Birds Eye Newsletter - September 2020

September | 2020

BIRDS EYE NEWS Spread Your Wings

CONTENTS 2

Highway Heroes

3

Stevens Recognition

4-5 Stevens Puts 2 in the Final Four 6-7 Meet Stevens 8

September Anniversaries July Driver Awards Paragon Employee of the Month

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT STEVENS

Heroes of the Highway I

n two separate incidents, three Stevens Transport drivers responded to life-saving calls that they are being remembered for as heroes and good Samaritans.

Stevens Driver - Royford Burris

On the evening of August 23, Royford Burris was traveling on U.S. Highway 63 in Arkansas, one day ahead of his delivery on a load to Orlando, Florida. He was focusing on a winding mountain descent when two cars ahead were ablaze and minutes from being fully engulfed in flames.

“I had communicated with my wife earlier in the day and told her that things were going well and the road was so calm,” Royford recalled. “Once I saw the cars, I knew that it was my duty to help in any way I could.”

Exactly one week later, Demetrice Reeves and his trainee Justin Ferreira were traveling to Hammond, LA for a repower load taking them to Punta Gorda, FL. A weaving car traveling at speeds greater than 85 miles per hour cut the team off before hitting the rear tandems of another vehicle and then a tree-lined shoulder, causing the car to become airborne. The out of control car then flipped and landed in a ravine.

“Once I saw the car in my mirror, I felt that something bad was about to happen,” Demetrice said. “I immediately started slowing down, and when I saw everything unfold, I knew that I had to help in any way that I could.”

Demetrice and Justin safely pulled over to the shoulder and ran to the car, forcefully opening the driver’s door to pull her out.

Demetrice carried the young woman over his shoulder until reaching the top of the road, where the team noticed she was in shock.

“I had heard many stories about situations like this one during my training, but never expected to experience it on the road,” Justin said. “I was glad that I was well-prepared to assist in any way I could in this situation.”

Yolanda Bryant, the mother of the female passenger, expressed her deepest gratitude for the drivers because, without them, her daughter would not have made it out of the accident.

Royford pulled his truck off to the side of the road and, with assistance from another motorist, extinguished the fire.

While he was able to free the occupants of one of the cars, a mother and her three children needed to be extricated by law enforcement from the other.

“These good-hearted men showed great character and I’m very appreciative of all of the assistance that they provided for my daughter. We are forever indebted to them, and are grateful for the amazing training that they received from Stevens.”

“I had to break windows and doors in order to get them out,” Royford said. “It was a scary scene but was very thankful for the support and assistance I received from the multiple police officers to help rescue them from their car. I made sure to stay at the scene until everything was clear, and continued on my way to deliver my load.”

Written by: Sidney Mireles

After driving about one mile down the road, two police cars pulled Royford’s truck over to the side of the road. The police stepped out of their car, profusely thanking him for his heroic actions.

Stevens Driver Demetrice Reeves and his trainee Justin Ferreira

STEVENS RECEIVES RENOWNED RECOGNITION S

tevens Transport, Inc. has recently been co-awarded the highly coveted General Mills’ Platinum Carrier of the Year for temperature-controlled services. This award is a “best of the best” honor that recognizes a carrier that supplies exemplary levels of service, capacity, and overall performance.

“Although COVID has disrupted our summit plans and we were forced to cancel, we did not want to let the opportunity pass to recognize our 2020 Carrier of the Year winners,” General Mill’s Director of North America Transportation Phillip West stated in an email. “Our team stacked up qualitative engagement and calculated the quantitative results across intermodal and Over-the-Road carriers, and we’re thrilled for the entire Stevens team to celebrate the award!”

This achievement was made possible through a team effort from both our internal associates and superior driver force that required hard work, commitment, and tireless efforts from all involved.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support in servicing one of our legacy strategic partners,” Vice Chairman Todd Aaron communicated in a company-wide email. “This is an extremely distinguished honor, and we are very thankful for your dedication and support.”

Written by: Sidney Mireles

TRANSITION Two Drivers Make History In Transition For the fifth consecutive year, Kenworth, FASTPORT, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will award one military veteran who has transitioned to the trucking industry with a Kenworth T-680 truck through the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award. This year, Stevens Transport has two fleet members who have advanced from top ten finalists – the first time two associates from the same carrier have been selected - to the prestigious final four.

“These drivers are truly America’s heroes,” Vice President of Driver Resources Angela Horowitz said. “We’d like to give special thanks to the service these two provided to our country, and are glad that these drivers chose Stevens to continue their new career with. The professionalism that these drivers display day in and day out is above and beyond and we look forward to seeing everything that Gail and Ray will accomplish during this process.”

Read more about the two finalists below!

Ray Miller Four days after graduating from high school, Ray Miller enlisted in the United States Army, where he would spend the next 26 years as an Active Duty Master Sergeant Infantryman. He served more than ten assignments and combat tours to the Middle East, Europe, Korea, and the Balkans.

“It was an honor to be responsible for taking America’s sons and daughters into combat and also bringing them home safely,” Ray said.

“I truly enjoyed my position in the military and wouldn’t have traded it for anything!”

After his honorable retirement in 2018, Ray decided to follow in his father’s footsteps by chasing the open road as a professional driver.

He obtained his CDL from Lone Star Community College in Spring, TX, choosing to begin his new career with Stevens Transport.

In his year and a half as a professional driver, Ray became an Independent Contractor with Stevens Transport CD, Inc. while also training other drivers to do the same. Ray looks forward to all of the continued success that awaits him with Stevens, in this industry, and with the Transition Trucking Award.

N TO FINAL 4 Trucking: Driving For Excellence Award “I am very humbled and honored to have been nominated for the award,” Ray stated. “Being selected to represent Stevens in the Top 4 of this prestigious award is just one step closer to being selected to receive the grand prize, which will excel my career to new heights!”

Gail Losee Gail spent 20 years in the United States Army and Army Reserves as a Captain O3, serving in multiple deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, and Asia.

“I was exposed to the transportation sector of the military early on in my career, and instantly fell in love with it,” Gail recalled. “I dedicated myself to learning as much as I could about this industry and was honored to hold the position of Captain O3 for my last four years.”

After retiring from the military in 2009, Gail’s entry point to the transportation industry was in the oil field. Missing the independence that came with being behind the wheel of a big rig, she knew exactly what the next step in her career would be.

“I made the decision to get my CDL at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic,” Gail replied. “It has been very fulfilling to be a part of the solution and making sure that the grocery store shelves are stocked during these challenging times. I’m looking forward to what is in store for me in this new journey!”

Gail is now a business owner and operates as an independent contractor with Stevens Transport CD. “I’m very appreciative of everyone at Stevens who supported my nomination for this distinguished award,” Gail said. “No matter the outcome, I look forward to representing both my company and my female counterparts in this industry in this award.”

Public voting goes live October 26 through November 11 on transitiontrucking.org. The top four, along with industry professionals and decorated military officials will gather at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. to for the award ceremony, where the winner will drive away in the Kenworth T-680 truck toward an entrepreneurial Owner-Operator career.

Written By: Sidney Mireles

#MEETSTEVENS Brandy Hutton Kentucky Office Dispatcher Brandy joined Stevens TL in September of 1996. She is recognized for her determination, which produces results, even in times of adversity. One of Brandy’s favorite parts of her job is speaking with drivers and offering them the opportunity to excel their career. When we asked Brandy what she attributes to her success, she said: “I set many goals for myself and my team to accomplish on a daily basis. We work hard to give everything our all every day and achieve these goals!” Brandy also passed along some sound advice to our new associates: “Be patient with yourself. This job is always changing and cannot be learned entirely in a day, month or year.” Outside of work, Brandy enjoys reading, watching movies & spending time with family.

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Colten Phillips Driver Recruiter - Lead

Colten joined the Driver Recruiting team in March of 2014. He is recognized for his leadership and the positivity he brings to his team and the department as a whole. One of his favorite parts of the job is helping drivers begin a life-changing career. When asked what he attributes to his success, Colten revealed that giving someone the chance to reach a new goal while “building and maintaining relationships with the drivers that I help get started” are what motivate him most. Colten’s advice for our new associates: “Stick with it. With patience and time, you will be able to achieve anything you put your mind to!” Outside of work, Colten enjoys watching Dallas Mavericks games, playing basketball and golf, and spending time with his wife and dogs.

Benjamin Loya-Rivera Trailer Body Shop Supervisor Benjamin joined Paragon Leasing in March of 2014. One of David’s favorite parts about supervising the Trailer Body Shop is that he truly believes that the sum is greater than its parts – the team is better when they work together and he tries his best to be the fairest supervisor he can be, pushing his crew to achieve daily goals. His advice for our new associates: “Always put your best foot forward, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. We’re all working toward the same goal, and your teammates are here to help in any way!”

Outside of work, Benjamin enjoys spending time with his family.

#MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Sidney Mireles

#MEETSTEVENS Kenny Harwell Company Driver Manager Kenny joined Stevens in August of 2017. One of the few Driver Managers who knows what life is like over the road, Kenny came to Stevens Transport with a combination of logistics experiences that make up his Driver Manager DNA. Knowing how crucial support from Operations is for drivers is what motivates him to be an uplifting mentor to his fleet associates while pushing them to reach their driving goals. Kenny’s advice for our new associates: “Whatever your position, always try to make the most out of it and have fun. Also, try to make someone happy along the way!” Outside of work, Kenny enjoys watching football and baseball, grilling, and spending time with his wife and six-year-old daughter.

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Terry Lee Shiplett Road Breakdown Manager

Terry joined Paragon Leasing in October of 2001. His astute knowledge of the ins and outs of the equipment Stevens Transport has over the road is what makes him an incredibly invaluable resource, and leader, to both companies. The evolving nature of maintaining new trucks and trailers means that there is always much to be learned and Terry finds that there is never a dull moment. “My daily goal is to look out for the best interest of both my department and Stevens Transport as a whole.” Terry’s advice for our new associates: “Always keep safety first! Also, learn from those around you, and retain as much information that you possibly can and apply it daily.” Outside of work, Terry enjoys spending time racing RC cars, riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and spending time with his wife, children, and dogs.

Bill White Service Coordinator Though Bill will celebrate his one-year anniversary with Stevens Transport on October 21, he has five years total under his belt, beginning with Stevens Tanker. His positive outlook and willingness to “go the extra mile” to support the Service team and customers are what make him a stand-out in Operations. In return, one of his favorite parts of working at Stevens is the family atmosphere. “The results of my work product are the most motivating. Also, working with a very supportive team really helps me successfully achieve my goals!” Bill’s advice to new associates: “Never be afraid to ask questions! It’s much easier to learn and do it right the first time than making consistent errors!” In his spare time, Bill enjoys refurbishing older furniture, remodeling his home, and working on older vehicles.

#MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Sidney Mireles

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION

Transport

Paragon

Chris Yarborough - ACCOUNTING - 28 Years Brandy Puckett - BROKERAGE (KY) - 24 Years Stephanie Works - ACCOUNTING - 22 Years Shannon Porter - DRIVER SERVICES (LEAD) - 20 Years Charmaine Edwards - TRAINEE SUPPORT - 20 Years Dante McCarther - SCHOOL - 16 Years Steve Spooner - REGIONAL OPS (LEAD) - 15 Years Bandi Dickerson - CLAIMS / INSURANCE - 15 Years Adam Solomon - DRIVER SERVICES - 15 Years Deb Zaccard - NIGHT DISPATCH - 13 Years Josh Golman - COUNSELOR - 13 Years Craig Angell - CUSTOMER SERVICE - 13 Years Jane Solimani - CUSTOMER SERVICE - 13 Years Lisa Sutton - BROKERAGE-DALLAS - 7 Years Jan Turner - DRIVER SERVICES - 7 Years Malynda Darden - COMPLIANCE - 7 Years Jerri McGee - EXECUTIVE SUPPORT - 7 Years James Kant - DRIVER ORIENTATION - 6 Years Cameron Rossetti - EDI - 6 Years Edgar Garcia - SAFETY - 5 Years

Larry Bradford - SAFETY LN(LEAD)- 29 Years Jose Martinez - TRAILER BODY - 23 Years Danny Havlik - TRUCK - 20 Years Jimmy Alley - ADMINISTRATION - 15 Years David Garcia - ADMINISTRATION - 15 Years Santana Carrera - TRUCK BODY - 14 Years Espiridion Crespo - ALLIANCE - 12 Years Ramiro Hernandez - TRUCK BODY - 12 Years Allen Foster - TRUCK - 10 Years Javier Herrera - ALLIANCE - 9 Years Aurora Lopez-Quance - ADMIN - 8 Years David Tamez - ROAD RESCUE - 7 Years Ricky Hernandez - TRUCK BODY - 7 Years Orlando Sanchez - TRUCK BODY - 7 Years Apolonio Lara - TRUCK BODY - 7 Years Alejandro Rivera - TRUCK - 5 Years

* Highlighting 5 years or more of service

JULY

Driver Awards Ali Al Rushidat

1st Place Contractor

Brandon Dixon

Runner Up Contractor

Jeffrey Demczuk

1st Place Trainer Of The Month

Byron Orange

Runner Up Trainer Of The Month

Christopher Dykowski 1st Place Company Driver

Michael May

Runner-Up Company Driver Of The Month

Thomas Coggins 1st Place Grad Driver

Britainy Fry

Runner Up Grad Driver

Liane & Roderick Thompson Team Drivers Of The Month

Onterio Sutton

1st Place Owner Operator Of The Month

Joseph Davie

PARAGON LEASING, L.P. EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

JOSEPH FLORES - SEPTEMBER 2020

Joseph joined Paragon Leasing in November of 2011 and is a Technician in the Truck Shop. Joseph is constantly finding new and inventive ways to complete his tasks while keeping a positive attitude, which boots morale throughout the office. His attendance is stellar and is constantly offering a helping hand when one is needed.

Stevens Transport and Paragon Leasing, L.P. are very proud to have associates like Joseph and are pleased to honor him as the Paragon Leasing Employee of the Month for September of 2020.

1st Place Dedicated Driver

Ron Hoffman

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