General Archives - Stevens Transport https://www.stevenstransport.com/about/news/category/news-general/ Premier Temperature Controlled Carrier headquartered in Dallas, TX Tue, 06 May 2025 15:56:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.stevenstransport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cropped-cropped-StevensFavicon-32x32.png General Archives - Stevens Transport https://www.stevenstransport.com/about/news/category/news-general/ 32 32 Rhoden Named 2025 TCA Professional Driver of the Year https://www.stevenstransport.com/about/news/rhoden-named-2025-tca-professional-driver-of-the-year/ Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:11:20 +0000 https://www.stevenstransport.com/?p=6451 Stevens Transport’s Gerald Rhoden Wins Prestigious 2025 Driver Award Stevens Transport proudly announces that veteran driver Gerald Rhoden has been named a 2025 Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Professional Driver of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes drivers who have made a lasting impact on the trucking industry and their communities. With an outstanding 26-year career […]

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Stevens Transport’s Gerald Rhoden Wins Prestigious 2025 Driver Award

Stevens Transport proudly announces that veteran driver Gerald Rhoden has been named a 2025 Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Professional Driver of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes drivers who have made a lasting impact on the trucking industry and their communities.

With an outstanding 26-year career and over 4.8 million collision-free miles, Gerald Rhoden exemplifies professionalism, safety, and mentorship. His dedication to excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including Trainer of the Year, Trainer of the Month, and Driver of the Month. Over the past 24 years, he has mentored more than 200 drivers, passing on technical skills, work ethic, and respect for the profession—leaving an enduring legacy in the industry.

Originally from Jamaica, Gerald’s passion for mechanics began on his family’s farm, leading him to earn honors in aircraft engineering before embarking on his successful trucking career. Despite his professional achievements, he remains deeply connected to his roots, giving back to his community and carrying a profound sense of gratitude in all he does.

“Gerald Rhoden is the embodiment of what it means to be a professional driver. His commitment to safety, mentorship, and excellence has set a standard in our industry,” said Angela Horowitz, Vice President of Stevens Transport. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate his well-deserved recognition as TCA’s Professional Driver of the Year.”

Stevens Transport proudly celebrates Gerald Rhoden for his recognition at the 2025 Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Among top industry professionals, Gerald was honored as a 2025 TCA Professional Driver of the Year—an award that reflects his dedication, excellence, and impact on the road. Stevens Transport is grateful for his outstanding contributions and his role as a superb representative of our company.

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Entire Fleet Transitioning To Hybrid Battery Solution https://www.stevenstransport.com/about/news/entire-fleet-transitioning-to-hybrid-battery-solution/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:12:50 +0000 https://www.stevenstransport.com/?p=6249 New Partnership Between Stevens Transport and Dragonfly Energy Stevens Transport, North America’s leading temperature-controlled carrier, is pleased to announce its partnership with Dragonfly Energy to integrate innovative lithium-ion battery technology into its fleet operations. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of Stevens Transport’s transportation solutions. While many companies […]

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New Partnership Between Stevens Transport and Dragonfly Energy

Stevens Transport, North America’s leading temperature-controlled carrier, is pleased to announce its partnership with Dragonfly Energy to integrate innovative lithium-ion battery technology into its fleet operations. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of Stevens Transport’s transportation solutions.

While many companies in the transportation industry remain focused on the full electrification of fleets, Stevens Transport and Dragonfly Energy are championing a more immediate and attainable approach: hybrid electrification. This strategy combines a combustion engine alongside lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, providing a cost-effective, sustainable solution that enhances fleet performance and decreases operational costs.

By adopting Dragonfly Energy’s lithium-ion batteries, Stevens Transport is taking bold strides toward a greener and more efficient future. The advanced battery technology provides several key advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries, including longer lifespan, lighter weight, and faster recharging times. These benefits align perfectly with Stevens Transport’s commitment to delivering reliable and environmentally conscious transportation services.

The integration of lithium-ion batteries allows Stevens Transport to reduce maintenance costs and improve the overall operational efficiency of its fleet. With the ability to charge batteries more quickly, drivers experience less downtime, ensuring timely deliveries and enhanced customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the lighter weight of these batteries contributes to improved fuel efficiency, lowering overall operating costs and reducing the environmental impact of Stevens Transport’s operations.

“At Stevens Transport, we are dedicated to leveraging innovative technologies that drive efficiency and sustainability in our operations,” said Nick Forte, Vice President of Maintenance at Stevens Transport. “Partnering with Dragonfly Energy enables us to stay at the forefront of the industry by adopting solutions that benefit both our business and the environment.”

This initiative underscores Stevens Transport’s leadership in setting new standards for sustainability in the logistics industry. As the company continues to embrace cutting-edge technologies, it reinforces its reputation as a forward-thinking and responsible transportation provider.

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Shipping Hope For Hurricane Flood Victims https://www.stevenstransport.com/about/news/delivering-hope-for-hurricane-flood-victims/ Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:50:55 +0000 https://www.stevenstransport.com/?p=6212 Collaboration Addresses Livestock Feed Concerns Mesquite Championship Rodeo and Stevens Transport Assist North Carolina Hurricane Flood Victims Stevens Transport recently demonstrated its commitment to community support by delivering an impressive 42,000 pounds of livestock feed to victims of flooding in North Carolina. This significant effort was made possible through a collaboration with the Mesquite Championship […]

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Collaboration Addresses Livestock Feed Concerns

Mesquite Championship Rodeo and Stevens Transport Assist North Carolina Hurricane Flood Victims

Stevens Transport recently demonstrated its commitment to community support by delivering an impressive 42,000 pounds of livestock feed to victims of flooding in North Carolina. This significant effort was made possible through a collaboration with the Mesquite Championship Rodeo. Stevens Transport Vice President of Operations, Smokey Adams, facilitated the cross-country delivery. Eric Cooper, a member of the Stevens Transport driving force since February 2023, delivered the livestock feed to South Carolina.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which left Western North Carolina devastated, Stevens Transport handled the logistics of the massive feed delivery. Rodeo officials mobilized to collect the vital supplies for the farmers and ranchers in need. Mesquite Police & Fire escorted Cooper and the truck through Texas to ensure the safe passage of the supplies to the Louisiana state line where he continued to the delivery destination in SC.

Through the partnership of Stevens Transport and the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, a significant difference was made in the lives of those affected by the flooding, reinforcing the importance of community and collaboration in times of crisis.

Texas governor Greg Abbott recognized these efforts with a letter of appreciation to Stevens Transport and the rodeo for their “profoundly positive impact farmers, ranchers, families and communities” by showcasing “the spirit of our state on a nationwide scale.”

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Stevens Transport Aids North Carolina Flood Victims https://www.stevenstransport.com/about/news/stevens-transport-aids-flood-victims/ Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:26:24 +0000 https://www.stevenstransport.com/?p=6170 Mesquite Championship Rodeo and Stevens Transport Team Up Stevens Transport recently demonstrated its commitment to community support by delivering an impressive 42,000 pounds of livestock feed to victims of flooding in North Carolina. This significant effort was made possible through a collaboration with the Mesquite Championship Rodeo. Stevens Transport Vice President of Operations, Smokey Adams, […]

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Mesquite Championship Rodeo and Stevens Transport Team Up

Stevens Transport recently demonstrated its commitment to community support by delivering an impressive 42,000 pounds of livestock feed to victims of flooding in North Carolina. This significant effort was made possible through a collaboration with the Mesquite Championship Rodeo. Stevens Transport Vice President of Operations, Smokey Adams, facilitated the cross-country delivery. Eric Cooper, a member of the Stevens Transport driving force since February 2023, delivered the livestock feed to South Carolina.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which left Western North Carolina devastated, Stevens Transport handled the logistics of the massive feed delivery. Rodeo officials mobilized to collect the vital supplies for the farmers and ranchers in need. Mesquite Police & Fire escorted Cooper and the truck through Texas to ensure the safe passage of the supplies to the Louisiana state line where he continued to the delivery destination in SC.

Through the partnership of Stevens Transport and the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, a significant difference was made in the lives of those affected by the flooding, reinforcing the importance of community and collaboration in times of crisis.

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Stevens Receives General Mills OTIF Carrier of the Year Award https://www.stevenstransport.com/about/news/stevens-receives-general-mills-otif-carrier-of-the-year-award/ Wed, 11 Sep 2024 12:34:23 +0000 https://www.stevenstransport.com/?p=6078 DALLAS (September 10th, 2024) – Stevens Transport, a premier transportation and logistics company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is thrilled to announce its consecutive win of the prestigious General Mills On Time In Full (OTIF) Temperature Carrier of the Year Award for 2024. This esteemed recognition is a testament to Stevens Transport’s unparalleled commitment to delivering […]

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DALLAS (September 10th, 2024) – Stevens Transport, a premier transportation and logistics company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is thrilled to announce its consecutive win of the prestigious General Mills On Time In Full (OTIF) Temperature Carrier of the Year Award for 2024. This esteemed recognition is a testament to Stevens Transport’s unparalleled commitment to delivering time-sensitive perishable products with exceptional service.

This award is given to carriers who consistently exceed General Mills’ high standards for temperature-controlled transportation, ensuring the timely and full delivery of sensitive products. This accolade recognizes Stevens Transport’s unwavering dedication to setting the service KPI bar for our service-critical customer.

“We are honored to receive the General Mills OTIF Temperature Carrier of the Year Award for 2024,” said Todd Aaron, Vice Chairman of Stevens Transport. “This award underscores the dedication and excellence of our entire team, who consistently deliver top-tier, white glove service.”

Since partnering with General Mills in 1992, Stevens Transport has consistently expanded its service offerings to meet the evolving needs of this valued client. Our combined dedicated team, coupled with our state-of-the-art equipment has allowed us to deliver superior service for 32 years. Our commitment to excellence, backed by a dedicated team and state-of-the-art equipment, has consistently earned Stevens Transport top honors, including multiple General Mills Temperature Controlled Carrier of the Year awards and was the inaugural recipient of the prestigious OTIF award in 2019, 2023, and now 2024.

“Being honored with the 2024 OTIF award two years in a row, solidifies our commitment to excellence and is an example of why we have earned the trust of numerous businesses across diverse industries. Our company’s ability to seamlessly integrate multi-modal services into the supply chain, combined with dedication to technological innovation and sustainability, positions Stevens as a preferred partner for companies requiring a high level of execution in their transportation and logistics services,” added Todd Aaron.

Winning the 2024 General Mills OTIF Carrier of the Year Award reaffirms Stevens Transport’s commitment to customer satisfaction and solidifies our standing as a leader in the transportation industry. To learn more about how Stevens Transport can enhance your supply chain with award-winning services, visit www.stevenstransport.com or contact us today.

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Operations & Customer Support Teams Get the Gold! https://www.stevenstransport.com/about/news/operations-customer-support-teams-get-the-gold/ Fri, 23 Aug 2024 15:26:05 +0000 https://www.stevenstransport.com/?p=6188 Stevens Transport had the honor of being a global core logistics partner with The Coca-Cola Company, assisting in the delivery of custom gold smartwater bottles to Paris for the 2024 Olympics and Para Olympics Games. “We appreciate your team’s support in finding solutions to shorten transit times and providing hourly real-time tracking and tracing. Thank […]

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Stevens Transport had the honor of being a global core logistics partner with The Coca-Cola Company, assisting in the delivery of custom gold smartwater bottles to Paris for the 2024 Olympics and Para Olympics Games.

“We appreciate your team’s support in finding solutions to shorten transit times and providing hourly real-time tracking and tracing. Thank you for all that you do for our business, ” Craig Worley, The Coca-Cola Company, Director Logistics Procurement.

Supporting our customer with reduced transit times and white glove service with real time tracking, Stevens ensured the custom bottles were received and ready in Chino, CA, for their departure to Paris. This project was highly successful and resulted in significant global brand exposure for our customer and all deliveries of the custom smartwater bottles were completed and on time for the Olympics!

