Prime Ways | April 2026

11 ISSUE 1

Where a bowl of soup and fresh bread can make the road feel a little closer to home.

2740 N. MAYFAIR AVE. SPRINGFIELD, MO 65803

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PRIMEINC.COM

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Clayton Brown

RECRUITMENT MARKETING MANAGER

Mitchell Coiner

MEDIA & ONBOARDING MANAGER

Jamie Miller

KATIE POLLOCK ESTES Editorial Director

JORDAN BLOMQUIST Editor

ELISABETH ANDERSON Art Director

SARAH PATTON Creative Director

BRANDON ALMS Senior Photographer & Designer

KATY ST. CLAIR Photographer & Designer

CONTRIBUTORS

Brianne Madura, Mary Ellen Chiles, Juliana Goodwin, Sonia Guzman, Megan Price, Alyssa Roney

LOGAN AGUIRRE Publisher

MEGAN JOHNSON VP of Custom Publishing

FOUNDERS

Gary & Joan Whitaker

Recent promotions at Prime put leaders like Richard Brock, Jason Seymour and Chris Martin in roles that strengthen training, operations and driver support.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Prime’s Driver Advisory Board gives drivers a direct line to management and a platform to shape company policies.

Victor Blackburn’s steady commitment to safety and professionalism has earned him a spot on the prestigious America’s Road Team.

When Lakesha Tooks chose trucking, she went all in, a decision that led to financial freedom, a million miles and a passion for mentoring new drivers.

Chef Matt Gorman turns fresh ingredients and kitchen creativity into the soups and breads that keep Prime drivers coming back for more.

Tech tips every driver should know, from fixing Geotab issues to keeping tablets running smoothly.

Four brothers are thriving together at Prime, proving that hard work and family ties can go hand in hand.

THE LOW down

Throughout the years, Prime Ways has been an important reminder that what sets Prime apart is our people. In this issue, we highlight the dedication and professionalism of both our driving and non-driving associates, including Victor Blackburn, our newest Americas Road Team Captain. We also recognize a few non-driving associates who are committed to making sure Prime remains the gold standard in trucking through taking on new or expanded roles—or by helping life on the road feel more homelike with a bowl of soup and fresh bread. As the market shifts, I believe we’re entering a time when trucking is go-

ing to get fun again. With change comes opportunity, and I’m confident that by staying focused, positioning ourselves for success and continuing to deliver outstanding service, we’ll make the most of what’s ahead. Thank you for everything you do to keep Prime moving forward.

Robert Low Prime Inc., CEO & Founder

DO YOU WANT TO BE FEATUREd?

Every driver and associate has a story. If you or someone you know is doing something worth celebrating, we’d love to hear about it. Reach out to jmmiller@ primeinc.com for a chance to be featured in Prime Ways

A SAFETY-FIRST JOURNEY TO AMERICA’S ROAD TEAM

From early road trips to national recognition, Victor Blackburn’s steady commitment to safety and service led to his selection as an America’s Road Team captain.

BY MEGAN PRICE

Victor Blackburn has always been fascinated by trucks. Around age 13, that fascination turned into something more when he had the chance to ride along with his dad’s best friend, a professional truck driver whose routes stretched from Utah to Arizona and California. Those early trips offered more than miles on a map. They gave Blackburn a front-row seat to the craft of driving, the rhythm of the road and the scenery most people only see on vacation.

When he was legally able to drive, Blackburn pursued his license and began building a career behind the wheel. His path wasn’t a straight line. He spent time driving for smaller companies, served in the military and eventually stepped away from driving for several years. Still, the road had a way of calling him back. When he joined Prime Inc., he found a place where experience, reliability and consistency mattered. This month, Blackburn will celebrate 22 years with the company.

A CAREER BUILT OVER TIME

That long tenure, paired with a strong safety record and a reputation for professionalism, ultimately led to national recognition. Blackburn was named a captain for America’s Road Team, one of the most elite groups within the American Trucking Associations. The honor recognizes drivers who exemplify safety, leadership and advocacy for the industry.

The news came as a surprise. Blackburn never set out chasing recognition, and the announcement caught him off guard. “I was a bit in awe, because I know there are many drivers who have more years, and probably a few more miles than I did,” he says.

As the initial shock wore off, the nomination took on deeper meaning. Above all, it represented trust. “I felt honored that Prime felt comfortable enough in nominating me and putting my name in,” he says. “But I still didn’t know exactly what I was getting myself into.” The opportunity didn’t come from a single standout moment. It was

built over years of showing up, doing the work and putting safety first. Blackburn admits he had been asked more than once in the past before finally agreeing to be nominated.

SAFETY FIRST, ALWAYS

At the core of Blackburn’s career is a steady, disciplined approach to safety. He has never believed that driving is about being the fastest driver on the road. Instead, he prioritizes awareness and patience. “I guess you can call me one of the really defensive drivers because I do not drive [over] the speed limit,” Blackburn says. “I drive between 55 and 60 [mph], and let everybody pass me on by.”

