Birds Eye Newsletter - December

BIRDS EYE NEWS SPREAD YOUR WINGS

DECEMBER 2018 CONTENTS

December 5, 2018 To All Our Valued Associates:

As the year draws rapidly to a close and we are about to complete our thirty eighth anniversary, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal and valued employees (Stevens Family) for the tremendous effort each one of you has demonstrated not only in 2018, but for all the years of your tenure with the company.

As I reflect back over the past thirty eight years, I remember so many significant mile stones, and although the road was not always smooth, our company has consistently been an over achiever and we have earned a prominent place among the leaders in the truckload industry.

Calendar 2018 turned out to be a banner year for Stevens as we recorded record revenues and earnings and also experienced explosive gains in our workforce and power units (thanks to the tanker group).

Twenty nineteen is shaping up to be another stellar year and I am so proud of all our valued associates that provide the back bone of our success.

Good luck to all for the coming New Year and please know that each and every one of you are very much appreciated for your loyalty and untiring efforts.

With warm regards.

Steven L. Aaron Chairman/CEO

2

Dedicated Foootprint Expanding

3

Preventative Maintenace

4

Coming up at Stevens

5

Drivers Lounge Update

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#meetstevens

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December Anniversaries

December Events Holiday Party Changes to 401K election for 2019 Q1 Due Transition Trucking Award Announcement Blood Drive

INDUSTRY NEWS

Dedicated Footprint at Stevens – INTERVIEW ASHLIE BROCK

Perdue Dedicated fleet count has been steadily rising since 2017. Starting with only 85 drivers, the dedicated fleet is now at 115 with a goal of reaching 125 by the end of year. Perdue Dedicated Fleet’s growth can be attributed to the high level of service that they provide to their customers, maintaining a 97% service record for calendar year 2018.

“We have, what I consider, the best talent in the building on our team” says Ashlie Brock, Regional Manager.

“I’d also like to give Honorable Mentions to our Perdue over-the-road CSR, Richard Pleasants, our dedicated billing colleague, Jessica Sievek, and our dedicated fleet manager, Sonya Heinze.”

The three driver managers for Perdue that are making magic happen behind the scenes are Kevin Navejar, Peter Wright and Roby Robertson.

The night coverage team is Greg Stevenson and Dave Lamphier. Perdue drivers always have their loads preplanned and 24/7 in-office coverage is provided, therefore the Perdue Dedicated team at Stevens Transport is working tirelessly to ensure 2019 sees even more success and growth.

Written by: Leslie Cook and Ashlie Brock

Electric Trucks

TRUCK MANUFACTURERS CONTINUE TO PUT MORE EFFORTS INTO ELECTRIC TRUCKS As truck manufacturers begin to add electric-powered models to their product lineups, they are targeting city and regional routes as early applications for these vehicles. Daimler Trucks expects that urban and local distribution will serve as the first use-case for large electric-powered trucks. Pick-up and delivery, food and beverage distribution and lastmile logistics are good fits for heavy- and medium-duty electric vehicles.

“We see applications with dedicated, predictable routes such as local and regional distribution as well as drayage as good fits for heavy-duty electric vehicles,” said Carola Pfeifle, a spokeswoman for Mercedes-Benz Trucks, part of Germany’s Daimler AG. Freightliner and Western Star trucks are manufactured by Daimler Trucks’ North American division.

At Navistar Inc., the focus is on distribution in urban applications where routes and payloads are predictable and the journeys are relatively short.

As for professional drivers’ views, they value natural gas vehicles because they are quieter and expect the electric vehicles to be noisy. In addition to fleets reinforcing that they want to be part of the “green” movement, the federal government’s Phase 2 greenhouse gas regulations encourage manufacturers to offer electric vehicles. In the ever expanding field of technology, only time will reveal the future of electric logistics.

Written by: Leslie Cook

PARAGON HIGHLIGHT

Preventive Maintenance is Crucial Vehicles that don’t receive regular maintenance experience a greatly reduced lifespan, excessive breakdowns, expensive repairs, lost time on the road and even litigation due to negligence. In many ways, a preventive maintenance program for commercial vehicles is as important as driver safety programs.

Through preventive maintenance, vehicles are inspected, repaired, and maintained in such a way that defects are prevented from surfacing in the first place, and before a violation or accident can occur. It consists of scheduled services, inspections, and vehicle repairs to prevent potential problems and maximize vehicle availability. Stevens Transport’s preventative maintenance team executes based on mileage and in some cases, time.

Preventive Maintenance…

Ensures Vehicle Safety: For safe operation, large vehicles require routine lubrication, engine work, brake maintenance, and

seasonal checkups. Transporting tons of merchandise every day and driving at highway speeds, semi-truck drivers carry not only a literal burden, but also an obligation to keep the road safe for everyone else.

Improves Mileage: Regularly scheduled maintenance ensures the best possible mileage through improving engine performance and evenly distributing vehicle payload. In particular, preventative maintenance services like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake maintenance go a long way toward improving vehicle mileage.

Increases Truck Longevity: With preventative maintenance services, the life expectancy of the vehicle increases and vehicle breakdowns decrease.

Keeps Up Appearances: While the most important benefits of preventative maintenance service involve driver safety and semi-

truck performance, they also help keep up appearances. For instance, the occasional paint touch-up is worth it when it reminds clients that you’re a professional with a reputation to uphold.

Keeping a regular PM schedule is essential for not only the driver, but the motoring public as a whole.

Written by: Audie Delgado and Leslie Cook

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT STEVENS?

Driver’s Lounge Updates Stevens Transport is excited to update on the progress of the new and completely renovated Driver’s Lounge.

Property Manager, Gary Lide, is overseeing the project and is excited about being able to give the drivers of Stevens Transport a comfortable place to relax when they come in to the Dallas Headquarters. The interior is coming together flawlessly; a modern masterpiece of relaxation and comfort that features keyless lockers, marble countertops, state-of-the-art bathrooms and completely renovated showers. The large open eating area also includes tables with built-in outlets for easily accessible charging stations. Flat screen televisions, couches, lounge chairs, ceiling fans, modern lighting, comfortable seating and a custom-made canopy are all brand new accommodations to ensure comfort and rest. Scheduled to open in the Spring of 2019, the newly renovated Driver’s Lounge also provides a laundry mat and common lounge for drivers to socialize. The covered outdoor patio provides comfortable seating with fresh air and sunshine.

Thanks to Gary and his team for the continued efforts in making the new Driver’s Lounge a modern place for Stevens’ drivers to recharge and reload.

Written by: Leslie Cook

A Scenic Journey to Success

RANDY WALES & ELIZABETH COOPER Randy Wales became a truck driver in 1979, drove for a few years and then paused to raise a family. Once the kids were grown, he set out to rediscover his favorite past time: Truck Driving. In 2010, Randy attended the Stevens Driving Academy in Dallas, TX, obtained his new CDL and re-qualified his driving skills.

That same year, Elizabeth Cooper was recovering from the recession and was looking to become a truck driver. She held the same fabrication job for nearly three decades, but was ready to start a new life doing something different. After searching the internet for the best truck driving companies, Elizabeth found her future and started at Stevens Transport in October of 2011.

Randy and Elizabeth happened to meet at Stevens Transport during Randy’s safety check-in and Elizabeth’s graduation to solo driver, and they became inseparable immediately.

“I never thought I’d meet my dream girl, a tall skinny red-head truck driver!” – Randy Wales During Elizabeth’s 3-month adventure into graduation driving, she called Randy for everything. He was her coach and they fell in love. They kept in touch and eventually met up “on the yard” at Stevens to discuss becoming a driving team. Team drivers for the Contractor Division were fairly new at that time, so Randy and Elizabeth jumped all over the opportunity to set a precedent. With Stevens Transport by their side, they took the road by the horns and made a very successful living driving together.

After completing their most recent lease and seven years of driving as a team, Randy and Elizabeth are embarking on their newest adventure yet.

Randy has hung up the keys and is now teaching the new generations of future drivers as a Resident Instructor for Stevens Transport.

#MEETSTEVENS Nathaniel Wilson Stevens Transport Mr. Wilson joined Stevens Transport in November of 2016. Nathaniel’s favorite thing about his job is the ability to work with multiple facets of the trucking industry and discover its intricacies. He’s most grateful for the opportunity Stevens has given him to work alongside seasoned industry leaders to further develop his own skills. Outside of work, Nate loves to travel and experience new things. If there is a local sporting event that he can catch, he’s there. He would like to also eventually enter a marathon or other physical long distance events such as cycling.

