Category: Priority1 Blog

Honoring the Backbone of America’s Economy

Every year, during the second week of September, the nation comes together to celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. This week-long event, which runs from September 10th to 16th in 2023, offers a heartfelt opportunity for all of us to recognize and express our gratitude to the unsung heroes who play a pivotal role in our everyday lives – truck drivers.

Truck drivers are the backbone of America’s economy, ensuring that goods reach their destinations, stores stay stocked, and industries continue to thrive. Their hard work and dedication often go unnoticed, but this week is our chance to shine a well-deserved spotlight on their crucial contributions.

Truck Drivers Deserve Appreciation & Here’s Why:

• They Keep the Supply Chain Rolling: Truck drivers are the keystone of the supply chain. They transport goods from manufacturers to distribution centers, retail stores, and directly to consumers. Without their tireless efforts, store shelves would remain empty, and industries would grind to a halt.
• They Brave Challenging Conditions: Truck drivers face adverse weather conditions, heavy traffic, and long hours on the road, making their job physically and mentally demanding. Their commitment to delivering goods safely and on time is commendable.
• They Work Through the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the essential role of truck drivers. While many were staying safe at home, truck drivers continued to transport critical supplies, medical equipment, and food across the nation, ensuring that communities had what they needed to survive.

 

Ways to Celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2023:

• Say Thank You: A simple “thank you” goes a long way. If you encounter a truck driver during this week, take a moment to express your appreciation for their hard work. A smile and a kind word can brighten their day.
• Share Stories: Use social media to share stories of the truck drivers in your life or community. Highlight their dedication and the challenges they overcome daily. Use the hashtag #TruckDriverAppreciationWeek to spread the word.
• Support Truck Stop Initiatives: Many truck stops and organizations run special events and promotions during this week. Consider supporting these initiatives. For instance, some truck stops offer discounted meals or services to truck drivers.
• Gifts and Tokens of Appreciation: Consider sending a token of appreciation to a truck driver you know. It could be as simple as a gift card, a heartfelt letter, or a care package with snacks and essentials for the road.
• Safe Driving: Show your appreciation by practicing safe driving around trucks. Maintain a safe following distance, avoid cutting off trucks, and never drive in their blind spots. Respect their need for space on the road.
• Support Legislation for Truck Driver Rights: Advocate for fair working conditions, reasonable hours, and improved facilities for truck drivers. Support legislation that promotes their well-being.

 

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2023 is our chance to come together as a nation and show our gratitude to the hardworking men and women who keep America moving. These dedicated professionals ensure that the wheels of our economy keep turning, even in the face of adversity. Let’s make this week special for them and remind them that their efforts do not go unnoticed. From all of us, thank you, truck drivers, for your unwavering commitment to our nation’s prosperity.

From all of us at Priority1, thank you, truck drivers of America!

BY: LYDIA CADDY

Priority1 is honored to announce our newest Employee of the Quarter: Gavin Wheeler

At Priority1, we take pride in recognizing outstanding team members who consistently go above and beyond to make a difference. This quarter, we shine the spotlight on Gavin Wheeler, our Senior Talent Acquisition Recruiter, who has been with us for over two years. Gavin’s dedication and passion for finding driven individuals to join our sales team have had a profound impact on our organization.

“Since day one, Gavin has been one of the most dedicated employees I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He comes in early, stays after hours, and has a work ethic that could be described as sickening to most. Gavin never turns down a new challenge or task, and always uses these particular situations as opportunities for growth. Not only is Gavin an exemplary employee, but he’s also an excellent example of how to just be a great human being.”- Brock Hogan, Manager of Talent Acquisition

Gavin’s role as Senior Talent Acquisition Recruiter revolves around seeking out individuals who are eager to grow their sales careers and ensuring they have a great initial experience with the company. In his time at Priority1, Gavin has successfully hired over 100 Sales Associates, a milestone he takes immense pride in. Being able to build a strong and talented team motivates Gavin, knowing that his efforts contribute to the success of the company and the lives of the people he hires.

To new employees at Priority1, Gavin offers wise advice: “Be the hardest worker around and celebrate both the small and big wins.” He believes that hard work, combined with gratitude, is the key to building a successful and fulfilling career.

Gavin, a proud University of Nebraska alum, calls Kansas City, MO, his home and is an enthusiastic Chiefs fan. The values that motivate Gavin are deeply rooted in his personal life as well. He admires his parents for being his greatest support system, emphasizing the importance of family and relationships. As a Senior Talent Acquisition Recruiter, Gavin brings this sense of care and understanding to every candidate he interacts with, creating a positive experience.

Beyond his role at Priority1, Gavin has a life filled with hobbies and interests. He enjoys spending his free time golfing, watching sports, and going on exhilarating hikes. His love for adventure extends beyond the office, as he once had a thrilling skydiving experience in Las Vegas.

What drives Gavin to achieve great results in his department is his belief that his recruiting efforts can significantly impact the future of every office and associate. He is dedicated to hitting his key performance indicators (KPIs) and providing every candidate with an excellent experience. Gavin’s passion for talent acquisition comes from his desire to connect candidates with opportunities that align with their career goals, making a positive impact on their lives. Gavin’s drive and determination in his career stem from his aspiration to become a leader and mentor. His in the future is to guide his own team’s professional development and growth, imparting his knowledge and expertise to cultivate future talents within Priority1.

One piece of advice that has stuck with Gavin through his journey is to “talk less and listen more.” This invaluable lesson has taught him the importance of active listening and understanding others, making him an empathetic and attentive recruiter.

Gavin, congratulations from all of us at Priority1 for your incredible accomplishments. As a Senior Talent Acquisition Recruiter, your invaluable contributions have been outstanding, and we are delighted to acknowledge your hard work and achievements.

Tune in next quarter to see who Priority1 names our next Employee of the Quarter!

BY: LYDIA CADDY

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducts an annual event known as DOT Blitz Week. This event involves the FMCSA working alongside state and local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and compliance of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and their drivers on the road. DOT Blitz Week 2023 is expected to take place next week, May 16-18, 2023.

What is DOT Blitz Week?

• An annual event conducted by the FMCSA in partnership with state and local law enforcement agencies.
• The event aims to ensure the safety and compliance of CMVs and their drivers on the road.
• The event takes place over a week, during which there is an increase in inspection activities on CMVs and their drivers.

 

How will DOT week affect the truckload market?

• Due to increased inspection activities, there may be delays in delivery times, which can cause capacity restraints for carriers.
• Carriers may need to spend additional time and resources to comply with federal regulations, which can result in higher rates.
• Many carriers will not be accepting loads during DOT week.

 

How to prepare for DOT Blitz Week and potential rate increases?

• Shippers should book their truckloads in advance if possible to secure a spot with a carrier.
• If possible, ship your truckload freight this week and have it delivered on May 15^th(Monday); or have it picked up on May 19^th (next Friday).
• Be flexible on shipment dates and hours to accommodate any potential delays caused by inspection activities.

 

In conclusion, be patient! Rates and capacity will go back to normal shortly after DOT week is complete. Anticipate that drivers might not be as willing to accept last minute loads. Typically, long haul rates will be impacted greater than local truckload routes.

Priority1 partners with over 100,000 different asset based truckload providers and you can reach out to your local rep to get more information on DOT week as well as get the most up to date market rates.

By: Peyton Berry, Director of Sales – PNW

The only way you learn how to sell big deals is by selling big deals. – Ryan “The Machine” Majerle

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Anyone with a software background, or even technology enthusiasts, are familiar with the term API. It’s a pillar of modern web development that has become so commonplace its often overlooked. Prior to the onslaught of API connectivity in the 2000s, EDI technology was primarily used to connect and exchange data between systems. Rest assured that Silicon Valley has moved on; however, many industries and companies have been slow to fully adopt API technology.

At Priority1, we embrace change in many ways, and we fully support API technologies, but it’s important to understand the differences between the two in order to understand why we firmly believe API is superior.

What is EDI?

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a technology that pre-dates the modern Internet. In its simplest form, EDI is the transmission of data from one system to another, via text files, in batches. Information is stored and forwarded without confirmation. Very little is standardized, and nothing is real-time.

What is API?

Application Programming Interface (API) is powered by the Internet. Similar to how humans interact with computers using a user interface (UI), an API is a specification that allows computer systems to interact with each other. It ensures a request made in the documented format will always get a response or initiate a defined action.

EDI is like eating from a buffet, API is like ordering off a menu.

Reasons to Choose API over EDI

Infrastructures don’t last forever — replacement is inevitable.

Faster and Real-Time
API responses come in seconds. When a pickup or dispatch is requested, a confirmation is returned almost instantly. With EDI, you must wait minutes, oftentimes only to learn the request was rejected and must be resubmitted. Tracking updates can be delayed with EDI but are readily available over API. Shipment information can be requested at any time.

More Powerful
Even when implemented correctly, EDI integrations often leave significant gaps in data. Inherent limitations exist within the technology. Where EDI can place limitations on reference numbers or consignee information, API offers an almost limitless degree of data transmission.

Cheaper
Although EDI has standards, there are many different versions in use today. Parties must agree on EDI versions, formatting, transmission protocols, etc. There are high costs associated with these customization and development efforts, not to mention time wasted. API code is simplified and relies on a common protocol: the Internet. Most developers are more comfortable and familiar with API development, which can greatly reduce costs associated with these efforts.

Scalable
API technology not only improves standard freight transactions like dispatch and tracking updates, but it also offers the possibility to automate manual tasks and introduce new operational efficiencies. Get geocode metadata, send a text message, manipulate a PDF, or convert currencies. Scale your business beyond pickup, in transit and delivered.

Reliable and Future Proof
Rely on the cloud infrastructure and API to ensure your technology investments last longer. By investing in API technology, you ensure your company is technologically competitive for the foreseeable future.

Priority1 offers a full API designed to be easy to use and simple to test in order to help our customers and partners get up and running quickly. Leverage the Priority1 API to obtain rates, dispatch and track shipments, and access the documents needed for managing your business.

BY: PHILLIP SCHOLTES

Priority1 is honored to announce our newest Employee of the Quarter: Kevin Hamilton.

Kevin joined the Priority1 team six years ago as our Truckload Administrator. Kevin spearheads carrier compliance, ensures that carriers are up to Priority1’s standards, and installs the carriers in Cabo for use.

“Kevin is the definition of a team player. He is always willing to do anything that is asked of him and pushes himself to go above and beyond. He is willing to help anyone at any time, and if you ask anyone in carrier sales, he is greatly appreciated for all that he does. This award is well deserved!” — Jason Sheffler, Director of Carrier Sales

A significant milestone for Kevin occurred during the transition of our internal TMS. In the early stages of this transition, the carriers required double the effort since they were using both programs. Kevin was proactive during this time as he focused on exporting carriers from one platform to the other, which was a tedious task as Priority1 has over 47,000 carriers.

Reading and writing are Kevin’s passions, and he once shared a pen pal relationship with the co-creator of Spider-Man. He is a self-published author whose fantasy novel Enemy Among Us is available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble. He is currently spending his time working on a sequel. He also enjoys watching TV shows such as House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, What We Do In the Shadows, and generally anything Marvel or Star Wars. Kevin enjoys spending his time rooting for the Dallas Cowboys as well as training in Brazilian jiu jitsu. As an author, Kevin will continue writing compelling stories and building a following.

Kevin’s personal mantra is from the words of Albert Einstein: “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” Kevin’s department is crucial to Priority1 as they are a last line of defense in terms of making sure only quality carriers are working on Priority1 loads, especially in terms of safety and compliance.

Kevin aspires to help the admin team grow as Priority1 continues to grow, both to take the load off other departments and to keep providing high-quality work. The team has doubled over the last year, and he would like see that growth continue and to see the department flourish: “There is a genuine sense of teamwork from folks from all walks of life. You have the ability to be yourself while also being part of the team.” — Kevin Hamilton, Truckload Administrator

Kevin, congratulations from all of us at Priority1 for your incredible accomplishments. As a Truckload Administrator, you have achieved immeasurable success, and we are thrilled to recognize you for your dedicated work and achievements.

Tune in next quarter to see who Priority1 names our next Employee of the Quarter!

BY: LYDIA CADDY

LTL Bids and Taxes

As we start the new year and we scurry about getting our tax information together, I am reminded of Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote: “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” I use the analogy of preparing tax returns as a comparison to preparing information for LTL (less-than-truckload) bids with our new sales classes on a regular basis. It seems ironic and crazy to me that individuals will gather every receipt, every contribution, or any expense that can help someone get the best tax return. Heck, we even hire tax professionals to help navigate the ever-changing tax environment. In a similar fashion, we gather data to offer the best solutions in the world of LTL. 

Give Me Data, And I Will Give You Pricing! 

I have been fortunate to work for a company, Priority1, that has made the investment in tools and resources to help us achieve the best results for our clients. Just like a CPA navigates the tax environment, we have been innovative in navigating the LTL market, but we would not know the proper direction without the great partnerships we have with our LTL carriers. We had the pleasure of meeting with dozens of LTL carriers recently at the SMC3 conference. I think we all agreed that the last few years have forced us as an industry to think outside the box in order to serve our customers from a service and price standpoint. Every conversation ended with the sharing of information (data) to help develop a win/win for all parties.

This year is going to be an exciting year for our Pricing Team at Priority1. We have the infrastructure to handle many pricing products for our customers: dimensional, dynamic, lane and weight break pricing, just to name a few. We have been fortunate to beta test Old Dominion’s One Rate One Time™ that uses groundbreaking technology to rate from the address level. The key to all these products is data. So the next time your client tells you to “give me your best shot,” tell them with confidence, give me data, and I will give you pricing!

By Will Sison, Vice President of Pricing

As Priority1 successfully closes out the third quarter of 2022, we are thrilled to announce Brad Margrave, who is Priority1’s network/IT administrator, as our employee of the quarter. Brad has been with Priority1 for two years, but he has been working professionally in IT for 20 years. Brad has also been a crucial part in opening our new office space in downtown Little Rock! 

Brad’s main responsibilities include ensuring the stable operation of Priority1’s computer networks. This includes planning, developing, installing, configuring, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing all network hardware, software, and communication links. His responsibilities also include maintaining and monitoring the security of the network and all of its Priority1 users. Brad’s favorite project that he’s worked on was Priority1’s office move in Tempe, AZ. This is a benchmark that he is proud of because he was able to prep a new office space and move an entire office over with zero downtime.  

Phil Scholtes, Vice President of Technology, noted that “Brad was a huge part of our successful expansion into the 7th floor of the Lyon building in downtown Little Rock. From network connectivity to desktop monitor placement, he helped make sure the move was as seamless as possible.” 

Brad’s advice for new employees would be to “follow your team leaders closely. They have been where you are and can show you the path to success.” His favorite part about Priority1 is the work culture. He loves the people he gets to work with and talk to daily.  

When Brad is outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Chelsey, and his eight-year-old daughter, Alexis. They love to play and watch football together. Brad will never miss a Kansas City Chiefs game, interview, rerun, or podcast!  

Priority1 is grateful for Brad and the hard work he has demonstrated throughout his tenure here and especially this quarter. Congratulations from all of us at Priority1 for your incredible accomplishments, Brad. As our network administrator, you have helped Priority1 in immeasurable ways, and we are thrilled to recognize you for your dedicated work and achievements. 

By: Kaylyn Alexander  

Here at Priority1, we value the work of our drivers and want them to have the best experience on the road as they carefully deliver products for our customers. Truck drivers have always been a dedicated group of essential workers and are often overlooked, but in the past few years, during the pandemic, consumers realized just how vital they are to our everyday livelihood.

In celebration of Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 11^th– 17^th, we’ve taken the time to research some of the best truck stops across America and the services they offer drivers. Life on the road is not easy, especially when it lacks the comfortability of home. The truck stops listed below are much more than just a place to eat and rest. They offer extensive services to drivers unavailable while living on the road.

Iowa 80  

Iowa 80, located in Walcott, Iowa, is known as the “World’s Largest Truck Stop,” and for a good reason! Not only do they have 900 parking spots, but they offer various services, including a chiropractor, a dental office, a barber shop, a custom embroidery shop, a workout room, and a super truck showroom. These services are basic needs or appointments a driver may need but cannot fulfill when constantly traveling. They also have more expected facilities like a laundry room, showers, CAT scale, and a place to wash your truck and dog. It also features a movie theater! This is an excellent one-stop-shop for drivers who need extra services, everyday essentials, or a nice treat while on the road.

North Forty Truck Stop

North Forty Truck Stop, located in Holladay, Tennessee, is the place to go for a comfortable stay. They are known for their 24/7 dinner that can whip up a delicious hot meal at any time of day or night. They also feature a breakfast buffet from 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. They have the essentials such as laundry, showers, a tv room, and even offer massages.

Pilot Flying J Travel Centers

For drivers that want a more consistent place to rest without all the bells and whistles, Pilot Flying J’s are located throughout the U.S and are a favorite among drivers. They have everything a driver would need, such as a CAT-certified scale, laundry services, shower facilities, parking spots that can be reserved online, and a variety of fast-food restaurants in addition to their PJ Fresh Market Place. Flying J also offers a rewards program that could be beneficial to drivers. Drivers can earn points and credits for purchasing fuel, products, and services redeemed for food, WiFi, and showers.  

Whiskey Pete’s

Whiskey Pete’s, located in Primm, Nevada, is truly one of a kind! Not only is it the last place to fill up going from California to Las Vegas, but it’s also part of an entire hotel and casino complex. There’s a driver’s lounge, laundry, and showers. If you want to extend this into a day or two trips, they have a movie theater, enormous casino, and several golf courses.

Trail’s Travel Center

Trail’s Travel Center in Albert Lea, Minnesota, is perfect for a driver who wants a more lowkey stop. It has everything a driver needs, including over 300 truck parking spots, a CAT scale, modern shower facilities, a truck wash, and many restaurants, from fast food to a full sports bar. As an extra bonus, there is also a movie theater and a chapel. Truckers can attend a service given by Truck Stop Ministries every Sunday at 10 a.m.

South of the Border

For drivers that may be traveling with family, South of the Border, located in Hamer, South Carolina, would be the perfect spot. This truck stop features an Observation Tower 200 feet high and Pedroland Park that includes rides for kids like a carousel and bumper cars, in addition to the multiple mini-golf courses, bounce houses, and a jungle gym. They also feature a Reptile Lagoon, which has the largest indoor reptile display in the U.S. They offer showers, a driver’s lounge for carriers, multiple restaurants, and an ice cream shop.

Truck drivers play an essential part in keeping our whole economy moving. Priority1 wants our drivers to have a positive experience while on the road, and we hope this information can help make a difference. From all of us at Priority1, thank you, truck drivers of America!

BY: KAYLYN ALEXANDER

The Temperature Controlled Department at Priority1 is a pivotal part of our team and the seamless services we provide. Priority1 offers white glove, Temperature Controlled services nationwide.

What are some unexpected things that need to be booked on a Temp-Controlled load?