That pace allows him to see what’s ahead and react before problems develop. For Blackburn, safety goes far beyond speed. “I make sure my equipment is up to standard, and that I'm well rested,” he says. “I have to be taking care of myself, which I do take pride in.”

That mindset carries over into his role as a trainer and mentor. Blackburn works closely with new drivers, many of whom appreciate his calm demeanor and measured approach during their first experiences behind the wheel. “Speed is not necessarily the end all be all,” he says. “A lot are happy to hear that, and it’s less pressure for new drivers.”

REPRESENTING PRIME ON A NATIONAL STAGE

Beyond safety, Blackburn sees advocacy as a key part of representing the industry. He often talks with new and prospective drivers about the opportunities the industry can provide, especially for those who don’t want a desk job or a traditional office setting. “It’s a way to make a good living,” Blackburn says. “It's an office with a view. You get a different view every single day.”

Now, as a captain for America’s Road Team, Blackburn represents Prime alongside drivers from across the country. While the recognition is still settling in, he approaches the role with gratitude and humility. “It’s still kind of soaking in,” he says. “Maybe I don’t fully grasp it, but I feel honored and privileged to be

“It’s a way to make a good living. It’s an office with a view.

You get a different view every single day.”

—Victor Blackburn

representing Prime, and that they have faith in me that I’ll be a good representative for Prime. I look forward to engaging the general public and letting them know about the lifestyle that’s out here over the road.”

That sense of responsibility is rooted in a lifelong commitment to service, beginning with his time in the military and continuing throughout his trucking career. “I’m a service-oriented person,” he says. “I served in the military, and I did service missions in South America. I work in the service industry, serving our shippers and receivers. I represent Prime and all the other drivers.”

Despite the recognition, Blackburn has no plans to change how he approaches the job. “I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing,” he says. “There’s nothing that’s going to change.”

TRAILER TEAMUP

Prime Inc. and Western Flyer Xpress are joining forces.

BY JORDAN BLOMQUIST

A new partnership between Prime Inc. and Oklahoma City’s Western Flyer Xpress (WFX) is set to expand refrigerated capacity while opening new doors for drivers.

Under the agreement, WFX will transition its refrigerated operations into Prime’s established Power Fleet Program. That means WFX will operate its refrigerated power units in a power-only capacity, tapping into Prime’s expansive refrigerated trailer pool, nationwide network and long-standing customer base. Both companies will remain operationally independent.

For drivers and contractors, the move is designed to create more consistency in freight, steadier lanes and stronger earning potential. Prime Founder and CEO Robert Low says bringing WFX drivers into the reefer network adds freight density and lane diversity, benefits that ripple across Prime’s existing driver base. “This partnership reflects the strength of Prime’s refrigerated network and the long-term value of our Power Fleet Program,” he said in a news release.

Western Flyer Xpress CEO Randy Timms calls the partnership a proactive step in a challenging freight market, giving refrigerated drivers access to one of the strongest reefer networks in the industry.

Only WFX’s refrigerated segment is involved. Everything else, including Prime’s operations and WFX’s dry vans, continues as usual.

GROW WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED

Sean Hilton served abroad with the Air Force and logged U.S. miles with Prime. Now, he’s a Fleet Manager-in-Training in his new home of Salt Lake City.

BY MARY ELLEN CHILES

Sean Hilton enjoyed serving his country in South Korea, accepting year-long deployments at Kunsan twice. But he really loved his four years at Lakenheath Air Field in east central England. “It was only about three hours away from where I grew up, but that's basically the entire length of the island in England,” he says.

Sean's dad, Mark, who now also drives for Prime, served in the Army at Burtonwood Airfield. At the time, the United States and England shared the base, and Mark married a local secretary. Young Sean spent the first 10 years of his life in a British village, also called Burtonwood. “In England, I spent so much time at my grandparents’ house,” he says. “It was almost like they raised me.”

Then, Sean and his parents moved to Colorado Springs, and he saw his

British relatives infrequently. The Air Force gave him a shot, and he drove to his grandparents’ house most weekends. “My grandma just recently passed within the last year, so I was happy that I got the opportunity to spend some time with her,” he says.

Sean left active duty after eight years and joined the Air Force Reserve in 2017. But after a couple of years delivering packages for FedEx in Utah, he got restless. “I wanted something a little more than just the daily 9-to-5,” he says.

Sean joined Prime Inc. as a driver in 2019, remaining in the Reserve until 2022. The company made it easy to start a new career while still fulfilling his military duties. “They were very accommodating with that,” he says. “They gave me weekends off every month that I needed for USAFR service.”

Sean says most veterans thrive in stability, and they find it at Prime. “It’s not

one of these trucking companies that’s going to go out of business in a couple years,” he says. “They’re going to be around forever.”

Sean drove a fuel truck on active duty, though he says the 40-foot vehicle doesn’t exactly compare to his 53-foot rig. “It was kind of an easy transition from one sacrifice to another, and the commitment to the cause is that same thing,” Sean says.

