Celebrating Excellence: June 2025 Driver Awards
At Stevens Transport, our commitment to delivering premier logistics and transportation solutions is driven by the dedication and professionalism of our entire team—from our skilled back-office support staff to our exceptional driving professionals. We take great pride in recognizing the best among them. The executive leadership team is pleased to announce and honor the outstanding drivers who have demonstrated excellence and commitment throughout June 2025.
Mateo Gonzalez
1st Place Company Driver of the Month
We are proud to recognize 2 Million-Mile Haul of Famer, Mateo Gonzalez, our Company Driver of the Month! Mateo has been a valued member of the Stevens Transport driving force since June 2003, after he earned his CDL from Stevens Driving Academy. Over the course of the next 22 years, he consistently demonstrated his dedication and expertise as a professional truck driver and representative of Stevens Transport!
One of our most accomplished drivers, Mateo logged an impressive 11,667 miles in June. He has received multiple Driver of the Month awards throughout his career, with this one adding to his outstanding track record! Outside of his professional achievements, he believes in lifelong learning and is fluent in German! Mateo also enjoys spending quality time with his family.
Congratulations, Mateo, on your continued excellence!
Robert Belford
Runner Up Company Driver of the Month
We are honored to recognize U.S. Army Veteran and 4 Million-Mile Haul of Famer, Robert Belford, as the Company Driver of the Month Runner-Up. Robert joined Stevens Transport in July 1995, after completing CDL training with Stevens Driving Academy. In June, he logged an outstanding 12,276 miles, another shining example of his commitment and discipline that has defined his three-decade career!
Throughout his time with Stevens Transport, Robert has consistently demonstrated excellence behind the wheel. He was named 2020 Driver of the Year, has received multiple Driver of the Month honors, and is one of our most elite drivers, one of only ten, with an outstanding 4 million miles! Robert attributes his continued success to his strong work ethic. When off the road, Robert enjoys gaming and spending quality time with his family.
Congratulations, Robert! Thank you for your service and for thirty great years with Stevens Transport!
“Enjoy life on the road and find joy in the journey.”
James Ratliff Jr.
1st Place Independent Contractor of the Month
We are proud to recognize James Ratliff, Jr. as our June Independent Contractor of the Month, a well-deserved honor for an exceptional professional! James began his journey with Stevens Transport in August 2023, after earning his CDL through CRST. He views his CDL as an investment in his long-term goals and has contributed significantly to his success as an entrepreneur and business owner. With 12,269 miles logged in June alone, James continues to show his vision and work ethic are paying off.
James is known for his consistency, professionalism, and seamless business operations. His success is a reflection of both his dedication and his strategic approach to life on the road. Outside of work, James describes himself as an “easy-going and simple man” who enjoys grilling and spending quality time with family and friends.
Congratulations, James, on this well-earned recognition!
Robert O’Donnell
Runner-Up Independent Contractor of the Month
Congratulations to Robert O’Donnell, the June Independent Contractor of the Month Runner-Up! Robert began his journey with Stevens Transport in September 2024, after receiving his CDL from Stevens Driving Academy. In January 2025, he officially joined our Contractor Division and has since become a standout performer. In June, Robert logged an impressive 12,045 miles, earning him this recognition and highlighting his dedication to his new career and strong work ethic.
He attributes his success to not shying away from hard work and maintaining a positive attitude. He values the financial stability that Stevens Transport provides and appreciates the supportive network among drivers. One of his favorite aspects of being a driver is networking with fellow drivers, expanding his driving community, and helping make the miles even more enjoyable and feel connected.
Outside of work, Robert is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing, hunting, and also proudly serves as a volunteer firefighter in his community! Robert is committed to serving others on and off the road.
Congratulations, Robert, and thank you for all you do!
“Come in with an open mind, be willing to learn, and take advice.”
Mason Kitseally
1st Place Grad Driver of the Month
We are proud to recognize Mason Kitseally, our June New Driver of the Month! Mason joined Stevens Transport in March 2025 after earning his CDL through Route Ready in Hudson, Colorado. Since then, he has quickly distinguished himself with his strong start and outstanding performance in the early stages of his driving career, logging an impressive 11,263 miles in June!
