YOUR IDEAS COULD SAVE THE COMPANY BIG BUCKS AND EARN YOU A CASH PAYOUT
STEVENS TRANSPORT CELEBRATES 45 YEARS IN BUSINESS AT THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY AWARDS
A NIGHT OF HONORS AND MEMORIES CONGRATULATIONS
NEW MILLION MILE CLUB MEMBERS
Through the collective efforts of the Wreaths Across America Transportation Team and dedicated volunteers nationwide, an extraordinary mission was carried out to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Working together, participants ensured that the legacy of America’s fallen heroes was preserved, their service remembered, and their final resting places marked with the respect and dignity they have earned. This powerful effort brought to life the core purpose of Wreaths Across America—to remember the fallen, recognize those who serve, and educate future generations on the true meaning of freedom.
Stevens Transport was proud to once again support Wreaths Across America, participating in three separate delivery missions this year serving the DFW region as well as locations throughout North and South Carolina. Since first joining the initiative in 2017, Stevens Transport has remained committed to supporting this living memorial through the delivery of fresh evergreen wreaths. Each wreath serves as a symbol of remembrance for fallen service members, veterans, active-duty personnel, and the families who carry their legacy forward. As the 2025 Wreaths Across America theme, Keep Moving Forward, closely reflects our company’s values and long-standing commitment to service, we are honored to have played a role in this meaningful tradition once again.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the following Stevens Transport team members for their meaningful contributions to Wreaths Across America: Army National Guard Captain Mark Joseph, Rony Charles, Jonathan Boone, Francisca Farias, and Julio Pagan.
Welcome to your Ideas In actioN
Project Ascend is a company-wide initiative inviting all Stevens Transport employees and independent contractors to submit cost-saving ideas that: IMPROVE EFFICIENCY REDUCE WASTE STRENGTHEN OPERATIONS
If your idea is implemented, you may earn up to $25,000.
Let’s Talk Goals and Targets
By the end of 2026 we want to realize savings of at least
$10 MILLION
This a big amount but we are confident in the ideas and ingenuity of the people who make up the Stevens Transport family.
HOW WE CAN MAKE AN IMPACT
You are on the front lines. You see things we can’t.
There is NO bad idea. Even small fixes create BIG savings.
Cash Awards
Based on year-one measurable savings:
$25K savings $1,500
$50K
$75K
$100K
$200K
$300K
$400K
$500K+
$2,500
$3,500
. $5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
IDEA KICKSTARTER
Yourdailyexperience equalsmajorsavings.
DRIVERS & CONTRACTORS THINK ABOUT:
Repeat equipment problems
Detention patterns
Routing issues
Fuel waste
Idle time
Scan HERE TO Learn more and submit your ideas today!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 AWARD WINNERS!
Your hard work, talent, and dedication across all specialties and equipment services do not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do to help drive our companies forward.
Employee of the Year – Operations
Jaron Hamilton
Employee of the Year – Operations Runner Up
Angela Porter
Employee of the Year – Non-Operations
Matthew Randolph
Employee of the Year – Non-Operations Runner Up
Josephine Garza
Logistics Office of the Year
Tracy Fredrick – Chicago Office
Logistics Office of the Year Runner Up
Tracy Crite – Florida Office
Rising Stars – Operations
Kayla Cooper • Gabriel Anez
Rising Stars – Non-Operations
Erick Rangel
Molly Aaron
Honorable Mentions – Operations
John Rebone • Rosario Cardenas
Honorable Mentions – Non-Operations
Colby Davis • Braden Birk
Paragon Leasing Employee of the Year - Benjamin Loya
1st Runner Up - Allen Foster • 2nd Runner Up - Chris Wilson
Technician of the Year - Santana Carrera
1st Runner Up - Kay Sifflet • 2nd Runner Up - Ryan Gutierrez
Rising Stars - Kayla Valdez - Braylon Andrews
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR Lease Completion
2025 STATS
LEASE COMPLETION BONUS PAYOUT
$1,508,132 TOTAL LEASE COMPLETIONS 229 AVERAGE LEASE COMPLETION PAYOUT
$6,742
• No Money Down
• No Credit Check
• Superior Equipment
• Great Pay & Miles
• Business Training
• Health Insurance Options
SUCESS STORIES
TYJAE HORTON THOMAS JOHNSTON
Independent Contractor
At just 23 years old, Tyjae Horton is already making a notable impact at Stevens Transport as a driven Independent Contractor, driver trainer, and emerging business professional. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Tyjae entered the trucking industry with clear goals, a strong work ethic, and a long-term vision for building a successful future.
