EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER: JACOB CLANTON

Priority1 is thrilled to announce Jacob Clanton as our esteemed Employee of the Quarter. Jacob, serving as an Instructional Designer II, has been an integral part of our Learning and Development (L&D) team for the past year. His commitment to creating engaging and impactful learning content has significantly contributed to the growth and development of our employees.

Jacob’s role as an Instructional Designer involves crafting dynamic e-courses and learning materials tailored to meet the diverse needs of our organization. Notably, he has played a crucial role in the success of our Inside Sales Freight University program, ensuring that new inside sales representatives receive comprehensive training to excel in their roles. Furthermore, his dedication to instructing Freight 101 has been instrumental in providing our new hires with a solid foundation within their first week at Priority1.

Among Jacob’s favorite projects is the development of custom courses, showcasing his creativity and expertise in instructional design. His proudest achievement lies in the successful implementation of Workday Learning, which has facilitated seamless access to a library of courses, enriching the learning experience for our employees. According to Crystal Daigle, “Jacob is like an oak tree constantly supporting those around him. He does so much for Priority1, more than most people will ever realize, and he does it without expecting anything in return. He’s also pretty good with the dad jokes.”

Outside of his professional endeavors, Jacob’s life revolves around his family and a myriad of hobbies. Whether he’s cheering on his children at sporting events or indulging in outdoor activities like hunting, fly fishing, or enjoying the tranquility of the lake, Jacob finds joy in every moment.

A proud alum of Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Jacob’s educational background underscores his commitment to lifelong learning. His motivation stems from his family, driving him to be the best version of himself both personally and professionally.

Inspired to push himself further, Jacob aspires to excel as a leader in instructional design and LMS administration. His dedication to improvement reflects his personal goal to learn something new every day, and he strives to encourage others towards growth and development.

At Priority1, Jacob finds enjoyment in the supportive and collaborative culture fostered by the L&D team. The camaraderie and willingness to help one another exemplify the essence of our organization, where every individual is valued and empowered to succeed.

Jacob’s craftsmanship and unique identity as an identical twin add depth to his character, embodying his personal mantra: “If I break it, I know I can fix it.” His unwavering determination and resilience resonate not only in his professional endeavors but also in his everyday life, leaving an indelible mark on those around him.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jacob Clanton. As Employee of the Quarter, Jacob exemplifies the spirit of excellence and embodies the core values of Priority1. We eagerly anticipate witnessing his continued success and impact on our organization.

Join us in celebrating Jacob’s achievements and stay tuned to discover who will be named our next Employee of the Quarter at Priority1!

Navigating the Green Highway: A Deep Dive into the US EPA SmartWay Program

In an era where sustainability is at the forefront of global discussions, the transportation industry plays a pivotal role in shaping a greener future. One notable initiative leading the charge is the US EPA SmartWay Program. This innovative program, spearheaded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to revolutionize the way goods are transported while reducing environmental impact. Let’s take a closer look at the SmartWay Program and its significant contributions to a more sustainable and efficient freight transportation system.

 

What is the US EPA SmartWay Program?

 

The SmartWay Program, launched by the EPA in 2004, is a collaborative effort between the government, businesses, and the transportation industry to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions from freight transport. The program focuses on developing and implementing sustainable and innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and the economy.

 

Key Objectives:

 

  1. Fuel Efficiency:
    • The SmartWay Program encourages the adoption of advanced technologies and best practices to improve the fuel efficiency of trucks, trailers, and other freight transport vehicles.
    • By optimizing engine performance, reducing aerodynamic drag, and enhancing tire efficiency, the program aims to cut down on fuel consumption and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
  2. Emission Reduction:
    • SmartWay strives to reduce harmful pollutants and emissions associated with freight transportation, such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
    • By promoting cleaner technologies and operational practices, the program contributes to cleaner air quality and a healthier environment.
  3. Data-Driven Decision Making:
    • The program provides tools and resources for companies to measure, benchmark, and track their environmental performance.
    • Through the use of data-driven insights, businesses can make informed decisions to enhance efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.