Mason credits Stevens Transport for giving him the opportunity to launch his new career and extends special appreciation to his driver trainer, Jose Anaya, for his mentorship and guidance, and appreciates building camaraderie along the way. One of the aspects Mason values most about being a driver for Stevens Transport is the ability to travel across the country and experience new places like New York City, where he has been six times now, in his first three months! Outside of driving, Mason enjoys cooking and spending quality time with his wife and family.
Congratulations, Mason, on this well-earned recognition!
“Don’t quit, don’t give up, and stick with it!”
Jordan Griffiths
Runner-Up Grad Driver of The Month
We are excited to recognize Jordan Griffiths, the June New Driver of the Month Runner-Up! Jordan earned his CDL from Route Ready in Colorado and joined Stevens Transport in March 2025. In June, he logged 10,563 miles, quickly establishing himself as a motivated and dependable driver.
Jordan attributes his success to his determination to stay productive, saying, “I don’t like to sit around. I enjoy being on the go, putting in miles, and making money.” He appreciates how Stevens Transport sets new drivers up for success, from the support through CDL school to the seamless transition into a driving career, followed by the overall benefits offered by the company.
So far, his most memorable moment was completing his driver training and hitting the road solo for the first time. This was a moment of great pride, realizing he had achieved his goal of becoming a professional truck driver. Jordan enjoys the independence and freedom of the road, the ability to travel across the country, and having flexibility in how he gets the job done.
Outside of driving, Jordan enjoys staying active and has even built a 30-minute workout routine into his daily schedule, using his personal weight set and resistance bands he keeps on his truck!
Congratulations Jordan! We look forward to your continued success at Stevens Transport!
“Take every opportunity that’s offered. Run as many miles as you can, and make the most of every mile.”
Samantha & Orion Andrew
1st Place Team of the Month
We are proud to recognize Samantha and Orion Andrew, our June Team Drivers of the Month, a fantastic husband-and-wife Team who demonstrate dedication, professionalism, and teamwork on and off the road.
Samantha began her career with Stevens Transport in March 2024, after earning her CDL with Stevens Driving Academy. Before Stevens, Samantha was a school bus driver. That experience and her smooth transition into over-the-road driving laid the foundation for a successful start. In September 2024, after thoughtful discussion about the opportunities in trucking, Orion joined Samantha on the road and earned his CDL through Halliburton. Together, they have built a strong and efficient team logging an incredible 28,858 miles in June!
Samantha credits her success to self-motivation, a commitment to pushing herself each day, and the support of her family. For new drivers, Orion emphasizes the importance of staying focused, doing proper pre-trip and post-trip inspections, and never hesitating to ask questions when help is needed. Samantha echoes that advice and highlights safety as the best aspect of working with Stevens Transport, noting the company’s strong commitment to keeping drivers safe on the road.
Outside of driving, Orion enjoys fishing, working on cars, playing video games, and spending quality time with their daughter. Samantha enjoys family time, fishing, traveling, and exploring new foods.
Congratulations Samantha and Orion! Your teamwork is an inspiration to us all!
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Other drivers are willing to help, and asking questions is key.” – Samantha Andrew
Jerome Neal
Owner-Operator of the Month
We are proud to recognize Jerome Neal, June Owner-Operator of the Month! Jerome joined Stevens Transport in December 2018 after completing his CDL training at Carolina CDL in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was drawn to Stevens because of our strong safety culture, training program, and offering the opportunity of a lease-to-purchase program. His goal was to begin with a one-year lease and work toward full ownership, a journey he pursued with focus and determination!
In June, Jerome logged an impressive 11,218 miles! Also a Driver Trainer (3 years), successfully training more than twenty students, he takes great pride in mentoring new drivers, sharing that one trainee was so grateful for the support he received that he was brought to tears. “It makes me feel good,” Jerome said. “Students still call just to check in—it means a lot.”
Jerome credits his success to God first, along with his dedication to leading by example. Outside of driving, Jerome enjoys playing basketball and watching sports, especially baseball, as a dedicated San Francisco Giants fan!
Congratulations, Jerome! Thank you for being a valued member of the Stevens Transport team.
“Take your time. Read everything. Use your mirrors and signals. Be aware of your surroundings, inside and outside the truck. You never know when that knowledge could save a life, including your own.”
