May Newsletter

BIRDS EYE NEWS SPREAD YOUR WINGS

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MAY 2019 CONTENTS 2-3

Supply Chain Degrees Increasing

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Sam Creech Retirement

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Ramped- Produce Season

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#MeetStevens

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May Anniversaries

Dates to remember

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5/5 - Cinco de Mayo 5/12 - Mother’s Day 5/18 - Armed Forces Day 5/27 - Memorial Day

INDUSTRY NEWS

Supply Chain Management Degrees on the Rise: Stevens Transport Steps Up College Recruiting Game!

Supply chain management is a fast-growing field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs in supply chain management will grow 7 percent in the next 10 years.

Understanding logistics, managing transportation and operations, and gaining effective interpersonal skills and relationships are some of the key things students learn in supply chain management degree programs, according to an article on BestColleges.com.

In 2016, Datausa.com reports the total number of supply chain management degrees awarded rose 15.2 percent to 7,669. According to Gartner research, from 2014-2016, the full-time student enrollment in the Top 25 supply chain programs rose 43 percent from 8,500 to 12,200.

While there is no exact data on the new offerings launching at U.S. colleges, it does appear that at least 125 colleges and universities are ramping up their supply chain and logistics coursework and career pathways. The driving factors are student interest and employer demands.

According to surveys by the National Association of Colleges and Employees (NACE), 40 percent of employers surveyed expect to hire supply chain graduates in the next year.

Supply Vs. Demand: A Talent Shortage Almost every large-scale corporation operates a supply chain, so it is crucial to have enough supply chain talent entering the field. According to a 2017 DHL survey, the available jobs outpaced the pool of talent by a ratio of 6-to-1. This deficit is the result of changing skill requirements, an aging workforce, lack of talent development, and a perception that supply chain jobs are not exciting.

Grooming talent for future supply chain careers involves more than just recruiting college students into the major. It involves a combination of raising awareness of the profession at a young age, reaching out to women and other minorities, teaching the right mix of classes and skills, and getting the students appropriate job experience or internships during college. The relationship between employers and supply chain college programs is key and more critical than in most other college programs.

Stevens Transport’s College Recruiting Season As an industry leader and on the cutting edge of recruiting and hiring trends, Stevens Transport has stepped up its college recruiting game. This was a busy season with key staff attending multiple college supply chain recruiting events at schools such as University of Arkansas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and University of North Texas.

Stevens Transport representatives attended networking mixers and breakfast sessions, met with and interviewed potential student candidates for both internships and post-graduate jobs, and also gave seminars and presentations. In addition, students were invited to the Stevens campus for hands-on tours of our operations.

Senior Director , David Stemm speaking to 2019 Spring Recruitment Group

“We knew going into the Spring 2019 college recruiting season that we’d need to broaden our reach to connect with the best and the brightest students in our region,” said David Stemm, Senior Director for Stevens Transport. “Stevens is a strong player in the Metroplex from a recruiting standpoint, but getting boots on the ground in Lubbock, College Station, and returning to Fayetteville and Denton, really gave us a chance to network with some outstanding candidates. The Spring 2019 class is one we’re especially excited to see on our campus after graduation – we know they’ll be making a major impact in no time!”

Written by: Carrie Saks

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT STEVENS

SAM CREECH LOGS OFF FOR GOOD AND CLOCKS OUT! Stevens Transport said farewell to our former Vice President of Information Technology, Sam Creech, who retired on March 22, 2019 after over 22 years of service. Sam was honored and recognized for his stellar career and contributions at a company-wide retirement celebration.

After he graduated college, Sam realized he had a passion for both computer programming and the truck driving industry. Throughout his career, he held several different positions at different trucking companies, including computer operator, trucking software salesman, and finally found his home here at Stevens.

“I will miss my crew as well as everyone else I’ve interacted with,” said Creech. “I really enjoy doing things for people, making things easier, answering questions and helping them out. It’s been a great ride, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

During his retirement, Sam will continue to pursue one of his hobbies—collecting and repairing antique clocks. If you have ever walked into Sam’s office, you might have seen some of the clocks he repaired hanging on the walls. Sam started this hobby more than 10 years ago. He currently has 100 clocks that he has collected and has not had the time to repair yet. With all this extra “time on his hands” he hopes to have them up and running by the next Watch and Clock Show in DFW.

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OVER YEARS OF SERVICE

Written by: Sidney Mireles

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT STEVENS

Super Bowl in July!

Stevens Transport gears up for the “Super Bowl” of the freight season It’s that time again. Temperatures are rising, days are getting longer, and shippers are gearing up for a busy produce season. Produce season in the U.S. typically begins in February and continues through July. It can be defined as the time period in which the largest volume of fruits and vegetables are harvested and shipped to food manufacturers, grocery stores, and other vendors across the country.

Growing and harvesting kicks off in Mexico, and we start to see an influx of produce imports into the U.S. in February. The produce wave moves to the southeastern states, southern Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, and southern California in late March and continues to move north as temperatures rise.

American consumers have also come to expect fresh produce on store shelves during this season. Produce accounted for 34% of total fresh sales for grocers last year, second only to the meat department, according to the United Fresh Produce Association trade group. In recent years, a more sophisticated supply chain has led to the growth of commodities available 12 months a year. A huge farm industry spanning North and South America produces perishables such as grapes, berries, and vegetables that are packed and shipped to local supermarkets.

“Produce requires exceptional attention to detail from everyone on our team,” Director of Operations Dan Dietter said. “Since all produce loads are very temperature and time sensitive, they are closely monitored by both the drivers and the produce team. A few degrees off can greatly affect the integrity of the product and can cause the load to be rejected at the receiver. Factors such as these will have the produce team at Stevens Transport working 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Because crop volumes increase from spring to early summer—and because of the time-sensitivity involved in shipping fresh fruits and vegetables—demand for transportation rises while available capacity shrinks. Refrigerated trucks are highly sought after, and shippers pay higher rates to secure them. “In a market with seasonal freight moving, a minimum 10 to 15 percent increase in rate is very common in the spot market world,” Matt Gray, Director of Stevens Transport TL, said. “The added rates get more drivers on the road to meet the added demand for truck capacity.”

Written by: Sidney Mireles

DON’T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BAGEL RUN! HOSTED BY THE DALLAS AARON FAMILY JCC jccdallas.com

-MAY 12, 2019 -SIGN IN FROM 7-8 AM/ RACE @ 8:15 AM -FREE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY (STEVENS WILL COVER THE COST) EMAIL SMIRELES@STEVENSTRANSPORT.COM W/ YOUR NAME, SHIRT SIZE, AND YEAR OF BIRTH IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SIGN UP!

#MEETSTEVENS Josie Garza Driver Recruiter Josie joined Stevens Transport in June of 1999. She is recognized for her dedication, wisdom, and her loyalty. Josie is described by her coworkers as “one of the most productive and diligent employees in the Driver Recruiting department.”

When we asked Josie what motivates her to continue the success she has had so far, she said: “My family at home as well as my family here at Stevens.

My mentor, Angela, was a big help to me by showing me the ins and outs of the trucking industry.” Josie also shared some helpful advice for our new employees: “Come into your position with an open mind and have a willingness to learn as much as you can.” Outside of her job, Josie enjoys spending time with her two children, Jerry and Vickie Garza, as well as her granddaughter, Elizabeth Garza.

Armando Barrera Truck Body Shop Supervisor Armando joined Paragon Leasing in 2006. He is recognized for always meeting the goals in the body shop as well as his hard work in monitoring the employee productivity to help meet deadlines. One of Armando’s favorite parts of his job is being able to think of different and inventive ways to help improve productivity.

When we asked Armando about what motivates him to his continued success, he said: “My success has to do with me learning from my mistakes in life.

I also always think about where I was when I started, how far I have come to now, and where I see myself in the future.” Armando also shared some helpful advice for new employees: “It takes time, but eventually your hard work will pay off.” Outside of work, Armando enjoys fishing with his 10-year-old son, having cookouts at his home, and spending quality time with his wife of 15 years, his 16-year-old daughter, 10-year-old son, and 5-year-old daughter.

Toni Crite Freight Broker-Florida Office Toni joined Stevens TL in May of 2018. She is recognized for her excellent communication skills as well as her timeliness to meeting all of her deadlines. Toni’s favorite part of her job is every day is not always the same routine. She gets to experience different challenges that keeps her focused and sharp. When we asked Toni what motivates her for success, she explained: “It is simply having the desire to do a good job each day! I go home feeling accomplished and that I have completed the Stevens mission in some way.” Toni also shared some helpful advice for our new employees, “Never be afraid to ask questions, you can you never ask too many! Also, know that your co-workers will support you in any way possible!” Outside of work, she enjoys relaxing and spending time at home with her family.

#MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Chernario Torres & Sidney Mireles

#MEETSTEVENS Weena Davis Accounting Clerk Weena joined Stevens Transport in 1996. She is recognized for always having a positive attitude and is always willing to help others . Weena has gained much knowledge about the accounting part of the businesses, as well as how to connect with her peers and grow together as a team. When we asked Weena about what motivates her for success, she explained: “I believe each employee has a role in this company that helps Stevens achieve success.” Weena also shared some helpful advice for our new employees: “Be patient and gather as much information about your tasks. Also, be optimistic and remain open minded, because tomorrow is a new day.” Outside of work, Weena enjoys watching sports (especially football and the Dallas Cowboys), volunteering for church events, and relaxing.

Michael Dawson Company Admin Michael joined Stevens Transport in August of 2012. He is recognized for his commitment and willingness to help others throughout the workplace. Michael has a dual role that supports not only Stevens Transport, but also our Tanker Division. We appreciate his efforts to remain dependable and responsive to the needs of his peers and our drivers. When we asked Michael what he enjoys most about his role he explained: “I enjoy the responsibility of making sure our systems run as smooth as possible, being able to troubleshoot and correct issues, and be a person the team and our drivers can depend on to get things done.” Michael also shared some helpful advice for our new employees: “Always come to work with a great attitude and the desire to put your best foot forward.

Ask questions when you don’t understand, and don’t be afraid to learn new things, even if it’s not a part of your daily tasks.” Michael is a proud father of a beautiful daughter! She is set to graduate high school this year and will attend Clark University in Atlanta. Outside of work, he enjoys co-hosting an online radio show, acting, and most recently will star in a full-length movie that will premiere this May!

Cori Cockrell Body Shop Detailer Cori joined Paragon Leasing in April of 2018. She is recognized for her hard work and attention to detail within the workplace. Cori enjoys the people that she works with because they help make her days very enjoyable. When we asked Cori what motivates her for success, she explained: “I always strive to do the best job when it comes to anything that I am tasked to do. So, when trucks are going out in a timely manner, I know that we are doing our job right!” Cori also shared some helpful advice for our new employees: “Work hard and enjoy what you’re doing. That will ultimately lead to having fun in your position.”

Outside of work, Cori enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

#MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Chernario Torres & Sidney Mireles

MAY ANNIVERSARIES

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION

Transport

Paragon

Phyllis Lewis - COMPUTER - 23 Years

Julie Davis - ADMINISTRATION - 15 Years

Thavian Godwin - DISPATCH - 18 Years

Izet Samardzic - TRUCK - 12 Years

Russell Hogue - DRIVER OPERATIONS - 18 Years

Andrew Pierce - TRUCK - 12 Years

Becky Martinez - OPERATIONS SUPPORT - 16 Years

Bill Fruit - TRAILER - 11 Years

Tonya Nelson - DRIVER RECRUITING - 15 Years

Thomas Overstreet - PARTS (LEAD) - 7 Years

Josh Middleton - NIGHT DISPATCH - 14 Years

Mikhail Dunn - TRUCK - 6 Years

Robert Gooseberry - SHOP SAFETY - 13 Years

Lorenzo Saldana - TRAILER - 6 Years

Tysha Rose - DRIVER RECRUITING - 13 Years

Steven Austin - ROAD RESCUE - 5 Years

David Williams - DRIVER OPERATIONS - 7 Years

Tracy Shiplett - ROAD RESCUE - 5 Years

Linda Koceja - ALLIANCE - 5 Years Kevin Bradshaw - NIGHT DISPATCH - 5 Years Highlighting 5 years or more of service