he says. “Now, every day on the road feels like a new adventure. ‘Just another da ecame hat s ne t Chris credits much of his success to his support team—Dr. Jolley, Rachel Dreher, the folks at ommand and his eet manager, Joah Beagley.

But it’s the shared journey with Leslie that means the most. “Seeing how happy she is—how good we both feel—it’s the thing I’m proudest o , hris sa s. e eed off each other’s victories. That’s what keeps us going.” is advice to others on t ait.

“Listen to your body,” he says. “Act now. It’s easier by choice than by necessity—and a lot more rewarding, too. Find the habits that work for you and stick with them. When it clicks, you’ll know.”

Chris’ story is proof that with a little guidance, a lot of heart and the right pit crew, the road to wellness doesn’t just lead back to the driver’s seat—it opens a whole new map.

CHRIS’ FAVORITE RECIPE: EASY TO DO BURGOO RECIPE FROM RECIPEBOX.COM

“This is a simple stew I make frequently,” Chris says. “It’s a basic stew recipe that can be tweaked to create di erent avors by changing proteins and herbs or spices.

It takes about 20 minutes to prep, and it coo s hile driving. t s also easy to scale up or down.”

20 MIN

4–6 HRS

4–6

PREP TIME

COOK TIME

SERVINGS

Use a crock pot, Ninja Foodi or InstaPot. INGREDIENTS 1 pound stew meat (pork, beef or chicken) 2 carrots, chopped 1 onion, chopped ½ rutabaga, chopped 1 parsnip, chopped 1 turnip, chopped cups broth any avor Salt and pepper to taste Any other seasonings of your choice INSTRUCTIONS 1. Season the meat with both salt and pepper.

2. Add to a pot.

3. dd chopped vegetables.

4. over ith the broth.

5. Add any other spices you’d like for avor.

6. Slow cook on low for six hours or on high for four hours.

JULY 2025 | PRIME WAYS | 13

Prime Good Dads supports drivers and families with information, training, and resources designed to help them strengthen their connection and improve their communication.

learn more: www.primegooddads.com

TRUCKS & TECH | HOW W E ROL L

RAZOR SHARP Raymond Baucom has been a diehard Arkansas Razorbacks fan for as long as he can remember.

BY KARLY BALSLEW

R

p

RAZORBACK PRIDE

Baucom’s dream was to have “the biggest” Razorback on his truck.

Stripes and Stuff delivered with this oversized decal of the University of Arkansas mascot. t

PICTURE PERFECT

Baucom estimates that people stop and take pictures of his truck daily.

“There have to be thousands of pictures out there of this truck, and I’m not exaggerating one bit,” he says.

Photos courtesy Raymond Baucom

t

FAN FAVORITE

A diehard Razorbacks fan since childhood, Baucom says he smiles i e it s the first da ith his tr c every time he gets complimented. “I like to remind all truckers that I have the best-looking truck on the road,” he laughs.

aymond (Paul) Baucom can’t really remember a time he wasn’t rooting for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. Growing up in Pope County, Arkansas, Baucom was a diehard fan from early childhood, though one special memory stands out more than the rest. “Back in 1994, when the Arkansas [men’s] basketball team won the national championship, all of us Razorback fans were living on cloud nine,” Baucom says.

Carrying the fandom into adulthood, Baucom instilled a love of the team into his children, who are diehard fans despite not growing up in Arkansas themselves.

Currently living near Omaha, Nebraska, the crew makes it a tradition to visit when Arkansas makes it to the College World Series. “I take my kids to every game,” he says. “We have not missed one College World Series game that Arkansas has played, and we also collect those game balls. We’ve made it on the national news, the local news and Arkansas news doing interviews.”

When Baucom came to Prime Inc., he noticed other trucks with decals, which led to his plan. With the chance to design his truck, Baucom took his idea to Stripes and t ff, as ing i the co d get the iggest Razorback on his truck.

The cab is painted in the University of Arkansas’ colors of cardinal and white.

The words “Woo Pig!!!” for the school’s rally cry, as well as the word “Razorbacks,” make up the rest of the design.

Today, Baucom still feels the love for his truck every day. “Almost every day, either on the road or at a truck stop, people come up to me,” he says. “They take pictures.

There have to be thousands of pictures out there of this truck... I still smile like it’s the first da ith it. en o it so m ch.

JULY 2025 | PRIME WAYS | 15

TRUCKS & TECH | M A I N T E NA NC E

STOPPING AT SALT LAKE From faster inspections to drive-in oil changes, the Salt Lake terminal is all about keeping drivers moving.

D

rivers can move through the Salt Lake City, Utah, terminal with ease, thanks to a new plaza inspector. Everyone at Prime Inc., works to keep drivers on the road, and the crew at Salt Lake has added this role to expedite the process. “Every truck and trailer get a quick look-over to see if they need shop repairs before they proceed to the yard,” Tractor Shop Foreman Ken Goudy says. “If the units check out to be OK, drivers are free to park their trailers and continue with their day.” The inspector, Josh, bounces from bay to bay, saving drivers an extra stop at the shop.

“They can deliver the next load that much quicker,” Goudy says. Right now, these inspections are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, but Goudy says they may add

16 | PRIME WAYS | JULY 2025

more inspectors to handle weekend demand.

That’s just one way the Salt Lake crew saves time. Goudy says the crew uses weekly shop maintenance reports organized by Eric Mertens in pringfie d, hich he p them shi t oc s as needed. “As mechanics, we are incentivized to make the right choices to decrease the amount of shop downtime,” Goudy says.

In addition, drivers can visit the Assessment Bay (71) during the day shift (7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for up to 30 minutes of repairs. If they need more work, they can schedule an appointment with the tech. And that’s not all. “I get a lot of calls asking if we have an Express Bay,” Goudy says. “We certainly do!” Drivers can pull up to Bay 76 for quick services like oil changes, air fi ter rep acement, chassis es and other small improvements. It’s open from 5:30 a.m.

to 4:30 p.m. every day—no appointment necessary. “They just get in line, and we work them through,” Goudy says. The bays are remarkably clean, too, for an OTR shop, he adds. That’s because the crew scrubs the place daily. “Everyone is invested in keeping our work area presentable,” Goudy says.

Salt Lake City is surely the most scenic of the terminals, surrounded by stunning mountaintops. But drivers don’t get to enjoy the view for too long—and that’s by design. Goudy’s team works to communicate with other departments to save time on repairs. fficienc is the goa , and every minute counts when a driver’s schedule is on the line. “The SLC tractor shop is usually only booking 24 to 36 hours out,” Goudy says, “so there is a good chance drivers can get work done and still be able to deliver their load.”

Photos courtesy Prime Inc.

BY MARY ELLEN CHILES

TRUCKS & TECH | T EC H U PDAT E

PRIME MOBILE UPDATE Check out the latest updates on the Prime Mobile app.

P

rime Inc., has made some exciting updates to Prime Mobile to support the switch to their new ELD provider and the addition of tablets in trucks.

Photo courtesy Prime Inc.

DARK MODE One of the most requested features—dark mode—is now available and has received great feedback. It allows users to switch from the classic light screen to a darker display for a more comfortable viewing experience.

MESSAGES READ ALOUD WHILE DRIVING When the vehicle is in motion, the Prime Mobile app will lock for safety. However, in

BY BRIANNE MADURA the latest release, there is a brand new button on the lock screen that lets users play new messages out loud. This button is always visible and becomes active when there are messages to hear. More improvements are coming soon!

NEW SETTINGS FOR CUSTOMIZATION Users now have more ways to tailor Prime Mobile to their needs. Go to the menu, then settings in the app to: • Turn on text-to-speech to enable the ability for messages to be read out loud • Show or hide fuel stops in your load list • Show or hide the “activate CoPilot” button

MORE ON GEOTAB The “Geotab info” button on the home page is a go-to spot for helpful resources, which includes: • Short how-to videos for Geotab features • Info about cameras • Tips for using CoPilot Navigation • All the details on the newest Prime Mobile settings The Prime team is always improving based on feedback. If you have suggestions, message Prime Mobile Help directly in the app.

New resources are added regularly, so be sure to check back often. It’s one more way Prime is helping drivers stay informed and confident on the road.

JULY 2025 | PRIME WAYS | 17

18 | PRIME WAYS | JULY 2025

All work and no play?

Not at Prime.

Get out that calendar and plan to attend some iconic events this summer, all sponsored by Prime.

BY MARY ELLEN CHILES Parties take energy to plan, and sometimes it’s nice to just show up and enjoy. c i , Prime nc., offers ever one a chance to get to no each other at tons o events this s mmer and a . ssociates can find o t more thro gh the Prime o i e app and on posters at a termina s.

highlights

• Five picnics/summer parties • Two truck driving championships (In pringfield

alt a e

• A 5K Family Fun Run • Two Million-Mile Award dinners • Fallen Heroes Stair Climb • 10- and 15-year celebration dinners • The Veterans Ball • Christmas parties These events take place all over

Photo courtesy Prime Inc.

the country.

JULY 2025 | PRIME WAYS | 19

Teamwork Clayton Brown heads the marketing team that organizes these activities, but he says many others chip in, including associates who help set up event spaces. “There are many Prime associates who touch at least one aspect of each event that aren’t on the marketing team,” he says.

Prime has a reputation for great customer service, and Brown says his team brings that same attention to detail to every event. At company picnics, associates and their immediate families can enjoy bounce houses, water rides, climbing walls and other memorable activities. For other events, each associate is welcome to bring one guest (Prime associate or immediate family member).

It’s a great way for everyone to connect in a relaxed setting and for family members to get a better sense of Prime’s culture. Everything is taken care of, from food

20 | PRIME WAYS | JULY 2025

to fun. “It helps them understand what the Prime associate goes through on a daily basis and how their support is so important in this industry,” Brown says.

Prime also brings in professional photographers and videographers to capture the festivities. Some events feature 360-degree video booths.

You can explore past event galleries at primeincpics.com.

Veterans Ball Prime honors veterans at every event, but one important celebration goes a step further. Last November, the company hosted a Veterans Ball with 300–350 attendees, and another event is planned for this fall. “We don’t have America as we know it without veterans,” Brown says.

“This particular event was all about them.”

The event includes speakers and ceremonies that honor veterans past and present.

A Million Miles and More With so many exciting events on the calendar, it’s hard to pick a favorite. But for Brown, the Million Mile Dinners take the cake.

Reaching a million miles on the road takes about seven years, and Prime celebrates that achievement with special dinners throughout the year. Last year, the company honored two 5-million-mile drivers, along with several others well on their way to that milestone. “We don’t have Prime Inc. without sa e, profita e tr c drivers, Brown says, “(but) these particular drivers are in a league of their own.” t the previo s event, eet managers joined their drivers on stage to share high praise and words of encouragement—moments Brown calls “solid gold.”

“We don’t have Prime Inc. without safe, profitable truck drivers, but these particular drivers are in a league of their own.”

The “Whys” Have It Brown and his team aim to thank the people who keep Prime moving. He believes that how you treat your team directly impacts how they treat customers. “If you take care and appreciate your associates, then your associates will take care of your customers,” Brown says. “It certainly sounds cliché, but it’s 100% the truth.”

The marketing team plans events with these principles in mind:

Photos courtesy Prime Inc.

Remember the Driver is Number One “It’s important for all of our nondriving associates to understand that we will never underappreciate our professional drivers,” Brown says.

Drivers make the company go, and he’s commited to keeping their safety and productivity top of mind.

In a performance-based company like Prime, everyone enefits hen drivers succeed. “We all get a share of Prime’s success based on

our contributions,” Brown says. “If our professional drivers are not profita e, sa e, healthy, successful, then we (in-house associates) won’t be either.”

Still, Brown hopes everyone at Prime feels welcome at company events—and that the memories made help enrich their journey with Prime and beyond. “Our events aren’t all about free food, drinks or possibly turning an an e on a dance oor, he laughs. “It’s really about creating an environment where people can thrive and do their best work.”

•

Foster connection so associates feel valued.

•

Boost morale by showing that Prime genuinely cares about associate well-being and recognizes their contributions.

•

Reinforce company values. While Prime has 13 core values, Brown says they all come down to one idea: Treat others the way you want to be treated.

•

Encourage collaboration by bringing together departments that don’t often interact. “Prime Inc. team

members may not work together daily,” Brown says. “Many of our drivers may never pass through a terminal either.”

•

Reduce stress by giving people space to relax and form relationships in a laidback environment.

•

Boost communication by creating opportunities for associates to share ideas and connect directly with leadership.

Scan this QR code to view photos from the events.

JULY 2025 | PRIME WAYS | 21

22 | PRIME WAYS | JULY 2025

LOGAN, UTAH’S STEADY HAND After an unexpected transition, Craig Patterson found his stride at Prime, building a tight-knit team in Logan through trust, empathy and leadership.

Photo courtesy Shutterstock

BY MEGAN PRICE

JULY 2025 | PRIME WAYS | 23

“Relationship is built on honesty and trust.

In a world where there is so much skepticism and mistrust, we can be a source of integrity.”

ROOTED IN RELATIONSHIP Ask Patterson what he enjoys most about his work, and he doesn’t miss a beat. It’s the people.

Persona , find great en o ment in interacting with people,” he says. “In this

24 | PRIME WAYS | JULY 2025

industry, we have an opportunity every day to make each of our exchanges with others a positive experience. Do we make others feel good about dealing with us?”

That question fuels Patterson’s approach to management. Openness, gratitude and a peoplefirst mindset shape ho he sho s p or his team.

“In working with both drivers and customers, we have a responsibility to be truthful,” he explains.

“Relationship is built on honesty and trust. In a world where there is so much skepticism and mistrust, we can be a source of integrity.”

Patterson prefers collaboration over command. “No one likes to be told what to do,” he says. “Our associates deserve to be asked, not told. Expressing sincere gratitude and recognition for what others do is essential.”

ALL ROADS LEAD TO LOGAN Logan isn’t just another terminal. With a closeknit group of 16 drivers, the location specializes in expert round-the-clock shuttle and spotting services for Schreiber Foods. That laser focus is what makes it shine. “We tend to be unique,” Patterson says. “While we do not want to minimize the value of other local customers, it must be stated that our primary objective is to provide local shuttle work and spotting services to Schreiber Foods.”

Serving one primary customer has helped create a culture of reliability and pride. “We stress the value of customer service through both word and deed,” he says. “We seek to instill the cultural values of cooperation and working closely as a team to help all others succeed.”

Photos courtesy Benjamin Cameron

W

hen raig Patterson first stepped into the world of Prime Inc., it wasn’t through a job application or a career pivot. It was a surprise. “For a little over 30 years, I had been employed with a local carrier based here in Logan, Utah,” Patterson says. “We managed refrigerated operations, running about 85 trucks both nationwide and locally in Utah and Idaho.”

That all changed in October 2022, when Patterson and his team learned that their division had been sold to Prime. It started as a regular workday until it wasn’t. “It was certainly a surprise,” Patterson recalls. “There was fear of the unknown and apprehension concerning our future.

However, through a pleasant lunch meeting and further in-depth discussions the following day with Mr. Robert Low, Steve Wutke and several other leaders, we were introduced to Prime.”

That introduction turned into something much more than a new chapter—it launched a journey built on transparency and strong relationships. “I have admired the leadership of Prime as well as the exceptional way in which business is conducted and service is provided to customers,” Patterson says.

“He was there for the whole team, getting through the tough times of the unknown... He helped us all keep a good head on our shoulders.”

oth descri e the ogan termina as something rare, a p ace here peop e tr en o or ing together. nd Patterson, the agree, is the g e. e has great rapport ith o r c stomers, vendors and a ho have dai contact ith him, ove and sa s.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE hat eeps Patterson coming in each da ith the same eve o care and commitment is ans er is simp e. eing avai a e hen needed is essentia , he states. e sho s p no matter hat. e e pect o r driving associates to sho p dai and provide service to chrei er oods in n avora e conditions, sho d e not drive to the office to s pport them he as s. r action o sho ing p dai sho s e care.

Craig Patterson says the best part of his job is getting to connect with people every day.

MEET THE TEAM o e mem ers o the ogan office, en ove and and or ee, spea o Patterson ith the tmost admiration and respect. e s great to or ith, ee sa s. hether it s or re ated or persona , he s there or o . e s a a s i ing to he p in an a he can. ee a so remem ers ho n appa e Patterson remained d ring the team s transition to Prime. e as there or the ho e team, getting thro gh the to gh times o the n no n, he sa s. e he ped s a eep a good head on o r sho ders. or ove and, Patterson s even ee stands o t. e is great at his o and ver even tempered, ove and sa s. e i oo at things rom severa different ang es. e does not condescend and is a a s avai a e to ans er estions and give smart, tho ght advice.

MOMENTS THAT MATTER ne memor that stic s ith Patterson is ho the team s apprehensions ere raised aro nd insta ing cameras in oca tr c s. here ere concerns rom o r drivers, he e p ains. t as ver impressive ho onathan rice and ennis avis dea t po ite and respect in he ping o r drivers nderstand the nat re and need o this nota e change. hro gh sharing correct in ormation in an appropriate manner, nderstanding as ro ght to a meeting that co d have other ise ecome hosti e. t s st another moment that sho s ho Patterson has contin ed to navigate cha enges ith his ca ming and reass ring nat re.

A CULTURE OF RESPECT Patterson has tr earned ove and respect rom his team. he a thrive eca se o his stead presence, tho ght ords and deep e ie in doing right others. nd hi e he ma not see the spot ight, those aro nd him no the tr th. Prime s ogan termina is so s ccess eca se Patterson eads ith heart.

JULY 2025 | PRIME WAYS | 25

FAMILY TIES

SUMMERS ON THE ROAD Each summer, John Skipper and his son “Ninja” hit the highway together and bond as they explore the country.

Ninja says he’s learned a lot from his dad and his career.

Photo courtesy John Skipper

BY JULIANA GOODWIN

26 | PRIME WAYS | JULY 2025

FAMILY TIES

Instant Pot in the truck,” Ninja says. “We might make tacos or spaghetti.”

When the father-son duo was trekking through Pennsylvania, they stopped at ershe s and the staff gave in a a whole big bag of Hershey’s.” His friends back home were envious.

Many of these memories and adventures are shared via Ninja’s YouTube channel: Ninja’s Big Rig. Skipper even has a QR code painted on his truck that takes someone directly to his son’s page—per Ninja’s request.

Photo courtesy John Skipper

F

or John Skipper and his 8-year-old son, “Ninja” Ziegler, summer is a time to savor. For the last three years, Ninja has climbed up in the passenger seat of his dad’s big rig and spent two months traversing the country with his father. They tell jokes, play I Spy, eat ice cream, make YouTube videos and explore the United States. “I hope he makes long-lasting memories with me,” Skipper says. “Stories that he can pass on to his kids.”

Back in 2022, Ninja accompanied his dad on a week-long trip. Ninja is naturally an energetic kid, so Skipper worried he’d get bored and need more exercise, but Ninja loved it. It became their summer ritual, and now he stays out for most of the summer. he fit in e ercise henever the can, and when they have time to slow down, they both practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a shared passion that helps them reset.

Dad did have to compromise. Skipper’s truck didn’t originally have screens, but he added a TV and internet so his son could play games on his PlayStation.

Ninja keeps busy making origami, coloring, building planes and cracking jokes.

“My son Ninja is crazy smart,” Skipper says. “The kid is smarter than me—I guarantee it.”

From the road, Skipper teaches his son valuable lessons about life, safety, work ethic and managing money. Ninja charges his dad to help him clean the inside of the truck, fuel up or wash the windows. Last summer, the young entrepreneur made about $1,000 doing chores and tasks. Skipper chuckles and says having his son along is not cheap, but he sure does love it.

AN ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME Ninja estimates he’s been to 47 or 48 states already. He loves being on the road. “I’ve experienced a lot of fun things,” the third grader says. hen the re in pringfie d, the swim at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center and eat at Fire & Ice Restaurant & Bar. The Prime Inc. terminal in pringfie d is one o in a s avorite places in the entire nation. “I play basketball there,” he says. “I love swimming at the Oasis.”

The past few years have been peppered with incredible experiences. They watched as the Blue Angels zipped across the sky in Pensacola, Florida.

Ninja waded into a creek in Arkansas and plucked a crawdad out of the water. he d o oo ed at their distorted re ection in the Bean in Chicago. Something as simple as dinner is an opportunity to bond. “We get food and cook it in the

TEACHING VALUABLE LESSONS Skipper will receive his accident-free Million Mile Award in September, and Ninja is stoked. It’s a big deal to Ninja because they covered some of those miles together. It’s a big deal to Skipper, too, because it shows commitment and hard work. “This is a good company,” he says.

“I am here to stay.”

A native of Mobile, Alabama, Skipper began a second career when he joined Prime in . Previo s , he or ed offshore on crew supply boats and got laid off. n ac aintance o his or ed or Prime and encouraged Skipper to get his CDL and join the company.

While Skipper is gone for long stretches during the year, he always packs his time at home with fun, quality memories. He takes his son to simulated golf spots and go-karting, and they enjoy a lot of meals together. “I spend every minute with him,” Skipper says. “It’s important to me to make as many quality memories as I can.”

When he’s not home, they connect through text, phone and video calls. Ninja may not get to spend as many hours with his dad as some other kids, but the memories and experiences he’s gaining are far more than Skipper had as a child, he says. And there’s nothing like their summers together.

Being beside his dad, Ninja says he’s learned quite a bit. “I’ve learned to never give up,” he says. “Being a truck driver is hard work. My dad works hard. You sacrifice a ot o time a a rom o r ami , but it is all worth it in the end because he’s providing for us, and he’s giving us a better life.”

JULY 2025 | PRIME WAYS | 27

TERMINAL TALK

Stay tuned! The new Express Bay lane is coming soon.

PIT STOP Prime proudly welcomes a new Express Bay lane in Bedford Park, offering drivers speedy service, even without an appointment.

28 | PRIME WAYS | JULY 2025

competitive price, a perk that hadn’t previously been offered.

However, there is another detail that makes the Bedford Park bay different. “What’s special about this specific location is that it will be a new concept, EB (Express Bay) Plus, so the idea is that the ‘plus’ includes basic tractor repair, along with preventive maintenance on tractor filter replacements, oil changes, those sorts of things,” Holtmeyer says.

He adds that light maintenance would also be offered on the tractor side, which is not something that Prime has previously done. “It’s primarily a facility to service our intermodal equipment, so it’s our fleet operating out of there that will be able to better service,” Holtmeyer says. “We’re currently going through a remodel of the whole facility, so it may be outside the scope, but we’re incorporating a new driver lounge.

We’re making changes in order to offer an inviting space to other divisions, which is another reason this tractor offering is so important.”

Holtmeyer doesn’t have an expected opening date for the lane at this time. Right now, he’s focused on the first steps that need to be tackled before a timeline can be established.

“The challenge now is getting a technician hired to fill that role, so we’re still to be determined on the opening date,” he says. “As soon as we get somebody hired, we’ll mobilize corporate trainers and get them there.”

SERVICES TO BE OFFERED The Bedford Park Express Bay Lane provides first-come, first-served preventive maintenance services and minor tractor repairs with little to no wait. It will also offer: ● Minor repairs such as mud flaps, wiper blades, headlights, shocks, hubcaps, etc., with no appointment necessary. ● Convenient option for operators to get their services done while passing through Prime terminals. ● Prevents common truck stop repairs. ● Tractor repair and maintenance.

Photo courtesy Prime Inc.

S

ometimes, it feels like so much of the human experience is spent… waiting. Whether it’s waiting in line for groceries or waiting at what feels like every single red light, waiting just seems like a necessary, annoying evil. Even though waiting feels inevitable, sometimes you get lucky enough to slide through faster.

With that efficiency-focused goal in mind, Prime Inc.’s newest express bay, in Bedford Park, Illinois, was born. “These lanes basically extend our current service offering at major terminals, and now we’re adding an express bay to our Bedford Park facility,” says Chris Holtmeyer, Prime’s director of fleet maintenance. “Our express bays do oil changes and other preventive maintenance, and drivers can go through these bays without any prior appointment being made. It allows them to get what they need quickly.”

Prime offers these bays as another place for its drivers to go to get required preventive maintenance at a

BY JENNIFER JOHNMEYER

VIEW FROM THE ROAD

ROADSIDE MOMENT en o

in olorado, this scenic moment sho s ust ho

en

beautiful the road can be.

c

c

hoto by en amin

aptured by driver en amin

JULY 2025 | PRIME WAYS | 29

Driver Referral Program $100 $500 $500 1/4cpm $1,000 Earn $100 when referred driver hauls first load.

Earn $500 when referred driver stays 30 days.

Earn $500 when referred driver stays 6 months.

Earn ¼ cpm on every mile referred driver runs after 6 months.

Earn $1000 when 3 referred drivers stay 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.)