Shawn Kirkland
Trainer of the Month
We are proud to recognize Shawn Kirkland as our June Trainer of the Month. Since joining Stevens Transport in September 2019 after earning his CDL with Georgia Driving Academy. In June, an impressive 15,860 miles were logged! Stevens Transport appreciates Shawn and is proud to have him as a representative of the company and the industry!
“A truly amazing trainer and man. His communication and dedication to Stevens and the training program are his priority. Loves to run the miles and always advises when he is running early, so he and his trainee can keep rolling efficiently! A true professional!” – Driver Manager, Owen Eckblad
Congratulations, Shawn, and thank you for all you do for Stevens Transport and your trainees!
Jason Bernard
Runner Up Trainer of the Month
We are proud to recognize Jason Bernard, our June Trainer of the Month Runner-Up! Jason began his journey with Stevens Transport in May 2019, after earning his CDL from Roadmaster in Tampa, Florida. In 2021, leaning into his entrepreneurial spirit, he became an Independent Contractor and also a Driver Trainer! Continuing to build a strong and successful career, in June, an impressive 15,632 miles were logged!
Specializing in training throughout the Southeast region, Jason focuses on providing a strong foundation, emphasizing critical skills such as trip planning, sliding tandems, and conducting pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Jason credits his success to personal determination and the support of the exceptional team at Stevens Transport, especially the Training Department, and in particular, Gloria, who he says does a remarkable job matching trainers and students for success!
Off the road, Jason has a passion for sports cars, enjoys watching football, and spends time outdoors paddleboarding and kayaking in his home state of Florida.
Stevens Transport appreciates your outstanding contribution to the success of our new drivers and your continued excellence as a trainer. Congratulations, Jason!
“Drive safe, slow down, stay alert, get plenty of rest, and never hesitate to ask questions.”
Amondine Boutot
1st Place Dedicated Driver of the Month
We are thrilled to recognize Amondine Boutot, our June Dedicated Driver of the Month! Amondine has been a valued member of the Stevens Transport driving force since November 2020, joining the fleet after earning her CDL from New England Tractor Trailer Training School. She consistently demonstrates excellence as a professional driver, and in June, Amondine logged an impressive 12,611 miles, with a perfect record of on-time pickups and deliveries, truly speaking to her reliability and attention to detail.
When asked to share advice for new drivers, Amondine emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety, “Safety, that’s what I love about Stevens. It’s always safety first. Stevens truly cares about our well-being and has provided the best training to set me up for success. I’m proud to have been named Dedicated Driver of the Month and know I made the right choice in joining this company.”
Outside of work, Amondine enjoys reading and spending quality time with friends and family.
Congratulations Amondine, and thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and for being an outstanding representative of Stevens Transport!
Jeffrey Depaula
Runner Up Dedicated Driver of the Month
We are proud to recognize Jeffrey Depaula, the June Dedicated Driver of the Month Runner-Up! Jeffrey has been a valued member of the Stevens Transport team since December 2020, earning his CDL from Community College in Richmond, Virginia. In June, he logged an impressive 11,986 miles!
Jeffrey was introduced to Stevens Transport by his brother, a former Stevens Transport driver, who inspired him to pursue a career in the transportation industry. Reflecting on his journey, Jeffrey shared, “I used to work in retail at Target, and this is my first real career. It’s treated me well. The past five years have been a great experience.”
He describes the freedom of the road as a lifestyle shift that has brought him fulfillment and opportunity. He credits much of his success to the guidance and support of several key individuals, including his brother, his driver trainer Jose Alberto, and fellow driver Roberto Santana, who took the time to mentor him and teach him valuable skills for the road. Jeffrey also expressed appreciation for the ongoing support from his driver managers and the entire Stevens team.
Outside of work, Jeffrey enjoys going to the gym, traveling, and exploring different cultures. He loves discovering new places and describes himself as a bit of a tourist at heart. He also enjoys watching movies, with The Godfather being his all-time favorite.
Congratulations Jeffrey! Thank you for all you do and for being a positive impact at Stevens Transport!
“Be patient. Take everything one day at a time. Enjoy the experience, it’s a lifestyle change. Be happy, and make the most of it!”
Congratulations, drivers!
Interested in joining the Stevens Transport family? Check out the great truck driving job opportunities currently available: