April Birds Eye Newsletter

BIRDS EYE NEWS SPREAD YOUR WINGS

APRIL 2019 CONTENTS

2

2

Women in Trucking Trends

3

Floyd Jones, Sr. Retirement

4

Safety First

5-6

#MeetStevens

8

April Anniversaries

Dates to remember 4/2 - International Children’s Book Day 4/7 - World Health Day 4/22 - Earth Day

4

3

INDUSTRY NEWS

PROBLEM SOLVED???

Congress Considers Lowering Legal Age to Drive Across State Lines to 18 to Address Driver Shortage The DRIVE-Safe Act was introduced to Congress in late February to modernize federal law and address the driver shortage in the trucking industry. The act, if approved and signed into legislation, will also increase safety training for young truck drivers. The bi-partisan bills introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate would allow CDL holders under the age of 21 to cross state lines for interstate operations.

Currently, states allow drivers to get a commercial CDL and operate Class 8 trucks at age 18. However, federal regulations prevent those same younger drivers from crossing state lines until they turn 21. The American Trucking Association fully supports this bill and advocates that it will help ease the driver shortage. According to a March 5, 2019 article in Trucker News by David Hollis, trucking companies will need nearly 900,000 additional drivers over the next decade. The growing shortage is affecting the transportation and cost of goods for all consumers, as plants lack timely transportation for manufactured products, shipping is delayed, and current drivers are strained.

If approved in both houses and signed by the president, the legislation would also create training routines for under-21 drivers.

Those requirements include:

• 400 hours of on-duty time with an

experienced trainer

• 240 hours driving with an experienced trainer Trucks used for this training must have active braking systems, forward-facing video recorders, and speed limiters set to no more than 65 mph.

We will continue to keep you informed on the status of the Drive-Safe Act. Stay tuned for more details.

Abel Ortiz Current Stevens Transport Contract Driver

Written By: Carrie Saks

Stevens Transport: An Industry Leader Among Women in Trucking Trends In recent years, the trucking industry has seen an increase in female drivers behind the wheel, on the desk in fleet operations and in management offices.

According to the Women in Trucking (WIT) index (an organization created to encourage women to enter the trucking industry and to reduce the friction that exists easing into the market segment), the percentage of female drivers increased from 7.13% in 2016 to 7.89% by the end of 2017. The representation of women in management-related desk jobs increased from 23% in 2016 to 23.75% percent by December 2017.

Stevens Transport is proud to be an industry leader and boast much more equitable ratios of female employees. As a company, we are comprised of 52% male and 48% female employees, and specifically in the trucking operations support roles, we consist of 63% male and 37% female employees.

Women Recognized as Industry Leaders According to a recent article in Transport Topics by Marissa Gamache, four women are among the 18 drivers chosen by the American Trucking Association as members of the 2019-20 America’s Road Team–representing the largest contingent of women ever selected to the team of industry ambassadors. Compare this ratio to the 2017-18 where the team consisted of 19 men and only one woman. Each of the four women chosen recognized the importance of her role as representing not just the trucking industry, but more specifically, the role that women play in it.

Written By: Carrie Saks

Lajasmine Cox Half of the Stevens Transport 2018 Team of the Year

Stevens Transport Leads Industry

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT STEVENS

FLOYD JONES, SR. HAPPY RETIREMENT FLOYD FROM YOUR STEVENS TRANSPORT FAMILY

Stevens Transport driver Floyd Jones Sr. recently retired at age 74 after 32 years of service. The veteran driver logged more than 5.5 million miles over the course of his driving career with no major Department of Transportation accidents. Jones was honored and recognized at a company-wide retirement celebration.

“Floyd has been part of our family for 32 years here at Stevens Transport and is a true legend,” said Angela Aaron Horowitz, Vice President of Stevens Transport, Inc. “Not only is he among the top percentage of excellent professional drivers, but Floyd has trained hundreds of generational drivers for our company. His passion and love for his career has left an indelible mark at Stevens, and he leaves an incredible legacy in the industry.”

According to Jones, “Trucking is like a relationship. You get out of it what you put into it. I put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears.” He advises new drivers to, “Pick up on time. Deliver on time. Have a positive attitude and be honest with everyone, including yourself. Know that this career is one that you truly want, not one you think you might want. You better love it. If you love it, you will do it right.”

Not only will Jones be missed by his Stevens Transport family, but also by our long-term clients. Zoe Bracey, Plant Logistics Manager for General Mills Convenience & Foodservice, sang Jones’s praises. “Floyd was such a pleasure to work with. He was so energetic and always willing to go above and beyond. Not many drivers come around like Floyd. He was a fantastic representative of Stevens Transport, and we are sorry to see him go. Hopefully with all the places he has seen driving across the country over the past 32 years, he has figured out the perfect spot to retire and enjoy his free time.”

