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When you’re looking for a freight agent program, commission splits and technology features get all the attention. And they matter. But there’s a bigger question most agents don’t think to ask until it’s too late: Who actually owns the company you’re building your business with, and what are they optimizing for?

At Priority1, the answer is simple. We’re privately held. We’re debt free. We don’t have shareholders demanding quarterly returns or private equity firms looking for their exit. Every decision we make is based on what’s best for our people and our partners—because those are the only people we answer to.

That might not sound flashy. But if you’ve ever been with a brokerage that got acquired, restructured, or squeezed by investors, you know exactly why it matters.

No Shareholders. No PE Firms. No Hidden Agendas.

The logistics industry has seen a wave of mergers, acquisitions, and private equity buyouts over the past several years. What usually follows is predictable: leadership changes, cost-cutting, agent programs getting restructured, support teams getting downsized, and the people who built the business getting treated like line items on a spreadsheet.

Priority1 doesn’t operate that way. As a privately held, debt-free company, we have the freedom to invest in what actually matters—our technology, our people, and our agent partnerships—without pressure from outside investors looking for short-term returns. When we make a decision about how to support our agents, it’s because it’s the right thing to do for the long term. Not because a board told us to.

That stability isn’t just a talking point. It’s the foundation your business is built on. When you partner with Priority1, you’re not wondering whether the company will look the same in two years. We’ve been building this since 1995, and we’re not going anywhere.

We Actually Take Care of Our People

Every company says they value their people. Priority1 actually shows it. We invest heavily in the teams, technology, and infrastructure that support our agents and their customers—because when the people around you are set up to succeed, you succeed too.

That commitment extends to everyone in the Priority1 ecosystem—our agents, our internal teams, our carrier partners, and our customers. We don’t cut corners on support to protect a margin for investors. We reinvest in the people and tools that drive this business forward, because that’s what a privately held company with a long-term mindset actually does.

The result? People stay. Your support team knows your account. Your technology keeps getting better. And your partnership with Priority1 gets stronger every year—not weaker.

A True One-Stop Shop for Your Customers

Priority1 is a full-scale 3PL covering every mode of transportation outside of small pack. LTL, full truckload, expedited, air freight, international, drayage, flatbed, temperature-controlled, hazmat, high-value—we handle it all. That means your customers get one point of contact for everything, and you don’t lose business because your brokerage can’t support a mode they need.

With partnerships across thousands of national and regional carriers—including over 47,000 full-truckload carriers—you’ll have the capacity access and pricing power to compete in any lane. Our diverse LTL portfolio includes national, regional, and micro-regional partners who are service leaders in their geographic footprints.

Technology Built for Agents, by People Who Get It

Cabo® is Priority1’s proprietary transportation management system, built in-house from the ground up. It’s not a repackaged third-party platform. Cabo® gives you multimodal quoting, dispatch, and real-time tracking in a single, mobile-friendly dashboard. It includes freight bill auditing, dispute workflow, and customizable reporting—all cloud-hosted so you can work from anywhere.

Both you and your customers can access Cabo® from any device. That kind of visibility builds trust with your shippers and makes your life easier on a daily basis.

Back-Office Support That Actually Supports You

Our back office is fully staffed and handles billing, collections, disputes, claims, and more so you can focus on what generates revenue—finding customers and moving freight. Every agent gets assigned, dedicated support:

• Agent Development contact
• Financial Analyst
• Key Account Reps
• Billing and collections team
• Claims team
• Strategic management access

When you onboard, a dedicated specialist helps train and transition your business from day one—with no upfront costs. We also provide ongoing sales training for your reps because your growth is our growth.

Uncapped Commissions. No Restrictions. No Games.

Priority1 offers competitive, uncapped commissions paid twice a month. No territory restrictions—if you can win the business, it’s yours. We don’t cap your earning potential, and we don’t limit where you can sell. We want you to grow as big as your ambition allows.

What Our Agents Say

The best measure of any agent program is what the agents themselves say. Here’s what Priority1 agents consistently tell us:

“Priority 1 has been the best platform for my business that I have experienced. I have nearly 10x’d since starting with them. They have dedicated back-office support, state-of-the-art software, and some of the most competitive rates. They are a company that not only values my business but acts as a TRUE partner.”

“We started with Priority1 about ten years ago. We have seen Priority1 apply so many resources towards development, training, and creating a multi-functional platform through the years.”

That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when a company keeps its promises year after year.

The Bottom Line

There are a lot of freight agent programs out there. Some offer big commissions. Some offer great technology. Very few offer what Priority1 does: a privately held, debt-free company with no outside investors, a genuine commitment to its people, best-in-class technology, full multimodal capability, and a track record that goes back three decades.

We’re not building this for a quarterly earnings call. We’re building it for the agents and employees who make Priority1 what it is. If that sounds like the kind of partnership you’ve been looking for, we’d love to talk.

 

Ready to learn more?

Visit priority1.com/agents or contact us to start the conversation.

Priority1 is thrilled to shine the spotlight on Jaycee Welch as our Employee of the Quarter! A year and a half into her Priority1 journey, Jaycee has become the heartbeat of our front desk and a shining example of what it means to show up with creativity, kindness, and a whole lot of heart.

As our Receptionist, Jaycee is often the first face people see and the first voice they hear — and she makes that first impression count. Her responsibilities span far beyond answering phones, from managing mail and office supplies to creating stunning graphics, supporting training materials, and assisting with career fair efforts. Her manager, Hailey Vershum, says it best: “Jaycee is someone I can always rely on. She’s taken ownership of her role and really made it her own. The consistency and professionalism she brings every day make a real difference, and this recognition is very well deserved.”

One of Jaycee’s most beloved contributions to Priority1 culture is the personalized birthday cards she has designed and handed out to every employee since May 2025 — over 200 cards and counting. She also brought her Cricut machine to Priority1’s End of Year Event, designing personalized names for each check presented on stage. Polished, thoughtful, and so very Jaycee.

Originally from Junction City, Arkansas, Jaycee is currently studying Elementary Education at Southern Arkansas University while maintaining a 4.0 GPA for three consecutive semesters — all while working two jobs and planning her dream wedding. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, painting, spending time with her fiancé and their two fur babies Fin and Joe, and catching up on The Real Housewives. Her biggest admirer and inspiration? Her mom, whose example has shaped everything Jaycee is today.

Looking ahead, Jaycee plans to become a high school history teacher and coach cheerleading — with state and national championships in her sights. Her advice for new employees is simple: “Work hard, be yourself, and never forget we’re all on the same team.” And her personal mantra says it all: “Always be yourself, work hard, and lead with kindness.”

Please join us in congratulating Jaycee on this incredibly well-deserved recognition. Priority1 is a better place because of her, and we can’t wait to see everything she accomplishes next.

Going independent doesn’t mean going alone—and the brokerage you partner with will determine whether you build a thriving business or spend your time fighting bad technology, slow back-office support, and carrier access problems.

Priority1 launched its freight agent program in 2008. Since then, we’ve helped hundreds of agents build and scale their logistics businesses. Some have doubled or tripled their revenue. Others have grown well beyond that. All of them will tell you the same thing: the program works because Priority1 was built to be a true partner, not just a platform.

Here’s what sets Priority1 apart from other freight agent programs—and why agents who join tend to stay.

Technology That Works as Hard as You Do

If you’ve been in this industry long enough, you’ve used a TMS that felt like it was built in 2005. Priority1’s Cabo® TMS was launched in 2020 and is continuously updated. It’s a web-based, mobile-friendly platform where you can quote LTL, truckload, and expedited shipments side by side, book loads, track in real time via API-integrated carrier connections, audit freight bills, manage disputes, and pull customized reports—all from one login. For agents who have worked with clunky legacy systems or had to piece together multiple tools, Cabo® is a game-changer. As agent owner Mike L. puts it after ten years with Priority1: “Combining our carrier network alongside the new Cabo® transportation management system, we are at the top of the food chain.”