We are extremely proud of the Stevens Operations and Customer Support Teams, for their recognition of going above and beyond in the expediting of these shipments and their commitment to maintaining the superior level of service and success that exemplifies Stevens Transport.

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Roadside Radio Podcast Celebrates 100 Episodes https://www.stevenstransport.com/about/news/celebrating-100-episodes/ Fri, 21 Jun 2024 14:51:57 +0000 https://www.stevenstransport.com/?p=5980 The Evolution and Success of The Stevens Transport Roadside Radio Podcast The Journey of the Roadside Radio Podcast The Stevens Transport Roadside Radio Podcast recently celebrated a significant milestone—its 100th episode. What started as an innovative idea three years ago has blossomed into a popular and influential resource for truckers, their families, and anyone interested […]

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The Evolution and Success of The Stevens Transport Roadside Radio Podcast

The Journey of the Roadside Radio Podcast

The Stevens Transport Roadside Radio Podcast recently celebrated a significant milestone—its 100th episode. What started as an innovative idea three years ago has blossomed into a popular and influential resource for truckers, their families, and anyone interested in the logistics industry.

Angela Horowitz, the visionary behind the podcast, recounts, “It’s been an incredible journey over the past couple of years… I could not be more thrilled with what we’ve accomplished in 100 episodes, over 100,000 downloads.” This remarkable achievement underscores the podcast’s growing influence and engagement.

“People that look forward to this every single week,” Angela continues, highlighting the podcast’s role in bringing the Stevens Transport community closer together. The podcast not only connects various departments within the company but also engages a broader audience that includes truck driving students, truckers’ families, and potential new recruits.

Reviving a Storied Tradition

The podcast concept was inspired by Stevens Transport’s earlier initiative—a radio station led by Major Logan. Angela reminisces about Major Logan’s impactful contributions, saying, “This guy was like the most incredible radio voice… it was, you know, unfortunately, Major Logan ended up relocating up to the Pacific Northwest.”

This transition left a gap that Angela was determined to fill. She saw the potential of podcasts as the modern equivalent of radio shows, which led to the birth of the Stevens Transport Roadside Radio Podcast. Angela explains, “When I was introduced to you [Tim] and the concept, I immediately got excited because I knew how great the radio show was.” The podcast is built on the foundation laid by its predecessor, offering a modern platform to disseminate critical information and foster a sense of community. This initiative has breathed new life into Stevens Transport’s communication strategies, ensuring they evolve with the times.

Diverse Content for a Diverse Audience

One of the most compelling aspects of the Stevens Transport Roadside Radio Podcast is its wide range of content. Tim Cicciarelli, the podcast’s host, reveals, “Providing me, the producer and lucky host of this show, tons of content to pull from and make it a variety show, almost. This could only work here.” From interviews with the company’s top executives to engaging conversations with entry-level drivers, the podcast offers an inclusive platform for all voices. Angela elaborates, “For those who have listened to the podcast over the various seasons, you’ve heard from the president, the CEO, to our newest entry level driver, to our diesel mechanics, to everybody in operations.”

This diversity in content ensures that the podcast remains relevant and interesting to a broad audience. Each episode offers something new, making it a weekly highlight for many listeners. Whether you’re interested in the technical aspects of trucking, want to hear personal stories from drivers, or are keen to understand the inner workings of the company, the podcast has something for everyone.

Striving for Continuous Improvement

Angela and Tim emphasize the importance of feedback for the podcast’s continuous improvement. Angela states, “When I was thinking about our hundredth episode, I thought, what have we not hit on that our listeners really want to hear about?” Tim adds, “I’m going to tell you what I really want to hear, and I’m being serious. I want to hear what maybe you don’t want to hear any more of. I want to hear it’s okay to get negative feedback.”

This openness to constructive criticism shows the team’s commitment to enhancing the podcast. By actively seeking feedback from their audience, they aim to ensure the content remains engaging and relevant.