Our Temp-Controlled Department has handled everything from pharmaceuticals to soft drinks, but one of the most interesting emerging markets is Aerospace technologies. Components that go into space usually need to be kept cold, and we provide these services for some of the largest Aerospace companies in the country.

Another thing to keep in mind is our units don’t just run cold; we provide a full temperature spectrum from -20 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. As the weather changes throughout the country, our needs for hot and cold temperature control become more and more necessary.

Why choose Priority1’s Temperature Controlled Department?

Priority1’s Temp-Controlled Department is best in class due to our innovative technology and unparalleled service. We boast a 0.02 percent claims ratio in the Temperature Controlled Division and offer live GPS, Seal Monitoring, and Temperature tracking software that is more reliable than any carrier tracking system.

The qualities of a great Temperature Controlled Team are attention to detail and honesty.

“Our customers pay for service and peace of mind; this means vetting out drivers in a meaningful way and providing full transparency to our customers. Our carrier team works diligently to vet our carriers for service and quality, and these standards depict how we chose our carriers.” -Calvin Jones, Manager of Refrigerator Operations

In addition to these qualities, we have innovative technology that brings full visibility to our customers, combined with the power of our TMS system, Priority1 has become a force to be reckoned within Temp-Controlled Freight!

Priority1 aims to create complete peace of mind no matter what is sent our way. We find the best possible solution to move your freight with the services our customers need. GET IN TOUCH WITH US TODAY to set up your Temperature Controlled shipments with a 3PL that guarantees a seamless shipping experience from start to finish.

By: Kaylyn Alexander

As Priority1 closes out the second quarter of 2022, we would like to take some time to highlight our newest employee of the quarter. Priority1 takes great pride in showcasing the hard work of Bethany Kay who is one of P1’s LTL Support Analysts and was recently promoted to become a Team Supervisor. Bethany is the Supervisor of a team that supports some of Priority1’s largest LTL customers and has been with the company since January 2021.

Bethany’s favorite projects at work include anything HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials). She has taken it upon herself to learn anything and everything about HAZMAT, so that she can be a great resource for her LTL Team.  She enjoys the challenge of ensuring the BOL is perfect and covers all the details that must be right for the carrier to accept it.

When Bethany was asked who she most admires, one might expect her to answer with an elder or someone famous; instead, she responded with one of her peers. Forrest Goss, the Supervisor of the LTL East Team, is who she most admires, because he is the reason she is here with us at Priority1 today. He is a great mentor to look up to and has always seen the potential in Bethany. Her favorite thing about Priority1 is the people, hands down! Not only those in the Corporate Office, but our outside sales, carriers, and customers.

Bethany has a vast diversity of hobbies and things she enjoys outside of the office. She has recently learned the power of couponing, which has caused a running joke on her team, that when a new employee is hired, they are greeted with toothpaste from her stockpile. She uses this hobby to give back to the community by donating the items she gets every month to charities and shelters. A fun fact about Bethany is that she was once part of a semi-pro gaming league for Counterstrike and Call of Duty.

Bethany’s personal mantra is to set those around you up for success. She runs into situations every day where customers are new and not familiar with the shipping process, so she makes sure to take the extra few steps to help customers understand and tackle issues immediately.

“Bethany quickly made a name for herself at Priority1 as a team player and a leader within LTL Support. Her willingness to go above and beyond to provide solution-based LTL support has made her a rockstar in the eyes of our customers and sales team alike. Her biggest strength is her ability to see things through and act as a de facto account manager to assist anywhere she is needed.” — Mason Alexander, Director of LTL Support

Bethany is not only here to help P1 customers with their LTL needs but is looking forward to growing and developing as a new supervisor. Congratulations from all of us at Priority1 for your incredible accomplishments, Bethany. As one of our LTL Supervisors, you have achieved immeasurable success, and we are thrilled to recognize you for your dedicated work and achievements.

Tune in next quarter to see who Priority1 names Employee of the Quarter for Q3 of ’22!

By: Kaylyn Alexander