Tyjae began his career with Stevens Transport in September 2024, after earning his CDL through Georgia Driving Academy. One of his most significant recent milestones was completing his first lease, an accomplishment he views as a meaningful achievement. For Tyjae, completing the lease represents more than fulfilling a contract—it reflects personal discipline, professional growth, and confirmation that his strategic plans are taking shape.
Tyjae attributes his success first and foremost to God, recognizing that his progress and opportunities are rooted in faith, perseverance, and determination. Outside of work, Tyjae enjoys side-by-side riding, a hobby he describes as his go-to activity whenever time allows.
Independent Contractor
Thomas Johnston has been a dedicated Independent Contractor with Stevens Transport for five years, beginning his career in November 2019. Born and raised in Chicago and now based in Dallas, Thomas is a proud U.S. Navy veteran who served for five years. Completing his most recent lease was a true blessing for him, the result of hard work and dedication, and marked the successful completion of his second lease with the company.
Thomas chose Stevens Transport for its strong reputation for safety, dependable support, quality equipment, and the advantage of having more trailers than tractors. He earned his initial training at Drumright Tech in Oklahoma and later completed a refresher through the Stevens Driving Academy. Thomas credits his success to his dedication, love for driving, and the team-oriented support system at Stevens, where dispatch and leadership work together to help drivers succeed. His long-term goal is to acquire land and build his own business, with hopes of eventually expanding into truck ownership.
As a driver trainer, Thomas finds fulfillment in mentoring new drivers, treating them as future coworkers, and taking pride in their long-term success. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, working out, gaming, and studying network administration to stay prepared for the future.
SAFETY UPDATE: DIGITAL MIRROR IMPLEMENTATION
All-in-One Door Controls
Welcome
ANGELO GIBSON - Senior Vice President of Operations
Monitor Selection with Panning Joystick
Rear View and Look Down Cameras
Welcome
Infrared LED Night Vision
Automatic Trailer Tracking
ANGELO GIBSON - Senior Vice President of Operations
End of Trailer and Distance Lines
High-Def Monitors with Multiple Layouts
DIGITAL MIRRORS CURRENTLY DEPLOYED
EST. 800 DEPLOYED EOY 2026
INCREASE DRIVER SECURITY WHEN EXITING THE CAB
Stevens Transport is pleased to welcome Angelo Gibson as our new Senior Vice President of Operations. Angelo brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in transportation and logistics, with extensive expertise in One-Way and Dedicated operations. He is widely recognized for his strengths in strategic planning, process improvement, and driving operational excellence.
Most recently, Angelo led a large-scale operation overseeing more than 100 associates and up to 2,800 drivers, managing all aspects of freight execution and driver experience. Prior to joining Stevens Transport, he served as Vice President of Operations at Werner Enterprises.
Angelo is passionate about improving operational efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, and building a culture focused on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. He is also a strong advocate for using technology and data-driven insights to support informed decision-making and sustainable growth.
A graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Angelo proudly served seven years in the United States Navy. In his new role, he will oversee all Stevens Transport operations, with a focus on revenue and margin growth, cost optimization, and operational performance.
CARGO THEFT GAINING SOPHISTICATION
"When will your driver be there exactly? Can you tell me the ETA?" That’s how the call began .
What the person on the other end didn’t know — he wasn’t talking to a trucking company. He was talking to the real company he was impersonating. The call was recorded by Tanager Logistics, a San Antonio-based freight broker whose identity had been hijacked by scammers operating from overseas.
"What's the product on this load?" the real Tanager Logistics asked. "It's going to be beverages,” the imposter Tanager Logistics responded. "They stole our identity and were then brokering loads to unsuspecting, legitimate motor carriers," said Adam Blanchard, owner of Tanager Logistics.
