August Birds Eye Newsletter

BIRDS EYE NEWS AUGUST 2019

SPREAD YOUR WINGS

4

2 CONTENTS 2-3

GATS 2019

4-5

Transition to a Finalist

6-7

Dwight’s Distinguished Accomplishment

8-9

Contractor Division Massive Milestone

10-11 #meetstevens 12

Anniversaries June Driver Awards

8 Dates to remember 8/10 Spoil Your Dog Day 8/19 Mesquite ISD First Day 8/22 - 8/24 GATS 9/8 - 9/14 Driver Appreciation Week 9/27 - 10/20 State Fair of Texas

INDUSTRY NEWS

Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center Dallas, Tx

GATS IS HEADING TO TOWN! The Great American Trucking Show is celebrating its 20th year!

The show, taking place on August 22-24, an interactive and allencompassing public convention of trucking professionals, consisting of over 500 exhibitors that represent truck, trailer, engine, component and parts manufacturers. The goal of the event is to create an interactive, energizing environment entirely focused on trucking’s improvement.

Stevens hosted its first booth at the very first GATS in 1999. When speaking about the show, Contractor Division Business Recruiter and longtime GATS attendee Will Byrd said, “The show is in our hometown, so we want to make a big impact. We not only want to provide interested drivers with information about the different opportunities that Stevens offers, but to also have a visible presence in the marketplace.”

Award-Winning Company at GATS Not only are there many exhibitors at GATS, but there are also many awards that are given out at the event

Pride and Polish The first award, Overdrive’s Pride and Polish, is the premier truck beauty championship series in North America, recognizing creativity, excellence, and dedication to the truck driving profession. Participating trucks are cleaned, polished, accessorized, and customized from bumper to bumper with the hopes of winning the coveted first-place award.

Stevens has participated in this event for the past 10 years and has won many awards, including several first-place awards for Best in New Working Tractor and Trailer Combo Class.

Rookie of the Year

“I love participating in Pride and Polish every year,” Detail and Wash Department Manager Gabe Rosenthal said. “Participating in this event not only helps Stevens recruit interested drivers who are looking to advance in their truck driving career, but also show off the state-of-theart equipment that Steven offers their drivers.”

The second award, FASTPORT’s Transition to Trucking, recognizes

The final award, The Commercial Vehicle Training Association’s Rookie of the Year, focuses attention on the professionalism of drivers in the industry for less than a year. It also promotes truck driving as a viable career choice. Similarly, to Transition to Trucking, Stevens consistently has a top ten finalist for this award. This year, Stevens driver Dwight Arnold was selected as a top 10 finalist. Read Dwight’s story on page six!

veterans, guard members and reservists who have made the successful transition to the trucking industry following military service. The award, which is now in its 5th year, awards the winner a T-680 Kenworth truck, and two runner-up finalists receive $10,000.

Operation hours for GATS 2019 are Thursday - 12 PM to 5 PM, Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday - 9 AM to 4 PM. If you are attending GATS this year, make sure to visit us in the Recruiting Pavilion at Booth 3222!

Transition to Trucking

Keep up with Stevens at GATS through our social media pages, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Stevens driver Greg Softy was the recipient of this award in 2017, and received a brand-new Kenworth T680 truck, and has since been a driver mentor to our other finalists. Stevens driver Chris Young was a top-three finalist in 2018 and received a $10,000 check. Both of these finalists were presented with their awards at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. This year, Stevens driver Steve Harris was selected as a top ten finalist. Find out more about Steve’s story on the next page!

Written by: Sidney Mireles

2019 WINNERS

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT STEVENS

Transition to a Finalist

Stevens driver selected as a Transition to Trucking Top 10 July 9th, 2019 was another normal day for Stevens driver Steve Harris. He was sitting in his truck with his trainee waiting to get loaded when his phone lit up with a call from Stevens. He answered the phone, not knowing what to expect from the person on the other line.

Steve distinctly remembered that he instantly had a feeling of butterflies in his stomach. “I was hesitant to be nominated in the first place,” Steve said. “But I could not be more excited about the outcome!”

“Congratulations Steve!” Marina Garcia, former Driver Relations Manager, exclaimed. “You’ve been selected as a Transition to Trucking Top 10 Finalist! All of us at Stevens are very excited about this news, and we are so proud of you for this outstanding accomplishment!”

Steve was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. After he graduated from high school, Steve attended the Army Mountain Warfare School in Jericho, Vermont. Upon his graduation in 2002, Steve became a member of the United States Marine Corps and attended boot camp as a Single-Channel Equipment Operator.

