Proudly Recognizing Our Drivers’ Efforts
The Best of the Best For January 2024
Our outstanding service as a premier logistics and transportation solutions provider is backed by the dedication and hard work of our entire team, from back-office support staff to driving professionals. And the best of the best drive for Stevens Transport. The executive team of Stevens Transport is proud to announce and honor the driver award winners for the month of January 2024.
John Stout
1st Place Company Driver of the Month
Congratulations to John Stout, the Stevens Transport Company Driver of the Month! John joined Stevens Transport in 1994. He received his first CDL in 1980 while working in construction as a heavy equipment operator. In 2000, John joined the contractor division and later purchased his first truck and was a successful Owner/Operator (O/O) for 22 years. In 2022, John made the decision to return to the Stevens fleet team. He jokes he will cross the next decision bridge in 2026 when his CDL is scheduled to expire. John is an incredible representative of Stevens Transport and of the industry. He is a multi-award recipient, including being named the 2005 O/O of the Year Runner-Up. John is also a 2 Million Miler in the Stevens Transport Haul of Fame, another impressive accomplishment! Averaging over 12K miles a month, it is no wonder John has achieved so much! His advice to many is to be self-motivated and excel in trip planning to ensure timely service because these are the keys to his success. When not on the road, John loves to fish, get in 18 holes on a golf course, and cook for friends and family.
Congratulations, John!
Ranferi Briones
Runner Up Company Driver of the Month
Congratulations to Ranferi Briones, our Runner Up Company Driver of the Month! Ranferi joined Stevens Transport in March 2008, having successfully completed his CDL training at The CDL School – Miami. Ranferi averaged over 12K miles in December and over 780K with Stevens! Ranferi chose a career at Stevens because of the positive reputation as a whole and the flexibility in time and scheduling. He appreciates the support and care given to drivers, the high quality of the trucks, and the exceptional service from Paragon Leasing! Originally from Guatemala, he enjoys his time on the road and thinks of it as a way to get to know and see America. Ranferi is a dedicated planner and credits this to his success. Having a well planned trip allows him to keep moving while having patience and staying alert. He advises new drivers to do the same because it is a lifestyle change. Be a planner, have patience, and learn how to be great on the road and also at home. Outside of work, Ranferi loves traveling for fun, spending time at the beach, and having great fun with family.
Congratulations, Ranferi!
Kierre Marshall
1st Place Independent Contractor of the Month
Congratulations to Kierre Marshall, our January Independent Contractor Driver! Kierre is a graduate of Diesel Driving Academy, where he took advantage of the Stevens Transport Sponsored Driving training program in his home town of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He started his career at Stevens in November of 2021 and became an Independent Contractor in March of 2022. In a very short time Kierre has mastered running his own business and has covered an impressive 13,383 miles in December! Kierre’s monthly average miles since joining Stevens is just shy of 11K! Stevens Transport is appreciative of his dedication, commitment to quality service, and being an exemplary representation of the Stevens Transport Contractor Division. He is an inspiration to many new drivers who have a goal of being a successful independent contractor.
Congratulations, Kierre!
Marquise Smith
Runner-Up Independent Contractor of the Month
Congratulations to Marquis Smith, our Runner up Independent Contractor Driver of the Month! Marquis had an incredible month of driving almost 13,000 miles! A graduate of Diesel Driving Academy (DDA) in his hometown of Little Rock, AR, Marquis turned to transportation to help further his long term real estate investment goals. He enjoys the freedom that comes with being on the road. Marquis is honored to be amongst great drivers and appreciates Stevens Transport for having the reputation of being one of the best for entry level drivers, having the lease plan program, and helping provide a solid path that contributes greatly to his overall career goals. He relies on his trip planning and keeping safety the priority as key markers for his overall success and wants new drivers to do the same, with patience and understanding that it does work. Outside of work, Marquis makes time for gaming, studying real estate, and spending time with his family.
Congratulations, Marquise!