Written By: Carrie Saks

STEVENS SPOTLIGHT - SAFETY

Safety First!

STEVENS TRANSPORT CALLED OUT BY THE KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY! Each week, Stevens Safety Department Manager Laign Orros sends out a weekly CSA message that addresses various violations, including speed, speed in construction zones, failure to obey traffic control devices, etc. So, when Safety Supervisor Robert Givens got a call from a Kansas DOT employee, he expected it to be a complaint.

To his surprise, it was a different kind of call. The employee explained he was working on US 400 in an active construction zone where many drivers were speeding and not obeying the signs.

He specifically called to congratulate Stevens Transport drivers for safely driving through the construction zone, consistently slowing down and turning on hazard lights, and for making his day much safer and less stressful!

“I was very happy to receive this call and was excited to be able to share this positive message to let our drivers know what an awesome job they are doing,” said Givens.

At Stevens Transport, safety is our top priority. We would like to congratulate and recognize our entire Safety Department as well as our drivers for a job well done!

Written By: Carrie Saks

SPRING DRIVING SAFETY TIPS FROM OUR SAFETY DEPARTMENT Our drivers made it through the winter months and the treacherous driving conditions that come along with snow, ice and major storms. Spring driving may be less dangerous in general; however, it brings a new set of driving challenges.

There are more motorcycles and bicycles on the roads, and more pedestrians are out walking. Road repair and highway maintenance start up again. Icy conditions can still exist if temperatures dip overnight.

Rain and hail storms are common, and more animals appear in the warmer weather, many just coming out of hibernation.

Here are a few tips to remind our drivers as spring arrives:

• Watch your speed, as more construction zones are present.

• Look out for dangerous road conditions, especially potholes

and uneven payment that were

hidden by the winter weather.

• Be careful of slippery road

conditions from spring showers

that can cause hydroplaning and

increase the distance it takes to

stop safely. Excessive rain can

also cause flooding.

• Be extra cautious of hailstorms

that can shatter your windshield,

especially while driving through

hail-belt states (Wyoming,

Colorado, Kansas and Missouri).

Be careful this spring, but don’t forget to enjoy the view from the road of the lush greenery and flowers in bloom around our beautiful country!

#MEETSTEVENS Jackson Wood Recruiting/School Admin Jackson is quickly approaching his 1-year anniversary with Stevens on April 2nd! We are excited at the accomplishments he has achieved thus far and would like to recognize him for his team work and determination. When we asked Jackson what motivates him for success, he explained: “Independent success is good, but succeeding as a whole speaks volumes. So, I take pride in making sure my reports are as accurate and frequent as possible, allowing the department as a whole to succeed.” Jackson also shared some helpful advice for our new employees, “Stevens can be a very face-paced environment, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Just remember that everyone here was once in your shoes.” Outside of work, he enjoys watching football and spending time with family and friends.

Ricardo Leon AS400 Programmer Ricardo is also approaching his 1-year anniversary with Stevens on April 16th!

We recognize Ricardo for his willingness to help others and strong problemsolving capabilities. He is highly skilled at creating solutions that are beneficial to many departments throughout Stevens. When we asked Ricardo what he enjoys most about his role he explained; “I am a user advocate and I enjoy what I do! I am passionate about providing systems that make users jobs easier and less time-consuming.” Ricardo also shared some helpful advice for our new employees, “Remain focused and do your best at whatever your position is. Don’t allow any distractions to deviate you from your job goals. That is something you have the power to control.” Ricardo is a proud pet parent of beloved dogs Bellita and Pepa and most recently adopted Chula from Longview, Texas. Outside of work, he enjoys volunteering to organize networking and social services for graduates of Tecnologico of Monterrey.

Steve Medrano Customer Service Representative Steve joined our Operations Department in November of 2016. He is recognized for his hard work and dedication within the workplace. His peers describe him as the “ultimate pro” at keeping our customers readily informed and connected from start to finish. When we asked Steve what motivates him for success, he explained: “Servicing our customers and exceeding their expectations is my overall motivation. My goal to make sure their freight is delivered ontime.” Steve also shared some helpful advice for our new employees, “Pay attention to minor details. Those minor details can help you solve or prevent a problem from even occurring.”

Outside of work, he enjoys sports, sightseeing, trying new foods, and staying fit.

#MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Chernario Torres

#MEETSTEVENS Sarah Ridgeway Freight Broker- Chicago II Office Sarah joined Stevens TL in February of 2012. She is recognized for her networking capabilities and building healthy relationships with carriers. As a Freight Broker, she has mastered how to create long-lasting relationships to ensure loads are delivered on time and profits are maximized. When we asked Sarah what she enjoys most about her role, she explained: “Hands down the best part about my job is the relationships that are created. Relationships and connections are very important to me and I love the sense of community that it brings. Helping a carrier with truck coverage or a peer/management, it’s all helping. We create a sense of trust and I believe that’s what makes us/Stevens TL so successful.”

Sarah also shared some helpful advice for our new employees, “Have a positive attitude and smile! This will keep you focused, alert, and energetic along the way.” Sarah is a proud mother of four amazing daughters ages range from 18 to 11 years old. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, yoga, and binge watching her favorite shows.

Christi Lyon Payroll Administrator/Billing Coordinator Christi recently celebrated her 7-year anniversary with Paragon on March 5th! She is recognized for her accuracy and time-management skills. Christi plays a dual role for Paragon and works efficiently to juggle her responsibilities with precision.

When we asked Christi what she enjoys most about her role she explained: “I love everything about my position! I enjoy balancing more than one thing, setting my daily goals, and staying busy.” Christi also shared some helpful advice for our new employees: “Be eager to learn new things and embrace everything asked of you! If we are not optimistic, we will never learn new things or grow in our career.”

Christi is married and has 4 busy boys! Outside of work, she enjoys attending her sons sport/band events, photography, and spending quality time with family.

Ricky Hernandez Body Tech/Body Shop Safety Coordinator Ricky joined Paragon Leasing in September of 2013. He is recognized for his positive attitude and dedication within the workplace. Ricky works hard on a daily basis and has a great attitude while doing so. Even when challenges arise and the pressure is at an all-time high, he continues to push through with an open mindset. When we asked Ricky, what motivates him for success he explained: “I like to maintain a consistent level of productivity and take both my successes and failures in stride, while learning from both. My family and keeping our drivers safe on the road as they provide for their families is the foundation of my motivation.” He also shared some helpful advice for our new employees, “Be positive. Don’t give up, and keep a clear head and mind.”

Ricky is married and has three amazing children ranging from the ages of 12-23 years old. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time with family.

#MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Chernario Torres

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION

Paragon

Transport Kathy Whitaker - ACCOUNTING (LEAD) - 35 Years

Aaron Feiser - OPERATIONS SAFETY - 14 Years

Emir Dizdarevic - TRUCK - 21 Years

Deb Malison - ACCOUNTING - 34 Years

Lana Hall - ALLIANCE - 13 Years

Juan Monsivais - TRAILER - 27 Years

Tracy Frederick - BROKERAGE - INDIANA - 29 Years

Brian Ladd - NIGHT DISPATCH - 13 Years

ADavid Cepak - TRAILER BODY - 16 Years

Wendy Timbes - ACCOUNTING - 28 Years

Jim Potter - DRIVER RECRUITING - 13 Years

Carlos Flores - TRUCK BODY - 14 Years

Kip Gandy - OPERATIONS SAFETY - LEAD - 24 Years

David Taylor - DRIVER ORIENTATION - 11 Years

Chad Rangel - TRUCK BODY - 12 Years

Richard Bishop - DISPATCH - 22 Years

Keyshona Haggerty - CLAIMS / INSURANCE - 9 Years

Fraunce Goree - ROAD RESCUE - 11 Years

John Brandt - COMPUTER - 19 Years

Steve Tomacelli - NIGHT DISPATCH - 9 Years

William Rivera-Schettini - YARD SCRTY - 11 Years

Mike Unser - SCHOOL - 19 Years

Mike Somer - ALLIANCE - 9 Years

Emory Billingslea - PARTS - 11 Years

Cindy Dennis - CLAIMS / INSURANCE - 17 Years

Ashley Schaper - MEAT TEAM - 7 Years

Oscar Jaramillo - TRUCK - 9 Years

Tammy Carroll - CLAIMS / INSURANCE - 16 Years

Angela Price - EDI - 6 Years

Jeffrey Birl - TRUCK BODY - 7 Years

Mark Bush - NYC ROUTING - 15 Years

David Drew - COMPUTER - LEAD - 6 Years

Aaron Hunt - ADMINISTRATION - 5 Years

Chad Muzzillo - SCHOOL - 14 Years

Andre Hancock - DEDICATED OPS - 5 Years Highlighting 5 years or more of service