Oct 2020 Birds Eye Newsletter

October | 2020

BIRDS EYE NEWS Spread Your Wings

CONTENTS 2

Driver Pay Increase!

3 4

Happy Retirement Earland

5

Driver Shortage

Stevens Community Support

6-7 Meet Stevens 8

October Anniversaries August Driver Awards Paragon Employee of the Month

DALLAS (November 16th, 2020) – To show appreciation and commitment to their driving force, Stevens Transport, the largest refrigerated trucking company in Texas and North America's premier multi-modal, temperature-controlled freight carrier, will reward their drivers with a major pay increase in all divisions.

“During the past year, our drivers have shown incredible commitment and fortitude. To show our gratitude and appreciation, effective November 16th, 2020 we will be raising the pay for our drivers by as much as 14%, in our OTR, dedicated, regional and team divisions,” said Clay Aaron, President.

“Our success as an organization is a direct result of our professional driving force. They are handling increased demand and delivering for our customers every day. Our new pay package rewards them for their hard work and dedication.” Said Angela Horowitz, Vice President of Driver Resources.

“Bringing new drivers into the industry is extremely important. And our pay increase will also apply to our newest drivers as well. First year drivers will see pay increases of 14%, allowing them to earn up to $60,000 in their first year out of school,” she added.

Starting pay under the new compensation plan, year one drivers earn .42 up to .48 depending on division of assignment.

In the OTR division you could earn up to 54 cents per mile depending on your experience level. Drivers in the dedicated division can top out at 62 cents per mile depending on the division and experience level. Regional drivers earn up to 55 cents per mile under the new pay package and Teams in the expedited division can start out as high as 56 cents per mile.

“And to all of our new drivers in orientation, we are excited to have you join the Stevens Transport Family. We are confident that our increased pay package, superior equipment, coupled with multiple driving opportunities will result in an incredibly successful career,” added Clay Aaron.

Stevens Transport has been consistently ranked in the top 100 of largest for-hire carriers in the United States and Canada, and services the largest Fortune 500 food distributors in the world with a network of operations throughout North America, Canada, and Mexico.

To learn more about Stevens Transport, visit www.stevenstransport.com.

Stevens Transport honors the professional driving career of Earland Blake, who retired after 19 years and over two and a half million safely traveled miles with Stevens Transport.

Recalling his experiences over the years, Earland expressed his appreciation for the support and guidance he received from his Stevens family. “I would not be where I am today without my entire Stevens team. My Driver Managers, Steve Lewis and Kenneth Harwell, have been my biggest cheerleaders while I have been out on the road, always calling and checking up on me, and helping me navigate all of the speed bumps that I may encounter. They have truly made my experience at Stevens a memorable one, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world!”

Kenny commended Earland’s positive attitude and willingness to help in any situation. “I was lucky to have Earl on my fleet because he always made my job a bit easier. His daily jokes were always a highlight in my day, and he will be missed daily by all of us in the office!”

Earland’s retirement plans include tending to his parents’ farmland with his sister and Frankenberry, his sidekick. “Although I will miss my Stevens family and being behind the wheel, I’m excited to move back home and take on this new chapter in my life. I’m especially looking forward to spending time outdoors and catching up with my family, since most of our interactions have been over the phone!”

Congratulations on all of your success Earland, and best wishes during your retirement!

Written by: Sidney Mireles

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT STEVENS

Stevens Supports the Community The COVID-19 pandemic has placed immense pressure on food banks across the nation to increase the amount of food distributed to individuals and families who have been impacted by the economic fallout, in addition to those already food insecure. According to Feeding America, the largest charitable food assistance bank in America, roughly four out of every 10 people visiting food banks had not received food assistance prior to the pandemic.

“Hunger in this country existed long before COVID-19, but the pandemic has thrust more and more of our neighbors into food insecurity,” Feeding America’s CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said. “Food banks are responding to a sustained, increased demand, but we are asking for the continued support from all of our community members.”

For forty years, Stevens has partnered and continues to partner with customers, shippers and receivers to donate products deemed “undeliverable” but acceptable by donation standards, to local food banks, soup kitchens, and religious organizations.

“One of my favorite parts of my job is seeing how much these donations help our many partners across the country,” OS&D

Manager Robert Rodriguez said. “During these crucial times, these places can use all of the donations that they can get, and it’s very fulfilling knowing that my team, along with the driving force of Stevens, can be a small part of that!”

The Rock Food Distribution Ministry, one of the many community partners that Stevens regularly donates to, has been able to provide meals for over 500,000 people each year because of the countless donations provided by Stevens.

“This year has truly been the most pressing year for all food items, but especially meats due to the countless shortages and price increases, along with the losses of jobs,” Manager Bryan Schultze said. “With the support of Stevens Transport, we have been able to provide everything each family could need for a week, which provides them to use their resources on rent, utilities, and anything else they needed during these very uncertain times!”

Written by: Sidney Mireles

Driver Shortage No Match For Stevens Transport T

ruck drivers are often looked to as the glue that holds supply chains together. The ongoing driver shortage plaguing for-hire carriers and the transportation industry at large ranked first on the American Transportation Research Institute’s annual list of top Industry issues, which was revealed at the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition.

ATRI, a not-for-profit research institute, noted that fleets’ difficulty in hiring is being exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as the retirements of thousands of drivers, state motor vehicle departments’ inability to test and process new CDL applicants, and the market’s redistribution offreight are coalescing to further stress the pool of available drivers.

“The year 2020 can unequivocally be described as the most chaotic and unpredictable time period in many decades,” the report states. “Despite the recession brought on by the pandemic in early 2020, freight demand is returning to pre-COVID levels and early indicators are showing that the shortage will soon return to the levels experienced in recent years.”

This is the fourth consecutive year when industry executives, professional drivers, and fellow industry stakeholders have recognized the driver shortage as the top industry issue. Investing indriver retention, attracting new talent, and embracing technical advances in the industry are onlysome of the many accommodations that industry professionals have offered to solve this issue.

Hours of service, which had ranked in the top three in recent years, fell to 10th place on ATRI’s list, replaced this year by truck parking, which is now third. Concerns about parking have worsened during the pandemic as drivers, especially in March, April and May, struggled to find hot food and a place to rest. Ranking fourth was the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability system, which for years has drawn the ire ofsome in trucking. Rounding out the top five issues for the overall list was the rising cost and availability of insurance.

Although the shortage is hardly breaking news, Stevens Transport continues to hire and train with no stop in sight. Stevens has endless opportunities for drivers at every level. If you or someone you know would like more information about pursuing a professional driving career with Stevens Transport, please call our Recruiting Department at 800-333-8595 or visit our website at stevenstransport.com.

Written by: Sidney Mireles

#MEETSTEVENS Elizabeth Cooper Lead Resident Instructor Elizabeth joined Stevens in October of 2011 as a driver and was hired on as a Resident Instructor in January of 2019. Her desire to teach others in a field she has mastered herself is personal – she knows how challenging this industry is and feels great pride for each graduating class. “Everyone at Stevens Transport motivates me to constantly produce success in my role,” Elizabeth said. “I strive to instill confidence in the new drivers and am determined to teach the drivers everything I can so they are set up for success!” Her advice for new associates: “Stevens has put policies in place that they know work. Make sure to follow these procedures, and you too will be successful!” Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with animals, gardening and decorating her home.

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Allie Gilbert Contractor Division Contractor Relations Manager

Allie joined the Insurance department in August of 2006. In a career pivot after more than ten years with Stevens, she was confident in her breadth of experience with safety and risk to take on a role supporting drivers also looking to take their career in a new but familiar direction. She now mentors professional drivers interested in becoming Owner Operators. “Seeing our drivers’ continued success and receiving their Lease Completion Bonus payouts at the end of their lease is what drives my success,” Allie mentioned. “Our program is essentially life-changing for our drivers, and being a small part in that is very fulfilling!” Her advice for new associates: “Ask many questions, and always looks for opportunities to learn things about the company as a whole, not only your job. When she is not working, Allie enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, three-year-old son, and her nieces and nephews.

Rachel Bowman Claims Office Assistant Rachel first joined Stevens in 2015 with our Insurance department and returned in 2019 after a brief hiatus. Her previous experience here coordinating insurance coverage in accident cases set her up to hit the ground running once she was back in the Claims/Insurance saddle. Her twin boys, along with the many departments that depend on her to do her job correctly and efficiently, are why Rachel strives to succeed on a daily basis. Her advice to new associates: “Be open-minded to constructive criticism. Remember it’s not personal!” Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending quality time with her family, hunting with her husband and enjoying the beauty of nature.

#MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Sidney Mireles and Morgan Aaron

#MEETSTEVENS Christopher Rohrbach Freight Broker - Dallas Originally from the Houston area, Christopher joined the Stevens TL Dallas office after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Economics. Finding solutions to the unforeseen new challenges that arise daily is just one of the many things that Christopher enjoys about his position. “My success is due largely in part to knowing that I can always be better at what I’m doing,” Christopher stated.

“I know that I have achieved success when the trucks I find provides our customers with great service not just once, but every day!” Christopher’s advice to new associates: “Come in with a positive mindset and attitude. There are many uncertainties in this industry, so when things go wrong, don’t get discouraged.

Keep your head up and keep pushing!” Outside of work, Christopher enjoys playing golf and tennis and spending time with his friends.

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Jimmy Trevino Productivity Supervisor

Jimmy joined Paragon Leasing in May of 2020. As Productivity Supervisor, Jimmy’s job is to find opportunities across all shops to improve efficiency. A technician by trade, Jimmy comes with years of managerial experience, including Shop Foreman. Jimmy discussed what drives his desire to succeed: “The opportunity to be better is my main motivation. I try to put forth my best effort in my career to be able to say that I’ve done everything I can to better those around me and give my family the best life possible. If I’ve helped one person be a better version of themselves each day, that’s a win in my books!” Jimmy also passed along some advice for our new associates: “Embrace every day as an opportunity to be better than yesterday. Always keep an open mind and stay humble!” When he is not working, Jimmy enjoys cooking and BBQ-ing, woodworking, and traveling with his wife and three children.

Jennifer Temple Associate Director of Maintenance Jennifer began her career with Stevens Tanker in May of 2019, and was recently promoted to her current position with Paragon Leasing in February of 2020. Jennifer’s positive attitude and determination to accomplish all tasks in a timely manner are what her peers admire most about her. Being a part of the constant change that is in the transportation industry is what Jennifer enjoys most about her position.

“Success is what motivates me to do a good job,” Jennifer replied. “Knowing that my hard work and perseverance will help me achieve greater professional success is what drives me every day!” She also passed along some sound advice to our new associates: “Always begin and end your day with a positive mindset. This, along with consistently giving your best to every task, will help you achieve great success!”

When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her wife, daughter, and pets.

#MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Sidney Mireles and Morgan Aaron

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION

Transport

Paragon

Keith Davis - OPERATIONS SAFETY - 28 Years Shawna Askins - ACCOUNTING - 22 Years Michelle Gilbert - CLMS/INS (LEAD) - 21 Years Mike Schneider - MEAT TEAM - 14 Years Blake Crowder - SCHOOL - 9 Years Red Sanderson - DRIVER OPERATIONS - 9 Years Esmeralda Noriega - DRIVER RECRUITING - 9 Years Mike Mistishen - FUEL - LEAD - 8 Years Sonya McAvey - DEDICATED OPERATIONS - 8 Years Tim Stefaniak - CUSTOMER SERVICE - 8 Years Jamey Palmer - CUSTOMER SERVICE - 7 Years Mickey Woodruff - MEAT TEAM - 7 Years David Ault - DRIVER ORIENTATION - 7 Years Kevin Navejar - DEDICATED OPERATIONS - 6 Years Robert Givens - OPERATIONS SAFETY - 6 Years Billy White - MEAT TEAM - 5 Years

Terry Shiplett - ROAD RESCUE (LEAD) - 19 Years Art Blacketer - TRUCK BODY (LEAD) - 19 Years Marta Croom - ROAD RESCUE - 18 Years Gregory Norman - YARD / SECURITY - 14 Years Brandon Woods - TRUCK (LEAD) - 12 Years Javier Lopez - TRUCK BODY - 12 Years Ferid Sakanovic - TRAILER BODY - 11 Years Josh Hall - TRAILER - 9 Years Brian Dixon - ALLIANCE - 9 Years Jose Rivera - TRUCK - 9 Years Manuel Gomez - ALLIANCE - 9 Years Robert Holmes - TRAILER - 5 Years

AUGUST

Driver Awards Vincent Payne

1st Place Contractor

Steven Myers

Runner Up Contractor

Scott Menard

1st Place Trainer Of The Month

Kasmilo Dominico

Runner Up Trainer Of The Month

David Reardon

* Highlighting 5 years or more of service

1st Place Company Driver

Steven Anderson

Runner-Up Company Driver Of The Month

Philip Bartlett

1st Place Grad Driver

Alan King

Runner Up Grad Driver

Chris McGhee & Cortez Green Team Drivers Of The Month

Christopher Graham 1st Place Owner Operator Of The Month

PARAGON LEASING, L.P. EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

PEDRO BARILLAS - OCTOBER 2020

Pedro Barillas joined Paragon Leasing in June of 2014 as a Technician in the Trailer Shop and after a series of promotions, is now a Leadman.

Pedro is always seeking to grow both personally and professionally, lending a hand and guidance to others looking to do the same. His consistent attendance record is a shining example and his willingness to take on extra work is admirable. Stevens Transport and Paragon Leasing, L.P. are very proud to have associates like Pedro and are pleased to honor him as the Paragon Leasing Employee of the Month for October of 2020.

Ashley Earl

1st Place Dedicated Driver

Dale “Bob” Lockry

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