Birds Eye Newsletter - February 2019

BIRDS EYE NEWS SPREAD YOUR WINGS

1 Internaaonal

FEBRUARY 2019 CONTENTS 1

Trucker Buddy

2

Do YouTube?

3-4

Stevens New Equipment Investment

5-6

#MeetStevens

8

February Anniversaries

Dates to remember 2/2 - Ground Hog Day 2/3 - Super Bowl Sunday 2/14 - Valentines Day 2/15 - Fitness Challenge Final Weigh-In

4 5

INDUSTRY NEWS

TRUCKER Buddy

Trucker Buddy International is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1992. They are dedicated to helping educate and mentor school children using a pen pal relationship between professional truck drivers and children in grades K-8, special needs, Girls and Boys Clubs, and scouting events.

Every week drivers will share news about their travels with the children and once a month, students will write letters to their trucker buddy. The program will enhance the students’ skills in reading, writing, geography, mathematics, social studies, and history making learning fun.

Trucker Buddy is a program that Stevens Transport and our drivers have been associated with in the past, and we would like to reestablish that relationship, so lets help get the word out about this wonderful program to our drivers. If you know a driver that you think would be interested in this program please have them contact Melody Bronson — Director of Driver Relations at mbronson@stevenstransport.com or call 866-751-0729 ext. 7857.

For more information on the Trucker Buddy organization, please visit www.truckerbuddy.org.

Written by: Mario Robertson

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT STEVENS?

Back to College: CORPORATE RECRUITMENT During the next few months our Corporate Recruiting team is registered to attend campus recruiting events at Texas A&M, Texas Tech, University of North Texas, and University of Arkansas to find highly motivated students to join our team as interns and full time associates. The most qualified students will be invited back to our facilities for a meet and greet and on-site interviews.

deepen our relationship with all the campuses we work with in the future.

This year David Stemm was invited to speak to a class of Senior Supply Chain students on 1/28/2019 about Stevens network strategy and the outlook of the transportation industry. He will also be speaking to another group of Supply Chain students as a participant of the UNT Executive Lecture Series on 3/1/2019. During this event he will speak about his personal career, leadership philosophy, and our organization. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to add value to the students’ college experiences and hope to continue to

• A&M May’s Business School Career Fair – 1/30/2019

If you would like to share this information with family or friends, please see on-site campus dates below or reach out to Beth Strong or Jordan Cook for more details.

• Texas Tech Rawls Business School Career Fair – 2/13/2019 •University of North Texas All Majors Career Fair – 2/13/2019 •University of Arkansas Walton School of Business Career Fair & Supply Chain Networking Breakfast – 3/5/2019

Written by: Chernario Torres

Do

?

MORE DRIVERS FINDING THEIR AUDIENCE ON YOUTUBE How does one driver interact with friends, family and followers all at once? By creating his or her own YouTube channel. As the secondmost used search engine on the web, YouTube’s easy to use video platform is a natural fit for today’s technology-driven truck driver.

Stevens Transport has at least 5 current drivers who’ve created their own unique YouTube channels and building audiences. They each have their own reasons for turning on the camera and sharing a part of their life with the world.

Stevens Contractor David Rodgers, aka, King DRodge on YouTube, began sharing his videos to keep in touch with his family as way to show them the places he was traveling. Over time, more and more subscribers joined his channel and he began to interact with his audience. He was tired of the same old angry, bitter truckers complaining in videos. He wanted people to experience the better side of trucking.

“King DRodge”

“I wanted people that where new to trucking to see you can be happy, enjoy trucking and live a great life” said King DRodge.

OTR Diva started her YouTube channel to share her experience about joining Stevens Transport as a female driver. Her channel and audience is growing and we’re looking forward to following her journey. Check out these other Stevens drivers on the YouTube - Mr. Coach, Mr. Sunshine State, Domonique Monet, and Trucker Tony.

“OTR DIiva”

Written by: Mike Curtis

“Mr. Coach”

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT STEVENS

STEVENS TRANSPORT PURCHASES $165 MILLION IN NEW EQUIPMENT FOR 2019!