Brady Taylor
1st Place Grad Driver of the Month
Congratulations to Brady Taylor, the January New Driver of the Month! Brady, a graduate of Stevens Transport Driving Academy, is from Winfield, AL. He is ambitious and hard working and chose the transportation industry as a means to build a better life for his family. He thoroughly enjoyed his training in Moulton and is grateful for the in depth education and support, along with learning about opportunities at Stevens Transport for new drivers. The support of his family not only aided him while in school and through the start of his new career, but also is his daily motivation to be better than the day before. For new drivers, Brady candidly advises for a strong sense of self awareness. The commitment needed to be successful and reach personal goals is more than a new driver might originally realize, but Brady believes the potential for success is great with Stevens Transport and the industry as a whole, especially when there is great understanding and a strong support system. When not enjoying the freedom of the road, Brady focuses on quality time with family and enjoys time in nature, fishing, and hunting.
Congratulations, Brady!
Joshua Dees
Runner-Up Grad Driver of The Month
Our Runner-Up New Driver of the Month is Joshua Dees! Joshua was born in Upper Heyford, England and raised in San Angelo and Houston. Enjoying driving a box truck, being on the road, and trusting his intuition, Joshua decided to obtain his CDL. Joshua graduated from Stevens Transport Driving Academy. He enjoyed his time at the Academy and found it very informative and thorough along with having great instructors! He loves that each day brings something new while on the road and enjoys the solitude that compliments these moments. Grateful for all that being a driver brings each day, he credits Stevens Transport for making it possible through the great training and never ending support. Always striving to be better, Joshua is humbled by the award and looks forward to more continued growth and success. He is thankful for his family and their constant encouragement. He also credits his success to his recruiter Charles Wage, Instructors Marie and Bear, and his OTR Trainer, Edward Boechler for preparing him and setting him up for success. Discipline, focus, patience, and punctuality are traits he believes all drivers need in order to be successful. He encourages new drivers to lean into the profession, listen, and pay attention because it’s a great way to make a living, go to new places, and experience different things. When not on the road, Joshua enjoys reading, exercising, cooking, and time with family.
Congratulations, Joshua!
Johnathan Arey & Lucas Thompson
1st Place Team of the Month
Please join us in congratulating our Team Drivers of the Month, Lucas Thompson and Johnathan Arey! Together, they covered 21K miles in December! Johnathan and Lucas are both graduates of Stevens Transport Driving Academy and came to Stevens in June of 2023. Johnathan and Lucas are grateful for the dedicated and passionate instructors and it was evident to both the instructors wanted the best for the students. Johnathan enjoys seeing parts of the United States that he believes he would not have had the opportunity otherwise. He believes being polite, patient, and diligent are factors to his driving success and recommends for new drivers to channel the same qualities and to take everything one day at a time. When not on the road, Johnathan enjoys driving 4-wheelers, concerts, playing pool, and most of all, his 9 year old twin boys! Lucas, driven in life to provide for his family, sees trucking as the backbone of America and believes it will always provide an opportunity. He also advises new drivers to have patience and to stay persistent. Lucas credits Driver Managers Matt and James for always having the team’s best interest in mind and for their great communication. When not on the road, Lucas, a cancer and stroke survivor, enjoys the outdoors and seeing a smile on his son’s face.
Congratulations, Jonathan & Lucas!
David Kathriner
Owner-Operator of the Month
Congratulations David Kathriner, January’s Owner Operator Driver of the Month! David joined Stevens Transport upon graduating CDL training at Nu-Way in St. Louis. A Professional Driving career was a pathway David was familiar with as many of his family members were a part of the industry. David, a United States Air Force Veteran had the discipline and responsibility to take his career to new heights, and in March 2012 he joined the Stevens Transport team. David drove an impressive 11,177 miles. He enjoys the freedom of the open road and independence of running his own business. His hard work and professional attitude towards safety has earned him a spot in the Stevens Transport Haul of Fame Million Mile Club! We are incredibly proud of David’s accomplishments and are grateful he is on our team! Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his wife and family.
