Birds Eye Newsletter - April 2020

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BIRDS EYE NEWS

2 0 2 0 APRIL

CONTENTS

Important Dates

2-3

Corona Affecting the Industry

Earth Day - 4/22

4

Spring Safety Tips

Cinco De Mayo - 5/5

5

Dedicated and Regional Routes

National Nurses Day - 5/6

6-8

April Anniversaries February Driver Awards Paragon Employee of the Month

Mother's Day - 5/10

INDUSTRY NEWS

Corona Affectin F

ederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulators issued a three-month waiver allowing drivers who hold commercial learner permits (CLPs) to operate a commercial vehicle during the COVID-19 outbreak without a commercial licensed driver in the front seat of the cab as long as the CDL holder is in the truck. The waiver, which expires June 30, also requires the CLP driver to provide evidence he or she has passed the CDL driving skills test.

Stevens driver trainee Andrew Ferguson felt the effects of this waiver first-hand. “I was scheduled to take my CDL test in Oklahoma when everything started happening. When all of the offices starting closing, my wife and I researched where I could go to continue my training and take my test. Luckily, we came across Stevens, and I was able to accomplish all of this, and now get to begin my over-the-road training with my trainer!”

Furthermore, the FMSCA passed an emergency declaration suspending rules that limit daily driving hours for truck drivers moving emergency supplies such as medical equipment, hand sanitizer, and food. “This declaration will help America’s commercial drivers get these critical goods to impacted areas faster and more efficiently,” FMCSA Acting Administrator Jim Mullen said. “However, if the driver informs the motor carrier that he or she needs immediate rest, they must be permitted at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before they are required to return to the motor carrier's terminal or normal reporting location. Once the driver has returned, they must be relieved of all duties and responsibilities and receive a minimum of 10 hours off duty if transporting property, and 8 hours if transporting passengers.”

With these changes and the many other new rules at the variety of shippers and receivers, both drivers and business employees are working to stay healthy. For example, Stevens customer Interstate Warehousing sent an email to their clients explaining their no-contact shipping/receiving process.

“Starting on April 6, 2020, all drivers will be asked to stay in their cabs,” the letter read. “All Bills of Lading will be need to be emailed back and forth between us and all drivers. This is a unique process but, unfortunately, one we must take at this time in order to ensure our employees’ health. We thank you for your understanding and support with this change!”

In the midst of these changes, one thing has remained constant: the rallying support of all drivers around the country.

From strangers serving meals to drivers at truck stops to the food chains supporting America’s driving forces while most restaurants close, the thank-yous are being heard.

Naturesweet’s Corporate Transportation Manager Daniel Frederick praised Stevens’ drivers for their continued hard work and dedication during these times. “Drivers across the nation are one of the many true heroes during this time of crisis. We want to extend a big Texas thank you from myself and my entire organization!”

Tyson Food’s Senior Vice President Kyle Neely also commended Stevens drivers for keeping a cool and collected demeanor while dealing with a great deal of dysfunction and discomfort. “Your drivers are the real champions! They are the ones waiting to be loaded and unloaded and not knowing what to expect every time they pull into a DC. They are also having to deal with restaurants and rest areas being closed, to being denied access to restrooms and asked all kinds of personal questions about their health. All the time, being away from their families and friends all to put food on the tables of Americans across this nation. So, what I want your drivers to know is I appreciate you so much. I understand the sacrifice that has come from you all. I know you care, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You all are an important part what we do, which is feeding this nation. It wouldn’t happen without you!”

Birds Eye News - Spread Your Wings

ng the Industry

President Donald Trump, along with the rest of the White House personnel, praised truck drivers and expressed optimism about ongoing coronavirus recovery efforts for the supply chain and logistics industry. “American truckers are the foot soldiers who are really carrying us to victory,” Trump said. “They’ve done an incredible job. We’ve had no problems. It’s been just — it’s been just great.”

Stevens Driver Dasiem Williams echoed his fellow drivers by stating how his life on the road has changed since all of this started. “With all of the new announcements coming out daily, you can never really know what to expect.

But luckily, with all of the support that we are receiving from both everyone at Stevens and everyone out on the road, it makes every day out here a bit more tolerable. It's also a good feeling knowing that I'm able to make a difference during these difficult times with every load that I deliver, whether it’s to a Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, or any other grocery chain. I know that I am helping to keep the shelves stocked, and will continue to help in any way I can!”

If you or someone you know would like to keep America’s most essential freight with the Stevens team, call our Driver Recruiting Department today at 1-800-333-8595 or fill out an application on our website at stevenstransport. com. Also, stay informed with the latest updates from Stevens concerning COVID-19 by visiting info.stevenstransport.com/covid19.

Written by: Sidney Mireles

Birds Eye News - Spread Your Wings

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT STEVENS

SPRING

SAFETY TIPS!

As spring approaches, so do a new set of driving challenges.

Stevens Safety Supervisor Terrance Burgess suggests the following safety initiatives:

01 Slippery road conditions will exist due to many spring showers. These may cause drivers to hydroplane. Take extra precaution and increase your following distance if necessary

02 Keep an eye out for dangerous or hazardous road conditions, especially potholes and uneven pavement that was once covered by winter weather conditions

03 Monitor speed at all times, but especially wherever entering construction zones.

Remember, company policy requires drivers to drive 10 mph below the posted speed limits in construction zones.

04 Dust storms are heavily prevalent in the Southwest United States, so take extra caution when traveling through this region

To accommodate social distancing guidelines at the yard, the Safety department is conducting remote safety talks with drivers via phone and video calls, and will be posting spring workshops online for drivers to complete.

Remember: if weather conditions prove to be hazardous or if the driver feels unsafe or uncomfortable, find a safe haven and communicate with Stevens for further instruction.

Written by: Sidney Mireles

Birds Eye News - Spread Your Wings

ROUTE SPOTLIGHT:

REGIONAL & DEDICATED

S

tevens Transport driver Benjamin Becerra is just one of the many on a dedicated or regional route, which consists of lanes that consistently deliver within a three-to-five state region. The largest dedicated and regional routes that Stevens offers are concentrated in the Midwest, South, and Eastern states.

carrier that Stevens services. “The success that this fleet has garnered in its 17 years has helped us recently expand to the Northeast to service North Carolina, Ohio, and Illinois,” Kraft Team Lead Steve Sadler said. “We hope to continue to grow both divisions, which in turn will give more Stevens drivers the opportunity to join our team!”

“I am very fortunate to be a driver on the Kraft dedicated fleet,” Benjamin said. “They constantly keep me rolling, and I have amassed over 42,000 miles within the past three months alone! I’m thankful that Stevens offers this opportunity to their drivers, and will continue my driving journey with them for as long as I can!”

Steve also expanded on the advantages that drivers experience by driving on any Stevens dedicated or regional fleet. “In addition to the greater home time, drivers will also see increased miles, which equates to higher utilization. Some drivers will also see an increase in pay, while others are paid a fuel surcharge on all miles.

Lastly, drivers will come into contact with the sameroutes, shippers, and receivers every week, which many of our drivers appreciate!”

The East Coast hosts the Perdue Farms dedicated fleet, which currently has 100 drivers, and sees multiple additions daily. The fleet exceeded their 2019 goal for ontime deliveries. “We are very fortunate to have such a great team who take pride in their job and hold each other to a high standard,” Team Lead Sonya Heinze said. “For the past 10 years, we have exceeded our service with this route, and are proud of both our drivers and our partnership with Perdue; we hope to maintain this successful stride!”

The South is home to many Comfort Zone routes, a region that has seen explosive growth sinceinception in May 2019. “We now have a team of 103 drivers, and operate with a 5-person team in the office,” Team Lead Alex Rice said. “Our fleet is ultra-focused on utilization with critical customer expectations, which requires great communication, superior attention to detail, and dedication. When those things happen, we have solo drivers hitting 10,000 – 12,000 miles, trainers exceeding 15,000 miles, and full teams achieving up and over 20,000 miles - all in a month’s span!”

Our Kraft-Heinz dedicated fleet, which recently expanded its driver count to 175 trucks, began in 2003 out of Kraft’s Fort Worth, TX facility and is now the largest Dedicated

Birds Eye News - Spread Your Wings

Stevens driver Jeffery Porter shared his positive experience of driving as a part of team on a dedicated route. “Being on a dedicated fleet, we have been able to effectively plan out our trips by every minute. We know where every truck stop is, we know specifically where we are able to stop every night, and have built great relationships with the shippers and receivers that we encounter every week!

Being dedicated has been the best decision we have made at Stevens, and we advise anyone who is thinking about joining to inquire about it!”

If you would like more information about our regional and dedicated driving options, please contact Alex Rice at arice@stevenstransport.com , Sonya Heinze at sheinze@ stevenstransport.com , or Wendy Jones at wendyjones@ stevenstransport.com .

Written by: Sidney Mireles

#MEETSTEVENS Sarah Vig-Temple OS&D Claims Specialist Sarah joined Stevens in May of 2019. She is recognized for her hard work and willingness to help out wherever she can. One of Sarah’s favorite parts of her job is solving the variety of issues that come through her department, while knowing that her team has her back throughout the day. When we asked Sarah what she attributes to her success, she said: “My family motivates me to always strive to be successful. I cannot raise my child to always give her best and strive for success if I am not willing to do the same.” Sarah also passed along some sound advice for our new associates: “Be confident in your abilities, and always give 110 percent. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions, because your team wants to see you succeed!” Outside of work, Sarah enjoys refinishing furniture, dancing, and spending time with her family and animals.

Danny Havlik Assistant Service Writer Supervisor Danny joined Paragon Leasing in September of 2000. He is recognized for his great attitude and willingness to help assist all Stevens drivers with whatever they are asking for. One of Danny’s favorite parts of his job is being able to say that he works for such a reputable company! When we asked Danny what motivates him to his continued success, he explained: “I really enjoy that no two days are the same, and that every day presents new challenges for both myself and my peers. I also enjoy working alongside people who are very knowledgeable about Stevens and the industry, and I am able to learn from them every day!” Danny also passed along some sound advice to our new associates: “Show up every day ready to listen and eager to complete all of your goals.

Doing this will help you achieve much success in this industry.” Outside of work, Danny enjoys hunting, fishing, riding his horses, and spending time on his farm with his wife and six children.

Allen Foster Qualcomm and Inservice Supervisor Allen joined Paragon Leasing in September of 2010. He is recognized for his hard work and commitment to his department’s success. One of Allen’s favorite parts of his job is having the opportunity to help the Stevens driver force in any way that he can. When we asked Allen what motivates him to his continued success, he stated: “My biggest goal is to make the drivers comfortable and happy with the equipment that they are driving. I know that I have satisfactorily completed my day when drivers receive the assistance that they were looking for and leave our shop in high spirits!” Allen also passed along some sound advice for our new associates: “Always make it a point to show up every day and keep yourself busy. Also, ask as many questions as you can, because that will help you grow both personally and professionally.” Outside of work, Allen enjoys attending dirt track races and spending time with his wife and three children.

Birds Eye News - Spread Your Wings

#MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Chernario Torres

#MEETSTEVENS Stacy Loveless Contractor Division Insurance Coordinator Stacy joined Stevens in August of 2017. She is recognized for her friendly personality and willingness to help all of the Contractors here at Stevens Transport. One of Stacy’s favorite parts of her job is the excitement that comes with helping new Contractor drivers become a step closer to launching their own businesses. When we asked Stacy what she attributes to her success, she stated: “My daily goal is to work together with my team to meet our daily goals and provide the best service and support to any person who needs assistance. It’s also very rewarding to hear the success stories of the many drivers that I have met since joining Stevens and seeing their milestone and achievement pictures!” Stacy also passed along some sound advice for our associates: “Always maintain a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new things. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions, because there is something new to learn in this industry every day!” Outside of work, Stacy enjoys gardening, traveling, and enjoying life with her family.

Cathy Crough Broker - Canada Office Cathy joined Stevens in August of 2004. She is recognized for her daily hard work and determination to completing all of her goals. One of Cathy’s favorite parts of her job is the relationships that she has built with all of the outside carriers. When we asked Cathy what she attributes to her success, she replied: “I am a bit competitive, so I really love the challenge of finding trucks and covering freight in tight markets. I also make sure that I reach our daily load count numbers before I leave every day.” Cathy also passed along some sound advice to our new associates: “Don’t sit back and wait for things to happen.

Always push yourself to accomplish something new, because this industry is always changing!.” Outside of work, Cathy enjoys working out and spending time with her three sons and German Shepard, Cosmo.

Stephanie Works Accounting Clerk Stephanie joined Stevens in September of 1998. She is recognized for her dedication and dependability to both her team and her customers. One of Stephanie’s favorite parts of her job is the comradery that she and her team share, along with the many friendships that she has built at Stevens over the years. When we asked Stephanie what she attributes to her success, she replied: “I was raised that you put 110% into whatever you do, and that if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well. I keep that thought in mind with every task I do and I make sure that I complete all of my daily goals before the close of every day.” Stephanie also passed along some sound advice for our new associates: “Always put your best foot forward every day, and be open to new ideas and willing to learn new things. Also, offer to help in any way possible, because there is no “I” in TEAM!” Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, and is currently working to receive her Masters in Accounting! #MEETSTEVENS articles by: Chernario Torres Birds Eye News - written Spread Your Wings

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION

Transport Kathy Whitaker - ACCOUNTING (LEAD) - 36 Years Deb Malison - ACCOUNTING - 35 Years Tracy Frederick - BROKERAGE - INDIANA - 30 Years Wendy Timbes - ACCOUNTING - 29 Years Kip Gandy - OPERATIONS SAFETY (LEAD) - 25 Years Richard Bishop - DISPATCH - 23 Years John Brandt - COMPUTER - 20 Years Mike Unser - SCHOOL - 20 Years Cyndi Dennis - CLAIMS / INSURANCE - 20 Years Tammy Hogue - CLAIMS / INSURANCE - 17 Years Thomas Shoemate - DRIVER ORIENTATION - 16 Years Mark Bush - NYC ROUTING - 16 Years Chad Muzzillo - SCHOOL - 15 Years Aaron Feiser - OPERATIONS SAFETY - 15 Years Lana Hall - ALLIANCE - 14 Years Brian Ladd - NIGHT DISPATCH - 14 Years Jim Potter - DRIVER RECRUITING - 14 Years

David Taylor - DRIVER TRAINING - 12 Years Keyshona Haggerty - CLAIMS / INSURANCE - 10 Years Angela Price - EDI - 7 Years David Drew - COMPUTER - DIRECTORY - 7 Years Andre Hancock - DRIVER OPERATIONS - 6 Years Lorie Gonzalez - DRIVER RELATIONS - LEAD - 5 Years Heather Hansen - BROKERAGE(UTAH) - 5 Years Lore Moore- OPERATIONS SUPPORT - 5 Years

Paragon Emir Dizdarevic - TRUCK - 22 Years Juan Monsivais - TRAILER - 20 Years David Cepak - TRAILER BODY (LEAD) - 17 Years Chad Rangel - TRUCK BODY - 13 Years Fraunce Goree - ROAD RESCUE - 12 Years William Rivera-Schettini - YARD SECURITY - 12 Years Oscar Jaramillo - TRUCK - 10 Years Aaron Hunt - ADMINISTRATOR - 6 Years Billy Lane - TRUCK - 6 Years

* Highlighting 5 years or more of service

FEBRUARY Driver Awards David Kathriner 1st Place Contractor

Hassan Assani Bisilongo Runner Up Contractor

Johnny Bookert Jr.

1st Place Trainer Of The Month

Richard Grant

Runner Up Trainer Of The Month

Carl Fisher

1st Place Company Driver

Stephen Adams

Runner-Up Company Driver Of The Month Stevens Transport is excited to announce Dan Dietter as Director of Driver Management in addition to continued oversight of Perdue Dedicated operations. After holding senior leadership and Director roles at Heartland Express for 21 years, Dan joined the Stevens team in January of 2018.

“It’s a great privilege to be able to work more directly with the lifeblood of our organization,” Dan stated. “I initially chose to join Stevens because they had a reputation for being the premier training company in the industry. What I discovered is that our driving force is so much more than a place to launch a career. Stevens has so many great professionals that have chosen to make Stevens their home. I look forward to working with our team in operations and our heroes on the road!”

We are excited about the future with Dan and look forward to his leadership with the Driver Management team!

Written by: Sidney Mireles

David Blessings

1st Place Grad Driver

Sylvester Ollivierre Runner Up Grad Driver

Henry Holland & Carlton Alexander Team Drivers Of The Month

Anthony Gates

1st Place Owner Operator Of The Month

Mark Needham

1st Place Dedicated Driver

PARAGON LEASING, L.P. EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

RAYMOND RODEN - APRIL 2020

Raymond joined Paragon Leasing in July of 2016 and is a Technician in the Trailer Shop. Raymond’s self-determination and helpfulness have helped expanded his experience in his role. He's also offering valuable ideas and information daily to the trailer shop to help increase efficiency. Stevens Transport and Paragon Leasing, L.P. are very proud to have associates like Raymond and are pleased to honor him as the Paragon Leasing Employee of the Month for April 2020.

Michael Hagen

Runner-Up Dedicated Driver

*Every winner receives monetary compensation, credit to our Stevens merchandise store, as well as a plaque-style certificate of recognition.