Author: Hannah Perkins

Priority1 is proud to recognize Haley Carpenter as our Employee of the Quarter for Q1 2025! With three and a half years of dedicated service, Haley has exemplified professionalism and commitment in her role as Truckload Accounts Payable Coordinator.

Haley’s position involves managing carrier inquiries and statement reconciliations, ensuring accurate responses and resolutions for Priority1’s valued carriers and their factoring teams. Her ability to listen attentively and resolve issues effectively fosters strong partnerships with carriers, a cornerstone of Priority1’s operations.

One of Haley’s proudest achievements has been resolving account issues for some of Priority1’s most important vendors. Her exceptional dedication has transformed these accounts into seamless partnerships. Haley’s dedication ensures that their accounts receivable teams trust her team for reliable resolutions. Tiffany Letson, Haley’s leader, praised her contributions: “Haley does a remarkable job at ensuring our carriers are well informed. She always takes the initiative and does a great job staying engaged with our truckload vendors and her peers. Her proactive approach has helped streamline TLAP Inquiry’s workflow. Congratulations, Haley!”

Outside of work, Haley enjoys spending time with her son, Benji, cheering him on at soccer games where he learns teamwork and perseverance. She also finds joy in gardening, embroidery, and indulging in her love of books as a certified bookworm.

A native of Greenbrier, AR, Haley graduated from Arkansas State University, where she laid the foundation for her career in accounts payable coordination. Her motivation stems from her son, who inspires her daily to be a better person and provide him with the best life possible.

Haley’s success in her department is driven by her passion for solving problems, which she likens to piecing together a puzzle. She credits Luke and Kelsey’s guidance for shaping her approach to finding solutions and ensuring accuracy in her work.

At Priority1, Haley values the people she works with most, describing them as smart, hardworking individuals who have become lifelong friends. Her advice for new employees? “Don’t be afraid to ask around if you have questions.”

Haley’s personal mantra, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” reflects her determination and problem-solving mindset that have made her an indispensable part of the Priority1 team.

 

Join us in celebrating Haley Carpenter’s remarkable contributions and dedication to excellence, and stay tuned to see who will be our next Employee of the Quarter as we continue to honor the achievements of our outstanding team members!

What’s Changing in 2025?

The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system is undergoing significant changes in 2025 to modernize and simplify freight classification. This update is designed to streamline shipping processes, improve accuracy, and minimize disputes between shippers, carriers, and 3PLs.

Why It Matters

The industry is shifting away from straight freight classifications and adopting a density-based approach. If you’ve been shipping at the same class for years, this transition may impact your pricing and classification strategy. These changes will enhance transparency, improve cost predictability, and create a more efficient shipping environment for all parties involved.

 

Key Updates to Freight Classification

• Standardized Density Scale – The new system moves from an 11-subprovision density scale to a 13-subprovision scale, ensuring more precise classification. This will apply to LTL freight without handling, stowability, or liability issues.
• Expanded Classifications – Additional classes 50 and 55 are being introduced for denser, heavier products, allowing for more accurate pricing.
• Updated Commodity Listings – Over 2,000 commodity descriptions are being reorganized and modernized to reflect current shipping practices, reducing confusion and improving classification accuracy.
• Improved Digital Tools – The NMFTA is enhancing digital resources like ClassIT+ to make classification easier and more accessible.

 

How These Changes Benefit Shippers

The NMFC overhaul is designed to create a fairer, more efficient shipping environment by:

• Reducing Classification Errors – A standardized, density-based approach minimizes inconsistencies in freight classification.
• Enhancing Cost Transparency – More precise classifications lead to predictable pricing and fewer unexpected reclassifications.
• Improving Efficiency – Modernized descriptions and digital tools simplify the classification process, saving time and reducing disputes.

 

How Priority1 Helps You Adapt

At Priority1, we’re not just keeping up with these changes—we’re leading the way with innovative solutions to make your transition seamless:

• Precise Dimension Capture – Our system requires accurate dimensions and weight for every shipment, ensuring correct classification and pricing.
• Smart Density Calculator – Automatically calculates shipment density to match the correct class, making quoting easier than ever.
• NMFC Code Integration – Reducing the risk of costly reclassifications by ensuring proper NMFC codes are included on all shipments.
• Density-Based Carrier Pricing – We’ve partnered with select carriers to offer competitive pricing under the new density-based structure.
• Custom Inventory Management – Pre-load commonly shipped items to auto-populate dimensions, weight, NMFC codes, class, and descriptions for quick, accurate quoting.

 

Key Dates to Remember

• March 3, 2025 – Public meeting for stakeholders to review and discuss the NMFC changes.
• July 19, 2025 – Official implementation of the updated classification system.

 

Stay Prepared for the Transition

With major changes coming to the NMFC, it’s essential to stay informed and adjust your shipping strategy accordingly. Priority1 is here to help you navigate the transition smoothly. Contact your dedicated representative today to learn more about how we can support your business through these updates.

 

Priority1 is thrilled to announce Joe Hilton as our Employee of the Quarter! With two and a half years of dedicated service, Joe has become an integral part of our team, serving as a Senior Software Engineer. 

Joe’s role as a Senior Software Engineer involves developing and resolving solutions for Priority1 software. His proudest achievement has been leading the Solutions team, a concept he helped develop to fill a critical role and engage with the full range of Priority1’s software offerings. 

Joe’s colleagues and superiors alike recognize his exceptional contributions to the company. Phillip Scholtes, Chief Technology Officer, shared: “Joe is a very capable, intelligent, thorough, and organized engineer. He never turns down a challenge and is great to have on the team. Some of his most significant individual contributions to P1 technology include developing all of the direct API integrations for FedEx, TForce, and all Cabotage parcel functionality.” 

Outside of work, Joe leads an active and balanced life. You’ll likely find him exercising  — whether it’s biking, running, hiking, or hitting the gym. He also enjoys quality time with his wife and cats, indulging in a good book, or immersing himself in video games. 

A native of Johnston City, IL, Joe graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Arkansas with a BS in Computer Science. His educational background has laid a strong foundation for his current role and future aspirations in software engineering. 

Joe’s motivation stems from a deep-seated desire for self-improvement. “I am motivated by the desire to improve myself. I am always striving to be better in everything I do,” he shares. This drive for excellence is evident in his approach to work, where he focuses on improving the areas he works on and diligently gathers facts to achieve great results. 

At Priority1, Joe loves the competence of his colleagues and the opportunities for growth. His advice for new employees? “It’s a lot to absorb. Take notes. Ask questions. Everyone forgets things and makes mistakes.” 

Joe’s future aspirations involve continuing to grow the Solutions team, enabling them to handle larger workloads while maintaining high-quality results. His commitment to improvement and team growth aligns perfectly with Priority1’s values. 

 

Joe’s direct manager, Hayden Thrasher, said: “Since his first day on the team, Joe’s attention to detail and penchant for analysis have made a huge positive impact on Cabo, Cabotage, and P1 as a whole. He has been the behind-the-scenes force behind Cabotage, several carrier API integrations, and now our front line Solutions Team.” 

Join us in celebrating Joe Hilton’s outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to excellence. Stay tuned to see who will be our next Employee of the Quarter and to celebrate more achievements from our incredible team! 

 

 

Priority1 is proud to recognize Carolyn Tolliver as our Employee of the Quarter! With 11 years of dedicated service, Carolyn has been a vital part of the Priority1 family, contributing as a Financial Admin with a commitment that’s second to none.

 

Carolyn’s role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including processing summary billing, sending demand letters, handling credits and rebills, collaborating with collectors, the sales team, and management to resolve customer issues, updating truckload rates, and filling out vendor forms. Her diligence and attention to detail ensure that our financial processes run smoothly.

 

One of Carolyn’s favorite accomplishments at Priority1 is improving our Summary Billing process. Thanks to her dedication, most of the summary billing tasks are now automated, a benchmark achievement she is particularly proud of.

 

When asked about Carolyn, Eric Dyson, Director of Financial Assurance, said “For over 12 years, Carolyn has been a dedicated and reliable colleague, known as the ultimate team player. Always ready to support the team and ensure project success, Carolyn embodies what is means to be selfless. Her positive attitude and willingness to help everyone makes her a true asset to the Financial Services team.”

 

Outside of work, Carolyn enjoys a rich and fulfilling personal life. You’ll often find her watching Law & Order SVU, playing at the park with her son, or enjoying dinner and a movie with her husband. Family is central to her life, and she treasures Sunday dinners at her parents’ house, surrounded by her loved ones.

 

A Conway, AR native and graduate of Arkansas Tech University, Carolyn draws motivation from her son, who inspires her to excel every day. Her drive to succeed comes from her supportive team and her supervisor, who provides her with the resources she needs to thrive. She takes pride in never letting her team down.

 

Carolyn admires her parents deeply and carries with her the wisdom of her grandmother: “Do what you are supposed to do and don’t worry about anyone else.” Her love for her husband and son keeps her grounded, and she humorously admits she can’t get away from those two, even if she tried!

 

At Priority1, Carolyn loves the flexibility of her role and the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life. Her advice for new employees? “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you have asked them before.” Carolyn embodies the company’s values, believing that people will always be remembered by their love and kindness.

Priority1 is delighted to announce Kayce Page as our Employee of the Quarter. Kayce has been a vital part of our team, serving as an HR Coordinator for over three years. Her dedication and hard work have greatly contributed to our success, making her a standout member of our organization.

 

Kayce began her journey with Priority1 as a Key Account Representative for about nine months before transitioning into Human Resources. Over the past two and a half years, she has excelled in her role, assisting with pre-employment and onboarding new hires. She also manages the monthly newsletter, and she reviews and audits invoices for our background/drug test/MVR company. She also ensures our compliance website is up to date with our locations. Jamala Thomas, VP of People & Culture, commented, “Kayce is a very valued member of the HR Team. She is the machine behind our administrative processes and procedures. We are grateful for her exceptional work and attention to detail. Kayce constantly strives to go above and beyond, and it’s not unnoticed.”

 

One of Kayce’s proudest achievements was being part of the Workday transition project. This significant undertaking required immense dedication, with Kayce and her team spending over a month in a conference room daily for 8+ hours to prepare the system for launch, all while maintaining their regular tasks. This experience allowed her to understand the importance of process creation and implementation.

 

Outside of work, Kayce enjoys spending her weekends in NWA, hiking, swimming, bowling, traveling, and exploring new food spots. She is a true foodie at heart. She also enjoys catching up on TV shows like Love Island USA. Originally from East End, AR, Kayce started her college journey at Pulaski Tech and completed her undergraduate degree at Purdue. Admiring her boyfriend for his hard work, selflessness, and supportive nature, Kayce is inspired to be the best version of herself both personally and professionally.

 

Kayce’s motivation comes from being a reason her team succeeds, whether it’s meeting deadlines, improving processes, or identifying and addressing challenges. Her drive to achieve great results stems from her commitment to excellence and her willingness to take on additional responsibilities to develop her HR knowledge further. Kayce aspires to continue developing her skills in HR. She plans to take the SHRM-CP exam in the next 1-2 years or pursue benefit certifications to advance her career in HR.

 

Kayce lives by the motto “Not all those who wander are lost,” and her best advice for new employees is to not let the “no’s” get in the way of their success. Her dedication, resilience, and positive attitude make her a truly deserving recipient of the Employee of the Quarter award. Join us in congratulating Kayce Page for her exceptional contributions to Priority1. Her passion and commitment exemplify the values we hold dear, and we look forward to her continued success and impact within our organization. Stay tuned as we celebrate the achievements of our outstanding team members and discover who will be named our next Employee of the Quarter at Priority1!

Priority1 is excited to announce Mike Wilson as our Employee of the Quarter. Mike has been an invaluable member of our team, serving as an LTL Support Analyst for nearly 13 years. His dedication to exceeding customer expectations stems from his belief in the importance of building strong relationships, a principle he has upheld throughout his career.

In his role, Mike supports our outside sales team and their customers with LTL shipments. From quoting and booking to solving complex problems, Mike’s dedication and expertise ensure our customers’ needs are met with excellence. His role also involves educating new team members and sales associates, contributing to the growth and success of the organization.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time fishing, boating, and cherishing moments with his family and dogs, Brick and Mordecai. Originally from Childress, Texas, Mike moved to Arkansas in 2001. Mike finds his motivation in his family and gets inspiration from seeing them grow and supporting them in every possible way.

Forrest Goss, Director of LTL Support, spoke nothing but praise when asked about Mike— “Mike was the first person at Priority1 to introduce himself to me and tell me how lucky I was to have a job here, and explain LTL freight to me in some understandable terms. He’s a true veteran of the industry. He’s always ready to pick up the phone and make a call to either learn something, or help someone else learn something. As a result, he has deep relationships with our customers, our sales team, and our carrier partners. He’s an invaluable source of wisdom and know-how in a really difficult mode of transportation.”

When asked about his career goals, Mike expressed his desire to retire with Priority1, emphasizing his belief in the company’s future and leadership’s dedication to employees and their families. His commitment to the company’s success is unwavering, reflecting his belief in the organization’s values and vision.

Mike’s personal mantra, “Don’t look back, Keep looking to the future,” embodies his forward-thinking approach and determination to achieve greatness. His resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him a truly deserving recipient of the Employee of the Quarter award.

Join us in congratulating Mike Wilson for his exceptional contributions to Priority1. His dedication and passion exemplify the values we hold dear, and we look forward to witnessing his continued success and impact within our organization.

Stay tuned as we celebrate the achievements of our outstanding team members and discover who will be named our next Employee of the Quarter at Priority1!

 

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!

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Priority1 Announces Phillip Scholtes as Chief Technology Officer

 

Little Rock, AR – December 20^th, 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

[email protected]

1+ (501) 553-2714

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