 

How Does it Work?

 

  1. Partnership and Collaboration:
    • The success of SmartWay relies on partnerships between the EPA and freight carriers, shippers, logistics companies, and other stakeholders.
    • Companies voluntarily join the program, committing to implementing strategies that align with the program’s objectives.
  2. Technology and Innovation:
    • SmartWay promotes the use of innovative technologies, such as fuel-efficient equipment, idle reduction systems, and alternative fuels.
    • Companies are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, such as efficient route planning and load optimization, to further enhance their environmental performance.
  3. Recognition and Certification:
    • SmartWay recognizes and certifies partners based on their achievements in fuel efficiency and emission reductions.
    • Partners receive accolades and are publicly acknowledged for their commitment to sustainability, which can positively impact their reputation and business relationships.

 

Benefits of SmartWay:

 

  1. Environmental Impact:
    • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and a smaller carbon footprint contribute to a healthier planet.
  2. Economic Savings:
    • Increased fuel efficiency and reduced operational costs lead to financial savings for companies participating in the program.
  3. Competitive Advantage:
    • SmartWay certification enhances a company’s reputation and provides a competitive edge in the market.

 

Conclusion:

 

The US EPA SmartWay Program stands as a shining example of how collaboration, innovation, and commitment can transform an industry for the better. As we navigate towards a sustainable future, initiatives like SmartWay serve as beacons, guiding the transportation sector on the path to greener and more efficient practices. By joining forces and embracing the principles of the SmartWay Program, businesses can play a vital role in building a transportation system that benefits both the economy and the environment.

For more information, please see https://www.epa.gov/smartway

Phillip Scholtes as Chief Technology Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Priority1 Announces Phillip Scholtes as Chief Technology Officer

 

Little Rock, AR – December 20th, 2023 – Priority1, a leading innovator in logistics solutions, is proud to announce the promotion of Phillip Scholtes to Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This significant appointment marks a historic moment in Priority1’s evolution as Scholtes becomes the first CTO in the company’s history.

Phillip Scholtes, previously the Vice President of Technology, joined Priority1 over five years ago as the Director of Technology and quickly rose through the ranks. As Vice President, he spearheaded the development of an extensive network of IT professionals dedicated to supporting Priority1’s growth. His notable achievements include leading his team in the creation of Cabo, an innovative transportation management system (TMS), placing logistics professionals at the forefront of development.

With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration concentrated in Information Systems from the University of Arkansas, Scholtes specializes in full-stack development, primarily focused on Microsoft web-based and cloud technologies.

As CTO, Scholtes will continue to be responsible for all software development, API connectivity, hardware, and security of Priority1’s infrastructure. His incredible technology team, responsible for building the Cabo TMS platform and Cabotage TMS SaaS offering from scratch, has been diligently working on expanding Priority1’s technological capabilities. This year they have developed a CRM, Customer Life-Cycle Tool, and Collections Tool, and established direct API integrations with LTL partners.

Dan Berardi, CEO of Priority1, praised Phil, stating, “I am incredibly proud of Phil and his entire technology team at Priority1. This is very much a reflection of the strong team that he has built, and their contributions have been instrumental in helping our company grow.”

For more information about Priority1 and its logistics solutions, please visit Priority1.com.

About Priority1: Priority1 is a privately held, non-asset-based logistics brokerage provider that introduces proprietary technology to small and medium shippers, aiding them in managing their transportation spend more efficiently. We leverage our volume of over 1.5M annual shipments to create unique partnerships with asset-based carriers in the North American freight market. Our industry-leading technology and group purchasing power provide our customers with the necessary tools to control their freight and transportation costs while improving visibility in their distribution network.

Our mission is to be the innovator and leader in establishing customers, employees, and vendors by exceeding their expectations through our people, technology expertise, and value. We measure our success by how well we can simplify your logistics needs. Your product, our priority.

 

Media Contacts:

Hannah Perkins

Priority1

hannah.perkins@priority1.com

1+ (501) 553-2714

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