Thank you for your service and your commitment to Stevens Transport, David!
Kadeem Edgehill
Trainer of the Month
Congratulations to Kadeem Edgehill! Kedeem is January’s Trainer of the Month! Kadeem joined Stevens Transport in June 2022 after attending Careers World Wide in Colorado. A strong family man, Kadeem chose the transportation industry to build a strong future for himself and provide even more for his family. Kadeem researched trucking options and decided on Stevens Transport because of our positive reputation as a company and a company with great training. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, he enjoys driving because it gives him the opportunity to see the country. He also enjoys the cities and the diverse cultures he has experienced while on the road. For this proud driver, it is our late-model trucks that make Stevens Transport stand out among the rest. When not training and on the road, Kadeem can be found with his kids, in the gym, or playing basketball.
Congratulations, Kadeem!
Andrew “Drew” Adams
Runner Up Trainer of the Month
Congratulations to Drew Adams, our Runner-Up Trainer of the Month! Drew, originally from Mobile, AL, attended Georgia Driving Academy and joined Stevens Transport in April of 2023. Drew spent 2 years in the San Francisco Bay Area with the United States Coast Guard before becoming a driver. A fan of seeing sites and different topography, Drew knew becoming a professional truck driver would allot him the opportunity to see the U.S by land while embarking on a new rewarding career. After researching companies with safety as the priority, it was a clear choice for Drew to select Stevens Transport. The intensive training, competitive pay, and benefits were additional perks, along with the strong support system for entry level drivers. Surprised and honored, Drew is excited to be recognized. He advises new drivers to do the research, be serious, and keep the motoring public safe. He also finds it very important to have a healthy respect for others and to seek out mentors and problems solvers. Their success can teach you yours. Drew enjoys being on the road but when away, wood working, the mountains with family, outdoor activities, and great music are what keep Drew at the top of his game.
Thank you for your service and congratulations, Drew!
Robert Graham, Jr.
1st Place Dedicated Driver of the Month
Please congratulate recent Haul of Fame Million Miler inductee, Robert Graham, Jr. for being named January’s Dedicated Driver of the Month and covering an impressive 14K miles in December! Robert is a graduate of Georgia Driver Academy and joined Stevens Transport in 2015. After a conversation with his uncle, a truck driver of over 32 years of whom he credits for giving him the advice and knowledge he uses daily, Robert decided transportation was his future. The superior and state of the art equipment, the support he receives, and the sincere belief in knowing Stevens Transport cares about his life on and off the road is motivating and meaningful to him. Proud to have his hard work recognized and being named the Dedicated Driver of the Month, Robert encourages new drivers to follow their dream, stay positive, and stay on the path they’ve set in order to be successful as a professional driver. When not on the road, Robert simply likes to have fun! He enjoys sports, time with family, great food, helping others, and focuses on always finding the positive in everyday moments.
Congratulations, Robert!
Douglas Barriger
Runner Up Dedicated Driver of the Month
Congratulations to Douglas Barriger, Runner-Up Dedicated Driver of the Month! Douglas joined Stevens Transport in October of 2013 after graduating from Roadmaster Drivers School. Wanting a change from physical, labor intensive jobs, Douglas moved to the transportation industry where he has been more than successful. Douglas is a proud Stevens Transport Haul of Fame Million Miler and believes in spending time mentoring new drivers. Happy he can give back, he finds their success rewarding and advises new drivers to stay focused and take a breath when frustrations happen because that one second could prevent a lot. He credits his beautiful wife as the person who helps and supports him the most when times get challenging. For him, she has the ability to make everything right again. She is his calm. Douglas appreciates being named Runner-Up Dedicated Driver of the Month and the recognition itself goes miles and miles. When not on the road, Douglas and his wife enjoy relaxing and spending time together.
Congratulations, Douglas!
Congratulations, drivers!
Interested in joining the Stevens Transport family? Check out the great truck driving job opportunities currently available: