Teammates Build Friendship On The Road
Demarcus Morris and Maurice Reynolds were strangers who started truck driving within weeks of each other but are now best friends who own and operate Great Freight, the independent business that the pair created with the support and assistance of the Stevens Contractor Division.
Maurice and Demarcus both grew up with fathers who were also truck drivers, so the profession was already in their blood. “My father would take me with him on his trips when he was a driver, and it opened my eyes to a career that I could pursue in adult life,’ Demarcus said. “Riding with him was something that I always looked forward to!”
Demarcus and Maurice met at Luna Lodge, the lodging motel that Stevens Transport students reside at during CDL training. Demarcus had just completed his 240-hour over-the-road training, and Marcus was just about to begin his. They instantly became friends and stayed in contact while Maurice was completing his training.
Before joining Stevens, I owned another business with my brother, and I understood the significance of being independent. So when I found out that Stevens offered the same opportunity, I knew I had to take advantage of it.
– Maurice
Decision to Become Small Business Owners
Two months after Maurice finished his training, the duo made the decision to team up and create their company. “Before joining Stevens, I owned another business with my brother, I understood the significance of being independent,” Maurice said. “So when I found out that Stevens offered the same opportunity, I knew I had to take advantage of it.”
Stevens offered us the opportunity to see New York City for the first time, and that experience was sensational.
– Demarcus
Team Enjoys Seeing The Country
Since teaming up, the team has been able to explore many places around the country, some even for the first time. “Stevens has offered us the opportunity to see New York City for the first time, and that experience was sensational,” Demarcus said. “I even got to see Miami for the first time while driving, which was surreal.”
The pair have been grateful for all of the advice that has been passed down to them during their time so far and even wanted to share some advice for new drivers. “Perseverance is key,” Demarcus said. “This job will require you to make sacrifices, but you will grow a deeper appreciation not only for those sacrifices but for the job as well.”