Steve’s Story

After Steve completed boot camp, he was assigned to the Third Force Service Support Group based in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as a Multi-Channel Transmission Officer. After that assignment, Steve was deployed to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Platoon Sergeant. Four years later, Steve was deployed to Afghanistan to support Operation Enduring Freedom as a Radio Chief. Steve’s last assignment brought him full circle back to Okinawa, Japan, where he watched over the communication equipment for the Commanding General.

Throughout his military career, Steve achieved much success and received many awards, including: • ●Navy Unit Commendation - 2 Stars • ●NATO Medal • ●Combat Action Ribbon • ●Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal • ●Sea Service Deployment Ribbon - 7 Stars

Steve’s Personal Transition to Trucking

“Steve is a natural in this industry, and I believe his military experiences have related very well to his position,” Smokey Adams, Vice President of Operations said. “He has averaged more than 10,000 miles per month, and being new to this profession, that makes a strong statement about his drive and character.”

Steve was Honorably Discharged and released from active duty status in December of 2017. Steve returned home and started a new career as a corrections officer in Georgia. Although he enjoyed his position, Steve wanted a profession that would allow him more Brad Turner, Steve’s Driver Manager Operations Leader, personal freedom. also spoke highly of Steve and his accomplishments.

Steve researched the trucking industry, and it seemed to be the perfect fit for the checklist he had made for his next professional move. He registered for classes at Georgia Driving Academy and graduated with his CDL in June of 2018.

“After I graduated from GDA, I researched different trucking companies to see which one would be the best for me,” Steve said. “I decided on Stevens after seeing the immense amount of positive reviews, and the success of other drivers. The company colors are also my favorite colors, so that was also a great incentive.”

Ever since Steve joined the Stevens family, he has achieved much success, including being named Graduate Driver of the Month in October of 2018. Steve also made the decision to become a trainer in April of 2019.

“Part of my job in the military was training other Marines in their duties, and when I found out that Stevens offered that same position to their drivers, I jumped on the opportunity,” Steve said. “I’ve loved training, and can’t wait to see my students in their trucks on the road with me!”

“Steve’s attention to detail and his strong work ethic have made him very successful in his career as an Independent Contractor with our Contractor Division program,” Brad said. “We can always count on Steve and we are proud to have him as a member of our team!”

The top three finalists for the award will be announced at the Great American Trucking Show, taking place on August 22-24 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas, TX. Check for updates on the outcome of the winner on our many social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Written by: Sidney Mireles

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT STEVENS

Dwight’s Distinguished Accomplishment

Stevens driver selected as a Top Rookie Award Top 10 Finalist Dwight Arnold was on his way to pick up his next load that needed it on the front line. from a shipper in Eldridge, IA when he received a phone “The military taught me much about dedication, hard call that would positively change his day. work, and perseverance,” Dwight said. “Because of the nature of my job, I always had to be on my toes to make “Dwight! I’m excited to let you know that you have been sure that all of the ammunition was delivered on time. If I selected as a finalist for the Mike O’Connell Trucking’s failed at my job, essentially a domino effect would occur Top Rookie Award contest presented by Truckers News!” with everyone else’s job, so I had many people depending a Stevens representative exclaimed. on me.”

Stevens Driver and Top Rookie Finalist Dwight Arnold

“I was and still am completely shocked,” he said. “I did not expect this at all, but I’m ecstatic about this result and I can’t wait to represent Stevens among all of the other finalists!”

Dwight’s Strong Start Dwight was born in Kissimmee, FL and raised in Jacksonville, FL. In 2001, Dwight made the decision in 2001 to join the United States Army. Dwight was assigned as an 89B Ammunition Specialist in Fort Bragg, NC. As an Ammunition Specialist, Dwight was in charge of delivering supplies of ammunition anywhere in the world to anyone

Over the next 10 years, Dwight served in 3 different deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq and received many awards, including:● • Army Commendation Medal (Awarded 4 times)● • Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star● • Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two stars In between deployments, Dwight served as a Military Recruiter in Brunswick, GA. Dwight planned events with local high schools and colleges, gave public speeches, and organized meetings with community leaders to help recruit new talent into the army. Because of his

exceptional recruiting efforts, Dwight was awarded the Dwight’s Driver Manager, DeAnthony Montgomery, spoke Gold Recruiter Badge with two-star sapphires. high praise about Dwight’s success at Stevens.

Dwight’s last assignment in the Army was a Special Unit Transportation Officer at Fort Campbell in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. In this role, Dwight transported sensitive materials between Tennessee and Kentucky and trained workers in standards for hazardous material handling. Because of his considerable training ability and communication skills, Dwight was chosen to join the advanced travel training team for elite supervisors.

Dwight’s New Journey Dwight was Honorably Discharged and retired from the United States Army in August of 2014. Although Dwight had pursued other career paths after his retirement, none of them quite fit what he was looking for. Dwight wanted a profession that matched what he was already used to and allowed him to see his family more. Having experience in the transportation industry, he realized that a profession as a truck driver would be the perfect fit.

Dwight attended truck driving school at Tennessee Truck Driving School and graduated with his CDL in June of 2018.

While researching companies so that he could continue his trucking career, Dwight found Stevens Transport.

“Dwight is a driver that I know will complete every task presented to him with a positive attitude. He consistently delivers every load on time and is a very motivated and exemplary driver. I am glad to have him on my team!”

“Dwight has a commendable safety record,” Safety Director Larry Gandy said. “He is a driver who is attentive to detail and diligent in his duties, and who is able to quickly adapt to changing situations and circumstances that he faces while on the road. I can’t wait to see what else Dwight will accomplish at Stevens!”

The winner of this award will be announced at the Great American Trucking Show on August 22-24 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas, TX. Watch for updates on the outcome of the winner on our social media accounts, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Written by: Sidney Mireles

“I saw that Stevens offered top-quality training and had a very strong recruiting background, and both of those factors were highly impressive to me. I also watched many YouTube videos from Stevens drivers who had positive experiences, so I knew that it was the company for me.”

Dwight attended orientation later that month and received the keys to his solo truck in August of 2018.

Dwight quickly made the decision to open an independent trucking business under our Contractor Division one month after receiving his keys, and is currently a member of the Kraft dedicated fleet.

“Trucking has given me the opportunity to make a better home dynamic for me and my family. As for my future plans with Stevens, I’m hoping to start a fleet with 4-5 trucks. I also hope to build financial stability with my family, thanks to the financial success that I have had with trucking so far.”

Stevens Driver Dwight Arnold with his family.

Members of Stevens Contractor Division

Contractor Division’s Massive Milestone Team Celebrates Continued Growth

The Alliance Contractor Division of Stevens Transport recently reached a grand milestone! To date, the Division has helped create more than 10,000 independent businesses and has more than 700 independent contractors delivering goods across the country under their own independent business with the support of Stevens Transport.

For the next ten years, the Contractor Division saw consistent growth in its driver force, adding more than 100 independent contractors to the Division yearly. Similarly to other trucking companies, the Division saw a slower growth during the Great Recession in 2009. However, the growth restabilized in 2011 and has been stronger than ever.

The Roots of Success

Breakdown of the Business Class

The Contractor Division was created in 1997 under the direction of Archie Roberts, who is now the Director of Maintenance for PreAlliance and Alliance, and former Driver Manager Karen Anderson.

When the Division was established, there were 52 Owner Operators.

Within the first two years, the Contractor Division grew to over 300 Owner-Operators.

Archie explained that the process for a driver to join the Contractor Division was very different from the process that is in place today.

“Back then, a driver had to go through four interviews before they were accepted into the program. Our biggest form of marketing came from word-of-mouth. Drivers would inform other drivers, and soon enough, information about our Division spread like wildfire.”

As the driver force continued to grow, so did the questions from drivers about their business performance. In 2006, Bonnie Dorsey joined the Contractor Division team to help address those questions, as well as develop a curriculum for the highly-anticipated business class.

“The main goals of these classes are to help drivers expand their knowledge on operating their own independent business, as well as understand how to control their expenses while operating on the road.

These business classes have also helped senior drivers receive more education on how to improve their mindsets on their own businesses.”

The business class has now developed into three sections that are offered five days a week. The class curriculum includes lessons on truck maintenance, operations, fuel planning and management, bookkeeping and taxes, benefits, and contract information.

Adding More Talent to the Team To help continue the steady growth that the Contractor Division was seeing, the internal Contractor Division team is growing as well. Today, the Contractor Division team is comprised of approximately 30 members, ranging from Business Counselors, Driver Managers, Bookkeepers, and Recruiters.

“We are wanting to expand our inside team to not only evolve the talent that each member offers but also to have each driver issue solved in a timely manner,” Executive Director of the Contractor Division Bennett Aaron. “I believe that the growing team, along with the new auditing processes and management of priorities will help us with our continued growth.”

Will Byrd, Contractor Division Business Recruiter, credits the success of the Contractor Division to the hard work and dedication of every member of the team. “Every person in our team plays a vital role in a driver’s success, from the sales to the sales support. It truly is a team effort, and I am very thankful for my team every day.”