Stevens Transport is fully committed to having the safest, most cutting-edge equipment on the road to continually better serve our customers and enhance the lives of our drivers. We recently purchased $165 million in new equipment for 2019. A total of 1,600 new trucks and trailers will be delivered throughout the year and assigned to drivers.

New Kenworths, Peterbilts, and Freightliners The new equipment purchase of 950 automatic trucks includes: 500 Kenworth T680s, 250 Peterbilt 579s, and 200 Freightliner Cascadias. The 650 new trailers include: 450 Utility Trailer Manufacturing 3000Rs and 200 Pneumatic Trailers for Stevens Tanker Division. In addition, 500 Thermo King units and 750 auxiliary power units have been ordered. The equipment will be delivered and distributed throughout 2019 and will cycle out and replace approximately 25% of our current fleet.

“We set the highest standards for maintaining the newest fleet on the road. Having the newest, state-of-the-art equipment increases our already impeccable reputation for reliability and on-time delivery as it reduces the incidence of breakdowns, as well as optimizes fuel efficiency. At Stevens, our mission is to hire and retain top quality drivers and to provide you with the safest, best equipment on the market with cutting-edge technology.

Our drivers are our most valuable asset and are integral to our success with our customers. We take great pride in providing brand new equipment and appreciate your dedication to our company.” -- Clay Aaron, President Written By: Carrie Saks

Written by: Cher Torres

#MEETSTEVENS Luke Edwards Plains Planner-Operations Luke joined Stevens Transport in June of 2018. He is recognized for his strong work ethic and punctuality. Luke is timely with dispatching our drivers and works hard to ensure drivers have everything they need for a smooth transition. When we asked Luke what he enjoys most about his role and what pushes him for success he explained, “I enjoy the fast pace environment and helping our drivers.

It keeps me busy and focused on picking up freight on-time and maintaining service levels. Luke also shared some helpful advice for our new employees, “Come in ready to learn about your role and other positions as well. Having an open mindset to learn other roles increases your opportunity to advance within the company.” Outside of work, Luke enjoys watching movies and sports.

Ruthie Spry CDL Instructor- School Ruthie joined Stevens Transport in June of 2018. She is recognized for her professionalism and top-notched teaching capabilities. Ruthie goes over and beyond to ensure that her students are fully prepared and equipped to succeed.

Anytime a student is in need of additional coaching she is more than willing to lend a helping hand. We appreciate the wisdom Ruthie pours into our future drivers and it is valued and demonstrated in many graduates today! When we asked Ruthie what she enjoys most about her role and what motivates her for success she explained, “I love bonding with my class and being able to see their epiphanies; or aha moments.

Self-improvement continues to motivate me to be a better leader and teacher.”

Ruthie also shared some helpful advice for our new employees, “Study the material.

Training is a time period for learning and potential growth. Besides, if you aren’t taking the time to learn the material it will be more of a challenge to progress in your role.” Outside of work, she enjoys singing, dancing, being active, reading, playing instruments, painting, cooking, and baking.

Suzie Chasney Claims Representative- Insurance Suzie joined Stevens Transport in May of 2017. She is recognized for her wiliness to help others and positive attitude throughout the workplace. Suzie has a rock star personality! She is dedicated and takes pride in helping her peers. When we asked Suzie what she enjoys most about her role and what keeps her motivated she explained “I enjoy my fellow employee from all departments. Each department is interconnected with the next and it makes it easy to make friends and build relationships. Things that keep me motivated are old-school ideas of personal accomplishment and simply helping my co-workers lighten their loads.” Suzie also shared some helpful advice for our new employees, “Invest in a compass. This is a very big facility. Also, while exploring take a moment to meet and greet with others. There are so many good people here.” Suzie is a proud mother of 2 children, 6 grand babies, and 1 great grand.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, DIY projects, family photos, and computer games. #MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Chernario Torres

#MEETSTEVENS Brandy Hutton Broker-Kentucky Office Brandy joined Stevens TL in September of 1996. She is recognized for her dedication and problem-solving capabilities. Brandy is skilled in the industry and her level of expertise is valued by many. We appreciate her strong will and undeniable endurance throughout these years. When we asked Brandy what she enjoys most about her role and what keeps her motivated she explained, “I’m a people person! I love solving problems and staying busy.

Completing as many tasks as I can and helping my co-workers along the way hasn’t keeps me motivated.” Brandy also shared some helpful advice for our new employees, “Remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Ask questions. Try not to take critiques too hard. They are meant to challenge you and help you reach your full potential.” Brandy is married and has two children. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and baking.

Julie Davis Admin Assistant to the TMT Manger -Paragon Julie joined Paragon in May of 2004. She is recognized for being a selfmotivator and outstanding team player. It doesn’t take much for Julie to jump on board and get the job done! No matter how difficult the task may be, Julie is willing and ready to push through without any outside influence. When we asked Julie what she enjoys most about her role and how she determines her success she explained, “I love what I do! It is fast paced, never boring, and I’m constantly learning something new on a daily basis. I determine my success by always putting 100% of myself in what I’m doing. So, you can be proud of yourself and from there self-confidence grows and so do you as an employee and person. Julie also shared some helpful advice for our new employees, “Learn as much as you can! Even if it’s not what your position is, cross-training is beneficial to the growth of your career.” Julie is a proud mom of 11-year-old daughter and has 4 pets. Outside of work, she enjoys concerts, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

Tyler Hunt Truck Manager-Paragon Tyler joined Paragon in April of 2014 as a Coordinator for Road Rescue, and was later promoted in August 2017. He is recognized for his adaptability and initiative throughout the workplace. As a Truck Manager Tyler learned quickly how to overcome challenges as they arise. When we asked Tyler what he enjoys most about his role he explained, “I enjoy my position because of the challenges it presents. Every driver and piece of equipment is a puzzle piece. Finding the way those pieces fit together is rewarding!” Tyler also shared some helpful advice for our new employees, “Push through the learning curve! Our industry as a whole is unique to most and Stevens specifically is designed to be unique as well. But, hang in there! The reward is worth the effort and the opportunity for personal and career growth is near limitless.” Outside of work, Tyler enjoys playing the guitar and bass, attending local arts and music shows, and spending time with family. #MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Chernario Torres

FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION

Paragon

Transport Lavonda Berry - ACCOUNTING - 22 Years

Diane Powers - CUSTOMER SERVICE - 9 Years

Kenny McKeever - ADMINISTRATION - 19 Years

Jack Weaver - RSDNT TRNING INSTR - 21 Years

John Berglund - CUSTOMER SERVICE - 8 Years

Ladarren Jones - ROAD RESCUE - 12 Years

Autumn Muzzillo - ACCOUNTING - 20 Years

Willie Byrd - ALLIANCE - 7 Years

Teddy Henderson - ROAD RESCUE - 9 Years

Blessy Mathew - ACCOUNTING - 20 Years

Sarah Ridgeway - BROKERAGE (CHI II) - 7 Years

Zeljko Janjic - TRUCK - 7 Years

Sam Few - PRODUCE TEAM - 19 Years

Jessica Sievek - OPERATIONS SUPPORT - 6 Years

Deorion Landers - DETAIL - 7 Years

William Tallent - DRVR TRNING (DIR) - 16 Years

James McCain - DRIVER ORIENTATION - 6 Years

Julian Ramon - TRAILER - 7 Years

John Haffner - DRIVER RECRUITING - 16 Years

Frank Kuehn - RAIL - 5 Years

Doug Torres - ROAD RESCUE - 7 Years

Joe Jenkins - DRIVER OPERATIONS - 15 Years

William Young - TRAINING SUPERVISOR - 5 Years

James Anderson - DETAIL - 6 Years

Jessica McKeever - ACCOUNTING - 14 Years

Shannon Dickerson - DRVR OPS - 5 Years

Jasmin Avdic - TRUCK - 5 Years

Bonnie Dorsey - ALLIANCE LEAD - 13 Years

Stephen Walden - ROAD RESCUE - 5 Years

John Stitten - NIGHT DISPATCH - 13 Years Susan Perkins - SCHOOL - 11 Years Highlighting 5 years or more of service