Last week, we had the opportunity to celebrate and honor our professional drivers during 2023’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. While we hope that our gratitude and appreciation is felt throughout the year, we also truly enjoy the opportunity to throw a larger spotlight on our drivers during this special week.

The American Trucking Association launched National Truck Driver Appreciation Week back in 1998 to honor truck drivers in this industry – 25 years of giving honor where honor is due; our DRIVERS!

From cookouts to catered meals, giveaways on social media, free driver-related gifts with included gift cards – we're celebrating our drivers in more ways than one to show our appreciation! We even produced two videos this year - a beautiful ode the life of a driver, written and narrated by one of our very own, and a fun light-hearted video that’s dedicated to those who keep everyone “Living in America” moving. We sincerely thank our fleet of Maverick drivers and ALL professional drivers for the dedication and work ethic you exhibit day in and day out for our communities, families and friends.

Please look through highlight photos from Maverick’s Driver Appreciation Week 2023 below:

This Sunday, September 10th, kicks of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week! We’re so thankful for all of our Maverick drivers that keep our nation moving! Our gratitude is not only for one week, but all year long. We’ll be celebrating in various ways across all of our facilities, as well as at Dedicated customer locations, and there will be random giveaways and prizes on our social media channels. If you haven't ordered your gift, be sure to do so by logging into the Driver Portal and clicking on the "2023 DAW Gift" button.

Please see below for this year's food schedule! Happy Driver Appreciation Week - we're so grateful for all of you!

For over 43 years, Maverick Transportation has established a strong foothold and is a leader in the transportation industry.

We’d like to take this opportunity to reintroduce ourselves, our philosophy and our culture to YOU.

Maverick was founded in 1980 after the trucking industry had been deregulated following the signing of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980. Our Chairman and CEO Steve Williams {Steve Williams | Maverick (maverickusa.com)} decided to pursue a dream he’d long had to start a trucking company. From our humble beginnings in a one-room office in Texarkana, AR to our current 8 terminals across the United States, Maverick’s growth and success continues to be due to the incredible work ethic and dedication from our Maverick team.

Our main business philosophy is what we call “The Maverick Way®”

“Do the right thing” with integrity, respect and commitment

Be socially and environmentally responsible

Promote our unwavering emphasis on safety

Value our people

Strive for excellence in all we do

Have fun!

Maverick’s culture is one rarely known in the trucking industry; one of genuine support, a constant drive to be the best and one of respect. Proof of this is in our long-lasting employees. We currently employ over 1600 drivers and approximately 550 non-driving employees. Over 36% of our drivers have been with Maverick for 4+ years and over 61% of our non-driving staff have been with us for over 5+ years!

Over the years, we have created and fostered many career growth opportunities for our employees including driver award programs, leadership training, wellness and other support programs.

Maverick is a special place with special people, and we can’t wait to see where we go from here.

Trucking is here to stay. We heard these words as we battled through 2020 and beyond. And they’re true! According to the American Trucking Association, “Trucks move roughly 72.2% of the nation’s freight by weight.” Additionally, 38.9 million trucks are registered and utilized for business purposes. {Economics and Industry Data | American Trucking Associations}

For these millions of trucks, securing the cargo on a flatbed trailer requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure the safety of the load, the driver, and other travelers on our nation’s roads.

Here are a few first-hand flatbed trucking tips and tricks from two of Maverick’s own esteemed drivers; our 2022 Trainer of the Year, TJ Hargis, and our 2022 Driver of the Year, Charlette Cohee.

A few notes from TJ:

1. Stay organized, put all your equipment up in the same place and in the same way every time. This will help you save time and help create a routine focused on securing your load in the proper way and not on trying to do it fast.

2. Your speed will come over time. Always look back at your process and try to make your movements count. If you find yourself walking around the truck or trailer and not doing anything productive, find out how to eliminate that step.

3. When you are done securing always ask yourself, "Would I feel safe with my family riding beside me the entire trip?” If your answer is anything other than YES, then you must reevaluate your securement. If you don't trust it with your family, don't chance it with everyone else's.

4. If you’re ever unsure, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Maverick has designated people to help and provide useful information 24/7.

Charlette had this to say:

1. Wake up early.

2. Trip plan and get prepared for your day; rushing causes accidents.

3. Stay positive and optimistic.

4. Meal plan. Fast food is your enemy.

5. Keep learning and know your stuff! Confidence is the key to success. Safety first always.

Flatbed trucking is a lasting career that requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and preparation. Thanks to TJ and Charlette for sharing these great guidelines. By implementing these tips and tricks, you can increase your efficiency, safety, and success in the trucking world.

