Each Spring, Maverick Transportation celebrates and names our newest Driver and Dedicated Driver of the Year. This event celebrates the dedication, excellence and hard work of our professional drivers. Each Maverick that was seated in the room provides an example of the character, commitment and professionalism that defines The Maverick Way®. If you know Maverick, then you know we are a company who loves to give honor where honor is due. This banquet brought together teammates, families, fellow co-workers and leadership to showcase the best of the best.

Amongst those in attendance were 24 Maverick “Black Hats”. This term is used to describe our Drivers of the Month. They are nominated by their managers within our operations department and being named driver of the month is based on demonstrating outstanding skill, professionalism, safety, and pride in doing their job the right way.

Kenneth Thomas, Maverick’s 2024 Dedicated Driver of the Year said, “I was completely shocked. As I was walking back to the table, I didn’t even hear my name get called for Driver of the Year. When I realized, I was just overwhelmed with honor. This is all still fresh and new.” Kenneth also said, “What sets Maverick apart is our attention to detail and doing everything The Maverick Way®. We here at Maverick are professionals.”

Upon being named the 2024 Over-the-Road Driver of the Year, Justin Melvin said, “I never thought it would happen, and I am still in shock about it. I have a lot to live up to and it will probably take a while for it to sink in.” Justin also said that a particular piece of advice has stuck with him since day one; “When I first started here, a tenured driver told me to drive my truck and secure it every day like my family was on either side of me and that made me think about how I was doing things. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I want to make sure they are trained right.”

Here’s to another year of excellence! To all our professional drivers, you CAN achieve this!

What makes a Maverick truly great? Is it skill, drive, attitude? While those factors are essential, we believe what makes them the best is a myriad of these descriptions paired with an undeniable passion for what they do: DRIVE. Maverick Black Hat drivers are those individuals who demonstrate outstanding performance, safety and professionalism. These drivers are also recognized for their commitment to Maverick’s safety standards, accident-free records and dedication to doing things The Maverick Way®.

In this month’s blog, we’re interviewing a handful of our 2024 OTR and Dedicated Drivers of the Month and asking them one thing: What makes you proud to be a Maverick Black Hat?

Is it their journey, the challenge or sheer accomplishment? Let’s dive in to see what they said:

Kerry Osborne- “It makes me proud by the hard work that I put in. That pride shows up in other areas of my life. The gratitude that Maverick showed me makes me feel honored. I never thought I would be a Black Hat.”

Justin Melvin- “Recognition for a job well done makes me so proud. I don’t know how to put in words, but this job is not something everyone can do.”

Tom Bevel - “I guess the answer to that is I am proud to be recognized to do something I do every day.”

John Hensley - “Everything about this job makes me proud. There are a lot of great drivers here that deserve this. I am proud to be chosen amongst all these drivers.”

Brandon Dittman- “The first part of the answer is we are an elite group already, so this is a huge accomplishment in this industry. This also places me in a leadership role, and I feel responsible to help younger drivers and I want to help them. I love it.”

Reginald Russell- “This is a high honor. Maverick takes care of us, and they listen to our voice. I am very excited and proud.”

David Gilliland- “Honestly, the thing for me is being acknowledged amongst drivers who are already top-of-the-line is a wonderful thing. I am only in the position I am in because of the other drivers in my division and my account manager, Gordon. He sets us up for success. And I know when I am at work, my fellow drivers have my back, and I have theirs.”

One thing is clear from these elite drivers: they love what they do, and they take a lot of pride in it. As we inch closer to our Driver of the Year banquet, we encourage you to show appreciation to all professional drivers. This is a challenging but rewarding career and those who choose this path deserve all of the recognition we can give.

As a professional driver, having the best tools at your fingertips can make all the difference. While we’ve highlighted Maverick’s cutting-edge technology in a previous blog post, we want to provide you with helpful mobile applications that can assist in your day-to-day with helpful tips, technological support and more.

After speaking with several Maverick drivers and our operations department, here’s a list of applications that can be downloaded and used with ease. ALL FREE!

• First and foremost, we have built a Maverick mobile application that keeps you connected! Included are messaging capabilities, load information, paperwork scanning, your driver scorecard, and more!

• Pilot Flying J and other fueling locations provide applications that allow you to check fuel lanes, earn in-app specials and discounts and track your rewards points. These points can then allow you to pay for showers or goods within their stores.

• Life360- One of our drivers stated that his family and friends can track him even if he is unable to answer the phone. This provides a level of safety and comfort knowing where he is at all times.

• Trucker Path is a mapping tool where drivers can locate truck stops, weight stations and fuel prices along their route.

• Audible/Spotify, etc. We have many drivers who enjoy listening to audiobooks, music or podcasts. Check out any of these multimedia applications to add some mystery, comedy or fiction to your daily drive.

• Weather and traffic notifications are paramount when driving. Making sure you have a way to receive these notifications for the areas you will be traveling to will better prepare you for traffic jams and potential weather delays.

• An easy way to scale and weigh your truck is to download the Cat Scale application.

Having helpful phone applications in your back pocket can enhance your driving experience with better safety, better utilized time and reduce your stress. Technology continues to evolve and when you take advantage of it, it can transform your job and your journey.

At Maverick, we continually search for opportunities to give back, and one way we do that is through our internal “angel tree” program (not affiliated with The Salvation Army Angel Tree program). This year, we were able to provide Christmas presents for 58 children in Central Arkansas. Gifts ranged from educational toys to cozy winter clothing, tailored to meet the individual needs and wishes of each child. Our initiative aimed not only to bring smiles to their faces on Christmas morning, but also to remind them that they’re cared about and loved! Our involvement is truly a team effort. We had over 45 Maverick volunteers offer to shop for each child’s wishes. Then, over 22 festive employees threw a wrapping party complete with Christmas music and beautifully wrapped each gift so that our team could make the final delivery.

Not only is this an opportunity to give back, but it’s an opportunity for us to come together as a Maverick family and remember what this season is all about: giving.

Please enjoy the highlights below from our wrapping party to the delivery!

Participating in this program is a tradition at Maverick that truly embodies two of our core values; doing the right thing with integrity, respect and commitment and being socially and environmentally responsible. We encourage you to embrace coming together to create positive impacts across your communities. We are so grateful for the opportunity to give back.

Merry Christmas!

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.