Author: Kaylyn Alexander

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Kaylyn Alexander  

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

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

Iowa 80  

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

North Forty Truck Stop

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

Pilot Flying J Travel Centers

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

Whiskey Pete’s

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

Trail’s Travel Center

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

South of the Border

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

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

BY: KAYLYN ALEXANDER

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

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

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

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

Why choose Priority1’s Temperature Controlled Department?

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

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

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

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

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

By: Kaylyn Alexander

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Kaylyn Alexander

Across the nation, we have been affected by inflation and rising fuel costs, but how has the increased cost of fuel impacted the logistics industry?

Increased Costs of Transport

“With diesel prices rising 76% in the last year, it is putting a strain on trucking companies, especially the small to medium-sized fleets and owner-operators. The rise in fuel prices coincides with a softening of the freight market, making it difficult for these carriers to keep the doors open as the fuel increase squeezes profits.”  — Chris Olsen, Senior Vice President of North American Operations.  

Transport companies are forced to increase prices to compensate for the rising fuel costs to fill this gap. This initial increase creates a ripple effect that flows through every supply chain step, from the shipper to the carrier and, ultimately, the consumer. This effect is expected; if it costs more for the carrier to transport the freight, shippers, receivers, and consumers will eventually have to pay for the increased costs.

What Can Truckload Do To Lower Costs  

To combat these rising fuel costs, logistics companies have made operational changes. One of the most effective ways to reduce costs is to optimize transportation. Freight optimization helps utilize technology to find the best routes for your freight and a digital marketplace to match the best carrier for you, delivering a cost-effective solution aiding in minimizing deadhead miles. Another way to avoid unnecessary costs is to preplan loads and give plenty of lead time, which enables your 3PL to have enough time to find the best carrier.  

Why Choose a 3PL During These Times 

With inflation and fuel levels at historic highs, outsourcing to a 3PL becomes a viable resource. Outsourcing to the right 3PL provides a consultative approach to your company’s logistics needs, allowing you to focus solely on your business. It can be too overwhelming for companies to handle their freight in-house. Priority1 provides cutting-edge technology matched with a level of expertise so you can focus on your core business and allow us to manage your supply chain needs. Priority1 is here to help during these unprecedented times.

BY: KAYLYN ALEXANDER