A Global Platform with Local Roots

The Stevens Transport Roadside Radio Podcast has not only gained popularity in the U.S. but also internationally. Tim notes, “We get statistics. We know how many downloads, where the downloads come from, which platform… but we also see where our audience is. It’s not just America. We’re in Brazil. We’re in United Kingdom. We’re everywhere.” This global reach underscores the podcast’s universal appeal and its effectiveness in promoting Stevens Transport’s culture on an international scale. Despite its local roots, the podcast has managed to resonate with listeners worldwide, reflecting the universal themes of dedication, hard work, and community.

Fostering a Stronger Community

One of the podcast’s key goals is to foster a stronger sense of community among Stevens Transport employees and their families. Angela expresses, “I just wanted something to connect us all.”

The podcast has become a vital tool for achieving this goal. By featuring stories from a diverse group of employees, it helps bridge the gap between the different facets of the company. This connectivity is crucial in a 24/7 industry where employees are often thousands of miles apart. Angela adds, “We are the culture. We are the success stories, our history, and really connecting the inside of the wall and the outside of the wall.” This emphasis on connectivity and shared experiences helps build a stronger, more cohesive community within Stevens Transport.

Looking Ahead

The next 100 episodes of the Stevens Transport Roadside Radio Podcast promise to be even more exciting and engaging. Angela expresses her enthusiasm, saying, “I want to invite everyone to send in things that you would like to hear in the next hundred episodes.”

Tim concurs, emphasizing the importance of listener engagement for the podcast’s future success. “This is for you. This is not for us. This is not just because it’s fun to do, which it is. It’s for our audience to learn, to grow, to have community with each other.”

Their commitment to listening to their audience and continuously improving the podcast ensures that it will remain a valuable resource for Stevens Transport employees, their families, and truckers around the world. The podcast’s success story is a testament to the power of innovative thinking, community engagement, and the timeless appeal of storytelling.

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2023 Kraft Heinz Dedicated Transportation Carrier of the Year https://www.stevenstransport.com/about/news/2023-kraft-heinz-dedicated-transportation-carrier-of-the-year/ Mon, 04 Mar 2024 19:30:40 +0000 https://www.stevenstransport.com/?p=5795 DALLAS (February 21st, 2024) – Stevens Transport, a leading transportation and logistics company based in Dallas, Texas, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Kraft Heinz Dedicated Carrier of the Year Award. With a network of operations spanning North America, including truckload, expedited, specialized, regional, dedicated, intermodal, and 3PL services, […]

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DALLAS (February 21st, 2024) – Stevens Transport, a leading transportation and logistics company based in Dallas, Texas, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Kraft Heinz Dedicated Carrier of the Year Award. With a network of operations spanning North America, including truckload, expedited, specialized, regional, dedicated, intermodal, and 3PL services, this is their latest national accolade.

Kraft Heinz, one of the five largest food manufacturers in the world, again recognized their largest dedicated carrier for their outstanding service. Delivering more than 25,000 loads annually, Stevens Transport focuses on safety, on-time delivery, reliability, and professionalism in temperature-controlled transportation. This most recent award recognizes Stevens Transport’s commitment to delivering at the highest level.

“We are honored to receive the Kraft Heinz Dedicated Carrier of the Year Award,” said Todd S. Aaron, Vice Chairman, of Stevens Transport. “This acknowledgment underscores the unwavering commitment of our exceptional team members, who consistently deliver at a high rate of execution across all facets of our operations. I commenced our Kraft partnership circa 1994. We are humbled to be recognized for this distinguished recognition.

“Receiving this award is a true honor, and it shows our commitment to excellence in every mile we drive. For Kraft Heinz, our dedicated division is proud to provide innovative, customized transportation solutions. This recognition is a testament to the professionalism and hard work of every member of the team,” said Robert Solimani, Vice President of Stevens Transport.

During the past 30 years, Stevens has been recognized and honored with numerous Kraft Heinz awards, including the Kraft Transportation Excellence Award, Heinz North America Frozen Carrier of the Year Award, Kraft Transportation Partnership Award, and Kraft Calvary Award.

About Stevens Transport

Stevens Transport is a premier transportation and logistics company based in Dallas, Texas. With over 40 years of experience, the company has earned a reputation for delivering innovative, reliable, and personalized solutions to its clients in the transportation industry. Stevens Transport specializes in temperature-controlled commodities offering a comprehensive range of services that include truckload, intermodal, dedicated, 3PL, and logistics solutions.

To learn more about Stevens, visit www.stevenstransport.com or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StevensTransport and X (formerly Twitter) at https://x.com/Drive4Stevens.

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Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence https://www.stevenstransport.com/about/news/transtion-trucking-driving-for-excellence/ https://www.stevenstransport.com/about/news/transtion-trucking-driving-for-excellence/#respond Wed, 21 Jun 2023 14:28:10 +0000 https://www.stevenstransport.com/?p=4722 Recap of Steven’s Transport’s History with the Transition Trucking Award Since 2016, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program has partnered with Fastport and Kenworth to bring the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award to life. The Transition Trucking Award recognizes military veterans who have successfully shifted out of the service and into […]

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Recap of Steven’s Transport’s History with the Transition Trucking Award

Since 2016, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program has partnered with Fastport and Kenworth to bring the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award to life.

The Transition Trucking Award recognizes military veterans who have successfully shifted out of the service and into the trucking industry. Each year, carriers, private fleet employers, and training organizations nominate these individuals to commemorate their hard work and contributions to the industry.

After receiving nominations, an independent committee comprising of representatives from carriers, schools, and suppliers select ten semi-finalists to receive recognition for this prestigious honor.

These ten will then move into a final round that will narrow to three: one Award Winner and two Runner-Ups. This decision includes an online public vote on the Transition Trucking website, allowing individuals to help decide who should take home the life-changing grand prize, a brand-new Kenworth T680 truck.

The top two Runner-Ups receive monetary awards, ranging between $5,000 – $10,000. Fourth-place Runner-Ups may also be named from year to year, also receiving a $5,000 reward.

Over the years, Stevens Transport has been honored to employ many top finalists and a few first-place prize winners.

2022: Transition Trucking Elite 11 Finalist, Paul Gouker

Paul Gouker enlisted in the National Guard at age 18, where he spent eight before entering duty in 2000. He served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia as a Combat Scout. After departing from the service, he returned to his home state of Georgia and completed his CDL training at Georgia Driving Academy.

“This year’s group of nominees was the largest and most diverse in the seven-year history of the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award. There were more first-time carrier participants, and every branch of service was nominated,” Transition Trucking announced.

You can read more about his Transition Trucking journey here.

2021: Transition Trucking Overall Winner Jimmy Reddell (E-6) and Semi-Finalist Marcus Ellis (E-6)

2021 was an excellent year for Stevens Transport in Transition Trucking award selection. Two members of our exceptional drivers held high stakes:

Jimmy Reddell served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves for 22 years. His duty career included transporting Patriot Missile Radar Systems, rescue and cleanup missions after Hurricane Katrina, and army recruiting. After honorably retiring, Jimmy decided trucking would align best with his future goals, allowing him to see the country while playing an important role in transporting essential goods. After receiving the keys to the Kenworth T680, he was thrilled to embark on his next journey in the industry, starting his own fleet. “I am very fortunate that I have an employer that supports my dreams and does everything in their power to help me achieve them.” Read more about Jimmy’s triumphant win here.

Marcus Ellis joined the Air Force at age 28, serving over 20 years. During this time, he worked as a Munitions System Craftsman and retired honorably at the rank of TSgt in 2020. Like many others, Ellis still wanted to serve his country in some capacity. He fulfilled this desire by completing CDL training at Georgia Driving Academy and becoming a professional truck driver for Stevens, all while COVID-19 was in full force. His nomination allowed him to finish as a semi-finalist for the 2021 Transition Trucking Award.

2020: Transition Trucking Semi-Finalists Ray Miller (E8, MSGT) and Gail Losee (03, CPT)

Stevens Transport was proud to have made Transition Trucking history in 2020 by being the first carrier to have two semi-finalists in the same year.

Beginning in 1992, Ray Miller served 26 years in duty with ten assignments and combat tours, including Europe, Korea, the Balkans, and the Middle East. During his service term, Ray worked in key positions of leadership. From squad to brigade, Miller became Company First Sergeant and retired as a Master Sergeant E8 in 2018.

After an honorable retirement, Miller followed in his family’s footsteps and joined the transportation industry. He earned his CDL from Lone Star Community College and became an independent contractor and a driver trainer, preparing new drivers for entering the industry.

Miller received the 1st Runner-Up prize of $10,000 and cherished this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Read more about Ray’s outstanding accomplishments here.

Following in her family’s legacy, Gail Losee joined the U.S. Army and Army Reserves in 1989. She served in the Transportation and Logistics sector for 20 years, reaching the rank of Captain 03.

Throughout these years, Gail embarked on tours in Iraq for Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, and Kuwait. Retiring in 2009, she entered into the transportation industry through the oil field before earning her CDL from Premier Truck Driving School in February of 2020.

She received the 2nd runner-up prize for the year and reflected on her journey, stating, “It’s an honor to be driving for Stevens and to have represented both them and the female driver force in this award.” Read more about Gail’s experience here.

2019: Transition Trucking 1st Runner-Up Steve Harris

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Steve Harris attended Army Mountain Warfare School in Vermont. Graduating in 2002, he became a member of the Marine Corps, serving as a Multi-channel Transmission Officer in Japan, a Platoon Sergeant in Iraq, and a Radio Chief in Afghanistan. His last assignment brought him back to Japan, where he watched over the communications equipment for the commanding general. Throughout all this, Steve earned many medals and decorations.

After being released from his duty status in 2017, he started a new career as a corrections officer. Despite enjoying this position, he wanted a job that allowed more freedom. Not soon after, Steve found the trucking industry and dove head-first into his new career. He completed CDL training at Georgia Driving Academy and seamlessly joined the Stevens driving force in June 2018.

Many of Steve’s coworkers and leaders spoke highly of him. Steve’s Driver Manager Operations Leader, Brad Turner, stated, “Steve’s attention to detail and strong work ethic have made him very successful in his career.” Steve finished as the 2019 1st Runner-Up semi-finalist in the Transition Trucking award. You can read more about Steve’s milestones here.

2018: Transition Trucking 1st Runner-Up Christopher Young (E6)

Christopher Young began his military career in 2002 after spending time traveling. He enlisted in the Army and attended basic training in South Carolina and advanced individual training in Virginia.

After serving in duty, Chris received his Class A CDL after training at Central Texas College before joining Stevens in March 2017. Along with being an Independent Contractor with the Stevens Transport Contractor Division, Chris continues to serve his country as an Army R Reservist.

Chris was ultimately named Transition Trucking’s 1st Runner-Up in December 2018, receiving a check for $10,000.

2017: Transition Trucking Grand Prize Winner, Gregg Softy (E6) and Semi-Finalist, Sean Harding

2017 was the first year Stevens Transport saw two of its nominees in the finalists round and its first grand prize winner, Gregg Softy.

Gregg trained at the United States Military Academy and spent 28 years serving in duty, including six overseas deployments. Softy loved his leadership roles and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

While it’s not a typical path after retiring from the military, Softy knew he wanted to be a truck driver in his subsequent career.

After earning his CDL and MBA, he joined Stevens Transport, carrying over traits that helped him succeed. “I spent so much time in my military career witnessing other countries worldwide. It’s nice to have the time and opportunity to explore America.”

Gregg’s supporters drew in an overwhelming amount of votes during the online voting period, which helped secure the grand prize win. Learn more about Gregg’s successful campaign here.

Sean Harding joined the Army in 1987 and served for over 28 years. His time served included traveling the world with his wife and daughters and serving alongside Gregg Softy.

After retiring, Harding did some contracting work in South America but found that “Father Time” continued to pull him back. Still wanting to serve people and fulfill another lifelong dream, he earned his CDL at Stevens Driving Academy and began team driving with Softy.