Gary Lide Stevens Transport Gary Lide joined Stevens Transport in August of 1990. He enjoys constantly learning new skills here at Stevens and watching the company progress into the success we see today. Gary remembers the early days of Stevens Transport and the first location off of highway 80. He explains how he enjoyed being a part of the facility plans, and remembers the roots from which Stevens started. He has a wife of 30 years, three children and one dog and they all live on a commercial cattle ranch, raising Angus beef and producing hay. When not working at Stevens or on his ranch, Gary enjoys hunting and fishing.

Kandace Walt Stevens TL Kandace joined Stevens Transport last September and has really enjoyed the team mentality her and her colleagues share. She loves how fast paced it is here at Stevens Transport as well as getting to know new skills and carriers within the business. Kandace has a 2 year old son, Elliot and an 11 year old daughter, Caydence. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, going to concerts and going to the movies.

Tara Ojeda Paragon Leasing Tara Ojeda started with Stevens Transport in March of 2016 and currently works for the Contractor Division. Tara enjoys the comradarie of working closely with her peers, as they are always willing to help each other no matter what their job titles are. She appreciates the opportunities to grow and learn alongside amazing, friendly people. Tara lives in Quitman with her boyfriend and daughters, and they enjoy experiencing new and different things together on the weekends.

Gary Kral Stevens Transport Our go-to-guy, Gary Kral is an invaluable member of Stevens Transport. He loves the independence he has in performing his job functions and being solely responsible or meeting requirements and deadlines. He finds it rewarding to be able to successfully conquer crunch time and start it all over again the following week. In his free time, Gary loves to attend festivals. He also has a passion for photography and an enthusiasm for hunting. Most of all, he loves spending time with his family; his wife, three grown children and his five wonderful grandkids.

Domingo Cisnero Paragon Leasing Domingo Cisnero is not only our local celebrity, but he is also our valued Truck Body Shop Manager at Paragon Leasing, LLC. “TODAY I WILL DO WHAT OTHERS WON’T SO TOMORROW I CAN DO WHAT OTHERS CAN’T” is a sign on Domingo’s desk that is clearly understood in his department. Domingo has a lovely wife of 22 years and they have three boys and one grandchild. Domingo wants to thank the Aaron family and Robert Solimani who gave him the opportunity to develop and grow within the company. #MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Leslie Cook

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION

Transport

Tony Thigpen - BROKERAGE (DAL) - 5 Years

Melody Bronson - SAFETY - 26 Years

Tammy Nuar - HR (DIR) - 5 Years

Carl Harmon - DRIVER ORIENTATION - 25 Years Cathy Delgado - EXECUTIVE SUPPORT - 20 Years Valarie Kral - ACCOUNTING - 17 Years

Donna Rogers - DEDICATED OPS - 5 Years

Paragon

Donna Stephens - COMPLIANCE (LD) - 15 Years

Edward Lee - TRAILER BODY - 26 Years

Raven Kuehn - PRODUCE TEAM - 13 Years

Raynaldo Rodriguez - TRAILER - 24 Years

Megan Robbins - DRIVER RECRUITING - 7 Years

Jacob Armonta - PARTS - 8 Years

Jami Peterson - DRIVER RECRUITING - 7 Years

Raymond Roden - TRAILER - 7 Years

Sandra Martinez - ACCOUNTING - 7 Years

Domingo Cisnero - TRUCK BODY (LD) - 6 Years

Highlighting 5 years or more of service

Stevens Transport’s Chris Young wins $10,000 thanks to your support!

Chris Young was named the 1st runner up at the 2019 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award ceremony this year in Washington, DC. The US Army Veteran and Reservist received a check for $10,000.

“This has been an amazing experience, and it’s changed my life. I was honored to be on the stage with the other finalists. And I cannot say thank you enough to Melody, Shannon and everyone at Stevens Transport. I never dreamed I would have so much support. When people say that Stevens Transport is like a Family, it’s really true”.

Chris began his career at Stevens Transport in March 2017 and is excited to continue as a Contractor in the Alliance Division.

Chris is a United States Army Veteran who served 15 years in the military and completed 5 tours overseas. Chris transitioned directly from the military to being a professional truck driver and joined Stevens Transport this past year. This prestigious award was created to honor our veterans and help them get a start in the civilian world.

Copyright 2018 Stevens Transport