With the onset of summer, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Elevated temperatures and humidity can quickly lead to dehydration, which can have serious health consequences. To help you beat the heat and keep your body well-hydrated, we have compiled a list of effective tips that will keep you cool, refreshed, and healthy all summer long.

The obvious #1 choice; Drink plenty of water: It’s easy to forget to drink enough water when summer brings on so many fun outdoor activities, or when you’re focused on the work at hand. A good rule of thumb is to try and drink 8 ounces of water every hour. A helpful hint is to set a reminder on your phone!

Clothing and Accessories: Be sure to wear breathable clothing, when possible, to provide relief from the heat. If you’re working in the heat like securing a load, keep something like a cooling towel Chilly Pad® Cooling Towel (froggtoggs.com) on hand to keep your head and neck cool. These towels are moistened with water and as they evaporate, provide a cooling effect when worn around the neck.

Infuse your water: If plain water becomes too boring, try infusing it with fruits or herbs to add a burst of flavor. Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, or orange, along with cucumber, mint, or berries, can make your water more tasty. Infused water is not only refreshing, but also provides additional nutrients.

Eat hydrating foods: There are many foods you can eat that provide additional hydration including watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes and more.

Choose electrolyte-rich beverages: During extensive physical activity or exposure to extreme heat, you could lose electrolytes through sweat. To replenish them, try drinking electrolyte-rich beverages such as coconut water or sports drinks. These beverages provide a good balance of electrolytes, helping your body maintain proper hydration levels.

Stay indoors during peak heat hours: To avoid excessive heat exposure, limit your outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., especially in the south. If you must be outside, seek shade, wear breathable clothing, and apply sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn, which can contribute to dehydration.

We hope these tips help you stay cool this summer. So, grab that water bottle, infuse it with some refreshing fruits, and enjoy a happy and hydrated summer!

As summer approaches, now is a great time to make sure you’re prepared for almost anything that is thrown at you during a road trip. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long cross-country drive, having the right supplies in your vehicle can make all the difference. Here’s a list of items that can provide you with a better sense of safety and preparedness.

1. First aid kit: Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, and a first aid kit is a must-have in any vehicle. Make sure it's well stocked with bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medication you may need.

2. Water: Staying hydrated is crucial in the summer heat. Keep a supply of bottled water or a reusable water bottle in your truck to avoid dehydration.

3. Sunscreen and bug spray: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays and pesky bugs with sunscreen and bug spray. Here’s a great list of 2023 sunscreen recommendations from dermatologists, via Men’s Health.

4. Snacks: Healthy, shelf-stable snacks like fruits, nuts, and granola bars are a great way to keep your energy levels up on long drives. They're also a good backup in case you get stuck in traffic or can't find a place to eat.

5. Maps or GPS: Even if you have a navigation system in your truck, it's always a good idea to have a map or GPS on hand in case you lose service or your device malfunctions.

6. Blankets: Summer nights can get chilly, especially if you're camping or sleeping in your truck. Keep a few blankets handy to stay warm.

7. Flashlight: Whether you're setting up camp or trying to fix a problem with your vehicle, a flashlight can be a lifesaver. Make sure you have spare batteries or a rechargeable flashlight.

8. Entertainment: Long drives can be boring, so make sure you have something to keep you and your passengers entertained. Audiobooks, podcasts or music are great options to have something to listen to during the drive.

Making sure you have these items in your vehicle can make your summer road trip safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. Make sure to pack them before you hit the road and have a GREAT summer!

As always, for our Maverick drivers, if you run into any safety concerns on the road, we have 24/7 phone support to assist you. Call 501-766-9257 for Flatbed and 910-610-3952 for Glass.

One of the key tenets of The Maverick Way is to value our people. We're so grateful for all of the employees who choose to call Maverick home, and we're excited to celebrate this upcoming week! Hopefully you can grab a meal and join us at one of our locations or at a Dedicated customer.

Our hope is that you feel celebrated and important, because you are. Have a great week!

Over-the-road (OTR) truck driving is a demanding profession that requires a certain set of skills, experience, and knowledge. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the essential things every professional truck driver should know to succeed in their job.

1. Safety First

One of the core values in The Maverick Way® is to “promote our unwavering emphasis on safety,” and you will see this throughout many conversations and within every department at Maverick. Safety is the keystone of our operation and is always the top priority for any of our professional drivers. The key to being properly prepared is to make sure that your truck is in good condition before your trip begins. At Maverick, this means performing a pre-trip inspection. This includes checking the tires, brakes, lights, and other critical components to ensure that they are working properly. In total, this inspection is a comprehensive 91-point check.