Drivers and veterans both miss out on holidays, birthdays and day-to-day life for long stretches of time. “They’re two very different situations, but it's still a huge sacrifice that you're making for your family,” Sean says.

After driving for two years, Sean was ready to be in one place: Salt Lake City, Utah. He joined as a Dispatcher, worked the night shift, and is now a daytime Fleet Manager-in-Training, eager for his next step.

BEHIND THE WHEEL AND BUILDING THE FUTURE

Lakesha Tooks turned a bold leap into a million-mile career—and now she's paving the way for the next generation of women in trucking.

BY SONIA GUZMAN

When Lakesha Tooks made the decision to become a driver in 2018, she didn’t leave room for doubt. She sold her belongings, ended her lease and sent her daughter to college. There was no Plan B. “I was inspired by the earning potential,” she says, “but once I committed, I was all in.” That commitment paid off. Tooks earned her CDL at Prime Inc.’s Springfield, Missouri, terminal and quickly proved she belonged on the road. By the end of her second year, she had paid off her debts and hit a goal that still stands out: saving $20,000 in six months. She did it by living frugally, cooking meals in her truck rather than eating out and staying laser-focused on her future.

Today, Tooks is a trainer and a mentor, a role she takes seriously. “Being a trainer means I am the foundation,” she explains. “If I give them a strong foundation, their path to success is clear and achievable.” She wants every driver who comes off her truck to be prepared, confident and safe.

Her motivation stems from the goals she sets and the support she receives, including from her Fleet Manager, Lance Brightshue, and the Highway Diamonds network, a community created to connect and uplift women in the industry. “Trucking can be isolating for women,” Tooks says. “I’m grateful for Brooke Mosley-Phares’ initiative and Robert Low’s support. This network gives us a chance to connect and build communi-

ty in a career that’s often an office and home of one.”

Tooks recently hit a milestone she’s especially proud of: 1 million miles. It was one of the first goals she set for herself, and reaching it reaffirmed everything she’s built.

When Tooks is not behind the wheel, she’s spending time with her daughter—a Navy Petty Officer Second Class now stationed in California—or attending Prime events.

Her advice to women considering trucking? “Have faith in yourself and take the plunge,” Tooks says. “Choose Prime. Surround yourself with positive people, set goals and expect to be challenged. Those challenges are temporary, celebrate your growth.”

GRIEF TO GIVING

This Prime Associate lost her mother to pancreatic cancer and is now on a mission to help other families enduring the same pain.

BY JULIANA GOODWIN

Hannah Dukewits, manager at Tru Salon & Spa in the Springfield, Missouri, Prime Inc. terminal, is on a mission to help families affected by pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is called the silent killer because it’s hard to detect. It has one of the lowest survival rates of major cancers, with 13% of patients surviving five years after diagnosis, according to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Dukewits lost her mom to the disease in October 2025. In November, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, she sold t-shirts to benefit a local family after both their mother and brother were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

If she’d raised $100, she would have been happy. “I sent out an email to my Prime family and posted on my social media,” Dukewits says. “We raised $1,300 for this family in less than 48 hours. I was ecstatic.”

Her Prime family and inner circle showed up. This wasn’t the first time Prime associates were there to support her. When her mom, Heidi Hunchberger, was diagnosed, Dukewits traveled with her to Baltimore for the Whipple surgery, which is a complex surgery for pancreatic cancer patients. “When I came back, people at work put together a card and gave me money,” Dukewits says. “I didn’t want to take the money, but the next day, I got a call that said my

mom had an aneurysm and wasn’t going to make it. I looked up plane tickets and it was astronomical to get a sameday flight. I used that money for a ticket and was so grateful.”

Dukewits will never forget their kindness. There are many expenses associated with cancer—doctors, travel, medical bills and hotels. People have quit their jobs or taken leave without pay. Some travel far away to seek proper care. The support she received made an incredible difference. Not only was she able to be by her mother’s side, but it also proved that people cared about what she was going through.

Now she wants to step up and support others. Dukewits has worked at Tru Salon & Spa for 20 years and has amassed many regulars. Being a stylist, she talks to customers about her life more than in a typical job. Lots of regulars even knew her loving mom. “My mom never met a stranger,” Dukewits says. “If you were in her presence, I guarantee she would strike up a conversation with you and make you feel seen, valued and welcomed.”

Since her mother’s passing, Dukewits has used her job to spread awareness. “This is my mission now,” she says. “One of the tragedies of this disease is it’s so deadly that when people are diagnosed, they don’t have time to research or even figure out what they need to do.”

Her mom was given three to six months, but survived for almost five years. While five years were a gift, her mom fought hard every day for survival, and it was grueling to watch. She faced every challenge with grace, and now Dukewits wants to honor her mother by helping others who are walking on that same difficult road. “I am excited to try something new with more time to plan,” she says. “I hope to create an even more successful way to raise funds for families in need now. I remain hopeful that one day there will be earlier detection of this awful disease, allowing survival rates to soar… Until [then], I feel called to direct funds towards families who are facing this battle. Families who don’t have the time or luxury to wait for research to catch up.”

