Stevens Roundtable: Earn More by Becoming a Driver Trainer

Director of Driver Training Tara Winn returns to talk about one of the best opportunities available to experienced Stevens drivers: becoming a Driver Trainer. Tara explains how trainers are compensated for all the miles their truck runs, the additional training pay available, and how some Independent Contractors have used the extra income to pay off their trucks sooner. And with winter approaching, now is an important time to start working toward the qualifications.

Driver Spotlight: Mike Ripetough

Nearly four years into his Stevens career, Mike Ripetough is closing in on completing his second lease and has taken another big step as a business owner by forming an S Corporation. Mike talks about the support he's received from Stevens, why he chose the company after years of research, and offers a few entertaining observations about life that only another truck driver could truly understand.

Transition Trucking: Let's Get Gary That Truck!
What began in 2016 has now put approximately $1.5 million worth of Kenworth trucks into the hands of military veterans beginning new careers behind the wheel. Stevens Transport has already produced three winners, and this year Gary Williams, a retired Army Command Sergeant Major with 31 years of service, is one of just five finalists. Voting for the 2026 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award begins November 1 and continues through Veterans Day, November 11.

Stevens Transport is proud to have Gary Williams representing us as one of this year's Elite 11. Vote for him here, starting on November 1st: https://transitiontrucking.org/vote/

A Halloween Trucker Classic: "Phantom 309"
Since Episode 199 arrives on Halloween, we're ending with a ghost story made for the highway. Whether you're a country music fan or not, Red Sovine's legendary truck-driving tale "Phantom 309" is the perfect way to send our drivers into Halloween night.

And next stop: Episode 200!

Become a Driver for Stevens Transport For questions on whether you meet our driver qualifications, please call our Recruiting Department at 1-800-333-8595 or visit: www.stevenstransport.com/drivers/

Stevens Transport 9757 Military Parkway, Dallas, TX 75227

http://www.stevenstransport.com/http://www.becomeadriver.com/

Driver Recruiting: 1-800-333-8595. Apply Here: https://intelliapp2.driverapponline.com

Paragon Leasing Technician Careers: https://www.stevenstransport.com/careers/fleet-maintenance-jobs/

Stevens Roundtable: The Best Drivers Start with the Best Trainers
Driver Relations Manager Lori Jensen Givens returns to the podcast with some wonderful news about her own cancer journey before talking about a major opportunity for Stevens drivers: becoming a Driver Trainer. Lori explains the qualifications, additional earning potential, mentorship opportunities and how training can accelerate a driver's journey toward the Million Mile Hall of Fame.

Transition Trucking: Gary Williams Is a FINALIST!
It's official! Gary Williams is one of only five finalists for the 2026 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award, with a brand-new Kenworth T680 on the line. The retired Army Command Sergeant Major served our country for 31 years before beginning his new career with Stevens Transport. Voting begins November 1 and continues through Veterans Day, November 11, and supporters can vote once every day. Pasted text

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Her Fight Is Our Fight
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this conversation is especially personal for Trucker Tim. We revisit Stevens driver Nikeyta "Pinky" Matthews and the story behind her unmistakable pink truck, carrying the message "Her Fight Is Our Fight." Stevens employees and family members share powerful reminders about screening, early detection and advocating for your own health and the people you love. Pasted text

Tip of the Stevens Ten-Gallon Hat: August Drivers of the Month
Congratulations to Nicole Watkins and Milton Zubieta Espejo, the August Team Drivers of the Month! Nicole is a third-generation truck driver, and she and Milton have now earned the honor for the second time. Their recipe for successful team driving? Communication, consistency and always having each other's backs.

Become a Driver for Stevens Transport For questions on whether you meet our driver qualifications, please call our Recruiting Department at 1-800-333-8595 or visit: www.stevenstransport.com/drivers/

Stevens Transport 9757 Military Parkway, Dallas, TX 75227

http://www.stevenstransport.com/http://www.becomeadriver.com/

Driver Recruiting: 1-800-333-8595. Apply Here: https://intelliapp2.driverapponline.com

Paragon Leasing Technician Careers: https://www.stevenstransport.com/careers/fleet-maintenance-jobs/

Stevens Roundtable: Becoming an Independent Contractor
Could you be ready to take the ceiling off your earning potential and become your own business owner? Independent Contractor Relations Manager Ali Gilbert joins Trucker Tim to explain how Stevens Transport helps drivers make the transition to becoming independent contractors, including weekly informational classes, business advisors and ongoing support. And here's the attention-getter: you can get started with zero dollars down.

Safety Reminder: Following Distance
Six seconds can make all the difference. We review the importance of maintaining proper following distance, looking well beyond the vehicle immediately in front of you and keeping your eyes moving to identify potential hazards before they become emergencies.

Drive. Teach. Inspire: Driver Trainer Derrick Gordon
After 11 years with Stevens Transport and nearly two million miles, Driver Trainer Derrick Gordon knows the value of a great mentor. Derrick shares how his own trainers helped shape his career, why he eventually became a trainer himself, and how training has provided additional income while creating relationships with drivers that continue years after they've left his truck. Pasted text

Welcome, October New Driver Class!
We close the show by welcoming the October 1, 2026 New Driver Class to the Stevens Transport family. Every new driver arrives with a different story, but they share a determination to build a better future and begin a career helping keep America moving.

Become a Driver for Stevens Transport For questions on whether you meet our driver qualifications, please call our Recruiting Department at 1-800-333-8595 or visit: www.stevenstransport.com/drivers/

Stevens Transport 9757 Military Parkway, Dallas, TX 75227

http://www.stevenstransport.com/http://www.becomeadriver.com/

Driver Recruiting: 1-800-333-8595. Apply Here: https://intelliapp2.driverapponline.com

Paragon Leasing Technician Careers: https://www.stevenstransport.com/careers/fleet-maintenance-jobs/