In times of crisis, either the best or the worst can be brought out in people. In this blog, we’re highlighting what it looks like when the best is shown. An act of kindness fostered calm in the midst of a storm and created a lifelong bond between friends.

During the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Maverick driver, Andrew Inlow and a group of professional truck drivers stepped up to aid a stranded community in Candler, NC. These drivers provided essential supplies, food, and water to those in need, during a time of fear and uncertainty.

Among those impacted was Dianna Sains (pictured below with Andrew Inlow), who was traveling to help her son, daughter-in-law, and young grandchildren move across the country. Stranded without power at a local hotel, Dianna and her family were facing an unknown situation that was quickly becoming dangerous. Andrew personally ensured they received critical provisions and offered much-needed comfort during their ordeal. Additionally, beyond just food and water Andrew provided comfort in the form of “Fernando the Dinosaur” for Dianna’s grandson (pictured below).

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Grateful for his kindness, Dianna later shared her story with Maverick Transportation, highlighting Andrew’s efforts to care for her family. His selfless actions were further recognized on November 7, 2024, when he was honored at a conference for his heroism.

Andrew’s dedication, along with the support of other truck drivers, made an immeasurable difference in those crucial early days after the hurricane. Although Andrew humbly avoided public recognition, insisting he didn’t want to become "Facebook famous," his story of compassion shows just how far acts of kindness can go. His actions have rightfully earned him a TCA Highway Angel nomination (Highway Angel Recipient Andrew Inlow - Highway Angel).

We are exceptionally proud of Andrew and his swift ability to assist the Candler, NC community. He and other drivers provided help and hope during a fearful time. Let’s hope we see more of these acts in the future!

Truck Stops: The Best Places to Rest in America

During the journeys of a professional driver, finding the perfect place to stop and rest can sometimes prove to be a challenge. The best stops offer a home away from home of sorts: hot meal, clean shower and a respite from the business of the day.

We’ve got the inside scoop from some of Maverick’s drivers on the places they choose to stop during their trips.

Starting off strong is of course, the Iowa 80. A gem and must-stop location, the “80” is in Walcott, IA and boasts the title of “The World’s Largest Truckstop.” With 9 restaurant options, a gift store, museum, a super truck show room and more, the Iowa 80 is a must-see attraction when in the area.

Image by: Experience Iowa 80 | Iowa 80 Truckstop

You didn’t think we’d let this blog post go by without mentioning Pilot Flying J, did you? As the largest network of travel centers in North America, Pilot Flying J has over 750 locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. (Pilot Flying J)They’re known for their clean facilities, well-stocked convenience stores, and a wide range of food options, from quick snacks to hot meals, making them ideal for professional drivers.

You can imagine that Maverick’s over 1,600 drivers frequent a Pilot Flying J weekly, if not daily. After speaking with several of our drivers, the common denominator they all agreed on about Pilot Flying J was their rewards system.

We spoke with Ethon Stanford, Vice President of National Accounts at Pilot Flying J, and he explained how they have curated a rewards program specifically for Maverick drivers. Pilot’s MyRewardsPlus program allows Maverick drivers to earn rewards points per gallon fueled. These points increase each time you fuel at one of their travel centers. One point is worth one penny to spend on items in a Pilot Flying J, so as you can imagine, those points can add up! Maverick’s 2019 Driver of the Year, Liz Imel, was able to obtain a GPS system with her accumulated points!

Did you know that Maverick has 8 terminal locations and 7 of those have drivers’ lounges? These include clean shower and laundry facilities, workout rooms, flatscreen televisions, vending and eating areas and ample parking with Wi-Fi. Additionally, each location has driver courtesy vehicles for our professional drivers to utilize. At our North Little Rock terminal, there is also a mile-long track and basketball goal.

We are grateful for all locations that our drivers can enjoy a safe and clean place to stop while out on the road. Taking those well-deserved breaks, having a hot meal and a shower is essential for them to recharge and prepare for the next day.

Safe travels!

This week, we are celebrating our heroes of the road—our drivers!

While we are grateful for our professional drivers every day, this week, we take time to show appreciation to all drivers who sacrifice daily and help keep our country running. National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is the perfect time to say "thank you" to these individuals who spend countless hours behind the wheel, ensuring that life as we know it runs smoothly.

Our drivers do so much more than navigate roads—they make split-second decisions, manage heavy loads, prioritize safety and maintain focus over long stretches of time, all while ensuring our safety and the timely delivery of everything we rely on. Their resilience, skill, and dedication deserve to be celebrated every day!

Check out the highlights from our 2024 Truck Driver Appreciation Week below!

2024 Maverick Driver Appreciation Week Video

Here are some highlights of our celebrations with Maverick drivers this week!

As National Truck Driver Appreciation Week wraps up, let's remember that our gratitude shouldn't stop here. Every truck we see on the road is a reminder of the hard work drivers put in every day to keep our lives moving.

Navigating the road isn’t just following signs and signals—it's making countless decisions each day even before the ignition is turned on. From choosing the best route to gauging the speed of oncoming traffic, our professional drivers are faced with a myriad of split-second decisions each time they get behind the wheel.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the decisions and challenges that shape our drivers’ minds. Each decision they make on the road requires a unique blend of safety knowledge, situational awareness, judgment, and instinct. We spoke with 2022 Trainer of the Year and 2020 Driver of the Year, TJ Hargis, to explore his thoughts and reactions and what it means to be a professional driver today.

• Safety Awareness: “Safety awareness covers a broad scope of things from the time you wake up until you go to bed. Everything we do, we must be aware of the hazards. Whether you’re getting in and out of the truck, walking across an icy parking lot, on the deck of your trailer, etc. We have to be a defensive driver not an offensive one. We must consider everything going around us, so we have time to react to it. For example, if you hard brake in a normal car, you may slide a few feet, in a truck it’s much worse. As drivers, we are constantly assessing road conditions, weather, and potential hazards to ensure our safety and the safety of others. Driving in inclement weather is tricky. We have a multitude of weather applications to assist with audible warnings to us. Maverick is great about giving us a heads up about major events. We have to be aware of where we’re going and what weather to expect. Additionally, our field of vision is less when the weather is not ideal. I keep my head on a swivel so I can be proactive not reactive.”

• Time Management: "It is important that I make sure I optimize the use of my time based on delivery options while not compromising my driving and safety.”

• Route Planning: “Over time, routes and roads tend to stick around in my head. Technology and my printed atlas are so very helpful when planning my trips out. I must make sure all roads are truck legal while also being efficient.”

• Stress Management: “I try not to let anything truly bother me. I may get frustrated, but it’s never something that I let get to me. I can’t control what other people do, but I can watch out for them and control how I react. I do mirror checks all day long to watch the traffic around me.”

• Family and Home: “From the time I leave my house, I am managing my time to set myself up to be home as soon as I can that weekend. Proper time planning and pushing myself ensures I get optimal home time with my family. I work very hard to not waste time. I want to get every mile I can.”

• Advice to non-drivers: "Please give us common courtesy. If you see a blinker, we’ve seen something that urged us to change lanes. We’re trying to get somewhere in a timely manner and are trying to maintain consistency and safety. We are constantly watching out for you.”

Listed below are additional things that our professional drivers must think about daily while out on the road:

• Emergency Preparedness: Being ready to react to unexpected events, such as vehicle malfunctions, accidents, or road blockages, with a calm approach.

• Vehicle Handling: Monitoring the vehicle’s performance, including checking fuel levels, tire pressure, and the functionality of essential systems like brakes, trailer lights and steering.

• Situational Awareness: Keeping an eye on surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and any sudden changes in traffic flow.

• Regulatory Compliance: Staying aware of and adhering to traffic laws, weight limits, and any industry-specific regulations.

It’s clear that behind each professional driver, there are hundreds of decisions being made to ensure your safety, the safety of others and theirs. Driving a truck demands a constant state of awareness that most of us can’t comprehend. So, the next time you buckle up, remember the decisions you're making and observe the magnitude of responsibility these professional drivers hold.

Honoring excellence is a long-held tradition at Maverick Transportation and our road trainers are no exception. In our world of professional drivers, our 2024 Trainer of the Year stands out for his dedication to safety, extensive industry knowledge and the ability to help others develop their professional driving skills.

Meet Lonnie Johnson, Maverick Transportation’s 2024 Trainer of the Year!

From his entrance into this industry to now being a top road trainer, Lonnie, a 19-year Maverick veteran, has trained more than 60 students to date. We interviewed him this week and wanted to provide you all with the opportunity to get to know him a bit more.

• When did you decide to become a road trainer? - "I decided to become a road trainer after discussing it with my fleet manager in 2016.”

• What is your favorite aspect of being a road trainer? - “I really enjoy helping young people make their dreams come true and mentoring. After raising 4 children, I can definitely be a resource for these students along the way. I still speak with a lot of my students weekly!”

• What is your best piece of advice to new drivers in this industry? - "Don’t quit, no matter how hard it gets. Stay with it. Learning anything new is difficult but stay with it.”

• Why have you stayed with Maverick for 19 years? - “Maverick is safe, and they are better than any other out there. These people are so kind and understanding and you’re never a number. They know my name and my pay has always been great. Maverick gets you home and things here just keep getting better and better. Lastly, Maverick recognizes our drivers and helps us solve problems when we run into them.”

• How does it feel to be named Trainer of the Year? - This means so much to me. Maverick helped me make a better life for my kids and I love it here. I was even able to buy a house working here! This place is a family.

As we celebrate Lonnie’s achievements, we also highlight the vital role that our talented road trainers play here at Maverick and within our industry. We are excited to witness the continued impact that they have on future growth here at Maverick.

Congratulations once again to Lonnie Johnson, our 2024 Trainer of the Year and all our trainer finalists!

Entering the trucking industry as a new driver is an exciting and challenging journey. Whether you’re fresh out of trucking school or transitioning from another career, the road ahead can be daunting. Here at Maverick, we WILL do all that we can to properly educate and prepare you as you navigate your new career with confidence and professionalism.

Here’s some real and relevant advice from a current Maverick driver and Maverick road trainers to help you get started on the right foot.

Sam S. - Maverick Marine Driver for 3+ years:

“You need to have a support network. Being gone for any length of time, it’s important to have friends or family to talk to or someone to prop you up when you’re feeling low. The other I would say is being invested with your knowledge; learning details of what you work with, what we haul and the logistics of it will greatly improve your understanding of why things happen the way they do.”

The Maverick Training Department holds over 100+ years of professional driving experience. We asked them to provide their advice, and they responded with a few important questions to consider, as well as a few other professional pointers:

• Have you researched Maverick’s history and culture?

• Do you know the commitment required to be a Maverick? Doing the right thing, for the right reasons because it’s the right thing to do.

• As a professional driver, do you understand the sacrifice that’s required by you and your family?

• Do you believe in hard work and dedication to your job?

• Have you thought about the commitment to education and safety as a professional driver? There is a large academic commitment required when deciding to become a professional driver at Maverick.

• Do you personally know anyone in the transportation industry? If so, we encourage you to interview them to gain some extra insight.

• Understand that you are choosing a very challenging industry, both mentally and physically.

• Understand the responsibilities we hold as a carrier and what our professional drivers hold to the motoring public.

• Are you willing to work long hours, in all types of weather?

• Do you have the discipline to ensure that the job is done correctly every time (no shortcuts)?

• Understand that being in a hurry is one of the worst mistakes a professional driver can make.

• Be willing to put aside your pride and ask for help.

• Are you willing to put down the cell phone and refrain from distractions when it is time to work?

• Do you believe that opportunities exist for those that are willing to learn?

• Plan on being early for everything.

• Make sure you pay attention to detail to all information received.

• Make sure you bring your work clothes/ boots.

• Plan on studying every day, this will make training easier for you!

• Come in with a good attitude and work ethic and show us you want to be here, because WE WANT YOU TO BE HERE.