A Carrier Network That Gives You an Edge

Your customers don’t care which brokerage your authority sits under. They care about rates and service. Priority1 has relationships with over 47,000 full-truckload carriers and a diverse LTL portfolio of national, regional, and micro-regional partners. With over 1.5 million shipments per year, our volume gives agents top tier pricing that smaller programs and independent brokerages can’t touch. Whether your book is heavy on LTL, truckload, or expedited, Priority1 supports every mode outside of small pack. You don’t need to split your business across multiple brokerages or turn customers away because your partner doesn’t handle a specific mode.

Back-Office Support That Actually Supports You

There’s a reason the most common frustration agents cite when switching programs is back-office support. When a customer has a billing question or a claim to file, they don’t call your brokerage’s general inbox—they call you. And when you can’t get a fast answer from your back office, it’s your reputation on the line. Priority1 provides every agent with dedicated support across the entire organization: Agent Development, a financial analyst, key account reps, billing and collections, a claims team, and access to strategic management. This isn’t a ticketing system. These are real people who know your name, your customers, and your business.

Financial Stability in an Unstable Market

The freight market cycles. Rates compress. Volumes dip. And when that happens, brokerages that are overleveraged, PE-backed, or carrying debt start cutting—support staff, agent programs, technology investment. Priority1 is privately owned, debt-free, backed by sister company Priority Wire & Cable, and has never taken outside investment. We have never had a round of layoffs. Our agents don’t wonder whether their brokerage will be around in two years or whether their back office will be gutted during the next downturn. That kind of stability isn’t common in this industry, and agents who’ve lived through a market cycle know exactly how much it’s worth.

What It Takes to Get Started

Priority1’s agent program is built for experienced logistics professionals who are ready to grow. Here’s what we look for:

• Two years of freight sales experience (minimum)
• A portable book of business
• An entrepreneurial mindset and drive to grow

There are no upfront costs. Commissions are uncapped and paid twice a month. Our onboarding specialist will handle the transition of your business—training, system setup, carrier introductions—so you can start earning from day one. As agent owner Patrick says: “Priority 1 was an excellent decision for me when I was looking for a brokerage to partner with. I was looking for a company that aligned with my desire to provide top-notch service to my customers. The brokerage needed cutting-edge software for booking, quoting, and tracing loads. They also needed excellent rates with high-quality carriers. With Priority1, I was able to find all those qualities.”

Ready to explore what Priority1’s freight agent program can do for your business? Visit priority1.com/agents or contact us directly. No pressure, no obligation—just a conversation about whether we’re the right fit.

Priority1 is thrilled to shine the spotlight on Lydia Ussery as our Employee of the Quarter! With nearly two years into her Priority1 journey, Lydia has set the standard for excellence, relationship-building, and unwavering dedication as a Customer Success Manager.

In her role, Lydia builds and maintains relationships with customers, oversees account processes and details, and runs quarterly and 30-day meetings. Her commitment to her customers and her team has not gone unnoticed. As Zach Miller, Director of Customer Success, says:

“Lydia is driven to excel not only in performance but also in building meaningful relationships. She consistently looks for ways to help her customers succeed and embodies the mindset of running to the problem while finding the positives in every situation. Lydia elevates everyone around her, setting the standard for excellence within the Customer Success team.”

Lydia is especially proud of having the opportunity to speak to a supply chain class at UCA about Priority1 and her position—a testament to her passion for the company and her role. She holds herself to an extremely high standard, driven by a burning desire to be successful and make the most of every single day. “I not only want to make myself proud, but I want to respect my leadership and to work hard so that they are proud of me as well,” Lydia shares. She credits her success to listening to the direction given by Zach Miller and Andy Conger and applying everything they’ve taught her, while also putting tremendous effort into staying on top of her customers’ needs and building trust with them.

Hailing from Morrilton, Arkansas, and now living in Conway, Lydia is a proud graduate of the University of Arkansas (online). When she’s not excelling at Priority1, you’ll find her traveling and playing guitar with her boyfriend or cozied up on the couch snuggling with her cat, Stormi, and reading a good book. While she’s not a huge TV watcher, she does love binge-watching her favorite content creators on YouTube. And if she could have dinner with anyone? Dolly Parton, hands down.

Lydia’s biggest source of inspiration is her parents, whom she describes as the most hardworking people she’s ever met—people who always prioritized family and gave her not only the best life possible but also the best examples to follow. Their advice resonates deeply with her: “Love God, be a good friend, work hard, and all else will then fall into place.”

Looking ahead, Lydia’s short-term goal is to remain the #1 Customer Success rep in GP and revenue by the end of 2025. Long-term, her overall career aspiration is to have a job she looks forward to every day where she can help people, which she feels she’s already found at Priority1. Her advice for new employees? “Work extremely hard to learn as much as you can as fast as you can. The sooner you feel confident, the sooner you will thrive.”

What does Lydia love most about Priority1? “The environment! I get to spend 40+ hours a week with my friends 😊.” Her personal mantra says it all: “If you weren’t ready, you wouldn’t have the opportunity.”

Please join us in congratulating Lydia Ussery on her outstanding achievements! We’re excited to watch her continued growth and look forward to celebrating more remarkable team members in the quarters ahead.

Priority1 is thrilled to shine the spotlight on Caitlin “Cait” Marlow as our Employee of the Quarter! Nearly four years into her Priority1 journey, Cait, affectionately known as “Sprinter Van,” continues to set the standard for excellence, teamwork, and positivity. 

Cait serves as LTL Support for Inside Sales, playing a key role in ensuring our Inside Sales team delivers exceptional service to customers. Her diverse experience as a KAR, collector, and in two different LTL support roles is a testament to her versatility. As Forrest Goss, Director of LTL Support, says: 

“Caitlin has been nothing short of a rock star for the LTL Support Team. Her resume is hard to beat: as a KAR, collector, and two different roles in LTL Support, she has supported operations for the Agent network, Outside Sales, and most recently our Inside Sales unit. How many other folks at the company can say that? 

Caitlin is everything we expect from a Priority1 employee: positive, prompt, diligent, and doesn’t stop chasing something until it’s finished. While she’s now on Inside Sales support, she’s still in touch weekly with Outside reps, who reach out to ask for advice, knowledge, or just to check in on her, thanks to the strong relationships she’s built. I couldn’t be more proud, and I’m excited to see her continue to grow here.” 

Cait is especially proud of helping launch this new Inside Sales support team with Forrest and extending her support beyond Outside Sales, bringing the same energy and commitment to every role. She credits the drive and camaraderie of her department as a daily motivation, stating, “The department itself drives each other. We have a great group of people I love working with.” Additionally, her son is her biggest source of inspiration, fueling her dedication and ambition. 

Hailing from Bryant and a proud graduate of UALR, Cait loves concerts and a good book when she’s not excelling at Priority1. TV favorites like The Office and Brooklyn 99 are her go-to for relaxation, and she’d be delighted to have dinner with Michael Scott! 

Cait’s career aspiration is clear: continue growing this dynamic team and one day become a supervisor. Her advice for new employees? “Ask the question. Freight changes every day, and even our higher ups ask questions.” She values an open, inquisitive workplace, emphasizing, “Try a different perspective” as her personal mantra. 

Above all, Cait cherishes the support and community at Priority1: “The employees and the support you get here” make all the difference. 

Please join us in congratulating Cait Marlow on her outstanding achievements! We’re excited to watch her ongoing journey and look forward to celebrating more remarkable team members in the quarters ahead. 

 

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