In 2023, criminals used a fake email address and Tanager’s logo to pose as the company. They booked real trucking companies to haul loads, then redirected some of those shipments straight into the hands of thieves.
"These criminals would call them and say, instead of delivering it where the paperwork says, deliver it to this warehouse," Blanchard said . That’s when the cargo would vanish .
Blanchard says they discovered what was happening when the legitimate trucking companies contacted them, wanting to be paid. "It was an absolute nightmare," he said. "The reputational damage that's resulted from it—it's something that's affecting us to this very day."
Adam Blanchard of Tanager Logistics says thieves stole his company's identity to steal cargo. Industry experts say Blanchard’s experience is far from unique. "Cargo theft in the United States fundamentally changed somewhere between 2020 and 2022," said Scott Cornell, who leads a cargo theft investigation unit at Travelers Insurance. "Post-COVID, cargo thieves became aware of the fact that, hey, I can be anywhere and steal freight anywhere," Cornell said. "I can basically use all sorts of trickery and nefarious methods to trick people into believing that I’m somebody I’m not."
It's called strategic cargo theft, and it’s jumped nearly 1,500% over the last three years, according to data from CargoNet. The average loss tops $200,000 per incident — and Texas ranks among the hardest-hit states. "The cost of cargo theft impacts
the cost of goods," Cornell said. "The more frequently we see these things stolen, the more expensive they’re going to become."
One of the biggest loopholes exploited by scammers involves motor carrier numbers, or MC numbers, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. "They'll buy the MC number so it looks like a legitimate business on paper, but it's actually an organized crime ring behind it," Cornell said.
Florida-based freight broker Brian Watt watched the scam unfold in real time. "The company looked good on paper but had just sold its MC to an unsavory group that was using the identity to steal loads," Watt said.
The agency that issues motor carrier numbers is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. They said in a statement that they do not regulate the sale of assets such as motor carrier numbers. A 1995 law removed the agency’s power to approve when trucking or freight companies sell or transfer their motor carrier numbers, also known as their operating authority.
But according to federal guidelines, they can still oversee it, get information about it, and take action if something doesn’t seem right. In fact, the Federal Register states the 1995 law did not eliminate the agency’s “nherent authority to oversee transfers nor prohibit FMCSA from recording or monitoring the ownership or commercial and operational safety consequences of the transfer transaction.
“You don’t have to regulate the sale, but you have to know who bought it to see if they’re authorized to have it because they’re engaged in interstate commerce,” said Dale Prax, owner of FreightValidate, a company that tracks fraud and identity theft in the trucking industry.
Adam Blanchard says he approached state and federal law enforcement agencies about the scammers impersonating his company. “It was just dead end after dead end,” he said. That’s what led to the phone call to the impersonators. "About two or three minutes in, we said, ‘Hey—we are also Tanager Logistics. You've stolen our identity. We're informing law enforcement of what you're doing," Blanchard said. "They let us know, with the click of a button, that they were not interested in talking any further."
The scammers disappeared after that call. Blanchard took his story to Capitol Hill in February. "Our American dream turned into a nightmare," he told lawmakers.
Congratulations!
NEW MEMBERS MILLI N MILE CLUB!
Stevens Transport is proud to have 805 drivers in the Million Mile Club. These drivers are in the top 10% of all drivers, all across the industry, and we are honored to have them as members of our driving force. The level of dedication and attention to safety that goes into the million miles these
drivers have run is unmatched. Joining the million mile club is one of the highest achievements that a driver can earn. We are very thankful to have these incredible individuals as members of the Stevens Transport fleet, and we can’t thank them enough for all that they have done.
four MILLION MILES Jesus Ortega
Jesus Ortega, an independent contractor with Stevens Transport from El Paso, Texas, reflects with pride and gratitude on achieving the milestone of four million miles driven. He explains that this accomplishment means a great deal to him and would not have been possible without the strong support of his family, especially his wife, who has helped manage responsibilities at home. Ortega also recognizes the influence of people who supported him throughout his career, including Archie Roberts, who played an important role in his journey. He discusses how the trucking industry has evolved over the years, noting that advancements in technology—such as improved weather forecasting, communication systems, dispatch tools, and electronic logs—have made the job more efficient and safer, even if they were not always easy to embrace at first. As an independent contractor, he highlights key business lessons he has learned, including the importance of money management, time management, and consistent truck maintenance. Above all, Ortega expresses happiness and fulfillment in his work, valuing the flexibility it has sometimes provided to create special moments with his family and to enjoy time with his children and grandchildren.
ONE MILLION MILES Henry L. McKinney
We are proud to recognize One Million Miler Henry McKinney for achieving this significant milestone with Stevens Transport. A retired U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, Henry joined Stevens in October 2016 after earning his CDL at Fort Hood, and we sincerely appreciate his service to our country. Reaching one million miles in just eight and a half years is an accomplishment he is proud of and one that reflects his dedication and consistency. Henry was drawn to Stevens for its respect of military driving experience and has also given back by serving as a driver trainer for six years. He credits his success to striving for excellence every day and encourages new drivers to keep learning, noting that real experience begins on the road. Congratulations, Henry, and thank you for your professionalism and commitment.
two MILLION MILES
Marion Fred Hudson
Please join us in congratulating Marion Fred Hudson, an independent contractor, on achieving the remarkable milestone of two million miles. This accomplishment represents years of dedication, consistency, and professionalism, as well as his commitment to continually learning and improving as a driver. Hudson credits his success to sticking with the process, paying attention to experienced guidance, and running his business efficiently, noting that reaching two million miles means a great deal to both him and his wife. His achievement also reflects the strong relationship he has built with Stevens Transport, a company he appreciates for its long-standing support throughout his career. Congratulations, Marion!
one MILLION MILES Charles Lewis
Please join us in recognizing Charles Lewis, a company driver from Florida and a U.S. Army veteran, on achieving the milestone of one million miles. This accomplishment reflects years of perseverance, discipline, and a strong work ethic shaped by both his military background and life experience. Reaching one million miles was a meaningful and rewarding surprise for Lewis, and it holds special significance as he continues driving with dedication to support his wife, whose pride in his achievement made the moment even more memorable. Lewis credits much of his success to the support and camaraderie of his fellow drivers, as well as the company’s comprehensive training program that helped him build the skills and confidence needed to excel on the road. Congratulations, Charles!
two MILLION MILES William D. Morris
William Morris is a professional company driver with Stevens Transport from Austin, Texas, who has dedicated more than 21 years to his career after starting on October 19, 2004. Drawn to trucking from a young age, he chose Stevens for its training program and earned his CDL through the company, which helped set the foundation for his long-term success. Morris takes great pride in achieving two million miles, viewing it as a meaningful personal accomplishment that reflects his determination, focus, and commitment to the profession, while enjoying the independence of life on the road and working for a company he believes provides strong support and quality equipment. Congratulations, William!
WELCOME TO THE TEAM!
#MEETSTEVENS
OLIVIA JECTY Support Specialist
Please join us in welcoming Olivia Jecty to the Stevens Transport team as our new Support Specialist! Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Olivia brings strong organizational skills and experience in event coordination. Known for her initiative and strong work ethic, she is excited to deepen her understanding of the transportation field while working closely with a collaborative and encouraging team. Outside of work, Olivia enjoys relaxing at home, spending time with her dogs, and enjoying her favorite dish, pho. She draws inspiration from her mother, who motivates her to continue growing both personally and professionally.
Welcome to Stevens Transport, Olivia!
CORY LLOYD Driver Manager - Perdue
We’re excited to welcome Cory Lloyd to the Stevens Transport team as our new Driver Manager for the Perdue fleet! A proud Chicago native, Cory began his career as a CDL Class A driver and discovered his passion for operations, safety, and logistics along the way. His background gives him a unique understanding of both the driver’s perspective and the operational side of fleet management. Cory holds a degree in Accounting from Jackson State University, where he developed a strong foundation in organization, problem-solving, and compliance—skills he applies daily to keep fleets efficient and drivers supported. Outside of work, Cory enjoys spending time with his wife and children, creating lasting memories, and cheering on his favorite team, the Chicago Bears. His favorite food is pizza, and he’s driven by the satisfaction of seeing progress, whether it’s helping a driver grow or improving fleet performance.
Welcome to Stevens Transport, Cory!
DANIELA GUZMAN CS Assistant
We are excited to welcome Daniela Guzman as our new Customer Service Assistant. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Daniela also spent part of her childhood in Brownsville. After graduating from Garland High School, she studied nursing at Texas A&M–Commerce and earned her Phlebotomy certification from Richland College. Daniela enjoys connecting with people and creating positive experiences. Her recent role as an Office Administrator strengthened her communication and organizational skills. In her free time, she loves painting, spending time with family, and walking or running with her dog Blu, a pit bull/pointer mix. Her favorite food is Italian, her go-to shows are The Vampire Diaries and Yellowstone, and she proudly cheers for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Welcome to Stevens Transport, Daniela!
KEVIN DAVILA Equipment Inspector
Kevin joins us from Orange County, California, bringing a strong work ethic, hands-on experience, and a passion for the diesel industry. His recent role as a Tire Technician honed his technical skills, while his time as an Accounts Payable Coordinator strengthened his organization, precision, and problem-solving abilities. Kevin shared that a shift in his long-term goals inspired him to pursue diesel mechanics, and he is excited to join an established company in the logistics industry. Outside of work, he enjoys soccer, playing guitar, and the Lincoln Tech Automotive Club. A proud Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Kevin loves Sunday Night Football and his favorite food is tomato spaghetti. He attended Lincoln Technical Institute to expand his knowledge of automotive and diesel technology. Glad to have you with us, Kevin!
VICTOR PACHECO Tire Technician
Welcome to the Paragon team, Victor Pacheco! We are pleased to welcome Victor Pacheco, who joins Paragon as a Tire Technician. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Victor was seeking a stronger career path with opportunities for growth and is excited to build his future here. Prior to joining Paragon, he worked as outside staff on a golf course, where he developed a strong work ethic and hands-on experience. Outside of work, Victor enjoys working on cars, improving performance, and keeping them looking their best. His favorite food is Mexican, his favorite show is The Punisher, and he proudly cheers for the Texas Rangers. Victor is eager to develop new skills, contribute to the team’s success, and continue growing his career with Paragon. Welcome to Paragon, Victor!
KEVIN VARGAS Equipment Inspector
We are excited to welcome Kevin Vargas as our newest Equipment Inspector. Born and raised in Dallas, Kevin describes himself as ambitious and eager to grow while building a long-term career in the diesel industry. He is currently studying to become a diesel mechanic, and his previous role as a Yard Mule Driver provided valuable experience with shop operations and equipment movement. Kevin credits his mother as a major source of inspiration and motivation, pushing him to continue improving both personally and professionally. Outside of work, he enjoys catching up on sleep, grabbing Wingstop, and following the Dallas Mavericks. His favorite TV show is Family Guy, and he is excited to join Paragon because of the positive shop environment and strong team culture. Welcome to the team, Kevin!
DRIVER SPOTLIGHT MEET TOMMY FAUCETTE
Tommy Faucette has been a proud member of the Stevens Transport Contractor Division since February 2020 and recently transitioned from owner-operator to company driver. He earned his CDL through Knoxville Tennessee Truck Driving School. Originally from Henderson, North Carolina, Tommy was inspired to pursue a career in trucking by his father, who spent 35 years on the road.
Tommy chose Stevens Transport for its top-tier equipment, unmatched driver support, and what he considers the best training program in the industry. He believes the trainers at Stevens are truly dedicated to preparing the next generation of safe, skilled drivers.
Throughout his career, Tommy has learned valuable business lessons, including the importance of patience, avoiding comparisons to others’ earnings, prioritizing truck maintenance, managing expenses wisely, and planning fuel stops in advance. He also stresses the importance of pacing yourself and taking proper breaks. His advice to new drivers is simple: don’t rush to reach your destination.
Tommy credits his success to his determination, the support of his family, and the strong community at Stevens Transport.
FAKE SUPPORT CALLS NOT THE HELP YOU NEED
Any support call coming directly from Microsoft, Dell, Apple, Norton etc., is a SCAM.
Nobody from organizations like these will ever reach out to you directly by telephone. If they do, hang up or direct them to the help desk.
Stay aware and keep your online presence safe!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND
DEDICATION
STEVENS TRANSPORT
JANUARY
Leslie Eaton - Driver Qualifications Coordinator - 27 years
Deneen Taylor - EDI Coordinator - 27 years
Johnny Red Cloud Cox - DM - Lease Contractors - 26 years
Rosario Cardenas - CS Representative - Laredo - 26 years
Sam Few - Service Specialist - Produce - 26 years
Greg Stevenson - Service Spec. - Extended Ops - 24 years
Carlton Cousins - EDI - Detention Coordinator - 22 years
Jessica Mckeever - Accounting Coordinator - 21 years
Anita Williams - EDI Specialist - 15 years
Andrela Kelly - CS Assistant - Protein - 8 years
Benita Bowser - Benefits Coordinator - 8 years
Jose Pacheco - Building and Grounds Assistant - 8 years
Daisy Martinez - I/C Driver Recruiter - 6 years
Brett Cortopassi - I/C Business Advisor Manager - 6 years
Doug Eichelberger - DM - Lease Contractors - 6 years
Tyricko Duckett - CDL School Lead Instructor - 6 years
Albert Hunt - CS Representative - 6 years
Brandon Behrens - IT Project Manager - 5 years
Felisha Donerso - DM - Lease Contractors - 5 years
Braden Birk - Project Manager - 5 years
Sam Reidling - Dispatch Planner - Regional - 5 years
Debbie Allen - I/C Settlements Support - 5 years
Joe Adams - OS&D Manager - 5 years
Bryan Thomas - Contractor Driver Recruiter - 4 years
Charles Collins - Driver Manager - Company - 4 years
Keisha Bates - CS Representative - Coke & Armada - 4 years
Grant Isham - Dispatch Planner - Comfort Zone - 4 years
Jerrod Phillips - Ops Team Lead - Extended - 4 years
Jessica Gamez - SE Regional Planner - 3 years
Evan Rosen - National Sales Manager - TL - 3 years
Ericka Redic - Driver Services Representative - 3 years
Jake Raich - Contractor Business Advisor II - 3 years
Greg Brown - Driver Manager - Lease Contractors - 3 years
Mark Sherman - Operations Manager - Intermodal - 3 years
Stacy Maynard - Executive Assistant - 3 years
Shanel Ramos - DM Operations Leader - In Training - 3 years
JaDarrius Blocker - Driver Manager - Grad - 2 years
Mario Charity - Resident Instructor - 2 years
Frances Worley - Driver Services Coordinator - 2 years
Renae Koster - CS Representative - 2 years
Jovania Johnson - Driver Recruiter - CSR - 2 years
Angelina Mancini - Driver Services Coordinator - 1 year
Ty Melrose - Systems Administrator - 1 year
Cynthia Morales - Logistics Coordinator - Fairlife - 1 year
Carolyn Jones - Driver Manager - Company - 1 year
Herschel Jorden - CDL School Instructor - 1 year
Jeff Tidwell - Driver Manager - Dedicated - 1 year
Benjamin Stovall - Dispatch Planner - Comfort Zone - 1 year
Toyia Norman - Driver Recruiter - CSR - 1 year
William Herron - Driver Manager - Perdue - 1 year
FEBRUARY
Mike Richey - Vice President - Senior Executive - 45 years
Lavonda Berry - Accounts Payable - 29 years
Tanya Mitchell - Canadian Freight Broker - 28 years
Autumn Ackerman-Muzzillo - AR/Billing Specialist - 27 years
Blessy Mathew - Driver Payroll Coordinator - 27 years
John Haffner - CDL 3rd Party Administrator - 23 years
Joe Jenkins - Driver Manager - Lease Contractors - 22 years
Richard Delgado - Vice President of Operations - 21 years
John Stitten - Support Specialist - Extended - 20 years
Sarah Ridgeway - Freight Broker - 14 years
Sterling Collins - Field Recruiter - 14 years
Jessica Sievek - Administrative Assistant - 13 years
