The Stevens Transport Roadside Radio Podcast - Episode 80

The Stevens Transport Roadside Radio Podcast

Stevens Roundtable: Sam Freni Discusses Culture and Growth at Stevens Transport

Sam Freni serves as the Executive Vice President of Operations and Logistics at Stevens Transport, showcasing considerable experience in corporate and entrepreneurial backgrounds, with expertise spanning across operations and strategy. Freni has progressed through various roles within the company, highlighting a strong trajectory of leadership and innovation. His contributions to Stevens Transport include the enhancement of employee engagement, implementation of performance metrics, and championing an evolving work culture adaptive to the modern era's demands.

In this episode of the Stevens Transport Roadside Radio podcast, host Tim Cicciarelli reconnects with Sam Freni, who now holds the executive vice president position since their last discussion in the podcast's inaugural season. Freni brings insights on professional growth, operational strategies, and the critical importance of fostering a robust company culture.

Sam discusses the intricate relationship between employees, the organization, and its drivers, elaborating on how performance metrics (KPIs) not only empower individual success but also signal collective corporate health. He notes that these KPIs are a cornerstone of Stevens Transport's evolving culture — one where employees are recognized and have a tangible understanding of their contributions to the company's success. Additionally, Freni points out the adaptability of the company in embracing hybrid work schedules, which has become an advantageous approach for both employee retention and company progress.

Key Takeaways:

• Cross-Training and Progression: Stevens Transport has a strong focus on employee growth and cross-departmental training. They have systems in place allowing employees to track career paths and apply for various roles, driving engagement and talent retention.
• Performance Metrics as Cultural Pillars: The discussion emphasizes the importance of KPIs for personal and organizational benefit. Employees possessing clear success indicators feel more connected and committed to their roles.
• Hybrid Work as Competitive Advantage: Freni proudly details how hybrid work models have been effectively integrated into their operations, benefiting the employees' work-life balance and the company's talent acquisition.
• Vision of Culture Evolution: There's a vision for culture that not only retains the 'family' feeling but becomes even more inclusive for growth and development, promoting Stevens Transport as a long-term career choice.
• Impact of Covid-19 on Work Culture: The conversation reflects on how Covid-19 has shaped workplace practices, leading to more flexible arrangements that have been well received by the staff.

Safety Tip of the Week from Terrence D. Burgess

This week we are going over loss of control accidents.

Fuel Optimization and Winter Preparedness: Don't Be That Person

​Nick Forte is a seasoned professional in the transportation and leasing industry, currently associated with Paragon Leasing, the equipment arm for Stevens Transport. With an impressive track record in fuel optimization and fleet management, Nick plays a critical role in ensuring the efficiency and safety of operations at Paragon Leasing. His expertise lies in creating solutions that super serve drivers and promote fiduciary responsibility within the trucking company.

In this gripping episode of Stevens Transport Roadside Radio Podcast, our host Tim Cicciarelli engages with Nick Forte of Paragon Leasing to delve into the importance of equipment management and driver responsibility during the challenging winter months. This informative dialogue takes place against the backdrop of an unpredictable winter in 2024, highlighting the pivotal role of fuel optimization in the trucking industry.

Listeners will gain invaluable insights into the strategic decision-making that shapes fueling solutions at Paragon Leasing. Nick Forte elaborates on how these solutions are designed to factor in fuel tax, discounts, and routing while optimizing for operational costs. The conversation also pivots to a critical discussion on the potential dangers of ignoring fuel solutions, culminating in a cautionary tale about a driver's life-threatening experience due to non-compliance and lack of preparedness.

Key Takeaways:

- Fuel optimization serves as an essential tool at Paragon Leasing, saving costs and guiding drivers to fueling locations based on taxes, discounts, and routes.

- Not following the recommended fuel solutions can lead to emergency situations, especially during harsh winter conditions.

- Drivers should be prepared for winter travel with emergency supplies, including food, water, and warm clothing to ensure safety.

- The episode stresses the importance of adhering to instructions provided by the fuel optimizer to avoid life-threatening incidents and financial repercussions.

- Responsible driving and adherence to fueling instructions are not just about compliance, but also about ensuring one's own safety and the well-being of others on the road.

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Building a Safety Culture: Communication, Relationships, and Accountability with Kenneth "Ken" Resta is the Senior Director of Safety at Stevens Transport

Kenneth "Ken" Resta is the Senior Director of Safety at Stevens Transport. With a tenure of just over six months at the time of the recording, Resta has rapidly made significant contributions to the company. His expertise in safety management and visionary approach to bridging operations with safety has led to measurable improvements in compliance statistics. An avid cook, Resta blends his personal passions with professional excellence to deliver an engaging and informative experience on the Stevens Transport Roadside Radio Podcast.

In this compelling episode of the Stevens Transport Roadside Radio Podcast, host Tim Cicciarelli warmly welcomes Kenneth Resta, a prominent figure prominently known for his role as Senior Director of Safety at Stevens Transport. Resta brings a unique blend of culinary passion and safety expertise to the conversation, discussing how he contributes to a safer working environment for the drivers, especially during the challenging winter months.

Resta and Cicciarelli delve into the practical strategies implemented at Stevens Transport to enhance safety, reduce critical events, and foster a proactive safety culture. The advancements in technology, specifically around the utilization of smart camera systems, are highlighted, showcasing their instrumental role in driving down safety violations. This episode particularly underscores Resta's vision for seamless integration between operations and safety to mitigate risks and accidents.

Key Takeaways:

- Resta’s leadership has brought about a significant reduction in speeding alerts by 42% and improved compliance in terms of time spent over the speed limit by 55%.

- Resta emphasizes the importance of a shared vision and collective buy-in from all levels within Stevens Transport to evolve the company's safety culture.

- The podcast showcases the importance of data-driven safety interventions and the positive impact of managerial involvement in safety practices.

- Resta’s approach celebrates the idea of accountability, not as a tool for reprimand, but as a commitment to personal and collective responsibilities for safety.

Tip of the Cap: Driver, Brian C. Nichols.

We congratulate company driver Brian C. Nichols on achieving the remarkable milestone of driving one million miles in his trucking career.

To start your million-mile journey, click the link in our bio and apply now!

Pilot/Flying J Rewards App: https://pilotflyingj.com/rewards

For questions on whether you meet our driver qualifications, please call our Recruiting Department at 1-800-333-8595 or visit: www.stevenstransport.com/drivers/

Become a Driver for Stevens TransportFor questions on whether you meet our driver qualifications, please call our Recruiting Department at 1-800-333-8595 or visit: www.stevenstransport.com/drivers/

Stevens Transport 9757 Military Parkway, Dallas, TX 75227

http://www.stevenstransport.com/

http://www.becomeadriver.com/

Driver Recruiting: 1-800-333-8595.

Apply Here: https://intelliapp2.driverapponline.com

Stevens Transport on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevensTransport