Alliance Advantage Magazine 1st Edition

TEAM WORK A LOOK INSIDE THE TOP TEAM OF 2017

GREGG SOFTY Fastport’s 2017 Transition Trucking Driving for Excellence Award

WOMEN OF ALLIANCE TWO LADIES MAKING BIG MOVIES IN A MALE DOMINATED INDUSTRY

ROAD MEALS EAT LIKE YOU'RE AT HOME ON THE ROAD

Contents Dream Team

2 Driver Spotlight

3 Military Spotlight

5 Women of the Contrctor Division

10 New Grad

12 Road Meals

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8 Tips for New Drivers

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Become Friends With Your Dispatcher: Dispatchers are your lifelines to loads, which in turn equals miles and miles directly affect your paycheck. Get to know them.

Make your own Food on the Road: A crock-pot is a great tool for making meals while driving.

Simply put your meal in an oven-roasting bag and pour some water around the bag (just a little). It cooks just like at home, saves money, is healthy and makes little to no mess. When done, just throw out the bag.

Make Diet/Exercise Plans: New drivers need to keep a steady diet plan, keep it light on the carbs for 6 days and treat yourself on the 7th. Exercise twice a day for 15 minutes, once before your shift and once during the mid day break.

Be Prompt and on Time: Your timeliness will set the tone with you and carrier, so be on time always. It's always better to be an hour early than one minute late.

Call ahead - advance your pickup with the customer, advance your drop with the receiver.

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Get the Experience you Need: Over the Road (OTR) is the key to fast tract your career as a professional driver.

Never Refuse A Load: Refusing a load can leave a bad image of you and your work ethic. By not refusing a load you show the company that you are valuable and dedicated and will help the company when needed and besides you just never know what kind of load is waiting for you when you get where your going (it might be a 3000 mile load, you never know)

Saftey First: Always get out and look before backing up. Better to explain why your load was late than to explain why you wrecked your boss’s truck.

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Hard Work Really Does Payoff: Success is measured by what you put into your job. Do a mediocre job and you’ll get a mediocre return. Strive for more and you’ll get more. Your efforts never go unnoticed in the transportation industry. Every fleet manager, dispatcher, or terminal manager will go the extra mile for that driver that gives 110%. Operations always know whom they can count on for the important jobs or priority promotions.

STEVENS CONTRACTOR TEAM

DREAMTEAM RICHARD KREFT & JOHN WATKINS

Since Richard Kreft and John Watkins began driving as a team one year ago, they have been to forty-seven out of the forty-eight continental United States, and do not plan on slowing down any time soon. The duo refer to themselves as “workaholics,” who rarely take time off and are determined to be successful. They enjoy the back-and-forth banter of having another person in the truck, but still view safety as the number one aspect of their job, and work by the mantra “Keep yourself safe by keeping other drivers on the road safe.”

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DRIVER SPOTLIGHT

DEE BROWN Dee Brown was a security guard when his uncle talked him into becoming a truck driver. He recently completed his third Alliance lease contract, bringing his total bonuses to over $15,000. His journey started with a decision.

Dee received his CDL training in Miami and has been an overtheroad driver ever since. Since coming to Stevens, Dee has been a Company Driver, an Independent Contractor, and a Trainer. He joined the training program because he enjoys helping others and contributes this as the reason he has become so successful with Stevens Transport. He receives an incredible amount of satisfaction from molding new students into successful drivers. When asked what advice he would offer to new drivers, Dee replied, "Driving is difficult at first with all the information students have to absorb and retain, bills being due, and missing family. But, by paying your dues, keeping to the training, and doing the little things - it will pay dividends for your future as well as your family’s."

In his free time, Dee likes to hit the gun range, spend time with his kids, and enjoy the scenery at his timeshare in Orlando, which he says would not be possible without Stevens.

WILLIAM NEAL From a chef’s apprentice, a traveling Carney and an aspiring wrestler - William Neal’s path to Stevens Transport was one full of twists and turns until he stepped foot on campus. Since that day, he has embraced his new career with open arms and has learned a great deal about being a successful Driver, as well as a successful Independent Contractor.

But if you ask him, William does not attribute his success to luck. He explains that Stevens taught him that having a goal and a roadmap to achieve that goal is essential to success and will make the journey as smooth as possibly..

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10

MUST-HAVES IN YOUR TRUCK

1.

Sunglasses/Prescription Glasses (2 pairs)

Work Boots

2.

3.

5.

Shower Kit

4.

Work Gloves

6.

7.

9.

Paper Towels

Slow Cooker

Tool Box

Easy Make Meals

8.

Snacks/Water BEEF SNACKS

LTED

TERIYAKI

A WER SEEDS BEEF JERKYS SUNFLO INAL ORIG NUT·rition

10.

Cooler / Ice Chest

WHOLESOME NUT MIX

MILITARY SPOTLIGHT

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BRIAN BRANCH Brain Branch was a Corporal E4 in the United States Marines, serving in many different countries, including a one-year deployment in Okinawa, Japan.

He finished his military service at the Naval Air Station at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida.

Brian credits the military for his sense of being able to work independently and figuring out problems that may arise on his own, which he says has translates directly to his work as an Independent Contractor for Stevens Transport.

After his service was over, Brian worked in different jobs and fields, but did not see the career advancement he hoped and worked tirelessly for.

He came to truck driving after being exposed to the profession throughout his life and was drawn to idea of being his own boss with the ability to lease a truck through the Alliance program and become a contractor for Stevens. His aunt drove for Stevens for many years and was convinced this was the company he wanted to start building that career he dreamed of around.

Although his service is over, Brian still likes to pay his respects to any and all active duty and veteran servicemembers he comes across in his travels and thanks them for their sacrifice, which he has experienced on a first-hand basis.

“I’m proud to have served this country. I learned a lot about myself as individual and what it means to work for the people. Any time I can respect my fellow veterans and pay homage, I do that.”

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ELIGENIM

GREGG SOFTY Softy began driving for Stevens Transport and in December was named the winner of Fastport’s 2017 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award. The annual award, which was in it's second year, goes to a military veteran who recently began a career as an OTR driver. At the ceremony in Washington D.C., Softy was named the winner out of over 10,000 applicants, and received the keys to a 2017 Kenworth T680 Advantage equipped with a fuel-efficient 455-hp PACCAR MX-13 engine and a 76-inch sleeper. The truck boasts an approximate value of $160,000.

Gregg spent many years protecting the country and now he has the opportunity to explore it and enjoy the fruits of their labor as an Independent Contractor. He enjoys seeing all of the landmarks as he drives across the country while doing what he loves – running his own business.

When Gregg was in the military, he picked up on various traits that he still carries into his trucking career. The military is similar to the trucking industry because of the close quarters, having to be independent, being part of a team and upholding similar values of integrity that make it essential to succeed as a driver.

"EVEN NEW GUYS DON’T GET PICKED LAST AT STEVENS TRANSPORT" When Gregg first joined Stevens, he was surprised (and happy) to find out that even new guys at the company get nice trucks! He loves driving the newest, greatest equipment and answering people’s questions when they see his new Kenworth and ask what it takes to get one.

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ALLIANCE WOMEN

SOPHIA BYRD "When I see women out there driving trucks, it’s empowering because this has always been a maledominated industry but I feel like we can contribute to the industry…and maybe do it a little better (laughs)."

Sophia Byrd had a difficult upbringing with an uncertain future but one day she decided it was time for stability. She grew up around truck drivers, with a countless amount in her family and when she was asked what she want to do with her life, she immediately responded ‘I want to be a truck driver.’ Sophia made the first step in her future as a driver when she attended a school(not affiliated with Stevens) in West Memphis, Arkansas.

When asked what advice she would give someone thinking of becoming a driver, Sophia's response was, “My advice is that if it’s not a dream and you’re just chasing the money, you won’t make it in this career. You have to have a passion for it and know that you have to start from the bottom and do the little things first."

Sophia believes that the best thing about Stevens is their training department, due to the support system set in place who she states are genuinely concerned for each driver’s success. She is also extremely grateful for being given the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of everything she needed to know about not only being a driver, but the industry in general. She states that first and foremost, Stevens gave her an opportunity to secure a bright future.

RAINY SMITH Rainy attended Road Masters in West Memphis, Arkansas, which she describes as challenging, but an enjoyable experience. Rainy had three trainers and each had their own way of running the truck so she was able to learn different perspectives which she feels was very insightful and wouldn’t change a thing about her experience!

Rainy came to Stevens three years ago with a dream and a drive to be a successful truck driver. She was working at a vet clinic when she realized she wanted to try something new. Being that her dad was a truck driver for 30 years, Rainy considered the option of going over the road as a driver, herself.

She has experienced some ups and downs in her career, but she feels Stevens is exactly there she needs be to establish herself in her career. Rainy has moved her way up from a Trainee in West Memphis, Arkansas to an Independent Contractor, running her own business and enjoying the freedom of the open road.

Rainy attributes her success to the people that work at Stevens and believes that they know how to get her to push herself, which she sees as a great motivator.

Rainy considers Stevens as her family and knows that there is nowhere else she would rather be.

EARN EXTRA MONEY!