Tip for Your Soups at Home:

If you want to make more flavorful soups, skip the beef bouillon and use real chicken stock. Even the store-bought kind makes a night-andday difference, Gorman says.

FROM SCRATCH

The “soup guys” have garnered attention for their stews and homemade bread, and they use leftovers to create new flavors in Springfield.

BY MARY ELLEN CHILES

Jason Pooker, chef at Northstar Grille in Springfield, Missouri, has worked in many kitchens. Of all the colleagues he’s had over the years, Matt Gorman has made the biggest impression. “He’s gotten a lot of knowledge over his culinary journey,” Pooker says.

BACKGROUND

Gorman was raised in Springfield, Missouri, but has worked in fine dining establishments across the United States. He also spent 15 years as a self-described “ski bum” in Telluride, Colorado, working in high-end restaurants and snowboarding every chance he got. He returned home for family and took a job at Hickory Hills Country Club in Springfield, spending a year working with Pooker.

After Pooker left to work at Prime Inc., Gorman wanted to try a new challenge. Soon, the two were back in the

same kitchen at Northstar Grille. When Gorman joined the kitchen, he took over making the soups. Throughout the weeks, he repeats some soups—Thursday is always Chili Day—and uses leftovers to make new creations.

One of his most popular items stems from the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, cream and chicken in the Tuscan Chicken Pasta. A day or two later, Prime associates line up, hoping for chicken noodle soup or a chicken stew born from leftover sauce. “What good restaurateurs do is utilize their leftovers for their soups and help keep food costs down,” Pooker says.

“We buy vegetables for the salad bar, then I can use fresh vegetables for most of the soups,” Gorman says. “Nothing goes to waste.”

Drivers who stop in the terminal love the soup so much they’re often seen filling a 32-ounce fountain cup full of fresh soup for the road.

MORE BREAD, PLEASE

In the past year, Gorman and Pooker have introduced homemade bread to the line. Gorman bakes three or four times a week, from focaccia to cornbread to rolls. “We’ve got a ton of people who are on the Prime Soup Diet, as they call it,” Pooker says. “They come down to get their bowl of soup and a hunk of bread, and it’s a full meal for them.”

Gorman likes to experiment with flavors. “I did a mix with beef taco meat and chicken taco meat, and called it a Cheesy Taco Combo,” he says. “I didn't think it was going to sell that well, but now it’s a fan favorite.”

It’s not just about taste. It’s about turning a restaurant into a communal space for drivers and associates to take a break and recharge—even if only for a short time. “If you can make somebody feel at home for 10 minutes, then you know you’re doing something right,” Gorman says.

DRIVER FINDS HIS WAY FORWARD

For Lance Frei, losing weight on the road isn’t just about competition—it’s about reclaiming his health, one parking lot lap at a time.

BY SONIA GUZMAN

The life of a team driver leaves little room for fitness. Lance Frei knows this better than most. While one person drives, the other rests in the sleeper berth, a rhythm that keeps freight moving but makes traditional workouts nearly impossible. Yet when Prime Inc.’s New Year Burn competition launched in January, Frei excitedly signed up anyway.

The New Year Burn was the Driver Heath and Fitness’ wellness initiative at the beginning of the year, designed specifically for the realities of life on the road. Unlike traditional fitness challenges, this competition focuses on one metric: active calories burned. Participants track their daily calorie burn using fitness devices and log their progress on a shared leaderboard. With more than 100 drivers enrolled, the challenge runs throughout the early months of 2026, with weekly accountability calls and prizes for top performers. “We wanted to give drivers something tangible to track,” explains Colby Hughes, Driver Health and Fitness Manager at Prime. “It’s about building awareness of how much activity they’re actually getting and encouraging them to find creative ways to move more.”

For Frei, that creativity is essential. His typical day starts early with hours behind the wheel. When his shift ends, his student driver takes over, and Frei must stay in the truck. His opportunities to move are measured in minutes, not hours. “I take every opportunity,” Frei says. “During my 30-minute break, I walk. When I fuel up, I park at the farthest pump away and do marching exercises while the tank fills. At [the store], I park as far away as possible.”

Frei purchased an Apple Watch specifically for the competition, learning the difference between resting and active calories, knowledge that transformed how he thinks about movement.

The effort is paying off. Frei has lost about 10 pounds since starting, and his chronic leg pain has improved. “I’m walking better,” he says. “When I stretch and move every day, my legs and knees feel better. The day I don’t do it, I feel it.”

He’s also overhauled his diet, cutting out fried foods and sugar as much as possible, embracing vegetables and lower-carb meals. The mental shift has been just as powerful. “Now when I’m craving something sweet at a truck stop, I look at the calories and think, ‘Do I want to walk three miles to burn this off?’” he says. “It’s reframing my thinking.”

This year marks Frei’s second time competing in a Prime wellness challenge. Last year, he won the weight loss competition. When 2025 brought some setbacks and weight gain, he knew the New Year Burn could help him reset. “I wanted to kickstart the year,” he says.

The competition’s true value extends beyond the leaderboard. “It’s not solely about the competition,” Hughes says. “It needs to be sustained afterward. We’re trying to build a foundation.”

For many participants, the real victory is discovering they can continue to maintain healthy habits long after prizes are awarded. Frei plans to do exactly that. He’s committed to tracking calories indefinitely, using his Apple Watch to maintain a calorie deficit. “No matter what, I’ll be losing weight with a calorie deficit,” he says. “I want to continue that forever, hopefully.” For Frei, the journey has only just begun.

“I take every opportunity. During my 30-minute break, I walk. When I fuel up, I park at the farthest pump away and do marching exercises while the tank fills. At [the store], I park as far away as possible.”

—Lance Frei

ANIME THE FAMILY WAY

Steven Carner created an eyecatching truck wrap with the help of his daughter.

BY MARY ELLEN CHILES

When Steven Carner became a lease operator at Prime Inc., he knew he wanted his truck to stand out. “I was thinking, ‘Am I going to get something that’s just strictly for me or am I going to do something for my family?’” he says. “I thought the better choice was to go with my daughter’s favorite anime.”

Demon Slayer is a popular series on Netflix that Carner calls goofy, cheesy and fun for kids. “They like the cuteness of it,” he says. “And there’s a lot of action, too.”

Originally, he wanted his 14-yearold daughter to draw the design. “She’s really into drawing anime and drawing her own little characters,” he says.

Instead, she helped him pick mockups from their favorite show, which they watch together when Carner is back home in Lake Jackson, near Houston, Texas.

Carner created designs with the help of AI and brought the mockups to Stripes & Stuff in Springfield, Missouri. “I said, ‘This is kind of what I want, but I want you to do your own thing and help me make this,’” he says.

Carner has only been driving driving the Demon Slayer truck since January 2026, but he’s already made an impression. “Any time I make a stop, I got people mouths open, taking pictures or coming up and asking me if they can take pictures with the truck,” he says.

Carner’s research paid off, just like it did when he first discovered Prime. He followed the company on social media,

tuned into meetings and says it was the most transparent company he came across. He had been thinking about driving for years, but by 2021, he was finally in a place financially to make the move. Now, he has reached his goal of becoming a lease operator. “I could see a lot of people going through their Prime experience, and I knew exactly what to expect,” he says.

In the meantime, he hopes his daughter keeps working as she pursues her own dreams. “I’m trying to get her to just keep focusing on what she’s drawing,” he says, “because she’s doing a really good job.”

DEMON SLAYER -INSPIRED

Carner used AI to develop the designs, then partnered with Stripes & Stuff in Springfield, Missouri, to bring the mockups to life.

FAMILY

(Bottom right) Steven Carner and his daughter, who inspired the design for his truck.

KEEP IT ROLLING

Prime’s Driver Trailer Repair Program keeps drivers moving by encouraging them to make their own minor repairs.

BY JULIANA GOODWIN

When a driver runs into a minor maintenance issue on the road, they have a choice: sit and wait or grab some tools. Thanks to Prime’s Driver Trailer Repair Program, drivers can make money if they choose to fix the issue themselves.

Doug Tamm manages the Tire, Plaza and Road Assist departments. Last year, he paid out an average of $2,500 per week to drivers who handled their own repairs. It saves the company time and also saves the driver time and money. In this industry, time is money.

The average wait for a repair at a shop is four to six hours, he says, which can cut into a driver’s busy schedule. “The goal is to get drivers back on the road so they are not

waiting for hours at the shop and to help them make some cold, hard cash,” Tamm says.

Here is how it works: If there is a maintenance issue, such as a chute repair or air filter, the driver contacts Road Assist. The driver will need to take a photo to show that the repair is needed. Then someone from Road Assist will tell the driver how much they will pay for the job and the driver fixes it.

Prime has YouTube videos that walk drivers through the process. Once the work is complete, the driver will send a photo of the repair, so the team can make sure it is sound and the fix will last. Once it is approved, the driver will get paid.

An average chute repair pays $50 to $100, but just as important is the fact that the driver is not sitting

around waiting, which can quickly add up over the course of a week. Tamm encourages drivers to take a Pro Maintenance class once a year. It is not required, but it can ensure drivers are up to date and give them confidence to tackle small maintenance items. The classes are offered daily in Springfield, Missouri, and on Thursdays in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Pittston, Pennsylvania.

Many drivers have taken advantage of the program, which rolled out about four years ago. In fact, when a driver calls in with a minor maintenance issue, Tamm’s team will encourage the driver to handle it if it is one of the items they have been trained on. “We encourage every driver to do it,” Tamm says. “They can keep moving, hauling freight and making money.”

TABLET TROUBLESHOOTING

The new trucks are better than ever, thanks to technological updates.

BY BRIANNE MADURA

Staying connected on the road means drivers need to navigate their technology just as confidently as their route. Activating Drive status in Geotab, reviewing safety alerts, correcting directions and keeping tablets running smoothly are all part of the job. Tools like these play a critical role in keeping operations efficient and communication clear throughout each trip. These frequently asked questions address common issues drivers encounter and provide quick solutions to help keep their tools working and their trips on track.

My Drive/SB button is grayed out in Geotab. How do I get that activated?

Check that you are associated with the truck on the Dashboard screen; it should have your truck number there for the Drive/SB options to be enabled.

Copilot directions are not correct. Who should I notify?

If Copilot takes you to an incorrect location or the wrong entrance to a building, or suggests a route that you do not think would be safe or legal, you can send a message to Prime Mobile Support through the app message and let them

know the trip number or customer code. They can investigate and get things corrected. The more information you can provide, the better!

How can I listen to my messages while driving?

In the Prime Mobile app (on the tablet only), go to settings and check the box to enable text-to-speech. When in motion, the Prime Mobile lock screen will give you the option to “one button press” to read new messages out loud. Look for more improvements in the next few versions!

How can I look at my Netradyne Driver*i video alerts?

You can log in to the Driver*i app on the tablet. Your username is the email address you use for Prime Mobile, but the password is one you set up for Driver*i. If you can’t remember your password, you can use the forgot password link to have it emailed to you for a reset.

Is there anything I should be doing to help my tablet run smoothly?

It’s recommended to reboot at least once a week, check Copilot for map updates at least once a month and wipe the screen with a soft cloth and a non-ammonia glass cleaner.

Where can I find more information?

In Prime Mobile, you can click on the Geotab Info button on the home screen for quick videos on Geotab, info on Netradyne Alerts, Co-Pilot settings/options and Prime Mobile new info.

WITH

Recent promotions at Prime Inc. move capable leaders into roles that touch drivers’ lives in real ways, from training and daily operations to moments that require extra assistance. These changes aren’t about titles. They’re about showing up with valuable experience and an understanding of what drivers need on the road.

WRITTEN BY MEGAN PRICE

PHOTOS BY KATY ST. CLAIR

Richard Brock

DRIVER DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Richard Brock’s expanded role reflects a decade-long journey through Prime’s training landscape. “I’ve been at Prime for 10 years,” Brock says. “I started in the training program in Springfield and then went to Pittston to start the training program there.”

Over time, as leadership transitions unfolded, Brock absorbed additional duties day to day, bringing multiple phases of training under a single structure. “It’s a different model than we’ve had before, but we have a really strong team in place,” Brock says. “The team has stepped up to take on additional responsibilities, and I’m really happy with both their performance and their willingness to do so.” While the team is a little leaner, Brock is confident that the right people are in the right seats.

In his current role, Brock focuses on consistency while still allowing room for flexibility. “It’s about ensuring that

our trainers are best equipped with the tools that they need to be good teachers,” he says. He believes that supporting trainers is one of the most effective ways to empower drivers before they ever hit the road.

Before joining Prime, Brock worked as a public school teacher, a background that continues to influence his approach.

“I think my niche for training has kind of always been there,” he says. That foundation helps him view training not just as a requirement, but as a structured, adaptable learning process.

Looking forward, Brock is confident that his new initiatives will improve the department. “There are a lot of things going on that I think our drivers are going to be very excited about,” he explains. “It really comes back to people getting the training they need. We’ve got some pieces coming out with checklists and some testing, along with ways to ensure people have the skills to be successful.”

“We empathize with the driver and understand that a cargo claim can have a catastrophic impact on an individual driver.”

—Jason Seymour

Jason Seymour CLAIMS AND OPERATIONS MANAGER

Claims work often begins on a driver’s worst day, and Jason Seymour approaches that responsibility with patience and perspective. “I stay calm and focus on trying to prevent a bad situation from getting worse,” Seymour says. That mindset sets the tone for a department that regularly meets with drivers during stressful, uncertain moments.

“I have been at Prime for almost 30 years in various positions, but all of them in operations,” he says. That experience gives him a clear understanding of how incidents affect drivers financially, emotionally and professionally. “Claims are about reducing expenses—for our drivers, for our customers, and for Prime,” Seymour says. “My whole career has been helping drivers run safe, profitable businesses, and claim prevention is a huge part of that.”

Empathy plays a central role in how Seymour leads. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the real impact claims can have. “We empathize with the driver and understand that

a cargo claim can have a catastrophic impact on an individual driver,” he says. Listening carefully and gathering accurate information helps build trust when drivers need it most.

While financial loss cannot always be avoided, Seymour wants the takeaway to be prevention-focused. “What happened? Why did it happen? Most importantly, how do I prevent it from happening again?” he says. Each claim becomes an opportunity to learn, reduce risk and protect drivers’ businesses moving forward. “I think giving drivers the information they need ahead of time to prevent claims is key,” Seymour says.

As he thinks about the future, Seymour notes ongoing discussions about process improvements. “We have talked about the reporting process that drivers go through, and how we gather and document information,” he says. He believes technology will eventually help make reporting more efficient for everyone. His goal is not only efficient resolution, but also making sure that drivers feel informed, respected and supported throughout the process.

Chris Martin OPERATIONS MANAGER, REFRIGERATED DIVISION

Chris Martin’s role places him at the intersection of two sides of the team at Prime. “As an Operations Manager in the refrigerated division, I work with both drivers and in-house operations associates,” Martin says. His daily tasks range from hiring and scheduling to payroll, training and ongoing development.

Martin’s management philosophy is straightforward and people-centered. “The goal is to give them all the resources, coaching and encouragement they need to be their best,” he says. “I want each of them to know they are important and to be proud of themselves when their shift ends.” That approach applies to both drivers and the associates who support them behind the scenes.

Strengthening relationships between drivers and fleet managers is a key focus. Martin believes many challenges can be resolved through clearer communication and mutual understanding. He emphasizes consistency and followthrough as essential to building trust across the team. His priorities remain

simple and driver-centered. “Keep them safe,” he says. “Get them paid. Get them home.” Those principles guide decisionmaking at every level.

Shaped by his own experience as a Fleet Manager, Martin has more insight than others might have when it comes to leading a team. “I’ve had those challenges, those same tough conversations, the same daily ups and downs,” he says. That perspective allows him to help others navigate similar demands, particularly when balancing work and family obligations.

His motivation is very personal. What began as a short-term plan at Prime became a long-term career, reinforcing his belief in the opportunities the company offers. Today, Martin applies that perspective to building systems that help drivers feel valued and position them for lasting success. One key lesson stays with him: “Most people want some structure and clear expectations, but they also need our trust and some space if we expect them to develop into stars,” Martin says. “And we have a lot of stars at Prime.”

LOOKING AHEAD

While their roles are different, Brock, Seymour and Martin share a steady approach to leadership. Their work shows up in training, during tough moments, and through the everyday decisions that matter to drivers. As responsibilities grow, that people-first mindset continues to shape how drivers thrive at Prime.

BY ALYSSA RONEY

From the company’s beginnings, Prime Inc. has prided itself on its ability to foster communications through its open-door policy. Drivers are free to take their questions to management when matters need to be addressed. While this system continues, it exists alongside a more streamlined process.

2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the Driver Advisory Board, or, as you may know them, DAB. DAB’s role in helping navigate driver concerns should not be underplayed; in fact, it is often the most direct line of communication between drivers and management.

DAB was formed in 2016, with the campaign largely spearheaded by Marketing Communications Manager Clayton Brown. While Fleet Managers were always drivers’ first line of contact, Prime’s growth made it so that larger questions needed a narrower, more transparent approach to be answered. Enter DAB, a group of drivers from different backgrounds and different years of service that are united in their desire to serve drivers’ needs.

“We can all put our heads together and try to find a solution together, and if we can't find that solution together, then we take that to management. I think that's why we feel that this role is so important.”

—Emily Plummer

THE WHO’S WHO

Currently, DAB consists of 18 exceptional Prime drivers serving four-year terms, representing three of the four divisions. Representing the Reefer Division are James Rose, Victor Blackburn, Jacob Parker, Doreen Cook, Emily Plummer, Anthony Eck, Amos Coates, Jason Wirth, James Jackson, Charles Smith, Roy Romo, Allen Land and James Novalis. Logan Mangels, John Connel and Wayne Connel represent the Flatbed Division, and James Burrow and Heather Motes represent the Tanker Division. Notably, two DAB members have the national distinction of being American Trucking Associations, or ATA, Road Team Captains: Blackburn and Plummer. This was made possible through the drivers’ excellent driving and safety standards, as well as a nomination from a fellow driver. Plummer says that this distinction shaped her understanding of safe leadership, and not only within Prime. “Now, I'm not out here just to protect Prime drivers alone,” she says. “Now I'm out here for drivers in general. It's a big, big role to fill.” Plummer, along with Blackburn, Cook, Eck, Jackson, Romo, Land, Novalis and Burrow, make up the senior-most division of DAB, each with over 10 years of Prime driving experience.

GETTING IN CONTACT

Currently, Prime drivers can reach DAB using Facebook forums or through the surveys sent out to the fleet prior to DAB meetings. These submissions are then discussed at DAB meetings, first within divisions, then with management.

Meetings take place three times a year. From this process, many drivers’ ideas have been implemented as policy at Prime. These include better showers for terminals, healthier food options for drivers and Express Lube days where Prime shops only offer oil changes to speed up the process. Likewise, the Prime app has undergone several changes, including showcasing pay breakdowns and tire funds, as a result of drivers’ questions. Following discussion at the meetings, “meeting minutes” are sent out to the entire fleet, who are able to see any potential responses to their questions.

Plummer says that being able to help fellow drivers by being a part of DAB is empowering. “We can all put our heads together and try to find a solution together,” she says, “and if we can't find that solution together, then we take that to management. I think that's why we feel that this role is so important.”

She also says that at the core of the DAB’s principles is safety, something that has also been entrusted to Plummer as an ATA Road Team Captain. She says that a common question she gets asked as a DAB member is why Prime recently turned trucks’ speeds down to 65 mph. “That safety aspect is the reason why

our trucks are turned down,” she says in response. However, all voices are heard, and all questions are welcome. “We're fighting for what drivers want or what they need,” Plummer says. “We may not see the result of that the next day, but over time, you see it.”

HOW TO JOIN

With some DAB members set to leave the session in a year, Prime will be looking for new members to fill their shoes. Before this happens, expect messages in the Prime app detailing DAB’s responsibilities, as well as a link to an application form. As a member of DAB, you will be paid for downtime while in Springfield, Missouri, for the meetings and

have your hotel stay, food and beverages covered. DAB members must also show operational efficiency and have a clean safety record, as they are held to a high standard in representing the fleet.

Plummer emphasizes that DAB is important for ensuring drivers’ voices are heard. For her, this especially includes the small but mighty percentage of female Prime drivers. “I think it’s evolving,” she says. “Drivers are more interested in joining now. I would love to see more participation from our women drivers, to know that your voice needs to be heard too."

“Drivers are more interested in joining now. I would love to see more participation from our women drivers, to know that your voice needs to be heard too.”

—Emily Plummer

BROTHERLY LOVE

This is the story of how four brothers came to work for Prime in less than three years. The siblings say it is a blessing to work together, and they see a long future with the company.

BY JULIANA GOODWIN

After some research, Montell Jordan was determined to work for Prime Inc. He applied and landed a job in the Fuel Bay in Pittston, Pennsylvania. “I kept my head down and worked hard,” he says. “I came in early, came in when they needed me to show them I saw a future with Prime.”

Jordan decided it was too good not to share. When there was an opening in the Fuel Bay, leaders asked Jordan if he knew anyone who would be a good fit. His brother Chris Nunez would be perfect, he told them, and Chris started at Prime in April 2024.

Jordan was then promoted and moved to Operations. Another spot was open in the Fuel Bay, so the leaders asked him again if he knew anyone. “I was like, ‘Yes, I have another brother,’” he laughs. “They loved them. We all have a great work ethic and are driven.”

The oldest brother, Kevin Nunez, was hired. “My brother pretty much told me the environment and people were great,” Kevin says, explaining why he wanted to work for Prime.

Chris and Kevin both transitioned to the Tractor Shop, leaving vacancies in the Fuel Bay where they all started. By this point, the brothers had a reputation for being hard workers. They recommended their youngest brother, 22-yearold Tyrese Nunez, for a job.

All of the brothers were heavily involved in sports, which they say helped

build discipline. Jordan, who is a Fleet Manager in Training, says it is a “blessing” to work with his siblings. “A lot of what we experience, we experience together,” Jordan says.

Chris says he loves Prime and is glad his older brother introduced the job to him. “Prime has really given us great opportunities to grow within the company, turning our jobs into careers,” he says. “As far as working with my brothers, it’s definitely been a benefit, especially since my brother Kevin and I are training mechanics at the Tractor Shop at the same time.”

Tyrese was hired in June 2025, so he is the newest recruit, but he is glad he switched jobs to work at Prime. Tyrese says he loves the culture and being able to see his brothers every day. “Anytime I am having a tough day, I know my brothers are there, and they know how to make me laugh, so it’s a blessing working with them,” he says.

Jordan says it feels good to walk out and see his siblings doing a good job in their careers and to hear other associates saying positive things about his family. “It’s great having people around you who understand what you are going through when you’re stressed,” Jordan says. “When I’m having a bad day, I will walk out and talk to one of my brothers for five minutes, and how many people can say that? I love Prime. I love the work environment. Prime builds its people up.”

UNDER DESERT STARS

Driver Referral Program

$100

Earn $100 when referred driver hauls first load.

$500

Earn $500 when referred driver stays 30 days.

$500

Earn $500 when referred driver stays 6 months.

$1,000

Earn $1000 when 3 referred drivers stay 6 months. 1/4cpm

Earn ¼ cpm on every mile referred driver runs after 6 months.

Earnings Example:

Refer 3 drivers who stay at least 6 months at Prime, and you would earn $4300, not including the additional mileage pay!

Program Rules:

The person that is referred must run under Prime’s operating authority (A, B, C, or D Seats) as a company driver or independent contractor.

Single or multiple fleet owners are not subject to referral awards on the same truck/fleet. If referred to the general asset fleet, all rewards are applicable.

All active Prime Driver Associates under Prime’s operating authority (A, B, and C Seats) are eligible to receive Prime Inc Driver Referral Program pay.

To earn bonus at 6 months longevity pay and mileage pay, referred driver must be an A Seat. No driver referral bonus will be earned for referring a rehire (previous Prime Driver).

To earn referral, referred driver must list Prime Driver’s name or driver code on online application or be provided to Recruiter prior to processing application for approval.

For more information, contact Prime’s Recruiting Department at 888-664-4473.

Program is effective as of June 10, 2024 until further notice or cancellation. (Prime reserves the right to modify the program at any time.)