March 2019 Newsletter

BIRDS EYE NEWS SPREAD YOUR WINGS

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MARCH 2019 CONTENTS 1

Stevens and Luna Lodge

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Weight Loss Challenge Results

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Soybean Truck Tires

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#MeetStevens

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March Anniversaries

Dates to remember 3/1 - Employee Appreciation Day 3/8 - International Women’s Day 3/17 - St. Patrick’s Day

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3/20 - First Day of Spring

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT STEVENS

STEVENS TRANSPORT AND LUNA LODGE PARTNER UP FOR SUCCESS! Stevens is happy to announce that Luna Lodge is our new primary partner in providing hospitality services to our students and drivers! This facility will exclusively provide rooms to Stevens Transport.

Luna Lodge is conveniently located just a few miles down the road, directly off of US HWY 80. The facility will soon be known as “The Driver City” - a community where our drivers will have everything they need within arm’s reach. Luna Lodge has 114 rooms and currently features memory foam king, double queen, and twin bed options. Additional amenities include: free Wi-Fi, pool, multiple common areas and full service restaurant - giving our drivers a great place to relax and recharge. Luna Lodge is excited about this great new partnership and has plans to continue renovating and upgrading amenities to provide the ultimate hospitality experience. Current upgrades underway include adding a common, self-service kitchen area, T-check cashing systems and ATM machines.

This is a major collaboration for Stevens Transport as we continue to make strides to strengthen driver benefits! We want to ensure that each person is as comfortable as possible while they are away from their families and beginning their new, exciting careers. A special thanks to Jami Peterson, our hard-working Hotel Coordinator, for all of her dedication and leadership in executing this enhanced partnership.

Written by: Chernario Torres and Mario Robertson

STEVENS TL HIGHLIGHT

STEVENS TRANSPORT LOSES 1,025 POUNDS OF DEAD WEIGHT! Participants in the Stevens Total Loss Challenge for 2019 lost a total of 1,025 pounds in just six weeks – doubling the amount of weight loss from 2017 when the original Biggest Loser Contest started. The Total Loss Challenge began on 1/4/19 and ended on 2/14/19.

Tony Thigpen, Dallas Office Manager, initiated the idea for the new Total Loss Challenge after moving from Stevens Transport to Stevens Transport TL in 2018. Tony wanted to find a better way to have a contest where all offsite offices and divisions of Stevens could participate, and everyone could be brought together in the spirit of camaraderie to work toward one goal – better health and total weight loss.

Tony came up with the name of the contest from the way the Total Logistics team answered the phone “Stevens TL,” and thought it would be appropriate to use the “TL” to represent Total Loss. Stevens Transport Total Logistics Director Matt Gray embraced the idea, and the Stevens Total Loss Challenge was born.

“It was so amazing to see the amount of people participating this year from all different departments determined to meet their weight loss goals,” said Thigpen. “I can’t wait until the next challenge to see more hilarious team names and more amazing results.”

Stevens Transport would like to thank everyone who participated in the Total Loss Challenge and made it such a huge success. A very special thank you to Bennett Aaron, who offered a free boot camp class to all participants to help motivate them as they continue to move forward with completing their weight loss goals.

If you see any of the participants around the office or yard, please be sure to congratulate them on their accomplishments.

Written by: Carrie Saks and Chernario Torres

Final Winners Winners - Women

Men - Winners

Percentage Winners

Team Winners

Candace Collins - 27 lbs Sherry Orsborn - 23.8 lbs Sarah Haynes - 23.2 lbs

Smokey Adams - 33.6 lbs Kenneth (Kenny) Harwell - 28 lbs

Smokey Adams 1st Candace Collins - 2nd

A Team 5 Guys No Fries Heavy Haulers

INDUSTRY NEWS

Is the Future of Truck Tires Riding on Soybean Oil? According to a February 6th, 2019 article in Transport Topics, the future of truck tires might amount to a hill of beans – soybeans that is! Within the next few years, tires for the commercial trucking industry may be manufactured in part using soybean oil as a component, instead of petroleum.