Harding says, “By driving these trucks, we still get to make sure that this country gets taken care of.”

2016: Transition Trucking Top 10 Semi-Finalist, Edward Cavanagh

As an army captain with an MBA in business, Edward Cavanagh’s military background comes across in everything he does. He says it’s given him the skills and attitude to accomplish things without compromise.

Earning his CDL at Stevens, Cavanagh saw trucking as a “way to enjoy earning a living while making a positive impact in the industry.”

With this being the first year of the award, FASTPORT president Brad Bentley stated, “Our selection committee was continually impressed with each nomination submitted…narrowing to the Top 10 was no easy task.”

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Driver Joins The Fight Against Breast Cancer https://www.stevenstransport.com/about/news/driver-joins-the-fight-against-breast-cancer/ https://www.stevenstransport.com/about/news/driver-joins-the-fight-against-breast-cancer/#respond Tue, 16 May 2023 16:19:31 +0000 https://www.stevenstransport.com/?p=4043 Stevens Driver Brings Cancer Awareness To Trucking Nikeyta ‘Pinky’ Matthews, a longtime member of the Stevens Transport driving force, is an inspiration to countless women in the trucking industry.   As a driver trainer, she has helped mentor and inspire hundreds of women as they began their careers as professional drivers.  As a YouTube vlogger (OTR […]

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Stevens Driver Brings Cancer Awareness To Trucking

Nikeyta ‘Pinky’ Matthews, a longtime member of the Stevens Transport driving force, is an inspiration to countless women in the trucking industry.   As a driver trainer, she has helped mentor and inspire hundreds of women as they began their careers as professional drivers.  As a YouTube vlogger (OTR Diva), she has been a tireless voice for driver safety.  And now, in the second year of her lease purchase, she exudes the benefits of business ownership through her hard work and commitment.

Image of pink, breast cancer awareness branded truck with the words "her fight is our fight"

But her biggest contributions may be felt outside of the truck.  To help raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer, her newly wrapped Peterbilt 579 was unveiled in Dallas, TX, earlier this month.  “Ms. Clarissa,” as her truck is affectionately known, is bright pink and adorned with the message “Her Fight is our Fight.”

“Cancer sucks.  I lost my father to cancer, I have a cousin who survived cancer, and there are several Stevens Transport drivers who have been affected by breast cancer.  What they went through opened my heart, and I dedicate my truck to survivors and hope to bring more awareness to what they’re going through.”

“We are blessed to have such a compassionate individual driving for Stevens Transport,” said Vice President Angela Horowitz, “there is no better person than Nikeyta to be the face of this great cause, and that is why Stevens Transport was proud to select her to be our ambassador on the road, in the fight against cancer.”

Image of pink, breast cancer awareness branded truck and Stevens team standing in front. From left to right: Nikeyta “Pinky” Matthews, Wendy Jones (Team Lead), Megan Wood (Fleet Manager), Nate Wilson (Planner), Jake Ly (Fleet Manager)

“The impact that my new truck has had on people is amazing,” Nikeyta shared with tears in her eyes. “This is all mind-blowing. I’ve had both drivers and pedestrians stop me to tell me how much it means to them and how important this truck is to the families of those that have been affected by this illness. It is an honor for me to partner with Stevens Transport and be a part of this cause and the fight against all kinds of cancer.”

Always a supporter of the Make-A-Wish foundation, Nikeyta and her pink truck made their first public appearance at the Mother’s Day Truck Convoy in Lancaster, PA, this past weekend. Nikeyta, who drives in the Stevens Transport Dedicated Division, was able to participate for a second straight year and is also committed to raising money for Make-A-Wish to help grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses.

To learn more about the fight against breast cancer and her fund-raising efforts, visit https://www.komen.org/ and https://wish.org/

To learn more about Nikeyta’s journey as a professional driver and her commitment to helping others, check out these great videos:

Learn how Pinky began her career

How Pinky uses OTR Diva to encourage women

The post Driver Joins The Fight Against Breast Cancer appeared first on Stevens Transport.

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