$211,225

IN REFERRAL BONUES PAID OUT IN 2017

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DAVID ROGERS David has been with Stevens for 2 years and signed his lease despite reservations and concerns from family members due to the fact that he did not have a lot of experience. But David had a good feeling about the program and after observing his trainer, a fellow Stevens contractor, David was convinced that the contractor program would be a perfect opportunity for his driving career. David looks back on the decision as one of the best he's made and only regrets not becoming a Stevens contractor sooner.

He has signed his second lease as he truly believes that Alliance has the best leasing program in the industry and believes he will be a truck driver for the rest of his life.

He has also been able to give back as a trainer and use his knowledge to mold the next generation of truck drivers in America.

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NEW GRAD

DEVIN VANKIRK Husband, Father of two, and former military officer— recent graduate, Deven Vankirk, shares his driving school experience with Alliance Advantage.

What driving school did you attend? I went to Tampa Truck Driving School.

Something that stood out for me was learning to drive stick shift and double clutching. Dealing with traffic– stuff you don't think about when you're in a car.

What made you decide to become a driver? I always loved the idea of driving a truck. I became a truck driver in the army. When I got out of the military, I worked some regular, everyday jobs but always thought -I'd rather be driving a truck. I love to drive and if I could drive and get paid for it- even better! My dad is a truck driver, we both have a passion for it. When I completed my grad classes, I realized that I wanted more for my family and myself out of my driving career. After looking into the Alliance Lease program, I knew the Independent Contractor division was the path for me to build my new driving career around.

What do you attribute your success to? Why do you feel that way? I attribute success to a great work ethic. I don't fear hard work. I'd rather get out there 600 miles rather than run 100 miles. If I just sit, I'm bored. When I'm driving, I'm enjoying every second and love being out on the road.

What are your hobbies? I like to hike, backpack, hang out with my son and daughter. All over Florida - I've done parts of Florida trail 1500 miles long. I love anything historical -especially military history.

What's you favorite Stevens Memory? I remember walking on the yard the first time. It was awe-inspiring to see all of these Stevens trucks lined up and different models/makes but everyone is the same. All trucks lined up -waiting to get to work. Also experiencing the friendliness and family-culture at Stevens. Everyone is willing to help and answer questions, seem genuinely interested in you and are invested in making you the best driver you can be.

What's your favorite place to travel? I'd never seen the Rocky Mountains and always wanted to go see it. When I saw them, I said to myself, "Oh my god, they do exist." "As a solo driver, going through Colorado and seeing the snow-capped mountains, your jaw is on the ground."

ROAD MEALS

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OVER THE ROAD RECIPES

Just because you’re on the road, it does not mean you can’t eat like you’re at home. See some of our favorite slow cooker recipes that cook while you drive!

Once you stop for the night, dinner is served from the comfort of your sleeper.

Ingredients 2 medium sweet onions, such as Vidalia, quartered 2 teaspoons light brown sugar 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 2 teaspoons salt Pinch black pepper One 4- to 6-pound Boston butt pork roast, bone-in Buns, for serving BBQ Sauce of choice

STEPS Put the quartered onions in the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Mix the brown sugar, paprika, salt and pepper and rub it over the pork roast. Then place in the slow cooker on top of the onions. Drizzle the reserved 1 cup of sauce over the roast. Cook the roast in the slow cooker on low for 10 to 12 hours, checking after 10 hours for tenderness.

Remove the meat and onions from the slow cooker. Discard the onions and finely shred the pork. Reserve the juices from the slow cooker to add to the meat for desired juiciness.

Serve on a bun with the juice.

Ingredients

Ingredients 1-1/4 lb. ground beef

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1 Tbs. chili powder

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 tsp. sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1 tsp. ground cumin

2 teaspoons salt

1/4 tsp. salt

1 whole chicken (3 to 4 lb)

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 clove garlic, mince 1 15-oz. can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

STEPS Combine all of the ingredients except for the sides and toppings in a medium to large slow cooker and mix well. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 6 hours.

1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

STEPS

1 14-oz. can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes with jalapeño chile peppers and spices, undrained

1. Spray 5-quart oval slow cooker with cooking spray.

6 Tbs. shredded Cheddar cheese

3. Pat chicken dry, both inside and outside, with paper towels. Rub chicken

2. In small bowl, stir together brown sugar, chili powder and salt. all over with brown sugar mixture.

4. Place chicken, breast-side up, in slow cooker.

*Serve with the sides and toppings in bowls on the side.

5. Cover; cook on High heat setting 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours or until legs move easily when lifted or twisted and thermometer inserted in thickest part of inside thigh reads at least 165°F. Remove chicken from slow cooker; let stand 10 minutes before serving.

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