2. Time Management

Time management is a critical skill for professional truck drivers and allows you to ensure that you are delivering the customer’s goods on time, while also complying with federal regulations on driving time and rest periods. This means planning out routes, estimating travel time, and adjusting for unexpected delays. It’s also important to communicate with your fleet manager, so that everyone from the driver to the customer is kept up to date.

3. Navigation

Navigating unfamiliar roads can be challenging, but it’s essential for professional truck drivers. You need to be proficient in using GPS systems, maps, and other navigation tools to find the best routes and avoid traffic. This is one of the first skills that all Maverick drivers are taught when they arrive for Pre-Employment Evaluation. It’s also important to have a good understanding of road signs, speed limits, and other regulations in different states.

4. Communication

Effective communication is key to success as a professional truck driver. This includes communicating with your fleet manager, fellow drivers, and other employees throughout the company. As a professional driver, you need to be able to convey information clearly and professionally, whether it is about scheduling, delivery times, or safety concerns. It’s also important to listen carefully to others and to be open to feedback.

5. Health and Wellness

Professional truck driving can take a toll on your health and well-being. Long hours on the road, irregular schedules, and unhealthy eating habits can all contribute to physical and mental exhaustion. To stay healthy and alert, it’s important to exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, and get enough rest. You can also take advantage of rest stops and other opportunities to stretch and move around.

The success of a professional truck driver hinges on mastering a combination of skills, knowledge, and experience. By prioritizing safety, mastering time management, navigating effectively, communicating clearly, and maintaining good health and wellness, you can succeed in this demanding profession.

Maverick has long been a proud supporter of our nation’s military members.

In September of 2018, our very first military tribute truck, Salute was unveiled. Our goal of introducing this truck was and continues to be to portray honor and pride in our active-duty military members and veterans. Salute's distinctive vinyl wrap depicts each branch of the United States military and images that show a small peek into our history.

As of today, we now operate five Salute trucks throughout the country. There are only a select number of drivers who are asked to take the helm of a Salute truck at Maverick. Along with an extensive interview process, each driver must have served in a branch of the United States military and display a high standard of performance, professionalism and safety.

We’d like to introduce you to our current Maverick Salute drivers.

The most recent Maverick driver to step into a Salute truck is Robert Jones. Robert served in the United States Marine Corps for 16 years and has been driving for Maverick since 2008. Robert said, "My father was a Vietnam War veteran and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.” When asked what he loved about being in the military Robert said he loved the comradery, tradition, and belonging somewhere. He was able to utilize the GI Bill™ to assist him financially while earning his CDL A at Maverick.

Our second Salute driver is Seth Myers. He stepped into a Salute truck in 2021. He is a 21-year veteran of the United States Army and resides in Texas. Seth has been in the Maverick family since 2016 and drives in our Glass division.

In 2022, Mark Warren became the third Maverick driver in a Salute truck. He is a United States Marine veteran and was also named a Driver of the Month for Maverick in October 2021. Not only was Mark able to transport The Wall that Heals in 2022, but he was also able to assist in its setup in Cabot, AR. The Wall That Heals is a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. This exhibit tours across the United States, providing veterans the opportunity to view The Wall and experience its healing legacy—all within the comfort of family and friends in their communities.

David Woods stepped into a Salute truck in 2021. He drives in a Dedicated flatbed division out of West Virginia. David retired from the Navy in 1996 after serving for over 18 years. According to David, “Maverick was the only choice for me.” He is a Road Trainer at Maverick and has trained over 26 Maverick students so far during his 8-year tenure at Maverick.

Our 5th and final Salute driver, Eric Curlett, resides in Tennessee. Eric began with Maverick in 2015 and drives in Maverick’s Glass division. He was also chosen as a 2018 Driver of the Month. He is a 20-plus-year United States Marine veteran and was also nominated by a fellow driver for the 2021 Pilot/Flying J Road Warrior contest. There was a total of 2,600 nominations that were narrowed down to 12 and Eric was chosen as the final winner.

We are proud of these drivers and the ability to show honor and pride with these distinctive trucks throughout the United States.

Maverick Employee Appreciation Week is here, and we're thrilled to be celebrating in-person this year! Check out the food schedule below - we're looking forward to celebrating all of our valued employees at our facilities throughout the U.S.!