• Overall, this can be a very rewarding career but it’s not for everyone. It’s going to be what you make of it.

• Your success will only go as far as how hard you are willing to work by the effort and commitment you put forth.

Embarking on a career as a truck driver is a rewarding journey filled with opportunities for growth and success. Maverick is designed for mentorship and community. By utilizing the tools you’re given here, prioritizing safety, managing your time effectively, and continually seeking to improve your skills, you’ll set yourself up for success on the road.

Recently, Maverick celebrated our incredible employees during Employee Appreciation Week. Their hard work and dedication drive our success every day. While we believe employee appreciation is an ongoing practice in Maverick’s culture, we choose to show extra gratitude during these special events. Check out these great photos from our celebrations!

In true Maverick fashion, we want to highlight the fun we had during EAW while shining a spotlight on our people. Last month, you were introduced to one of our decorated Dedicated drivers, Kenny Neely. Today, you will meet two of our office employees whose work ethics and enthusiasm exemplify the core values of our company.

Shawn Cooper – Area Logistics Manager II

Question: What do you do at Maverick?

Shawn: I’m an Area Logistics Manager II here at Maverick and I communicate with our customers, operations team and external associates to ensure high utilization on each truck that is dispatched. I work to help maintain our company’s revenue by taking care of our internal and external customers’ needs and solicit freight for our drivers.

Question: What do you enjoy about your job?

Shawn: I enjoy that it’s fast-paced and never the same. It’s like a puzzle where you are constantly trying to get all the pieces to fit but it can change at any moment, and once it does you will have a totally different picture.

Question: What are some hobbies you enjoy?

Shawn: Going for long walks, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

Question: Do you listen to podcasts or music? If so, what types?

Shawn: Yes. I love music! I pretty much listen to all kinds of music besides heavy metal, and my favorite would have to be R&B. As far as podcasts are concerned, I like to listen to inspirational ones as well as mysteries. Nine times out of ten, I’m listening to a Christian podcast.

Question: Do you have a funny work story you’d be comfortable with sharing?

Shawn: Back when we were having a challenge with our phone system, my co-worker Catherine was on the phone with IT, and they asked her for the number that wasn’t working. She gave them “8675309” and started singing it. They were totally confused, and we were dying laughing!

Eric Tompkins – Director of Risk Management

Question: What do you do at Maverick?

Eric: I am the Director of Risk Management. I oversee all the accidents, injuries, and the litigation that can come from that. We have the best folks in the business working here to help me with those decisions, and I am very proud to be a part of that team. I also help in making sure that we have insurance on the trucks, buildings, cargo, lots, drivers, and anything else that we need to protect to make sure that we can keep doing what we do better than every other open deck carrier: deliver freight safely.

Question: What do you enjoy about your job?

Eric: I love the people here. They have welcomed me wholeheartedly and they always see opportunity even in difficult situations. It truly is great to be a Maverick.

Question: What are some hobbies you enjoy?

Eric: I enjoy playing guitar in my spare time. I also enjoy boating, golfing and most outside leisure activities with my wife and two boys.

Question: Do you listen to podcasts or music? If so, what types?

Eric: I love both music and podcasts. Music has always been special to me, and I enjoy all kinds, like any good millennial, from the music my parents and grandparents grew up with to staying up- to- date with the current music so I can embarrass my boys! I am really into the Teskey Brothers recently, they have a strong Motown sound and if you're interested, Rain is a fantastic listen of a song. Zach Top is also in heavy rotation with me, he is an up-and-coming country artist and his songs sound like the 90’s country that I grew up listening to.

I like podcasts, so anything can get me going if it can hold my attention. I listened to My Fugitive Dad recently and it is worth checking out. I have listened to Joe Rogan before it was cool, and I enjoy it when he has guests that talk about pyramids, aliens and fitness topics. I feel like I now know a lot about fitness, but it hasn’t really panned out into practice yet.

Question: Do you have a funny work story you’d be comfortable with sharing?

Eric: Well, as a risk manager we are supposed to be extra aware of our surroundings. I will say that parking a pickup in the morning can be a little stressful, and accidents can happen to any of us. I did tap a car in the parking lot in front of a few witnesses, and yes, I am sure that Dean (Maverick's VP of Safety) would say it was preventable. I have taken my lumps about it, and I am happy to say my insurance did take care of the damage I caused to the other car. We still joke about it sometimes.

We want to extend a heartfelt, “THANK YOU” to our Maverick family and all that you do. Your hard work and consistent commitment do not go unnoticed. We know that Maverick’s success could not be built on anything but a foundation of talented and loyal people. It’s our people who matter. These stories and photos shared are just a small glimpse into the diverse backgrounds that fill our trucks and our hallways. We can’t wait to see what the future holds but are certain it will be one that is filled with FUN.

Get ready to join us for another “Story from the Road.” This month, we interviewed one of our 2023 Dedicated Drivers of the Month, Kenny Neely. We’ll explore Kenny’s introduction to truck driving and discover why he chooses Maverick each day. (There may also be some fun facts he shared!)

Q: How long have you been driving?

Kenny: “I've been driving for 25 years. I got into it out of necessity. I was working at a plant in Franklin, TN. They closed and I did not have anywhere laterally to go to make the same money. My friend said I could drive a tractor trailer delivering ice cream, so I did.”

Q: How did you get into driving Final Mile? (Final Mile is a dedicated division at Maverick that delivers goods to the end consumer)

Kenny: “I knew a driver that was driving on a final mile delivery contract through another carrier. He really enjoyed it. They ended up having to relocate and he asked if I was interested in taking over that job. Being home every day really interested me, so I decided to do it. That was almost 19 years ago. I’ve been driving on that same account since.”

Q: How has your experience with Maverick been?

Kenny: “It was so good to be appreciated with great pay and the way Maverick treated me when they got this account. I had been through this several times before, but no one ever treated me like Maverick. My truck and equipment were set up so well. Also, when I started, I didn’t lose a thing. I received prorated vacation time, and they honored my tenure! I love this company. The people here are kind and they care. Maverick makes you want to do your best!”

Q: What do you love about being a professional driver?

Kenny: “Truck driving has made me a lot more financially free to do things for my family. I can save money and that's such a good thing. Also, I love being able to pay my bills and I LOVE to eat. It’s great.”

Q: What kind of awards/recognition have you earned during your time with Maverick?

Kenny: “I’ve earned Maverick’s Ace Award for 2 years running. I’ve received safety awards and was excited to get Dedicated Driver of the Month last November!”

Q: Tell us about your family.

Kenny: “I’ve raised two kids and have been married for 31 years, and truck driving has been so good for me and my family. I also have three grandbabies!”

Q: What is your favorite outdoor sport?

Kenny: My favorite outdoor sport is hunting. I love deer hunting and when I am not deer hunting, I am setting up something for deer hunting.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant?

Kenny: “Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ in Decatur, AL- their stuffed potatoes are amazing. They are almost as big as a football!”

Q: What is your favorite music/artist?

Kenny: “Anything old country. George Jones, Conway Twitty, or Hank Williams.”

Q: Last and certainly not least, what is a fun fact about you?

Kenny: “I am a Disney fanatic. I’ve been to Disney World over 25 times. I LOVE the Tower of Terror ride! One time, we were there for 5 days, and we walked 54 miles in that time.

One thing that's clear as we share these stories from the road: being a professional driver is not just about skill, attitude and resilience, it's about the people behind the wheel. That’s what matters most - portraying the personal side of driving that shows the dreams, the challenges and the drive to succeed.

Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for both physical and mental health for everyone, but especially for professional truck drivers. Thankfully, with a bit of planning and creativity, it's possible to whip up delicious and nutritious meals right in the cab of your truck. In this blog post, we'll explore some easy recipes provided by Mavericks themselves that are tailored specifically for truck drivers who are looking to eat well while on the road.

TJ Hargis, our 2020 Driver of the Year and our 2022 Trainer of the Year provided some great tips to prepare for a successful week:

“So, I don't really "cook" in the truck. I like to prepare my meals at home and bring them with me. I will pop them in the microwave and dinner is done in less than 5 minutes. I do cook eggs in the morning in the microwave and warm up some sausage that I precook at home. I use my smoker a lot during good weather. I find small packs of meat at the local grocery store and prepare different meals like that so I'm not eating the same thing over and over. I can have a week's worth of food prepared for me and my student (if needed) in about 2-3 hours (depending on what I'm cooking) while I go do other things. It saves me a lot time at home and out here, I really don't feel like sitting in here preparing a meal at the end of day, I just want to relax.

Also, I always park in the back at truck stops, which gives me a good walk just going inside and back out. When I am parked in an area that allows, I will take a walk around and just take in the sights of some of the different little places we go to.

I average about $15 for breakfast for 2 weeks solo or 1 week with a student. For my dinner, I usually only spend around $20-$25 per week depending on what I get to cook. fFor the most part, I spend $40 or less per week on food.”

Scott Claiborne, our 2020 Dedicated Driver of the Year also provided some of his tips that he has for living a healthy lifestyle out on the road:

“My girlfriend helps me prep meals by making sliced meatloaf for sandwiches, breakfast casserole and grilling brussels sprouts. I like to bring ingredients to make yogurt parfaits with blueberries, vanilla yogurt, walnuts and honey. I also like to work out in my truck with a kettlebell.

Scott’s Workout:

3 x 50 squats with a 12 lbs. kettlebell

3 x 20 donkey kicks

3 x 200 arm circles (50 reps forward and backwards palms down = 100 Then 50 more reps forward and backwards palm up = 100)

3 x 30 lateral arm raises

3 x 30 pushups (usually broken up as 2 sets of 15)

3 x 30 lawnmower pulls using the kettlebell

3 x 30 ab crunches

The information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Maintaining good health on the road is essential for professional drivers. Simple strategies like healthy eating and regular exercise can enhance your well-being and safety. Let's commit to staying healthy and thriving on every mile of the journey.

Professional truck driving is not just a job; it's a lifestyle. Truck drivers spend extended periods away from home, often traveling long distances to deliver freight across our country. The solitude of the road, while offering independence and time to think, when coupled with the irregular hours, can pose challenges to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

We spoke with James Hogue, a Maverick driver who has been with us for over 9 years, to get his perspective and advice on how to successfully balance a professional driving career and family.

James has been married for 18 years and together, they have 5 children ranging in age from 2 to 18.

• Communication is Key: Maintaining strong communication with family members is crucial. Thanks to modern technology, and his Maverick Wi-Fi hot spot, James stays connected with his family via video calls and can also help them with their schoolwork. He is also able to play online games with his oldest children. You can also connect through phone calls and messaging apps. Regular updates and heartfelt conversations can help bridge the gap and provide emotional support.

• Strategic Planning: Successful truck drivers are detailed planners. They often create schedules that align with important family events or milestones, making sure they’re present during special moments. James ensures that his home time requests align with his children's games, special events or for some extra family time.

• Making the Most out of your Home Time: While at home, it’s important to be intentional with how your time is spent. Whether there are “things to accomplish” or not, it’s key to create quality time with those family members while you are physically with them. James and his family enjoy watching movies together and hanging out at their pond. You can also plan special family dinners, game nights or go outside to play.

• Highlighted Idea from James: One very special way that James likes to connect with his children is he will find out what book they are reading and listen to the audio version of it while he is driving that week so they can talk about the book and connect.

• Embracing Flexibility: Flexibility is also key in the trucking world. Drivers who learn to adapt to unforeseen circumstances on the road and apply the same adaptability to their family life can feel more successful. Understand that plans may need to change on short notice and develop a mindset that embraces flexibility both on and off the road.

Professional truck drivers demonstrate incredible flexibility as they adapt to the challenges on the road while still tending to and developing strong family bonds. Through intentional communication, strategic planning with a strong team, intentionality, and flexibility, our drivers demonstrate that enjoying a fulfilling career and a thriving family life can indeed go hand in hand.