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. announced at their recent annual Customer Care Conference that soybean oil appears to be among the most promising components for use in alternative methods of truck tire manufacturing. The article states that during the manufacturing process, petroleum is currently used to form synthetic rubber and polymers. In passenger and light-truck tires, these synthetic polymers make up 24% of the produce, and in truck tires, 11%. Goodyear has been researching and testing the use of soybean oil to replace petroleum for several years now and has been manufacturing the Assurance WeatherReady passenger tire using soybean oil since 2017.

According to a spokesperson for Goodyear, there are several benefits of using soybean oil: • Keeps the rubber compounds very pliable and soft in changing temperatures, especially in very cold weather • Improves manufacturing efficiency • Reduces energy consumption • Saves the equivalent of 414,000 gallons of petroleum, or what could be hauled in 12 railcars According to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, it takes about seven gallons of oil to create a standard passenger or light-truck tire. Goodyear predicts that a commercial truck tire could be manufactured with soybean oil within the next five years.

Soybean oil is currently used in a wide range of food products, including cooking oil, salad dressings, margarine and mayonnaise. It also is used in printing ink and oil-based paints.

Written by: Carrie Saks

According to some 2017 statistics from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co: • 8% of a typical automobile tire weight consists of oil • Soybean oil improves manufacturing efficiency and reduces energy consumption • 40K-60K bushels of soybeans are estimated to be consumed in initial tire applications • Farmers in 30+ U.S. states grow soybeans–the nation’s second largest cash crop • American farmers produced nearly 11 million tons of soybean oil--about 20% of the world’s output of the commodity • In 2017, soybean land for harvest in the U.S. was estimated at 88.7 million acres and growing

#MEETSTEVENS Andrela Kelly Customer Service Assistant Andrela joined Stevens Transport in January of 2018. She is recognized for her upbeat personality and ability to connect with others. Andrela is a professional at forming solid relationships with our clients as well as her peers. She has a courageous spirit that reflects through her personality and builds company morale. When we asked Andrela what she enjoys most about her role and what motivates her for success she explained; “I enjoy building new relationships with vendors, receivers, and my peers. My family and being customer focused keeps me motivated to push for success.” Andrela also shared some helpful advice for our new employees; “Take plenty of notes and don’t be afraid to ask questions. We have a lot of knowledgeable individuals here at Stevens that understand what it feels like to be new. We have all been there in those shoes before.” Andrela is a proud mom of a senior in high school and a registered nurse. Outside of work, she enjoys live music and sightseeing.

Austin Allison Customer Service Representative Austin joined Stevens Transport in March of 2014. Austin is recognized for his integrity and accountability. He does an outstanding job at ensuring and striving for complete customer satisfaction for our Cargill, Foster Farms, OK Foods, and Sanderson Farms accounts. When we asked Austin what he enjoys most about his role and what motivates him for success he explained; “I like that I am a part of a demanding department (Meat Department). It continually challenges me on a daily basis to be at my best. My motivation comes from my father. He has always taught me - that if you are going to do a job you do it right. This has always stuck with me on any task that is put before me.” Austin also shared some helpful advice for our new employees; “Get to know your team, ask questions if you are not sure. You will find that everyone is willing to help.” Austin is married and has 2 active toddlers. Outside of work, he enjoys listening to music, watching movies, football, and spending time with family on the soccer fields.

Connor Maas Freight Broker-Dallas Connor joined Stevens TL in August of 2018. He is recognized for his drive and determination.

Connor is fearless and thrives well under pressure. He works hard to fulfill low truck capacity areas and remains focused until the job is done. When we asked Connor what he enjoys most about his role and what motivates him for success he explained; “I enjoy working as a team to create solutions for problems that may arise as well as building relationships with other trucking companies. Just being a part of a great team motivates me to work hard for my co-workers and to not let them down.” Connor also shared some helpful advice for our new employees; “Learn as much as you can about each aspect of the business. Try not to get in the habit of being one dimensional and ask plenty of questions.” Outside of work, he enjoys playing basketball, tennis, and watching UT sports.

#MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Chernario Torres

#MEETSTEVENS Jim Adams Trainer Mentor Jim joined Stevens Transport in June of 2003. Jim is recognized for his knowledge and willingness to help others. His determination is often represented in the wisdom he instills in our trainers and the support that he provides to our trainees. When we asked Jim what he enjoys most about his role and what motivates him for success he explained; “Although I am no longer teaching on a truck, I still enjoy helping others that are going through difficulties. My best motivation comes from when the trainers stop by my office and tell me how well they are doing or if they are need of a little direction.” Jim also shared some helpful advice for our new employees; “Don’t be afraid to jump in and get involved.

Try not to use phrases like “you guys” or “your department” when discussing issues or problems. We all work for Stevens and it takes everyone working together as a team to move freight safely.” Jim is married with 4 daughters and 4 grandchildren. Outside of work, he enjoys sightseeing with family, sporting events, and is a big Texas Longhorn football fan!

John Wood Alliance Shop Lead John joined Paragon Leasing in March of 2003. He is recognized for his punctuality and leadership skills. He works selflessly to ensure that trucks are being serviced quickly and his peers are up to speed on knowledge and company standards. When we asked John what he enjoys most about his role and what motivates him for success he explained; “I enjoy that every day is a new challenge whether it is repairing trucks or finding new ways to complete tasks. My motivational factor is to prove to myself that I can move up further in the company and that hard work pays off.” John also shared some helpful advice for our new employees; “Push yourself to do the best in your job and respect everyone! The guy washing trucks could be your boss one day.” John is married and has 2 kids. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, hunting, and working on old cars with his son.

Marta Croom Nunez Road Breakdown Coordinator Marta joined Paragon Leasing in October of 2002. She is recognized for her dedication and commitment. Marta is responsive to the needs of our drivers and works hard to maintain our equipment. She is patient and goes over and beyond to ensure that drivers have an understanding of the situation. When we asked Marta what she enjoys most about her role and what motivates her for success she explained; “I love helping our drivers! I understand what it’s like to be stranded, or not understand an issue. The explanations that we share are things that are beneficial and can help them for the rest of their career. Making sure that things go smoothly to meet on time delivery keeps me motivated and sharp.” Marta also shared some helpful advice for our new employees; “Challenge yourself. If you are not learning something new every day, you are doing it wrong.” Marta is married with 6 kids and some amazing grandchildren. Outside of work, she enjoys life out on the lake, listening to music, and relaxing by the fire. #MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Chernario Torres

MARCH ANNIVERSARIES

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION

Transport Larry Bench - DISPATCH - 31 Years

Audie Delgado - ADMIN LEAD - 24 Years

James Daniel - TRUCK - 5 Years

TR Kelley - BROKERAGE (HOUSTON) - 26 Years

Francisco Hernandez - YARD SECURITY - 19 Years

Dzevad Suljakovic - TRUCK - 5 Years

Robin Douglass - DRIVER QUAL - 18 Years

Robin Treece - ALLIANCE - 18 Years

Ben Loya-Renova - TRLR BODY - 5 Years

Carlos Rodriguez - EQUPMNT MANAGEMENT - 14 Years

John Wood - ALLIANCE - 16 Years

Lewis Zaragoza - TRUCK BODY - 5 Years

Todd Ellison - DEDICATED OPERATIONS - 9 Years

Tim McKnight - ALLIANCE - 14 Years

Sean Gannon - DRIVER OPERATIONS - 8 Years

Raymond Johnson - TRAILER BODY - 14 Years

Iretta Powell - COMPLIANCE - 7 Years

Bobby Armstrong - TRUCK - 12 Years

Maggie Sandoval - COMPUTER - 6 Years

Raul Gonzalez - TRUCK - 11 Years

Javan Ross - DRIVER TRAINING - 5 Years

Danny Barrett - SAFETY LANE - 11 Years

Austin Allison - MEAT TEAM - 5 Years

Hamdija Hadzic - TRUCK - 9 Years

Colten Phillips - DRIVER RECRUITING - 5 Years

Jesus Gonzalez - TRUCK - 9 Years

Paragon

Christi Lyon - ADMIN - 7 Years Alex Hugle - TANKER - 7 Years

Pedro Medellin - TRAILER BODY - 28 Years

Joe Jefferson - TRLR BODY - 6 Years

Bruce Jackson - TRAILER BODY - 27 Years

Mike Nguyen - TRUCK BODY- 6 Years Highlighting 5 years or more of service