Driver Success in the Contractor Division The independent contractors in the Contractor Division have also seen great success this year. More than 90 contractors have completed their leases and have received lease completion checks, totaling over $600,000!

Timothy Ashby, a recent recipient of a lease completion check, is very thankful for the support he has received from the Contractor Division team.

“None of the success I have achieved today would have been possible without the Driver Managers I have had, and Mike [Sommer], my Business Counselor,” Timothy said. “The support that I have received from everyone else within the Contractor Division has been amazing and I could not picture myself anywhere else!”

Steve Vaughn, a new driver to the Contractor Division, loved the thoroughness of the Business Class and is excited to see where this new journey will take him.

“I love the setup of the Business Classes that the Contractor Division offers to their new contractors,” Steve said. “Each presenter did not add fluff to their presentations. They were straight to the point and were very knowledgeable about what they were presenting.”

If you or someone you know would like to join the Contractor Division, please contact Will Byrd at 972-629-4602.

Written by: Sidney Mireles

WALK AGAINST HATE WITH STEVENS TRANSPORT Join Stevens and the Anti-Defamation League for a two-mile walk as we come together to take a step in the right direction to publicly unite and stand up to hate.

September 15, 2019 Victory Plaza in Dallas, TX Check-in begins at 8:00 AM Walk begins at 9:30 AM To sign up for the walk, please email Sidney Mireles at smireles@stevenstransport by Aug. 23 with name, t-shirt size, and year of birth. Instructions to register online will be sent via email once your sign up. You must register online to participate!

#MEETSTEVENS Rachel Easley Director of Driver and Safety Services Rachel joined Stevens in August of 1984. She is recognized for her extensive knowledge of Stevens and the transportation industry and willingness to always help others. One of Rachel’s favorite parts of her job is knowing that her work makes a difference to her co-workers and Stevens drivers. When we asked Rachel about what motivates her to her continued success, she said: “I take pride not only in the work that I accomplish daily but also in the customer service that my team provides.” Rachel also shared some helpful advice for our new employees: “Keep punctuality at the forefront of your position.

Also, maintaining a positive attitude is a great key to success.” Outside of work, Rachel enjoys baking, crafting, and spending time with her friends, family, and grandchildren.

Haley Moses Driver Recruiter Lead Haley joined Stevens in June of 2014. She is recognized for her tenacity and dedication to recruiting the best drivers in the industry. One of Haley’s favorite parts of her job is having the opportunity to help a driver start a new career.

When we asked Haley about what motivates her to her continued success, she said: “My family members are my biggest motivators. They constantly push me to reach my highest potential, and I’m thankful for them every day.” Haley also shared some helpful advice for our new employees: “Always stay optimistic.

Some days may not be the best, but if you always put your best foot forward, it will not go unnoticed.” Outside of work, Haley enjoys spending time with her friends, watching Netflix, and cheering her husband on at his flag football games.

AJ Jalove Office Manager, Chicago II and Ohio II AJ joined Stevens in August of 2001. He is recognized for his positive and motivational attitude in the workplace. One of AJ’s favorite parts of his job is having the ability to run his offices independently, but knows that he can always call the corporate office for help and guidance. When we asked AJ what motivates him to his continued success, he said: “I am a father and husband who needs to provide for my family, and Stevens allows me to do that. I also love to see the expression of people succeeding in this business.” AJ also shared some helpful advice for our new employees: “There is nothing that can’t be fixed if it is communicated. We are a company that provides a service and are always searching for ways to improve. Work hard and find your niche.” Outside of work, AJ enjoys woodwork projects, reading, and collecting crosses.

#MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Sidney Mireles

#MEETSTEVENS Manuel Gomez Shop Mechanic Manuel joined Paragon Leasing in October of 2011. He is recognized for his hard work in the shop and willingness to lend a helping hand wherever one is needed.

One of Manuel’s favorite parts of his job is that every day is not the same; new challenges keep him on his toes at all times. When we asked Manuel about what motivates him to his continued success, he said: “My co-workers are my biggest motivators. I want to be someone that they look up to, and that pushes me to do my best every day.” Manuel also shared some helpful advice for our new employees: “Absorb as much knowledge about this industry that you can. There is something new that you will learn every day, so never stop asking questions!” Outside of work, Manuel enjoys spending time at his family’s ranch and riding four-wheelers.

Ben Winters Shop Manager Ben joined Paragon in November of 2015. He is recognized for his attention to detail and thoroughness of his work by ensuring all equipment on the trucks is up to date.

One of Ben’s favorite parts of his job is having the chance to learn something new every day. When we asked Ben about what motivates him to his continued success, he said: “I always put others before myself. If I can have some small role in helping someone else succeed and keep the company on a positive path moving forward, I know I am accomplishing my mission.” Ben also shared some helpful advice for our new employees: “Keep an open mind and always be willing to learn. Also, make sure to always look at the bigger picture, as you help shape it every day.” Outside of work, Ben enjoys participating in rodeos, along with training and selling horses.

Aaron Pinson Driver Manager Aaron joined Stevens in October of 2018. He is recognized for his excellent work ethic and devotion to his drivers. One of Aaron’s favorite parts of his job is coming up with new and inventive ways to help his fleet run more smoothly and efficiently. When we asked Aaron what motivates him to his continued success, he said: “My co-workers and my drivers are the driving force behind my success.

Both of these groups depend on me to make sure that my fleet is constantly moving, so that pushes me to reach my goals every day.” Aaron also shared some helpful advice for our new employees: “Learn as much as you can about your position and this industry, as there is something new to learn every day. Also, don’t be afraid of failure, as it helps you improve.” Outside of work, Aaron enjoys being outdoors, swimming, indoor rock climbing, and spending time with his friends. #MEETSTEVENS articles written by: Sidney Mireles

AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION

JUNE

Driver Awards Roberto Abreu

1st Place Contractor

Mac Farris

Runner Up Contractor

Justin Higgs

1st Place Trainer Of The Month

John Manoni

Runner Up Trainer Of The Month

Love Me Diego Accilien 1st Place Company Driver

Scott Charlton

Runner-Up Company Driver Of The Month

Jorge Crespo

Transport

Paragon

Gary Lide - PROPERTIES & ASSETS (LEAD) - 29 Years

James Deax - TRUCK - 27 Years

Denise Owens - BROKERAGE (HOUSTON) - 28 Years

Rifet Rizvic - TRUCK - 20 Years

Tina Simmons - EXECUTIVE SUPPORT - 26 Years

Ramon Sanchez - TRUCK BODY - 19 Years

Rachel Easley - DRIVER SERVICES (LEAD) - 25 Years

Alen Becirovic - TRUCK - 19 Years

Eugene Thomas - DRIVER TRAINING - 24 Years

Jerry Green - YARD / SECURITY - 13 Years

Kristie Wilson - RAIL - 23 Years

Robert Toye - ADMINISTRATION - 12 Years

Guy Ainge - ACCOUNTING - 21 Years

Deshon County - TRAILER - 12 Years

Ann Alegria - CUSTOMER SERVICE - 19 Years

Jose Perez - TRUCK - 11 Years

AJ Jalove - BROKERAGE - CHICAGO II - 18 Years

Frankie Mercado - TRUCK BODY - 11 Years

Wada Sykes - EDI - 15 Years

Kay Sifflet - TRAILER BODY - 10 Years

Jamie Stalls - CUSTOMER SERVICE - 14 Years

Moses Hernandez - ROAD RESCUE - 9 Years

Harmony Teel - CLAIMS / INSURANCE - 14 Years

Noe Martinez - TRUCK BODY - 8 Years

Dave Moore - PRODUCE TEAM - 14 Years

Luther Biggerstaff - TRAILER BODY - 8 Years

Allie Gilbert - ALLIANCE - 13 Years

James Johnson - ALLIANCE - 7 Years

Jeremy Dildy - DISPATCH - 11 Years

Joseph Fitzhugh - ROAD RESCUE - 6 Years

Mike Michalski - PRODUCE TEAM - 8 Years

Javier Godoy - ALLIANCE - 6 Years

Kat Hendricks - NIGHT DISPATCH - 8 Years

Robbie Green - TRAILER BODY - 6 Years

Tiara Williams - DRIVER OPERATIONS - 7 Years

Jose Briones - TRUCK BODY - 5 Years

Maruice Garcia - BROKERAGE (DALLAS) - 7 Years

Roberto Hernandez - TRAILER BODY - 5 Years

Mike Dawson - FUEL - 7 Years Albert Davis - TRAINING COUNSELOR - 6 Years Sherman Whitfield - SHUTTLE - 5 Years Valeria Alvarado - DRIVER TRAINING (LEAD) - 5 Years

Highlighting 5 years or more of service

1st Place Grad Driver

Miguel Nunez Sanchez Runner Up Grad Driver

Cody Howard & Michael Ross

Team Drivers Of The Month

Olayinka (Jimmy) Oyewole 1st Place Owner Operator Of The Month

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